An air conditioner seems as if it cools your home's air, but it actually makes your home less warm by removing heat from the indoor air and transferring that heat to the outdoor air.

Heat is extracted from the home by passing indoor air across a refrigerant coil in the indoor unit. Refrigerant lines then carry the heat to the outdoor unit, where it is released into the outside air. The cooling cycle continues until the indoor temperature reaches the thermostat

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system that works year-round to keep you comfortable.

During warmer months, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner. It extracts heat from inside the home and transfers it to the outdoor air. In colder weather, however, the process reverses — the unit collects heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside your home.

Even when the air outside feels extremely cold, the air still contains some heat. The heat pump pulls the heat from this cold outdoor air and sends it inside to warm your home. When there's not enough heat in the outside air to meet the demand of the thermostat setting, an electric heater supplements the outdoor air to warm the home. Extremely efficient, this process produces two to three times more heat than the energy it uses.

Also, a heat pump can be an effective add-on option to use in conjunction with an existing gas furnace. With this dual-fuel option, the two systems share the heating load, but never function at the same time. Each system operates when it is most cost effective. The heat pump will be the primary heating and cooling system. However, when the temperature drops below the heat pump's ability to operate as efficiently as the gas furnace, the gas furnace will take over until the temperature rises enough for the heat pump to operate more efficiently setting.

Why should I zone my house?

A zoning system is designed for the many ways you use your home. Maybe you're caught up in family "thermostat wars"? Or perhaps you have unoccupied areas that do not need conditioning? A Lennox® zoning system allows you to divide your home into separate areas, giving you the comfort and control you've always wanted.

The main benefits of residential zoning are:

Comfort

Zoning meets the specific temperature and airflow requirements of one area, without affecting other areas.

Efficiency

A properly designed zoning system can save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year.

Control

Zoning divides the home into different areas and comfort into different levels, giving you more choices and control than ever before.

Quiet Performance

When integrated with variable speed and/or two-stage HVAC systems, zoning allows your heating and cooling equipment to deliver peak performance and efficiency without continually operating at peak capacity. Lower speeds mean lower sound levels.

What is two-stage cooling?

Two-stage cooling means the air conditioner or heat pump has a compressor with two levels of operation: high for hot summer days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household-cooling demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and produces more even temperatures.

Longer cooling cycles also translate to quieter, more efficient operation and enhanced humidity control. Compared to a single-stage unit, a two-stage air conditioner or heat pump can remove twice as much moisture from the air. This is important because when moisture levels are high, there's a higher potential for mold and other pollutant problems.

Why is my system freezing up?

There are several factors that can cause system freezing. Most need to be corrected by your local Lennox Dealer.

One thing you can do to prevent or correct this problem is to make sure the filter is clean or replaced. You can check to see if airflow is restricted.

Dirty filter

After replacing or cleaning the filter, you can speed up the thawing process by turning the system off and turning on the fan. If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to heating mode until the ice has melted. After the ice has melted, switch the system settings back to normal. If the system refreezes, contact your local Lennox Dealer to correct the problem.

Low refrigerant

In some cases, freezing is caused by a leak in the refrigerant lines. Weak solder joints, friction from piping rubbing or vibrating against an object, open valves or loose fittings are all factors that can cause leaks. When determining whether to have the system repaired or replaced, the age of the system and the nature and location of the leak are important considerations.

Dirty evaporator coil

Over time, the evaporator coil will become dirty. When this happens, you will begin to lose airflow, slowly enough that you probably would not realize it until it freezes up or cooling performance is compromised. At this point, you will need to contact your local Lennox Dealer to correct the problem.

Defective blower motor or relay

A blower motor not running at the proper speed or not running at all is another factor that can cause freezing. Motor operation may be intermittent, starting at full speed and slowing down after it heats up. Or, a relay could cause it to start one time and not the next. In either case, you will need to contact your local Lennox Dealer to correct the problem.

What is variable speed technology and how does it apply to air conditioners?

"Variable speed" refers to the fan motor inside the air handler — the indoor part of an air conditioner that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. An air handler is usually a furnace or a blower coil.

