Humidify - Slam Dunk

Thursday, October 22, 2009 by Tom Ruse

It is totally true - properly humidified air is healthier, more comfortable and can save energy. Of all the indoor air quality issues and products made to fix those issues, a whole house humidifier probably addresses the most problems in the easiest way.

A dehumidifier does too, for the same reasons.

Air cleaners, purifiers, ventilation and all those things are important; especially if you have chronic respiratory health problems or allergies.

But even if you don't, being more comfortable while you breathe healthier air is a slam dunk! Humidity control is what it's all about.

Aprilaire is Your Whole-House Humidifier Solution

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

You know you need a humidifier.  You understand all the benefits that come with properly humidified air: health, comfort, protection of assets, and energy savings.  Now comes the tricky part; which humidifier do you buy?

Answer these three questions before you purchase
There are three simple questions you need to ask yourself to determine which humidifier is best for you:

1) Is noise important?
2) Do you have children?
3) How much humidification do you require?

We covered items one and two in our last blogs.  Let's finish up with number three today by asking how much humidification do you require.  Or, put another way, how many rooms do you have and how big are they?

Your house has more than one room
Unless you live in a one-room efficiency, you probably have 2-3 bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and more.  It would take one portable humidifier for every room in your home to adequately increase your comfort and protect your valuable possessions.  That's five or more units to fill and clean every day.  And, have the remote control for your TV handy as you'll have to crank up the volume to get over all the noise.

A whole-house humidifier from Aprilaire is your best solution.  It works in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to add soothing, protecting moisture to every room in your home.  It operates quietly and efficiently, with only annual maintenance required: no tanks to fill and clean, no noise, no hassles.

Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house humidifier today.  You'll be glad you did.

Aprilaire - providing all the humidification you need for over 50 years!
 

Protect Your Children with an Aprilaire Humidifier

Friday, October 16, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

You know you need a humidifier.  You understand all the benefits that come with properly humidified air: health, comfort, protection of assets, and energy savings.  Now comes the tricky part; which humidifier do you buy?

Answer these three questions before you purchase
There are three simple questions you need to ask yourself to determine which humidifier is best for you:

1) Is noise important?
2) Do you have children?
3) How much humidification do you require?

In my last blog we explored question number one.  Today, let's look at number two.  Why do we ask that?  The answer is easy; safety.  Warm mist humidifiers use a heating element to heat the water and can have very hot surfaces.  These portable humidifiers sit out in the open in your home where your children can touch them.  OUCH!

Aprilaire has your safety solution.  A whole-house humidifier from Aprilaire works in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system, out of sight and out of reach of your curious little ones.  And, unlike portable humidifiers that add moisture to only one room at a time, Aprilaire distributes soothing moisture throughout your entire home, protecting your family members from dry air no matter what room they're in.

Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house humidifier today.  You'll be glad you did.

Aprilaire - protecting your family for over 50 years!
 

Now is the Time to Maintain Your Humidifier

Monday, October 12, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Comment from Denise
It's time for me to replace the filters on my Aprilaire humidifiers.  Please contact me with information on how to do that.  Thank you.

Hi Denise,
The filters you refer to are called water panel evaporators and they are the heart of an Aprilaire humidifier.  This is where the moisture is picked up by the air in your heating system, and from there is distributed throughout your home.  To maintain optimum humidifier performance, it is recommended that you change this item on an annual basis.

The best way to have your humidifier properly serviced is by your local Aprilaire dealer.  Your local dealer will have the expertise to not only change out the water panel evaporator, but also to check other critical aspects of the humidifier to ensure it performs properly this upcoming heating season. 

If you feel you can do it yourself, you can still purchase the water panel evaporator over
the counter from your local Aprilaire dealer.  If you don't have a dealer, you can purchase from the Aprilaire e-store.  All orders ship out same day for your convenience.

Thank you for your inquiry, Denise.  And thank you for supporting Aprilaire.

