Poor indoor air quality can lead to allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, and lingering odors, making it essential to address air pollutants in your home. Syracuse’s changing seasons bring unique challenges, from winter’s dry air to summer’s humidity, which can impact your home’s air quality year-round.

At Hummingbird Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners breathe easier with customized indoor air solutions. Follow these six simple steps to create a healthier home environment in Central New York.

6 Simple Steps to Cleaner Indoor Air in Syracuse, New York

1. Improve Ventilation for Fresher Indoor Air

Proper ventilation reduces indoor air pollutants by bringing in fresh outdoor air.

• Open windows during mild seasons to create a natural airflow and remove stale air.
• Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture and cooking fumes.
• Consider an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to improve air exchange without wasting energy in extreme temperatures.

→ Recommended ERV: Panasonic WhisperComfort Spot ERV

2. Upgrade Your Air Filters for Better Allergen Removal

Your HVAC filter is your first line of defense against airborne contaminants.

• Use high-efficiency HEPA filters to trap pollen, dust, and pet dander.
• Replace filters every 1-3 months to maintain performance.
• Install a whole-home filtration system for enhanced indoor air purification.

→ Recommended Air Filter: Filtrete MPR 1500 Healthy Living Ultra Allergen Filter

3. Manage Humidity to Prevent Mold & Airborne Irritants

Syracuse’s humidity levels fluctuate, leading to mold growth in summer and dry air in winter.

• Use a dehumidifier in humid months to keep levels between 30-50%.
• Run a humidifier in winter to prevent dry skin, static electricity, and sinus irritation.
• Ensure bathroom & kitchen ventilation to remove excess moisture.

→ Recommended Dehumidifier: hOmeLabs Energy Star Dehumidifier

→ Recommended Humidifier: LEVOIT Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier

4. Add an Air Purifier for Extra Filtration

Even with good HVAC filters, standalone air purifiers can provide extra protection in rooms where allergens are most concentrated.

• Choose a HEPA air purifier to capture 99.97% of airborne particles.
• Use activated carbon filters to absorb VOCs, smoke, and household odors.
• Place purifiers in bedrooms & living areas for maximum allergen removal.

→ Recommended Air Purifier: Coway Airmega 300 Smart Air Purifier

5. Reduce Chemical Pollutants & VOC Exposure

Household products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can linger in your indoor air.

• Switch to non-toxic cleaning products to reduce chemical exposure.
• Let new furniture “off-gas” outdoors before bringing it inside.
• Use air-purifying houseplants to help absorb toxins and add humidity.

→ Recommended Natural Air Purifier: Bamboo Charcoal Air Purifying Bags

6. Maintain Your HVAC System for Cleaner Air

Your HVAC system plays a major role in air quality and requires regular maintenance.

• Schedule seasonal tune-ups to ensure filters, coils, and ducts stay clean.
• Seal ductwork leaks to prevent dust and allergens from entering circulation.
• Consider professional duct cleaning every few years to remove built-up debris.

Breathe Easier With Hummingbird Heating & Cooling

By following these steps, you can significantly improve your indoor air quality, reduce allergy triggers, and create a healthier home environment in Syracuse.

At Hummingbird Heating & Cooling, we provide customized HVAC solutions to help eliminate airborne contaminants and enhance home comfort.

Call (315) 399-9962 today for expert advice on air purifiers, filtration systems, and HVAC maintenance in Syracuse, NY.

Did you know that you take as many as 23,000 breaths every day? With every breath, you take in contaminants present in the air — in fact, the air inside your home can be up to 100 times dirtier than the air outside. 

Poor indoor quality can contribute to a long list of health impacts, and you may be wondering, “Are home air quality tests worth it?” 

If you’re dealing with certain issues or have concerns about airflow or common air pollutants in your community, then the answer is a resounding “yes.” 

What Is a Home Air Quality Test? 

Homeowners have two choices when it comes to home air quality assessments: a DIY home air quality test or a professional evaluation.

Purchasing an at-home test kit to check your home air quality yourself is convenient, but it does have some drawbacks. Test kits typically only test for one pollutant, like radon or mold, and the results are notoriously unreliable. 

Professional home air quality tests are more detailed and check for a variety of pollutants to provide an incredibly accurate overview of indoor air quality. Using sensitive equipment like gas detectors and analyzers, screening kits, and particle counters, a professional can test your home environment for:

• Mold 
• Ozone
• Natural substances, like pet dander and radon gas
• Combustion byproducts from candles, tobacco, fireplaces, and carbon monoxide
• Hazardous chemicals
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from products like paint or cleaners
• Offgasses from new materials, like furniture, mattresses, and other household items
• Degrading materials, like asbestos or insulation 

Reasons to Test Your Home’s Air Quality 

Are air quality tests worth it? One of the greatest test benefits is the ability to pinpoint the source of specific symptoms and health issues. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to long-term health impacts like heart disease, respiratory conditions, and cancer, but even in the short term, breathing dirty air can cause:

• Poor sleep 
• Headaches 
• Respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, and wheezing 
• Irritated eyes, throat, and nasal passages
• Increases allergy and asthma symptoms 

A professional air quality assessment not only helps identify problems but also pinpoints the source of trouble so you can make changes to create a healthier and more hospitable environment. Get a test whenever you suspect an issue.