Unlike conventional single-speed motors, a variable speed motor runs at a wide range of speeds to precisely control of heated and cooled air throughout the home. Better airflow control has several benefits:

Electrical efficiency

Variable speed motors can actually save you money on your energy bills, as they consume less electricity than standard motors.

Cooling efficiency

Variable speed technology also means you will gain air conditioning efficiency or SEER.

Zoning

Variable speed motors are excellent for zoning, which allows you to customize your comfort in different areas of your home and control your energy bills.

Air quality

A variable speed motor can also help clean the air in your home. When the fan is in constant operation (indicated by the "Fan" setting on your thermostat), the motor will continue to slowly circulate air, allowing filters to capture more contaminants.

Humidity control

A variable speed motor combined with a SignatureStat™ Home Comfort Control allows you to control the amount of humidity in your home for improved indoor air quality and comfort.

What do all those air conditioner and heat pump ratings mean?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER rating, the less your unit will cost to operate.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is a measurement similar to SEER, but it measures the efficiency of the heating portion of a heat pump.

When replacing the outdoor unit, should the indoor unit also be replaced?

The answer is most likely YES, but this is mainly due to four main reasons:

Matched system design

All outdoor cooling units are specifically designed to work with matched indoor units for optimum efficiency and performance. Air conditioner and heat pumps may "work" with other indoor units, but the result is a definite compromise in overall system performance.

Design advances

In recent years, indoor blower coil units have undergone numerous design advances — especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. A new outdoor unit will also include the latest design advances.

Higher cooling and heating efficiency

The cooling and/or heating efficiency rating assigned to a given air conditioner or heat pump is based on matched system performance. While you may gain higher efficiency by replacing only the outdoor unit, the efficiency levels (and savings) will not be as high as with a matched system.

Equipment age

If an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit is 10 years old and needs to be replaced, the indoor unit is just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear. Replacing both units means you won't have to replace the indoor unit in a short time — you'll have years of service from both units.

New warranty

A new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the same time as the outdoor unit gives you added peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers the entire system.

Cost savings

At first, replacing only an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit may appear to be a bargain. That is, until you consider the lower efficiency, decreased reliability and high cost of ownership associated with single-unit replacement. It may cost more to replace an entire system, but this gives you more efficiency, reliability and comfort.

Comfort Heating

Can I use my chimney with my new furnace?

Furnace technology has advanced significantly in recent years, raising concerns over chimney use. As a result of changing technology, many existing masonry chimneys aren't able to meet the specific demands of new furnaces.

There are several reasons for this furnace-chimney incompatibility. First, the size of the chimney can be an issue. Modern, higher-efficiency furnaces transfer more heat into your home and less heat up the chimney than older, less-efficient units. While this means more efficiency for your energy dollar, it also means that the existing chimney might be too large for the new furnace. The result could be improper ventilation of flue products, which can cause condensation problems inside the chimney.

Other considerations include chimney height and location, proper lining and condition of the chimney. Building codes must also be kept in mind to ensure proper draft in the chimney for adequate ventilation.

For the best advice on how to configure your new furnace, contact your local Lennox® dealer.

Will my new furnace work differently than my old one?

Furnace technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Modern furnaces are designed to provide more even and efficient heating than past furnaces, which can impact both how your system operates and what you notice about your system.

To better regulate temperatures and airflow, modern furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces. The air that comes out of your furnace registers may not seem as warm as the air from your old furnace, but overall airflow is improved. Better airflow means higher comfort.

Also, new furnaces are designed to integrate with high-efficiency air conditioners, so furnace blowers are more powerful to accommodate add-on cooling. Since cold air is much heavier than warm air, your system needs an extra boost from the blower to deliver cool air throughout your home. If you have an older home, this performance boost could produce unfamiliar sounds because air duct systems were originally designed for heating only. To minimize sound levels, choose a variable speed product which automatically changes speeds to meet the airflow needs of both heating and cooling cycles.

What is two-stage heating?

Two-stage heating means the furnace has two levels of heat output: high for cold winter days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household-cooling demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and provides more even heat distribution.

