Category Archives: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Happy Holidays from Cool Blew


Thank you sign hanging in the snow: A sign expressing gratitude, covered in snow, symbolizing appreciation in wintry conditions.

This holiday season, we’re especially grateful for you, our valued Valley of the Sun loyal customers. You make it possible for us to serve our community and help our neighbors stay cool in the spring, summer, and fall along with toasty warm in the winter. When it comes to heating and air conditioning, there’s also plenty for all of us to be grateful for living in Arizona.

High Efficiency HVAC Systems

The biggest energy user in your home is your HVAC system. So, having a high efficiency system can make a big difference, in terms of your comfort. Additionally, energy efficient home improvement federal income tax credits are available for central air conditioning systems, furnaces, air-source heat pumps, and biomass stoves purchased and installed beginning in 2023. If your HVAC system is outdated or repairs are getting expensive, it’s a great time to think about an upgrade.

Air Filters

Clean air filters do so much to contribute to the indoor air quality inside your house. That’s why Cool Blew advises changing them out every two to three months, more frequently if you have pets or family members with respiratory issues. Clean air filters also extend your HVAC’s lifespan and ensure smooth operations.

Smart Thermostats

This handy home device is far more than just a trendy gadget to install on your hallway wall. A smart thermostat can do things that a traditional thermostat can’t, including saving you money. A digital, wi-fi connected smart thermostat enables you to check and control your home’s AC and heat remotely from an app on your smartphone. It can also optimize energy use based on your usage patterns and your personal temperature preferences. Cool Blew’s technicians can help you determine the best model for your needs and install it.

Annual HVAC Inspections

Twice-yearly maintenance for your HVAC system is the key to keeping heating and cooling working at the highest levels of efficiency. Regular servicing pays for itself by lower repair costs, fewer system breakdowns, and more efficient operation. Plus, your monthly utility bills with APS or SRP will be optimized.

Happy Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and gratitude. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to service your HVAC needs. If you have any questions or if something goes awry with your heating system during the holidays, our experts are here to help.Our Cool Blew certified technicians can be reached 24/7, including weekends and holidays at 623-872-2900.

Happy Holidays from your HVAC friends at Cool Blew!

How Your AC Can Help Reduce Dust Inside Your Home

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Wiping dusty wood using yellow rag.

The Valley of the Sun is a beautiful place to live. For all its beauty, the desert is one extremely dusty place to live, and that dust can end up inside your home. Let’s take a closer look at dust and how you can use your AC as a dust reduction tool.

What’s in Household Dust?

Over time, dust can quickly build up inside Arizona homes. You’ve probably noticed this dust after vacuuming and seeing a large amount of dust particles suspended in the air. So, just what makes up household dust? Indoor dust is made up of many particulates found inside and outside your home. In a typical household, dust is comprised of fine particles of dirt, microscopic grains of sand, food debris, fibers from carpet, bedding, and clothing, particulate matter from cooking, skin cells, pet dander, decomposed insects, and dust mites. Here are a few steps you can take to reduce dust in your home.

  1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly – For most of the summer, your doors and windows remain closed to keep out the heat. Your best safeguard against dust is the air filter in your air conditioning system. As air from your home is recirculated through your AC system, the air filter traps all the little particles floating around. If your air filter is clogged with dust and debris, its effectiveness is greatly reduced, and more dust will circulate throughout your house. Plus, your AC will work longer to continue pumping out cool air through a dirty filter.
  2. Clean Air Ducts – In Arizona, dirt and dust can quickly build up in your air ducts. Often, homeowners are surprised to find out just how dirty their air ducts have become. By conducting a thorough duct inspection, your HVAC professionals can also see if there’s any water collecting inside the ducts, which can result in mildew and mold building up.
  3. UV Light Air Filtration – You may want to think about adding an ultraviolet light filtration system to help reduce contaminants from dust indoors. This added protection is an option that can help If you or a family member is suffering from respiratory issues. Cool Blew’s technicians can discuss how UV light technology works and if it’s a good option for your home.