 

Don't Lower Your Temperature to Dehumidify

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Do you lower your thermostat to the point where you are uncomfortably cold just so you can remove excess humidity from your home?  Are you tired of feeling cold and clammy, tired of wearing a sweater in your home in the summertime?  Did you know there is a whole-house solution that not only removes moisture from your home, but allows you to raise your thermostat setting so you can once again call your home a comfortable place to live?

Aprilaire has your moisture removal solution
A whole-house dehumidifier from Aprilaire works in conjunction with your home's HVAC system to remove excess humidity from your home.  And, unlike an air conditioner that controls to temperature, an Aprilaire dehumidifier is controlled by a dehumidistat that constantly measures the relative humidity (RH) in your home and controls the moisture level to the setpoint that you determine.

What does that mean to you?  First of all, your home and other valuable assets are protected from the damage of mold and other moisture-related problems.  Second, you can tuck away your sweater and live in comfort once again because your home will be a more comfortable place to live.  However, be prepared to host more parties, because once your friends and neighbors have experienced your most comfortable environment, you'll have the most popular house on the block.

Aprilaire - making homes more comfortable for over 50 years.
 


Choosing the Right Humidifier

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

You know you need a humidifier.  You understand all the benefits that come with properly humidified air: health, comfort, protection of assets, and energy savings.  Now comes the tricky part; which humidifier do you buy?

Answer these three questions before you purchase
There are three simple questions you need to ask yourself to determine which humidifier is best for you:

1) Is noise important?
2) Do you have children?
3) How much humidification do you require?

Today, let's explore question number one.  How important is noise in your home?  Portable humidifiers have fans to move the moisture from the holding tank into the room.  Fans can make quite a bit of noise.  If your humidifier is sitting in your living room, will you have to turn up the television or stereo so you can hear it over the humidifier?  If it is in your bedroom, will you be able to sleep with all that noise?  Also, portable humidifiers only provide moisture to the room they are in, so you will need several of them to properly humidify your home.  That's a lot of extra, unnecessary noise.

If noise is an issue in your home, Aprilaire is your humidification solution.  An Aprilaire humidifier installs on your home’s HVAC system, out of sight and out of mind, quietly providing soothing humidification throughout your entire home.  And, unlike portable humidifiers, Aprilaire has no tanks to fill and clean and only requires annual maintenance.

Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house humidifier today and quietly add soothing moisture to your home tomorrow.

Aprilaire - quietly adding moisture to homes for over 50 years. 
 

Study Shows Healthy Levels of Humidity Can Control Spread of Flu Viruses

Friday, September 18, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Did you know...proper levels of humidity can reduce influenza survival, transmission, and seasonality.  Studies done at Oregon State University indicate the key to reducing airborne tranmission of the flu is maintaining the proper levels of humidity as measured by absolute humidity.  Absolute humidity is the measure of the actual water vapor content of the air irrespective of temperature. 

Adding moisture is the key
In cold winter months when your furnace is heating and drying the air, you cannot sustain proper levels of humidification without adding moisture.  In other words, you need a humidifier.  The addition of a humidifier to your home will make you more comfortable, protect your belongings from the ill-effects of dry air, and, as this study shows, protect your health from the devastating effects of the flu.

Your local Aprilaire dealer has your best solution for proper humidity.  Aprilaire humidifiers work in conjunction with your home's HVAC system to add moisture to every room of your home, ensuring your health and comfort regardless of which room you are in.  Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house humidifier today.  This is one of the most important calls you can make in protecting the health of your family this upcoming flu season.  Maintaining healthy humidity levels is an important part of a comprehensive strategy you can use to reduce the spread of viruses.  Keeping surfaces clean and avoiding contact with others infected are also essential.

Aprilaire - protecting your family’s health for over 50 years.
 