Longer, low-capacity operation has many advantages:

Consistent comfort

Two-stage heating eliminates the temperature swings associated with standard furnaces, regulating temperature to within as little as one degree of the thermostat setting.

Quiet operation

Two-stage furnaces start in the first stage, when the amount of heat required is lower, instead of reaching full capacity all at once. That means there's no sudden "kick" or blast of air.

Improved air filtration

Low-speed operation allows your filters to capture more contaminants (because air is constantly passing through them), so you can breathe easier.

Efficient performance

Because the furnace operates mostly in its lower-capacity first stage, it burns less fuel than a standard furnace that always runs at full capacity and shuts off when the heating demand has been met.

What is a variable speed furnace?

The term "variable speed" refers to the furnace's indoor blower motor, which moves at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated and cooled air throughout your home. Better airflow control has several benefits:

Electrical efficiency

Variable speed motors can actually save you money on your energy bills, as they consume less electricity than standard motors.

Cooling efficiency

Variable speed technology also means you will gain heating efficiency or AFUE.

Zoning

Variable speed motors are excellent for zoning, which allows you to customize your comfort in different areas of your home and control your energy bills.

Air quality

Humidity control

A variable speed motor combined with a SignatureStat™ Home Comfort Control allows you to control the amount of humidity in your home for improved indoor air quality and comfort.

What are furnace ratings?

Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed.

Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 78% AFUE. If your furnace is 10 – 15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy.

This doesn't mean that you should only select a furnace based on its AFUE rating. The efficiency rating is just one factor to consider when looking for a new furnace.

Furnaces use electricity to run fans and motors. The amount of electricity used varies greatly depending on the type of furnace. Be sure to check electricity usage prior to making a purchase decision.

What is SilentComfort™ heating technology?

Until recently, noisy furnaces were accepted as the norm. High noise levels were associated with heating your home. But today's technology allows you to choose a furnace that is not only highly efficient but also exceptionally quiet.

Sound is measured in decibels (dB). A decibel describes the relative loudness of a sound.

Although no financial savings are tied to it, sound rating of a heating system can directly affect your comfort. Your ears tell you what is too noisy and what seems quiet.

Most heating systems manufactured today are quieter than those produced in past years. But there is still a great difference in the sound levels of products on the market today.

At Lennox, we don't believe that you can ever be too comfortable in your own home. If you cherish the idea of a quiet day or evening at home, you'll appreciate the calm composure of Dave Lennox Signature™ Collection furnaces, designed with exclusive SilentComfort™ Technology.

For example, the Lennox G61V Gas Furnace is at least 50 percent quieter than competitor's furnaces, making the G61V the quietest furnace you can buy1.

SilentComfort™ is achieved by utilizing variable-speed technology. In other words, this furnace has a high and low speed. Since the low speed setting is adequate to meet household-heating demands approximately 80 percent of the time, the furnace is much quieter than a conventional single-stage furnace.

In addition, the variable-speed motor ramps up gradually, eliminating the sudden "kick" or blast of air upon startup.

Unlike other furnaces, the gas burners are contained within a patent-pending sound enclosure. Special sound-absorbing insulation has been added to the cabinet to further reduce the operation noise.

With the new Dave Lennox Signature™ Collection furnaces, designed with exclusive SilentComfort™ technology, sound is no longer a barrier to home comfort.

Your local Lennox Dealer can show you additional benefits of owning the quietest When replacing the outdoor unit, should the indoor unit also be replaced?

The answer is most likely YES, but this is mainly due to four main reasons:

Matched system design

Design advances

Higher cooling and heating efficiency

Equipment age

New warranty

A new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the same time as the outdoor unit gives you added peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers the entire system.

Cost savings

furnace you can buy1.

Quiet Operation

What is SilentComfort™ technology?

Is there really a difference between air conditioner and heat pump sound levels?

Most heating and cooling systems manufactured today are quieter than those produced in past years. But there is still significant variance in sound rating ratings among these products.

Lennox designs each air conditioner and heat pump to be as quiet as possible. Through extensive testing, Lennox has come up with many features that, either alone or in combination, make our air conditioners and heat pumps some of the quietest available.

