Happy New Year to all of our beloved friends and customers. We are ready for a great year here at Sullivan Super Service and we hope you will be a part of it! In this first blog post, we are sharing tips for purifying the air in your home.

The good news is, a winterized home is sealing out the wind and cold. The bad news is, it may be sealing in common pollutants. In fact, research indicates that interior air may be more polluted than outdoor air, even in major cities. But with regular, simple maintenance and procedures, you can keep your indoor air fresh as the outdoors – actually, fresher!

1. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and with the dryer. Gas appliances may emit carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Unvented gas stoves can release formaldehyde. Warning: A persistent yellow-tipped flame usually indicates pollutant emissions from stove burners and space heaters. Have the burner adjusted so the flame tip is blue.

2. Don’t smoke indoors. If you smoke, go outdoors. It’ll clear the air of the smell and yellow dinge left by tobacco smoke, not to mention make your home more pleasant.

3. Use exhaust fans in the bathroom.  This helps prevent mold and mildew.

4. Have central air conditioning and ducts inspected yearly. This can be a breeding ground for mold and other biological contaminants if they aren’t properly maintained. Change heater filters monthly. You’ll increase the life and efficiency of your heater and enjoy better air quality.

5. Have plumbing inspected by a professional. Leaking water often means mold and mildew and it can happen in so many places.

6. Regularly clean the humidifier. This can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

7. Use a dehumidifier in the basement. Also, clean and disinfect the basement floor drain regularly.

8. Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces. You’ll help prevent moisture buildup and the chance for mold.

9. Don’t idle the car in the garage. It’s a major carbon monoxide producer.

10. Have your home tested by a heating/cooling specialist. Test for mold, carbon monoxide, radon, and anything unique to your region or neighborhood. It’s a small price to pay and you’ll breathe a lot easier.

We carry a wide range of Aprilaire products to help purify the air in your home. Visit http://www.aprilaire.com/ for more information on their products.

For recommendations or to install one of these products, call us at 412-308-5747.