Cool Blew

Now is the perfect time to have your air conditioning system checked and serviced. Give your servicing professionals at Cool Blew a call today at 623-872-2900 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to help you minimize dust in your home and bask in cool, cleaner air.

How Your HVAC System Helps with Spring Allergies

In the Valley of the Sun, spring means a fever pitch of beautiful wildflowers, blossoming trees, and the Sonoran Desert hiking trail areas in full bloom. Spring is also the time of year when Arizona residents who are sensitive to allergy triggers encounter a great deal of discomfort. There are dozens of native and non-native species of plants, trees, and weeds that can cause a whole slew of allergies. The other big trigger for allergies in Arizona is dust.

The great news is your HVAC system is the command center for your indoor air quality which can help you limit exposure to prolific pollinators, such as thistle, ragweed, mulberry, and juniper. Distressful signs of allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, fatigue, headaches, and itchy, watery eyes. Let’s take a look at how your HVAC system can help with spring allergies.

Best Ways to Achieve Pollen Free Clean Air Inside Your House

According to Statista, about 49% of adults reported they had seasonal allergies and about 27% said someone in their household suffered from seasonal allergies in 2021. You can take these three steps to lower the effects of pollen and other allergens inside your house by:

1. Change Out Your HVAC Air Filters

Replacing air filters on a regular basis helps eliminate pollen, mold, smoke, and dust from getting into your AC system in the first place. As wind-blown allergens float through the air, your HVAC air filter forms the first line of defense in safeguarding your indoor air quality (IAQ).

2. Add a Pollen and Dust Collector

For individuals with high sensitivities to allergies, high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters remove more than 99% of particles. These special HEPA filters can be added to your existing HVAC system. Our certified service technicians will be happy to discuss the benefits of adding a HEPA option as another line of defense for improving your home’s IAQ.

3. Schedule Time for a Spring Tune Up

One of the best things you can do for your family’s health and for your air conditioner is to schedule a spring inspection of your entire HVAC system.

Call Cool Blew for Cleaner Indoor Air

When you schedule a spring HVAC system tune up today at 623-872-2900, our technicians can help you pinpoint any potential air quality issues that may be affecting your health. We’re here 24/7 every day of the year to help ensure your home’s air is as pure as possible.

How to Sweep Away Spring Allergens from Your Home

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Spring is the best time of the year in the Valley of the Sun. With fabulous weather and colorful flowers blowing in the breeze, it couldn’t be more beautiful. But there’s a big drawback as this unusually rainy winter has resulted in pollen levels exploding. Pollen exposure can trigger your body to respond by sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion—commonly known as hay fever.

Over 30% of the general population suffers from some form of allergen sensitivity and climate change is leading to increases in how much pollen is in the air and our risks of experiencing allergy symptoms according to the CDC.

Allergies and Your HVAC System

For those affected, hay fever can be a miserable condition. Pollen is not the only allergen floating in the air. There’s also air pollution, particulates, desert dust, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. It all adds up to a big challenge for your air conditioning system, too. Once you’re inside, with the doors and windows shut, your house becomes a closed system. Here are three things you can do to get relief from hay fever inside your house:

1. Change Your Air Filters

As air flows through your AC system, the air filters collect pollen, dust, and other particulates. If your air filters are dirty or haven’t been changed for months, they’ll fill up with dirt and dust dramatically decreasing your AC effectiveness. Make sure to check and change your air filters on a regular basis, especially if you’re experiencing any respiratory distress.

2. Check for Mold

Standing water or condensation in your AC system can increase indoor humidity levels. High humidity can cause mold growth which will negatively impact your allergies. If you notice a faint, musty smell coming from your vents, you may need to have your air ducts checked. Extra humidity in bathrooms or the laundry room can cause mold which may show up as dark gray or black mottled streaks on the walls or tiles. Our service technicians will offer advice on how to reduce the relative humidity in your house.