Insulated compressor compartments, discharge mufflers and patented fan designs work to soften the sound of a hard-working, high-efficiency compressor. Top-panel orifices, compressor wrappers and indoor blowers are all designed to further promote smooth, quiet airflow.

Is sound an issue?

The amount of sound generated by a heating or cooling system can have a significant impact on comfort. Inside the home, a low sound level means no sudden blast of air at startup and smooth, vibration-free operation. Outside the home, low sound levels help you keep the peace with your neighbors. This is particularly important, given that many communities have noise ordinances.

How can I control energy costs?

Heating and cooling your home can represent as much as 44% of your utility bill.* With high efficiency ratings and innovative, industry-leading technology, Lennox' home comfort systems can go a long way toward reducing these costs.

When selecting a new system, pay close attention to the SEER rating of the air conditioner and AFUE of the furnace. The higher the SEER or AFUE, the higher the savings.

Beyond efficiency ratings, other factors to consider are:

Maintenance

You can ensure your system operates at peak performance by scheduling annual maintenance checks.

Zoning

A zoning system can drastically lower your heating and cooling costs. With zoning, you no longer have to pay to heat or cool areas of your home that are rarely used.

Programmable Thermostats

According to the Department of Energy, a programmable thermostat can reduce your heating costs by up to 35% and cooling costs by up to 25%.

For more energy-saving solutions, contact your local Lennox dealer.

*According to the Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network

Environmental Responsibility

What should I know about changes in refrigerants?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), through the Clean Air Act, is regulating the production and use of refrigerants. These changes will eventually eliminate air conditioning and heat pump refrigerants containing chlorine, due to growing concern about ozone depletion.

In response, Lennox has developed cooling products that use the new, chlorine-free R410A refrigerant, instead of the standard R22 refrigerant (Freon) currently in use.

Because R410A contains no chlorine, it's ozone- and climate-responsible. Plus, R410 allows higher efficiencies than R22, so it not only makes sense environmentally — it also makes sense from an economic standpoint.

The introduction of air conditioners with the latest in refrigerant technology reflects Lennox' proactive approach to protecting the environment.

What's so special about Lennox dealers?

At Lennox, we realize that choosing the right dealer for your heating, cooling and air quality needs is every bit as important as choosing a particular brand of equipment. That's why we developed the Lennox Quality Dealer Standards Program.

Lennox evaluates its dealers bi-annually based on professionalism, stability and commitment to excellent service. The program benefits homeowners like you by establishing the criteria for a consistent level of performance for all Lennox dealers.

Why is it important to have regular maintenance on my home comfort system?

You wouldn't buy a brand-new car and expect to never have to put air in the tires, change the oil and check out any unusual noises, would you? In the same way that an automobile requires periodic maintenance for optimal performance, a home comfort system should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.

What is Indoor Air Quality?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90% of their time indoors, so clean indoor air is very important.

How do I know which indoor air quality product is right for me?

Lennox® offers air quality systems for a variety of different needs. To determine which system is best for your home, you need to consider the cause, or pollutant source, as well as your sensitivity.

Consider the source

Pollutants are present in most homes, but the classification and concentrations of these contaminants vary. New homes tend to have higher concentrations of chemicals, while older homes are breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

The most effective measure for chemical vapors is the PureAir™ air purification system. For particles and bioaerosols, Lennox electronic air cleaners are a good choice.

Consider your sensitivity

The effects of pollutants on a person's health can also vary tremendously. A healthy adult may require a simple solution like a one-inch MERV 8 filter. An elderly person with respiratory problems, on the other hand, may require a PureAir™ system for the reduction of triggers and irritants.

important.

What causes indoor air pollution?

Many everyday household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric consistently emit gas or fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include, but are not limited to, cleaning agents, paints and personal care products.

Also, newer homes that are tightly sealed for energy efficiency tend to limit air circulation, which can contribute to a buildup of contaminants. Likewise, things like weather stripping and storm doors keep stale air in and fresh air out.

How can I improve my indoor air quality?

There are five basic strategies for outsmarting indoor air pollution:

Identify the problem

The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the types of pollutants present in the home. The best way to do this is to schedule an in-home air-quality test with your local Lennox dealer.

