Say goodbye to a long, hot, sticky summer this year and say hello to cool comfort and a healthy humidity level. High humidity promotes mould and dust mite population growth, both of which are indoor allergens that can set off allergic sensitivity and trigger rhinitis and asthma. These allergens depend on warm temperatures and high humidity to live and grow so, to lower the mould and dust mite growth, keep the humidity inside your home at 50 percent or lower.
While an air conditioner may remove some of the moisture from the air inside your home, a dehumidifier is built specifically for that purpose. If you’re looking to dehumidify your whole house, opt for a central dehumidifier, which is installed as part of your home’s heating and cooling system. It works in conjunction with your air conditioner to efficiently balance the humidity levels in your home, but can also work independently on days when you don’t need the air conditioner.
By keeping humidity levels within comfort range, you’ll not only keep allergies under better control, but you’ll keep your body safe as well.
And while you’re getting ready for summer, take time this month to check your air-conditioning system, so you’re well prepared for switching on as soon as the heat starts to climb. If you haven’t had your system checked by an expert in quite a while, consider getting it serviced by a qualified technician so you can be sure that it will run smoothly. As part of your own regular maintenance, be sure to take the following steps yourself:
1. Check outdoor units for visible damage or blockages that might prevent air from flowing and thereby diminish performance. Replace damaged cords and power cables, as they can overheat and cause a fire.
2. Clean outdoor units with a garden hose and household detergent. Clean or replace indoor unit filters and, if the unit smells musty, lightly spray disinfectant on the metal coils.
3. When switching on for the first time, your system should sound the same as it did last year. Any continuous unusual rattling or grinding sounds may signal a potential problem.
4. Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you’re home. There’s no need to keep your house as cool when you aren’t in it, and by raising the thermostat when you leave home, you’ll use less energy (and save money!).
5. Install energy efficient ceiling fans. They help reduce the amount of air conditioning you’ll need to use in the home. Plus, the moving air increases the amount of evaporation from your skin and helps cool you off.
Don’t undertake any significant repairs to your air-conditioning system yourself – always call a professional for help! For additional tips and information on air-conditioning and dehumidifier system installations and maintenance, call Bermuda Air Conditioning (BAC) at 292-0881 or visit their website at www.bac.bm.