3. Schedule a Spring Inspection and Tune Up for Your Air Conditioner

Having a clean, fully functioning AC system will insure you’re breathing clean air free of pollen, mold, dander, and dust. Call your local experts at Cool Blew today to schedule a time to check your HVAC system and make any necessary repairs at 623-872-2900. We’ll make certain your air conditioner is ready for the summer months ahead.

Improving Your Indoor Air Quality

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Summer’s here and that means spending plenty of time in the pool with the rest of the time indoors trying to beat the oppressive heat outside. With more time indoors, here are a few simple strategies to improve your home’s indoor air quality this summer.

Change the Air Filter

Changing out the air filter is the first step you should take to improve your indoor air quality. In the Valley of the Sun, summertime brings dust storms and excessive winds triggered by monsoon thunderstorms. It’s recommended that you inspect your AC filter at least monthly and potentially replace it after a severe dust storm in your neighborhood.

Track Humidity Levels

Maintaining your indoor air at proper moisture levels is vital for the comfort of your family. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states indoor relative humidity should be below 50% to prevent growth of mildew and mold, dust mite infestations, and inhibit bacterial growth. When humidity levels drop below 30%, the drier air can result in dry and itchy skin, increased static electricity, increased susceptibility to viruses and germs, and damage to furniture.

Think UV Lighting

While ultraviolet light (UV) is one of the most damaging rays for skin, it can provide powerful benefits for your home. UV light prevents dirt and debris from building up when incorporated into your air conditioning system. As well, UV light can kill mold and bacteria that grow on AC coils and air filters and even help extend the lifespan of your system.

Buy Indoor Plants

Buying indoor plants is one of the easiest ways to quickly filter your indoor air. NASA first investigated the possibility of indoor plants to clean the air of the International Space Station in the 1980s. Plants are natural air filters as they easily absorb contaminants from the air. Keep in mind the larger the indoor plant and its leaves, the better its ability to purify your home’s indoor environment by removing toxins from the air.

Use Cooking Vents

Cooking releases a whole slew of contaminants into your indoor air. Cooktops pump out tiny particles of food matter and grease into the air. Anytime you’re cooking, be certain to turn on kitchen vents and possibly open a window to help remove these pollutants.

Call the professionals at Cool Blew at 623-872-2900.

Indoor Air Pollutants

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According to the 2021 American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report, Phoenix-Mesa is ranked number seven for the most year-round particle pollution and ranked number five for the most pollution from ozone. High pollution advisories, issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, are an ongoing concern for homeowners because high levels of outdoor air pollution can contribute to indoor air pollution. What are other factors that may contribute to poor indoor air quality?

Home Construction Materials

Houses built after the mid-1990s are constructed to be airtight. Product enhancements in construction materials, such as weather-stripping, window panes, insulation, door seals, and caulking mean homes are sealed from outside elements. Your house has very few cracks or crevices that allow indoor air to exit or outside air to enter. In the continuing effort to increase air conditioning and heating energy efficiency, these newer construction materials have contributed to decreased indoor air quality.

Indoor Air Pollutants

Common indoor air pollutants include cooking fumes from your stove and oven, mold spores from indoor plant soil, and outdoor allergens like pollen which make their way inside your house when doors are opened. Two other common indoor air pollutants are:

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – Construction materials, furniture, kerosene, flooring, new carpeting, electronic products, and many household cleaning solutions emit odors and VOCs into the air that can be hazardous to your health. Formaldehyde is of particular concern.
Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless VOC gas commonly used in manufacturing building materials, including particleboard, plywood, glues, adhesives, and insulation materials. Even some brands of home products include formaldehyde, such as towels, cleaning products, baby shampoo, diapers, makeup, nail polish, toothpaste, and air fresheners.

Pet Dander – Cat and dog owners know that pet hair and dander can cause strong allergic reactions. Using a HEPA vacuum and changing your air filters more often can help reduce indoor air pollution from animals.