Reduce concentrations of particles and bioaerosols

Routine cleaning and housekeeping helps reduce indoor air pollutants, but these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. Lennox HEPA filtration systems, electronic air cleaners, high-efficiency air filters capture even the smallest of particles and bioaerosols.

Reduce or eliminate chemical vapors and odors

Chemical vapors and odors can come from many different sources inside and outside the home. Once inside the home, these potentially toxic pollutants circulate through the ductwork, entering every room and living space. A Lennox air purification system removes and destroys 50% of household chemical vapors and odors within 24 hours.

Ventilate Your Home

Today's modern homes are well-insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape. Lennox® ventilation systems help remove particles and bioaerosols by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

Control Temperature and Humidity

Improper humidity levels and high temperatures can actually increase concentrations of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox SignatureStat™ and thermostats regulate moisture levels and temperatures to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort.

To determine which indoor air quality system best meets your needs, contact your local Lennox dealer.

For in-home air analysis and professional consultation, participate in the Lennox Healthy Advantage™ Program.

How can I eliminate odors?

You may have tried to get rid of odors in your home by spraying air fresheners or lighting candles. The problem with these methods is that they only mask the odors — they don't get rid of them. In fact, they may even cause further contamination of the home due with chemical ingredients.

Improve ventilation

What causes the lingering odors? Sometimes, poor ventilation in a home causes unpleasant odors. Moisture condensation on walls or windows and stuffy air are signs of poor ventilation. A qualified service technician can inspect your home comfort system to determine if this is indeed the problem, and the technician can also inform you whether or not your equipment is working properly.

Purify the air

Bacteria, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold may also be roots of your home's odor problem. You can reduce these odor-causing contaminants with a germicidal (UV) light, which inhibit the growth of biological contaminants, sterilizing surfaces in the HVAC system. Germicidal lights are designed to work with your home comfort system.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home's air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria. The carbon filters are more effective at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits biological contaminants from growing.

Electronic air cleaners clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to remaining particles. The particles are collected by a negatively charged collecting section. Pollutants pass through an optional carbon filter that absorbs unwanted odors.

To find out which indoor air quality products are right for you, contact your local Lennox dealer.

What is the best indoor air quality product?

The Dave Lennox Signature™ Collection PureAir™ air purification system cleans the air better than any other single system you can buy. It's the only indoor air quality product that removes all three sources of contaminants (particles, bioaerosols and odors). And it's the only product that combines air filtration and purification capabilities into one integrated system.

Health Concerns

What are the benefits of clean air?

Allergies and asthma are two health problems that can be helped with clean indoor air. When airborne irritants are removed, allergy and asthma sufferers often find relief from their symptoms. Even healthy people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from clean air. Dust, smoke and other particles float around in the air, causing your drapes and furniture to gather dust. By removing airborne dust particles, you reduce the amount of exposure your respiratory system has to them.

How healthy is your indoor air?

According to studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside your home may up five times more polluted than the air outside. For some people, this may mean no more than a runny nose or watery eyes. But, for others, particularly children, seniors and those who suffer from respiratory ailments, the effects may be devastating and long lasting.

Cleaning the air

Reducing the amount of pollutants in the air is the most effective way to improve indoor air quality. Filtration products capture contaminants that can't be removed through vacuuming and regular cleaning. Among the filtration solutions available are UV light units, air filters, energy recovery ventilators (ERVs), heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) and electronic air cleaners.

UV light units help decompose contaminants, such as bacteria, chemicals, dust mites, animal dander, cat saliva and mold, through a process called photocatalytic oxidation. When the UV lights are installed in the ductwork of your central air and heat system, they can eliminate most of the organisms in the treated area.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home's air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria, but the carbon filters are more effective at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits growth of biological contaminants.

The efficiency of the air filter is an important consideration. Efficiency is measured in terms of the particle size an air filter can capture. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter's MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard that rates filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to eight.

Electronic air cleaners clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to remaining particles. A negatively charged collecting section collects the particles. Pollutants pass through an optional carbon filter that absorbs unwanted odors.