Proper Humidity Gets Your House Back in the Zone

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Is your house a hassle?  It can be if your indoor humidity is out of whack.  An excellent article in USA Today speaks to all the things that can go wrong if your home's relative humidity (RH) is outside the optimal range of 30% to 60%.  RH that is out of whack can lead to damaged wood floors and electronic equipment, increased dust, respiratory problems, throat and skin irritation, rot, pests, mold and mildew, dust mites, and allergies.  Any or all of these conditions can drive you nuts and cost you money!

Aprilaire has the solution
Aprilaire has a full line of whole-house products to eliminate the hassles of RH that is out of whack.  Whether it's a humidifier to add moisture to the air during those dry, winter months, or a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture in the summer, Aprilaire has a whole- house product for you.  Aprilaire works in conjunction with your home's HVAC system to add or remove moisture from your entire home, quietly and efficiently.  Maintenance is a breeze as well, with only annual service required.


Call your Aprilaire dealer and get your house back in the optimal zone today!
 

Why You Need a Whole-House Dehumidifier

Thursday, August 27, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Did you know....There's nothing like a third party endorsement to prove your point.  For example, as an Aprilaire employee, I am more than willing to explain all the reasons why you need to install a dehumidifier in your home: comfort, protection, health, and energy savings.  Of course, you'll say all I want to do is sell more Aprilaire product.  But what if you heard this from someone who did not have a vested interest in any company’s product?  Would you be more apt to listen?  Probably so.

The Natural Handyman
Jerry Alonzy, a.k.a the Natural Handyman, makes a living by providing homeowners sensible advice pertaining to home-related topics.  In an article on dehumidifiers, he talks about everything from why you need one to how to purchase the right one for your needs.  He has some excellent advice on brand choice and where to buy.  He says he always asks himself the following questions: "If this product needs service or parts, can I get them locally?" and "Will this company be in business a year...or 5 years from now?” 

The answer is Aprilaire
Aprilaire is the most respected name in whole-house dehumidification for a reason.  First, our products are installed by respected HVAC professionals in your community.  Their livelihoods depend on treating you, their customer, the way you wish to be treated.  Second, Aprilaire has been doing this longer than anyone else.  We are the experts in whole-house comfort and protection.  Our reputation for quality is second to none.

Contact your local Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house dehumidifier today.  You'll be glad you did.

Aprilaire - providing comfort and protection for over 50 years!
 

Don't Suffer From the Affects of Dry Air

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Did you know....Dry air is a pain, literally.  But don't take my word for it, ask Jonathon R. Richards of Ezine Articles.  You can find his expert advice on this website as well as the Flat Fee MLS website.  Mr. Richards has deep insight on how dry air in your home can make your life miserable.


People learn to live with dry air
Most people never stop to think why they wake up every morning with a dry, scratchy throat, or why their nasal membranes are severly dry and cracking (oftentimes to the point where their nose is bleeding).  If the air in your home is so dry that your home's plaster and expensive woodwork is shrinking and cracking, what do you think it is doing to your skin?  This is not normal and you certainly do not have to put up with it.


Aprilaire has the solution
A whole-house humidifier from Aprilaire provides soothing, relieving moisture to every room in your home.  You will no longer wake up with that scratchy throat and you will drastically reduce your usage of skin moisturizer.  Plus, Aprilaire works in conjunction with your home's HVAC system, quietly and efficiently.  You'll never even know it's there except for the fact that you'll be more comfortable than ever.


Call you Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your Aprilaire whole-house humidifier today.  You'll be glad you did.


Aprilaire - Protecting your health for over 50 years. 
 

IAQ for Condos

Friday, August 21, 2009 by Tom Ruse

When it comes to indoor air quality concerns, there are special considerations for condo owners, apartment dwellers, etc.

In some cases, if you can't control the ductwork in your dwelling, you're stuck with portable solytions to humidity control and air cleaning.