Though the inside of your home will never be completely free from indoor air pollutants, Cool Blew professionals can provide you with additional information on how you can control indoor air pollution and create a preventive plan. We want to help keep your indoor air as clean as possible. Call us today at 623-872-2900.

Common Household Products That Can Pollute Indoor Air

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Who would guess that indoor air pollution levels in our homes can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels? In some some cases, indoor air quality can be much worse. Environmental Protection Agency studies have shown levels of indoor air pollution can be more than 100 times higher than outdoor air!

With many of us spending over 90 percent of our time indoors during the hot Arizona summer months, indoor air quality is a very real concern. And one of the biggest culprits of indoor air pollution is cleaning products. Household cleaning products, even those with labels that state “green” or “natural” may contain ingredients that can cause headaches, eye or throat irritation, aggravate asthma or COPD, and even promote cancer with long term use.

By U.S. law, manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients in consumer products. Doing a bit of research from reliable sources can reduce the chances of your indoor air being polluted. Look for products listed on the EPA Pollution Prevention website that contain ingredients safe for human and pet health.

“Safer Choice” labeled cleaning products have been EPA-reviewed for all chemical ingredients meeting pH standards to minimize potential for eye and skin irritation or injury. Alternatively, selecting household cleaning products derived from plant-based ingredients can also clean effectively and be safe around your house with family, children, and pets. Even warm water and soap can clean your home. Baking soda can be used for scrubbing. White vinegar and water can clean glass.

Ammonia and bleach are common over-the-counter cleaning chemicals, but they release harmful gasses which can lead to chronic breathing problems or even death if mixed. Carefully checking the product label will help you determine the safest cleaning products for your home.

Air fresheners are another source of indoor air pollution, especially those from aerosol sprays and plug-in solids. Many people think these are essential home cleaning products, but they often contain pesticides like Dichlorobenzene and Phthalates used in the production of PVC plastics.

The best way to maintain an odor-free home is to open windows to circulate fresh air. Opening a box or two of baking soda or using a diffuser to release essential oils can also help. Plants are an effective toxin-remover too. Placing air-purifying plants throughout your home will naturally clean your indoor air safely. They also will help remove pollutants, such as formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, carbon monoxide and benzene. Just make sure the indoor plants are safe and non-toxic to pets and children.

At Cool Blew, we believe everyone should be breathing clean indoor air. We’re here to answer all your questions. Call us today to learn more at 623-872-2900.

What’s the Air Scrubber Plus, and Do You Need One?

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Homeowners are often surprised to find out that their indoor air is up to five times more polluted than the air outside. Or, that the EPA has ranked indoor air pollution one of the of top five environmental dangers that we face on Earth.

While many of us are concerned about our impact on outdoor pollution, far fewer actually take time to improve their indoor air quality at home. But there’s good reason to do so. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a wide range of health problems, including headaches, respiratory problems, frequent colds, sore throats, chronic cough, skin rashes, eye irritation, lethargy, dizziness, and memory lapses. Long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality can even increase the risk of developing some forms of cancer.

For homeowners who do research indoor air quality, many discover information about air scrubber technology and its benefits. But what exactly is it, and how does it work?

What Is an Air Scrubber?

Used by mold remediation specialists, renovation companies, and even the Pentagon after 9/11, air scrubbers leverage advanced air cleaning and filtration technology. At Cool Blew, we offer the most advanced system on the market – the Air Scrubber Plus with ActivePure® Technology.

The Air Scrubber Plus removes up to 99.9% of harmful contaminants in your home and has the seal of approval of the Space Foundation, in cooperation with NASA. The system does more than just improve air quality. It also cleans surfaces of your home, like countertops, doorknobs, and bathroom surfaces.

The Air Scrubber Plus fits into your existing HVAC system, installed directly into your forced air duct system. Airborne contaminants pass through a UV germicidal light which disrupts the DNA of airborne contaminants and pathogens throughout your home. Think you have an allergy to dust? Actually, it’s likely an allergy to dust mites, and the Air Scrubber Plus zaps them with UV light before they can cause you allergic symptoms.