Clearing the air

ERVs and HRVs bring fresh air into the home and exhaust stale air out. An HRV conserves energy from indoor conditioned air and transfers it outdoors. An ERV does the same thing, but it also maintains the desired humidity levels to keep the house comfortable.

Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants in your home's air can cause dizziness, headaches and nausea, plus aggravate allergies and asthma.

Clean indoor air benefits everyone, even people who have never suffered from allergies. By removing airborne dust particles from the air, the amount of exposure the respiratory system has to them is greatly reduced.

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to address potential IAQ problems:

Eliminate

The first step toward better indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants and remove as many as possible from your home. You can decrease the amount of dust and dirt in your home by cleaning and vacuuming at least once a week. You should also regularly wash bed linens and stuffed toys. If someone in your family is sensitive to fumes, you should safely store household products and use them only when necessary.

Ventilate

Today's modern homes are well-insulated and sealed to conserve energy, which means airborne pollutants have no way to escape. Lennox' ventilation systems help remove particles and bioaerosols by exchanging stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air.

Clean

Although cleaning and ventilating helps reduce indoor air pollutants, these simple fixes are not cure-alls. Some contaminants are so small that they may escape through the vacuum or never land on a surface. Lennox electronic air cleaners and high-efficiency air filters capture even the smallest of particles and bioaerosols. Lennox germicidal lights kill them. And a Lennox air purification system goes a step further — it removes particles, bioaerosols and odors, and it destroys chemical vapors.

Monitor

To determine which indoor air quality system

Filtration

Are all air filters created equal?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a filtration system, starting with sensitivity to allergens. The more sensitive a person is to allergens, the greater the need for a high-efficiency filtration system.

Efficiency

The efficiency of the air filter should be a top consideration. Efficiency is based on the size of the particles captured by an air filter. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter?s MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard for rating filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to 12. Higher ratings indicate more efficient filters.

Higher filter efficiency not helps clear the air, but it also improves airflow. Generally, the more efficient a filter is, the less airflow reduction there will be.

Cost

Cost is another major factor—both in terms of the initial purchase price and expense of maintenance and upgrades. Purchasing a filter of reasonably high quality can save you money over the long term. Inexpensive filters may not provide the level of filtration you need and may also require frequent filter replacement.

Solutions

Among the many filtration systems available are pleated filters, which are constructed of fiberglass or synthetic fibers woven into a more dense material. The pleats are arranged in V-shaped forms to increase the area of the filter material without increasing the face area. This increases the particle-holding capability.

Germicidal lights use intense ultraviolet light to sterilize surfaces. Each solution removes particles, bioaerosols and chemicals, depending on the size of the allergen.

Electronic air cleaners (EACs) are highly efficient and clean the air by taking recirculated air and passing it through a prefilter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to the remaining particles. A negatively charged collecting section collects the particles. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are also very effective at small-particle removal.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home?s air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria, but the carbon filters are more effective at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits growth of biological contaminants.

Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide in my home?

Carbon monoxide can be an invisible threat to your family's health and safety. Though more commonly associated with fires and automobile emissions, carbon monoxide poisoning can accumulate in any home unless certain precautions are taken.

Home heating systems represent only 5% of potential carbon monoxide sources. Though the amount of carbon monoxide produced is not substantial, it is important to schedule annual maintenance visits by a qualified technician to make sure all combustion appliances are operating properly and all chimneys and vents

What can be done about detecting carbon monoxide in the home?

The best method of detection is to use a carbon monoxide detector in your home. A carbon monoxide detector is a device very similar to a smoke alarm. It monitors the air for carbon monoxide and sounds an alarm if a specific level is detected. Ideally, you should have one detector adjacent to every living area in your home.

Carbon monoxide detectors are most effective when used in combination with preventive maintenance. For more information on how to schedule regular maintenance for your furnace or about purchasing a carbon monoxide detector,

are free from obstruction.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process.

Household appliances such as your furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill and gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially if they are not in good working condition or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as improperly operating fireplaces, also can become carbon monoxide hazards, particularly if your home is well-sealed for energy efficiency.

What are some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Unfortunately, the symptoms are easily overlooked because they are often flulike. With mild exposure, most people experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposure can cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and possibly death.