For many condo owners, though, there may be avenues if you have control of a ducted HVAC system. Aprilaire now has humidifiers, dehumidifiers and even air cleaners that are small enough for many condo applications.

Your local Aprilaire contractor should be able to determine the products that are right for your home.

Aprilaire Dehumidifies Your Entire Home

Thursday, August 20, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Do you live in just one room of your house?  Do you cook, eat, and sleep in the living room or do you move around from room to room as the mood hits you?  How about one floor?  Do you spend all your time in the basement?  Of course not.  Then why would you place a dehumidifier in just one room of your house?

Excess humidity is everywhere
Humidity doesn't just hang out in the living room to watch TV with you.  It's in the kitchen, the bathroom, bedrooms, and basement.  Excess humidity is everywhere.  So why would you purchase a portable dehumidifier and put it in just one room of your house?  You wouldn't.  In fact, portable manufacturers recommend different size units depending on which floor of your house you’re putting it on, with the overall recommendation to purchase a dehumidifier for every floor.  Ouch!  Not only do you purchase three dehumidifiers, but you have the hassles of emptying three tanks every day and the joy of paying to operate all three. 

A whole-house dehumidifier from Aprilaire is the solution to excess humidity.  It works in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to efficiently remove moisture from every room of your home.  Aprilaire also means hassle-free maintenance as there are no tanks to empty and clean Also, it's in your equipment room so you aren't constantly tripping over it.  Contact your local Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your whole-house dehumidifier today.

Aprilaire - providing hassle-free comfort and protection for over 50 years! 
 


Dehumidify and Save $$$

Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Did you know.....You can save money on your air conditioning bill by adding a whole-house dehumidifier to your HVAC system.  Studies show that you can save up to 18% on your electric bill and be more comfortable at a higher temperature.

It's not the heat, it's the humidity
Humidity control is key when it comes to comfort.  When you lower your relative humidity (RH) to a range of 40% to 60%, you can actually raise the setting on your thermostat and be more comfortable.  Why is that?  Lowering the RH allows your body’s natural cooling system, perspiration, to operate more efficiently, eliminating the need to lower the temperature and make your air conditioning system work harder than it has to.  Studies show that by raising your thermostat setting 3 degrees, you can achieve up to 18% savings!

Aprilaire has an entire family of whole-house dehumidifiers that work in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to properly dehumidify your entire house.  And, unlike noisy, portable dehumidifiers that take up space in your living room, Aprilaire works quietly in your equipment room.  Out of sight and out of mind, just the way it's supposed to be.

Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule your installation today.  You'll be glad you did.

Aprilaire - Keeping you comfortable and saving you money for over 50 years.
 

Why Being “Green” is More Than Just Saving Energy: A Perfect Example

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Justin Randall

If you’re building or renovating a house, you may have been told being “green” means more than just saving energy.  Read this article about a builder in San Jose that seems to have put a lot of weight on energy efficiency and not enough on indoor air quality.  A truly “green” home will be energy efficient as well as a healthy, sustainable place to live.  Many builders these days are making the homes they build very “tight”, meaning there is little to no fresh outside air coming inside.  Although this is great for energy efficiency, it is horrible for indoor air quality.

When a very tight and energy efficient home is built, it should have mechanical ventilation, a high-efficiency air cleaner and a whole-home dehumidifier.  All of these indoor air quality products can be purchased through an Aprilaire dealer in your area.  For more information, visit here.

Humidify For Your Health

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Did you know.....Research indicates there are indirect health effects of relative humidity (RH) in indoor environments.  A research article found on PubMed Central suggests that RH can affect the incidence of respiratory infections and allergies.  Experimental studies on airborne-transmitted infectious bacteria and viruses show that survival or infectivity is minimized when RH is maintained between 40% and 70%. 

How does this affect you?  This study also found that the incidence of absenteeism and respiratory infections was found to be lower among people working or living in environments with mid-range versus low or high relative humidity.  This basically says that you will be happy and healthier when the space you live and work in has proper levels of RH.

