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What Does a Humidifier do to Improve Your Home

August 28, 2024

Are you searching for ways to improve your comfort at home? Try investing in a whole-home humidifier! Now you may be wondering “what does a whole-home humidifier do?” Whole-home humidifiers help improve indoor air quality, especially during the dry winter months or in areas with naturally low humidity. In this blog, we’ll explore all the ways a whole-home humidifier can improve your home and health. 

   

Benefits of a Whole-Home Humidifier 

1.  Say Goodbye to Dry Air 

Low humidity levels can lead to dry skin, irritated eyes, and discomfort. A whole-home humidifier maintains standard humidity levels, creating a more comfortable living environment. This can also make your home feel warmer in the winter, reducing the need to turn up the thermostat. 

 

2. Breathe Easy 

Proper humidity levels can help ease symptoms of respiratory issues, such as dry throat and sinus congestion. It also reduces the likelihood of nosebleeds and can help in reducing the spread of airborne viruses by keeping the mucous membranes moist. 

 

3. Preservation of Home Furnishings 

Wood furniture, flooring, and musical instruments can suffer from cracking and warping from dry air. A whole-home humidifier protects these valuable items and saves you from costly repairs and replacements by maintaining consistent humidity levels. 

 

4. Less Static Electricity 

Dry air increases static electricity, which can lead to annoying shocks and damage electronic equipment. A humidifier helps to reduce static build-up and gives you a shock-free environment. 

 

5. Save on Your Energy Bills 

Maintaining proper humidity levels can reduce the extra strain on your heating system. Humidified air feels warmer, which can allow you to lower your thermostat and save on heating costs over time.   

 

Types of Whole-Home Humidifiers 

Whole-home humidifiers are designed to provide consistent humidity throughout your entire home. The two main types are evaporative and steam humidifiers, each with its own method of adding moisture to the air. 

 

1. Evaporative Humidifiers 

Evaporative humidifiers use the natural process of evaporation to add moisture to the air. They are typically installed as part of your home’s HVAC system and come in two main variants: bypass and fan powered. 

 

  • Bypass Humidifiers: These units use a bypass duct to direct a portion of your home’s warm air through a water panel or evaporative pad. The air then picks up moisture before being returned to the home’s ductwork. Bypass humidifiers are energy-efficient and suitable for homes with existing HVAC systems. They tend to be quieter but may require a separate installation component. 

 

  • Fan-Powered Humidifiers: These units have a built-in fan that helps to force air through the water panel or pad, creating a more efficient moisture distribution. Fan-powered humidifiers are generally more effective in larger homes or in areas with higher humidity needs. They offer quicker humidity adjustments and are typically easier to install. 

 

2. Steam Humidifiers 

Steam humidifiers, also known as steam vaporizers, use an electric element to boil water and release steam into the air. The steam is cooled slightly before being distributed throughout the home. Steam humidifiers provide precise control over humidity levels and can reach higher humidity levels compared to evaporative models. They’re ideal for homes with specific humidity requirements or for those seeking a more robust solution to dry air issues. However, you should consider that steam humidifiers generally consume more energy than evaporative models due to the heating process. They also require more frequent maintenance to ensure proper operation and to prevent mineral build-up. 

 

Choosing the Right Whole-Home Humidifier 

When selecting a whole-home humidifier, consider factors such as the size of your home, your specific humidity needs, and energy efficiency. Consulting with a professional can help determine the best type and model for your situation, ensuring that you achieve optimal comfort and performance. 

 

At Custom Cooling & Heating, we specialize in helping you find the perfect cooling and heating solutions in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our experts can assist with selecting, installing, and maintaining the right humidifier for your home. We are your trusted partner for a comfortable home! 

 

Contact us today for advice, installation, and support to boost your home’s comfort and well-being. 

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Furnace Problems? What to Check When It’s Not Working