In addition to preserving your health, another factor to consider when determining, “Are home air quality tests worth it?” is the potential impact on your HVAC system. Many air quality issues stem from problems within your HVAC and ductwork, which can increase the risk of malfunction and reduce energy efficiency. Fixing those issues can solve multiple problems and keep your family healthy.

Schedule a Home Air Quality Test

Given the insights that they can provide and the benefits to your well-being, the question shouldn’t be, “Are home air quality tests worth it?” but rather, “How do I schedule an air quality assessment?” 

If you have concerns about what your family breathes in every day, call Hummingbird Heating and Cooling at (315) 399-9962 to schedule a test in your Syracuse, NY area home. The results and our professional insights will help you feel good about every one of your 23,000 breaths!

If you want to improve the air quality in your home and protect your furnace from dust and debris, you need to choose the right furnace filter.
But how do you know which one is the best for your needs? One of the factors you should consider is the MERV rating of the filter.
There more to Furnace filters than the rating, but this rating is a vital component to your families health curing the winter months.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.

MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. It is a rating system that measures how well a filter can capture particles of different sizes, ranging from 0.3 to 10 microns. The higher the MERV rating, the more efficient the filter is at trapping smaller and finer particles. However, a higher MERV rating also means a higher resistance to airflow, which can reduce the performance and efficiency of your furnace. Therefore, you need to balance the filtration level and the airflow of your system.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) , most residential systems can adequately remove airborne contaminants with a filter rated MERV 7-12. Filters with MERV 13-16 are typically used in hospital and general surgery settings, while filters with MERV 17-20 are HEPA filters that can remove 99.97% of particles in the 0.3-micron range.

There are different types of furnace filters available in the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Pleated filters: These are made of folded paper or synthetic material that create more surface area to capture particles. They usually have a MERV rating of 5-13, depending on the number and size of the pleats. They are more effective and durable than flat-panel filters, but they also cost more and may restrict airflow more.
• Electrostatic filters: These are made of self-charging fibers that attract and hold particles using static electricity. They usually have a MERV rating of 8-10, and they can be either disposable or washable. They are good at capturing dust, pollen, and pet dander, but they may not be effective against bacteria, viruses, and smoke. They also require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent mold growth and fire hazards.
• Activated carbon filters: These are made of carbon granules that absorb odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. They usually have a MERV rating of 6-8, and they are often combined with other types of filters to provide both particle and odor removal. They are ideal for homes with pets, smokers, or chemical sensitivities, but they also need to be replaced frequently as they lose their effectiveness over time.

To choose the best furnace filter for your home, you should consider the following factors:

• The size and compatibility of your furnace: You should measure the dimensions of your existing filter and check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum MERV rating that your system can handle. A filter that is too big, too small, or too restrictive can damage your furnace and reduce its efficiency.
• The level of air quality and filtration you need: You should assess the sources and types of contaminants in your indoor air, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, bacteria, viruses, smoke, odors, etc. You should also consider the health and comfort of your family members, especially if they have allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Based on these factors, you can choose the appropriate MERV rating and type of filter that can meet your needs.
• The cost and frequency of replacement: You should compare the initial and ongoing costs of different types of filters, as well as the recommended lifespan and replacement schedule. Generally, the higher the MERV rating and the more advanced the filter material, the more expensive and shorter-lived the filter is. You should also factor in the energy savings and health benefits that a higher-quality filter can provide.

To summarize, the best furnace filter for your home depends on your furnace size and compatibility, your air quality and filtration needs, and your budget and preferences. By understanding the MERV rating system and the different types of filters, you can make an informed decision that can improve your indoor air quality and protect your furnace.

Contact Us for Heating & Cooling System Services in Syracuse, NY

It’s much easier to have Hummingbird Heating and Cooling of Syracuse NY handle your furnace maintenance. We can install the furnace filter of your choice and check to ensure your system is maintained to deliver heat every hour needed for you and your family.
Regular maintenance of your filter is key. A dirty furnace filter can trigger ailments like allergies and asthma. Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our expert technicians at Hummingbird Heating and Cooling are here to help.

Stay warm and worry-free this winter – contact us today for comprehensive HVAC system maintenance and furnace repair services.
Let us ensure your home remains a haven of warmth and comfort, regardless of the winter weather outside.

We offer maintenance plans we’ve titled our Early Bird Maintenance plans.