Aprilaire has the solution
Aprilaire whole-house humidifiers work with your home's HVAC system to provide soothing moisture throughout your entire home, protecting you and your family from the ill-affects of air that is too dry.  And Aprilaire's "set it and forget it" technology means years of automatic, trouble-free operation for years to come.

Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule the installation of your humidifier today.  Your family will thank you for it.

Aprilaire - protecting your family for over 50 years!
 

The Green Package of IAQ

Friday, July 31, 2009 by Tom Ruse

Whether updating a home to be healthier, more energy efficient and  sustainable or building a new home and trying to achieve green certification, Aprilaire, a leader in the indoor air quality industry, offers homeowners a complete indoor environmental quality package that features the most innovative products on the market. Over the past several years, research and experience have improved the understanding of what is involved in maintaining good indoor air quality. Four key indoor air quality components that help ensure the sustainability and health of the home and its occupants are moisture load control, ventilation, air filtration, and energy efficiency.

 

Moisture Control

  • According to LEED for Homes, “Control indoor moisture levels to provide comfort, reduce the risk of mold & allergens, and increase the durability of the home. In hot and humid climates, dehumidification can reduce the energy demands associated with air-conditioning.”

 

Aprilaire addresses high indoor humidity problems and/or concerns in the home with an innovative, effective and affordable whole-home solution – the Model 1750 Central Dehumidifier. The Aprilaire central dehumidifier provides 24-7 moisture control in two critical ways: first, it works independently from the central air conditioner to control excess moisture on days that do not require cooling. Second, it works in conjunction with the central air conditioner to provide the most efficient complete humidity control solution while maintaining an optimum home temperature. An Aprilaire Dehumidifier provides the ability to automatically control moisture levels through the whole home in order to ensure the sustainability of the home, as well as a more healthy and comfortable indoor environment.

 

The 90-pint/day Aprilaire dehumidifier is a whole-house unit that can be installed in attics, closets, crawlspaces, garages, basements, and in new construction or existing homes. Built-in intelligence provides automatic control for not only whole-home dehumidification, but also for fresh air ventilation, air cycling, and air filtration. Automatic air cycling allows for improved humidity and temperature balance throughout the house. The built-in automatic fresh air ventilation provides not only the control of fresh air, but also the dehumidification, if needed, of that fresh air upon entering the home. The fresh air ventilation control will meet ASHRAE 62.2 standards where and when required.

 

Just as important as removing excess moisture is adding the right about during the winter months is cold climates. The National Association of Home Builders’ Model GREEN Home Building Guidelines recognizes that controlled humidity is an important health element for those living in regions where furnaces are used during the winter season. As the innovator of controlled whole-home humidifiers, Aprilaire offers a full line of automatic whole-home humidifiers that provide just the right amount of humidity based on outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity. By utilizing an automatic whole-home humidifier, homeowners are protecting their health, preserving their home and saving energy. 

 

Ventilation

  • According to the EPA’s Energy Star program, “Without mechanical ventilation to provide fresh air, moisture, odors, and other pollutants can build up inside a home. Mechanical ventilation systems circulate fresh air using ducts and fans, rather than relying on airflow through small holes or cracks in a home’s walls, roof, or windows. Homeowners can breathe easier knowing their home has good ventilation.”

 

Aprilaire’s innovative Ventilation Control System offers an affordable and effective means for not only mechanically ventilating homes, but to ventilate them to ASHRAE 62.2 when required. The system consists of a six-inch damper, controller and transformer. The system provides time‑based control with outdoor temperature and indoor relative humidity operating limits. The control opens a damper with a fan or equipment call to meet a desired ventilation requirement that is set by the installer with the ventilation knob (0 – 60 minutes) and cycle time setting (1, 2, 3, or 4 hours). Once the ventilation requirement is met, the controller will close the damper. If the fan and equipment run times do not meet the ventilation requirement, the controller will turn the fan on and open the damper until the desired ventilation is met. 