December 24, 2024
When the temperatures drop, a broken furnace can quickly turn into a major headache. Before calling for professional help, there are a few simple checks you can perform to potentially identify and resolve the issue. Here are some common furnace problems and what you should check when it’s not working. 1. Check the Thermostat The thermostat is the control center for your furnace, and often, furnace issues can stem from a simple thermostat setting or power issue. Here’s what to do: Ensure it’s on and set to “Heat”: Double-check that the thermostat is powered on and set to the heating mode. Check the temperature setting: Make sure the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Replace the batteries: If your thermostat uses batteries, low power could cause it to malfunction. 2. Inspect the Power Source Your furnace won’t work if it’s not receiving power. Take these steps to make sure it’s properly connected: Check the circuit breaker: Look for any tripped breakers in your electrical panel and reset them if necessary. Examine the furnace switch: Many furnaces have a dedicated power switch near the unit. Ensure it’s in the “On” position. 3. Replace the Air Filter A clogged air filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to shut down or operate inefficiently. Follow these steps: Locate the air filter, which is usually near the return air duct or the furnace itself. Check if the filter is dirty or clogged with debris. Replace the filter with a clean one, ensuring it’s the correct size and type for your furnace. 4. Check the Pilot Light or Ignition System If you have a gas furnace , your furnace uses a pilot light, which needs to stay lit for the system to function. For newer models with electronic ignition, the ignitor may need troubleshooting. Here’s what to check: Pilot light: If it’s out, carefully follow your furnace’s instructions to relight it. If it won’t stay lit, there could be a problem with the thermocouple. *Most furnaces that are older than 35 years will have a standing pilot light and thermocouple. Ignition system: For electronic ignitions, you may need to reset the system or call a professional if it’s not sparking properly. *Most furnaces that are 30 years old and newer will have an ignition system that either sparks or glows to light the pilot or burners. Try shutting the power off and turning it back on to reset the system and the furnace will try the ignition sequence again. 5. Ensure the Furnace Door is Secure Many furnaces have a safety switch that prevents them from operating if the access door isn’t properly closed. Ensure the door is securely latched. 6. Look for Blocked Vents or Registers Blocked vents can disrupt airflow and cause your furnace to stop working or overheat. Inspect all vents and registers to: Make sure they’re open and unblocked by furniture or other objects. Remove any visible dust or debris obstructing airflow. 7. Examine the Furnace’s Drainage System If your furnace is a high efficient model that vents to the exterior with PVC pipe, then the condensation from your furnace needs to drain properly. A clogged condensate drain line can trigger safety mechanisms that shut down the system. Check: For water pooling near the furnace . If the drain line is clogged or frozen and clear it if necessary. 8. Examine the Furnace’s exhaust pipe If your furnace is a high efficient model that vents to the exterior with PVC pipe, then the pipes may be covered by a snow drift or be frosted over outside. You can check the type that vent out the sidewall and clear the area as necessary. If your furnace termination vent is on the roof then leave that inspection for a professional as roof access is dangerous, especially during the winter. Once the exhaust and inlet pipes are clear, please shut the power off to furnace and turn back on to reset the control board and re-start the ignition sequence. 9. Listen for Unusual Noises Strange noises can signal specific problems: Banging or rattling: Could indicate loose parts or lack of airflow due to plugged filter or vents. Whistling or squealing: Might point to airflow restrictions or a worn blower belt. Grinding or metal on metal scraping: combustion blower/inducer assembly may be failing, or blower motor / assembly may be failing. While these checks can help address minor issues, some furnace problems require professional attention. If you’ve gone through this list and your furnace still isn’t working, it’s time to call the experts. Expert Furnace Repairs and Installations in Lincoln, NE At Custom Cooling and Heating, we understand how important a functioning furnace is during the colder months. Our experienced technicians are ready to diagnose and fix any HVAC issue to ensure your home stays warm and comfortable. Contact us today for prompt and reliable service!

Ultimate Guide to Heating and Cooling Your Garage Year-Round

November 27, 2024
Your garage is more than just a place to park your car or store tools—it’s a versatile space that can serve as a workshop, gym, home office, or even a hangout spot. But whether you're working on DIY projects, exercising, hosting friends, watching your favorite game, or simply using the space for extra storage, one thing is clear: comfort matters. If you've ever found your garage too cold to work in during winter or too hot in the summer, you know how important it is to have a climate-controlled space. Here’s your ultimate guide to heating and cooling your garage year-round. Why Should You Heat and Cool Your Garage? Before diving into the best systems and methods, let’s look at why it’s beneficial to regulate the temperature in your garage: Year-Round Comfort: Extreme temperatures can make a garage feel uninhabitable during certain months. Heating your garage in the winter keeps it usable for projects, hobbies, or even parking your car. Cooling it during the summer ensures a more comfortable space for work or relaxation. Protecting Your Equipment: Sensitive tools, electronics, and vehicles can suffer damage from extreme temperatures. Heating and cooling help protect your investment by keeping everything in good working condition. Keeping items from freezing, having a climate-controlled space for pets, and stored items from sweltering heat are all great reasons to heat & cool a garage space. Increased Home Value: A climate-controlled garage adds usable square footage to your home. Whether you’re using it as a living area, home office, or storage space, a comfortable garage can increase the overall value of your property. Energy Efficiency: Modern heating and cooling systems are more energy-efficient than ever. With the right equipment, you can save on energy costs while still maintaining a comfortable environment. Best Heating Options for Your Garage When it comes to heating your garage, you want a solution that’s effective and cost-efficient, without wasting energy. Here are some of the best heating options: 1. Space Heaters For smaller garages or quick spot heating, portable space heaters can be an affordable option. They’re easy to move and store and come in both electric and propane varieties. However, they may not provide even heating across larger spaces. 2. Electric Garage Heaters Electric garage heaters are an excellent option for consistent heat. They come in wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted versions and are designed to provide steady warmth without taking up much space. Look for models with adjustable thermostats for better control over your garage’s temperature. Pros: Easy to install, low maintenance, no need for gas lines or venting, safe to use indoors. Cons: Can be more expensive to operate than gas-powered heaters. These units typically take a larger 240V circuit which may be difficult to install in a finished garage. 3. Gas Heaters For larger garages or more intense heating needs, a gas-powered heater might be your best bet. These systems are capable of heating bigger spaces faster and more efficiently. Options include natural gas or propane models, both of which require proper ventilation. Many installations are using a low-profile unit heater like a Modine Hot Dawg . Pros: More energy-efficient for larger spaces, lower operating costs compared to electric heaters. Cons: Installation can be more complex, requiring gas lines and venting. 4. Infrared Heaters Infrared heaters provide heat by directly warming objects and people in their path, rather than heating the air. These are great for spot heating and will quickly raise the temperature around you, making it ideal for a garage that doesn’t need to be uniformly heated. Infrared heaters can be purchased in electric or gas (natural or LP) models. Pros: Energy-efficient, fast heating, no need to heat the entire space. Cons: May not be the best option for large, open garages. Ventless infrared heaters are also against code in many municipalities. 5. Radiant Floor Heating Radiant floor heating involves installing electric or hydronic heating systems beneath your garage floor. This option provides consistent heat by warming the floor and allowing the heat to rise into the space. While it’s more expensive to install, it offers a luxurious level of comfort, particularly in cold climates. Pros: Even heat distribution, comfortable, energy-efficient in the long run. Cons: High initial installation costs and must be completed before concrete is poured.
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