What can be done to protect our home from the dangers of carbon monoxide?

There are several measures you can take to reduce your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Because vehicles are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning, always back your car out of the garage to let it warm up. Never leave it running in the confined space of a garage, particularly if the garage is attached to the home. The same holds true for lawn mowers or snowmobiles. Never use ovens or grills for heating devices.

What are the benefits of installing a whole-house humidifier?

With central heating, people are confined indoors with unnaturally dry air for many months each year. Humidifiers help to keep comfortable levels of moisture in the air, which is essential for your respiratory health.

Whole-house humidifiers work like old-fashioned room humidifiers: They put moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. And whole-house humidifiers use water mists instead of hot steam, which keeps the entire house at the desired humidity level—no more carrying a humidifier from room to room in the winter.

Can lack of humidity cause respiratory ailments?

Lack of humidity in a home can be the cause of numerous respiratory ailments. Improper moisture levels can cause dryness in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Respiratory infections, repeated attacks of winter colds and airborne infections can also stem from inadequate humidity.

How a humidifier helps

Fortunately, there's an easy way to your home environment healthy and comfortable. All you have to do is install a whole-house humidifiers, which puts moisture into the air, making harsh, dry air easier to breathe. Water mist instead of hot steam is used, keeping the entire house at the desired humidity level.

A humidifier uses from 1.5 to 12 gallons of water per day — just enough to raise the humidity to the desired level, but not enough to make a difference on the water bill. And because a humidifier is installed in the ductwork, there is no need to carry one from room to room.

How to select a humidifier

There are many factors to take into consideration when selecting a humidifier, starting with size. A humidifier's capacity, the amount of moisture it can dispense, should match a household's needs. The capacity is measured in gallons per day of operation.

In terms of cost, consider the purchase price of the unit, as well as operating and maintenance costs. Some models consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important.

Also, regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top working condition. Installing a humidifier is simple when also replacing a furnace. But a humidifier can also be fitted to a current system with minimal labor since it is installed in the ductwork.

How much water does a humidifier use?

Depending on the model you choose and the size of your home, a humidifier uses from 1.5 to 12 gallons per day when the furnace is operating. This minimal amount of water is enough to raise the humidity to your desired level, but not enough for you to notice a difference on your water bill.

Why is my throat so dry?

Dry air in your home can make your throat feel dry and cause or aggravate respiratory ailments.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends that you maintain a household humidity level between 30 and 60 percent. During extremely cold weather, your home loses humidity to the outdoors and the level may drop to as low as 10 percent. A humidifier adds moisture to your indoor air and can help relieve ailments related to dry respiratory membranes.

Health Concerns

One of the major causes of respiratory infections is inadequate humidity during cold weather. The start of the heating season each fall causes many people to begin having repeated attacks of winter colds. Winter weather is blamed for these problems, but the actual cause may be dryness, which develops in the membranes of the nose, throat and bronchial tubes. Relative humidity also has a significant effect on controlling the occurrence of airborne infections.

Other Concerns

Dry air can cause more than health problems. Static electricity is a direct result of very dry air. And houseplants can suffer from "winter drought" caused by low humidity levels. A humidifier can help keep the indoor air comfortably moist, despite conditions of low outdoor humidity.

How do I know which humidifier is right for me?

There are a few factors you should take into consideration when purchasing a humidifier for your home:

Size

A humidifier's capacity, or the amount of moisture it can dispense in a given time, should match your particular household's needs. The capacity is measured as gallons per day of operation. One method that is used to determine the correct-size humidifier for your home is multiplying the total floor area in square feet by the ceiling height.

Cost

Consider not only the purchase price of the unit. but also the operating and maintenance costs. Some models consume more energy than others, so choosing a model that is right for your home and budget is extremely important.

Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your humidifier in top working condition.

What is involved in humidifier installation and maintenance?

Installing a humidifier is simple if you are replacing your furnace. But you can also have a humidifier fitted to your current system with minimal labor, since it is designed for installation in your ductwork. It is also important to properly maintain your humidifier to avoid potential bacterial growth. Periodic cleaning and draining of the reservoir is strongly recommended.