 

Air Filtration

 

  • According to the Sustainable Living Sourcebook “ Of concern from a health standpoint are small, invisible respirable-size particulate matter, having a high probability of penetrating deep into the lungs, where they may stay a long time and cause acute or chronic effects. Large particulate matter such as some molds, pollen, animal dander, and house dust allergens, do not penetrate as deeply, but may cause an allergic response. Health effects can range from irritation of the eyes and/or respiratory tissues to more serious effects, such as cancer and decreased lung function. Biological particles, such as animal and insect allergens, viruses, bacteria, and molds, can cause allergic reactions, infectious diseases, and/or can produce toxic products that may be released into the air.”

 

Aprilaire central air cleaners are attached to the heating and cooling system and permanently trap the airborne contaminants that can aggravate health and allergy and asthma symptoms. In a recent standard industry test, the Aprilaire 5000 achieved 99 percent efficiency against airborne particles. The unit captures and kills virtually all contaminants including those that most affect personal health—viruses, bacteria, spores and allergens 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

 

Aprilaire also offers homeowners a one-of-a-kind air cleaner control that allows them to actively clean the air in their entire home based on personal preference and event triggers:

 

  • Constant Cleaning: air cleaner is active for 24 hours a day seven days a week
  • Automatic: air cleaner will run a minimum of 30 minutes per hour
  • Event Clean: air cleaners will run for three hours continuously and then turn off
  • Allergies: air cleaner will run continuously for 24 hours and then turn off

 

 

Installed next to the thermostat or on the air cleaning unit, the new control also provides validation the air cleaner is working by indicating through a sequence of bars that rise when the blower on the heating and cooling system is energized. It also indicates when the filter needs to be replaced based on blower run time.

 

Energy Efficiency

  • According to the EPA, “Maximizing household energy use through serviced heating and cooling systems, leak-less ducts, and thermostats that are programmed to save energy at night or when residents are away, would prevent 169 billion lbs of greenhouse gas emissions per year.”

 

Heating and cooling costs are the #1 expense in most American homes. Energy Star states that the average home spends about $1,500 annually on energy bills. All of Aprilaire Programmable Thermostats are Energy Star Rated — and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a programmable thermostat can save you up to 30% on your energy costs.

Dehumidifier Sized to Meet Your Needs

Thursday, July 30, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Do you long for the benefits of whole-house dehumidification, but never thought it was possible because your home or condominium is too small to accommodate the physical size of the unit?  Thanks to Apirilaire and the new Model 1730A dehumidifier, you too can enjoy the comfort and protection that proper levels of humidity have to offer.

Compact size is the key
With cabinet dimensions of 12.5" x 14.5" x 22", the Aprilaire 1730A can fit in most small equipment closets and attic scuttles.  This enables your Aprilaire dealer to easily install this Energy Star rated dehumidifier in most applications.  And, because it's Energy Star rated, you can be assured your Aprilaire dehumidifier is not only dependable, but energy efficient as well.

Protect your home or condominium from mold and mildew and enjoy increased comfort by installing an Aprilaire dehumidifier.  Call your Aprilaire dealer and schedule your installation today!

Aprilaire - protecting your home and increasing your comfort for over 50 years.

 

I want To Testify!!!!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 by Tom Ruse

I Want To Testify!!!!

Thursday, July 2, 2009 by Tom Ruse
I wanna testify!
Hey, lemme tell ya why!
No doubt about it!
Can't live without it!

- Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen


I was suggesting to our contractors that they provide us with some success stories; you know, ways that they sell and use Indoor Air Quality products to provide their homeowner customers with solutions to their problems.

Then I thought, what a great idea to ask HOMEOWNERS!!! So here I am. How about it homeowners? Or anyone else for that matter. Do you have a particular problem with your indoor environment that was helped with indoor air quality products?

