Day: November 17, 2021

Whether you’re taking a shower, brushing your teeth, or filling up a pot to boil pasta, you want some peace of mind knowing that the water in your household is safe for use. Local water departments will advise residents about concerns over water quality or the potential for pollution in their groundwater. That’s why many people have opted for ways of filtering their water to remove any concerning contaminants that can be detrimental to the health and well-being of them and their loved ones. Let’s take a closer look at some of those contaminants.

Heavy Metals

One of the most common contaminants that affect your water is heavy metals. Cement plants, natural mineral deposits, and even outdated household plumbing can lead to many metals seeping into drinking water. This includes metals like arsenic, lead, nickel, and mercury. Exposure to these heavy metals can lead to long-term health issues, as severe as anemia, cancer, and organ damage.

You’ve probably read about the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan, where heavy metals from outdated pipes and plumbing systems have led to lead and other toxins finding their way into drinking water. This contamination of toxic substances has left residents in the community feeling extremely ill. Despite recent efforts to correct the issue, access to clean water remains a problem in Flint and other communities across the United States. In some areas of the country, radiological contaminants have become a concern. These are chemical elements with an unbalanced number of protons and neutrons resulting in unstable atoms that can emit ionizing radiation.

Fluoride & Nitrates

Yes, fluoride is helpful in preventing tooth decay and is recommended in dental products that you use, but too much of a good thing can be damaging to your overall health. Excessive levels of fluoride can lead to what’s known as skeletal fluorosis. Skeletal fluorosis causes tenderness and pain in the joints and bones. It also causes tooth discoloration or tooth pitting during the formative period for young children. These chemical contaminants can be a detriment to public health, which is why public water sources do their best to balance levels of fluoride.

Naturally occurring and man-made chemical contaminants can create problems for homeowners and their family members. Nitrogen, bleach, pesticides, and other toxins can create dangerous water pollution that can cause a litany of health problems after prolonged exposure. Nitrates are common contaminants in a water supply and are commonly found in chemical and animal fertilizers in agricultural areas. Chemical contaminants also stem from animal waste and human sewage that contaminates water through the movement of groundwater and water runoff. These reduce the abilities of the blood to carry oxygen, resulting in shortness of breath or reduced circulation, turning skin blue.

Organic Chemicals

While organic chemicals may sound like a good thing, the truth is they can lead to hidden dangers in groundwater. These chemicals contaminate private wells through surface water runoff, waste disposal, and spills. Organic chemicals are actually quite common in paints, pesticides, disinfectants, and other sources. Chlorine commonly interacts with organic materials in water to form a mixture of DBPs, and DBP concentrations in water in the United States have been shown to increase cancer risk.

DBPs, or disinfection byproducts, are also linked to exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, which has been commonly linked to risks associated with bladder cancer. Private wells, especially those dug on properties prior to 1960, have had to deal with concerns over waterborne diseases associated with these DBPs. It’s more important than ever to recognize the need for proper water filtration in your home. This makes sure that any amount of water you use is healthy for the use of you and your family members.

Getting through the summer can be taxing, especially through the heat and humidity. That’s where your HVAC’s air conditioning is a crucial part of your household. Once the temperature cools down, you can ease up on the use of your HVAC system, and that’s an opportune time to get your unit ready to blast the heat for the winter. Here are some tips for staying on top of HVAC maintenance and using the fall to get your household in order for the chillier months.

Schedule an appointment with a technician.

While some routine maintenance falls on the homeowner, it’s important to have a licensed HVAC technician check your unit at least once or twice a year to make sure it’s up to code. Be sure to schedule early fall HVAC maintenance in Fairfax, VA, to make sure your unit gets any necessary repairs or replacement before you begin the winter months, which is usually a period of high energy consumption. The last thing you want is to have to get through winter without a heating system operating at its peak.

A maintenance check will be sure to look into all of the internal mechanisms of an HVAC system, making sure there are no signs of rust and corrosion. This will also look for any gunk or dust that is clogging up parts of the unit. A technician will also impact the ductwork to make sure there are no leaks or cracks that are inhibiting airflow. Ducts and vents will also be evaluated to make sure there is no buildup of dust or other contaminants that might be keeping the heater from doing its job.

Stay on top of your regular HVAC maintenance.

The usual lifespan of an HVAC system is anywhere from 15 to 20 years depending on the size of a unit. However, a proper maintenance plan will make sure you get the most out of this investment as a homeowner. Regular maintenance is also the best way to avoid any kind of breakdown that will lead to a more costly repair, or even having to replace the system earlier than you anticipated having to.

Be sure to seasonally clean or replace filters to make sure that there is no clogging or buildup or allergens that can hinder the airflow from an HVAC unit. Oftentimes, these blockages are ignored and we go running to the thermostat to crank up the heat because the temperature indoors is not matching up. This is only putting undue pressure on an HVAC unit and sending your energy bill up even higher. This will make sure that your furnace is operating at its best, while not putting more on your invoice as you usually anticipate during the winter months.

Take additional steps to improve indoor air quality.

Regular HVAC maintenance should be done in conjunction with regular cleaning of your household. This is all in the best interest of maintaining the best indoor air quality possible for you and your loved ones to breathe in. Keeping dust and allergens out of the air can also be benefitted by a scrubber that works to kill viruses and bacteria that may linger in the air. You may also want to look into dehumidifiers for your household to avoid a high humidity level while the heater is on. Humidity creates a breeding ground for dangerous mold spores that could have a devastating impact on your health.

One of the easiest ways to improve indoor air quality with immediacy is just to get some doors and windows open, creating a cross-breeze with proper ventilation. This also puts less pressure on the HVAC unit during the times of the year where you really don’t need to have it on. Routine maintenance and care are all you need to make sure your heater and air conditioner keep you comfortable all year long.