Maybe air that's too humid or too dry? Or someone with allergies who could use a cleaner environment to live and breathe in?

Anybody use a room air purifier? A portable dehumidifier? How about an installed humidifier or air cleaner that works in every room automatically.

Any success stories you want to share with the world????


Comment to: I Want To Testify!!!!

Rick from St. Joe, Michigan

Created At 2009-07-29 11:09:59




Hi Tom! I like Commander Cody, too. So I thought you are cool enough (without excess humidity) for a success story, but I only have a failure story. May I share that, too? No sweat? Cool. I have horrible allergies and I have grown very weary of my portable air cleaner. Actually, my wife who has no allergies is sick and tired of it. She says it is too noisy so she kicked me out of the bedroom. I hate that -- my only alternative is to hold my breath until I turn blue. I look like a Smurf. I felt the best way to get back in her good graces, and the bedroom, was to clean out the ducts, get all new high-efficiency heating and cooling, then make sure I had the finest air quality equipment money could buy. And you know what? My HVAC guy told me my space was too tight and he couldn't get a unit to fit. I'm really disappointed in him. Could you come over to my house and fix that? I'll put on my finest old Commander Cody vinyl if you do. Still Blue in St. Joe, Michigan.

Comment to Rick 
7/29/09

Rick, Take a deep breath, Smurf-Boy! Don't need you passing out. I can't come over becuase I live in Wisconsin and I'm not smart enough to assess your space problems. He might be right.

I can suggest you try our Dealer Locator on our home page, type in your zip code and call one of the dealers listed to see if they can help you. 

I can also say you were right to get rid of the portable. Not only did it likely not help your allergies much, but from the sounds of things it did very little for your sex life. 

Hope that helps. 

Also, if you truly don't have enough space to have an air cleaner installed, get the highest efficiency 1" filter you can find, keep it changed frequently, per the manufacturer, keep the humidity levels in check and crank on the the ol' Commander. Otherwise you'll be singing the Seeds and Stems Blues.

I Turn My Collar To the Cold and Damp

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 by Tom Ruse

I couldn't resist the reference to the amazing Simon and Garfunkel song, Sound of Silence.

I'd much rather write about the music, but I'm here to talk about comfort in your home.....

It seems no matter what I tried my home always felt damp. I would lower the temperature on my thermostat to 70F, but all that did was make my home cold and damp. My solution was a whole house dehumidifier from Aprilaire. The dehumidifier gets rid of the dampness by removing water from the air. It also let’s me save energy since I can turn my thermostat up to 78F and it’s comfortable. Now the air is dry and I’m not wasting money by overcooling my home.

Air Too Dry? Humidify!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 by Dennie Plomedahl

Did you know....According to infoplease.com, dry air has four main effects on the human body:

1.  Breathing dry air is a potential health hazard which can cause such respiratory ailments as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and nosebleeds, or general dehydration since body fluids are depleted during respiration.
2.  Skin moisture evaporation can cause skin irritations and eye itching.
3.  Irritative effects, such as static electricity which causes mild shocks when metal is touched, are common when the air moisture is low.
4.  The “apparent temperature” of the air is lower than what the thermometer indicates, and the body “feels” colder.

The solution to dry air- Humidify
Infoplease.com also mentions a simple solution to all these problems: increase the indoor relative humidity (RH).  Of course, this can be done through a number of methods, the most efficient of which is a whole-house humidifier from Aprilaire.  An Aprilaire humidifier works in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system to add soothing moisture to your entire home, not just a single room like a portable unit.  And, unlike a portable unit, Aprilaire whole-house humidifiers are virtually maintenance free, with no tanks to constantly fill and sanitize.

Call your local Aprilaire dealer to end suffering from air that is too dry.  Install an Aprilaire whole-house humidifier today!

Aprilaire - protecting your health for over 50 years.