And the system is effective in killing a wide range of viruses, including COVID19.
The system’s scrubbers also reduce gases, vapors, VOCs, and those unpleasant odors that we all have around the house from time to time. Using negatively charged ions, the Air Scrubber Plus is a formidable opponent against pet odor, smoke, and household product fumes. In other words, you won’t be needing air fresheners which only add chemicals into your indoor air.

At Cool Blew, we know how important indoor air is for the health and well-being of you and your loved ones. We stand by the Air Scrubber Plus with ActivePure® Technology and would be happy to provide more information on this quality product. Call today at 623-872-2900.

Do I Need a Home Water Filtration System?

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Perhaps your tap water tastes a little off. Maybe, you’re concerned about your water’s safety. If you’re worried about your water, you may be wondering if a whole home water filtration system might be right for your home. We have answers.

How does a whole-home water filtration work?

A whole-home water filtration system works by filtering in the water that comes into your home. Instead of a portable filter or one that fits on your tap, it actually catches contaminants at the inlet of your home. These contaminants may include chlorine and chloramine, as well as a wide range of chemicals and toxins.

Here in the Valley of the Sun, the water is hard, so many homeowners choose a filter that also makes the water softer by adding sodium or potassium which breaks down hard minerals.

Water Safety

Throughout the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for establishing water safety standards. These standards place limits on the amounts of contaminants that are allowed in public water supplies. By law, your water provider is required to send you a report each year that details concentration levels of any contaminants in water being supplied to your home. By reviewing this report, you can gain an understanding of your water’s quality and whether or not a filtration system is necessary.

Types of Water Filtration Systems

The most common types of water filtration systems include:

  • Activated Carbon System – This uses carbon granules to soak up chemical impurities in the water. While this type of system is effective and commonly used, it’s important to note that it will not filter out heavy metals or limescale.
  • Reverse Osmosis System – This type of system forces water through a fine filter at high pressure. When the water passes through the filter, impurities are left on the other side of the barrier.
  • Ion Exchange System – By exchanging magnesium and calcium ions for hydrogen or sodium ions, an ion exchange system is able to remove contaminants and minerals that create hard water. This is often considered the “Cadillac” of home water filtration systems.

Benefits of Home Water Filtration

Yes, there are many benefits that you’ll gain by investing in a water filtration system, including:

  • Improved taste of water
  • Protection from contaminants, chemicals and pathogens
  • Cleaner dishes, surfaces and clothing
  • Softer skin and hair
  • Cost savings from not having to buy bottled water and filters

Want to learn more about a home water filtration system? Call the experts at Cool Blew today.

How a New Air Conditioner Impacts Your Indoor Air Quality

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You only need to look outside and see the brown haze blanketing the Valley to know that Phoenix is prone to summer pollution. In fact, Phoenix consistently ranks as one of the worst cities in the nation for air quality. And this is only made worse by the raging wildfires that are currently plaguing our state. In other words, it’s important to maintain the quality of the air you’re breathing in your home and pay attention to the role your air conditioner has in supporting your indoor air quality.

Your home is an enclosed environment with only limited sources of ventilation, and its HVAC system is essential for circulating fresh air. Of course, general air conditioning maintenance, such as replacing your AC filter every month, helps to filter out allergens, pollen, pesticides, dust and other outdoor irritants. But is that enough? If your home has an older air conditioner, it may not be.

Your air conditioner works by pulling outside air into your home, passing it through a filter, over a cold coil and then pushing it through vents. An older unit will struggle to complete this process successfully which can directly impact your indoor air quality. And if you have a less than clean evaporator coil and ductwork, your HVAC system can actually be contributing to diminishing your air quality. During the summer months, when you’re running your unit 24 hours a day and have windows and doors closed, what you’re breathing inside matters a lot. For those suffering from respiratory or immune issues, this can be a real problem.

At Cool Blew, we believe everyone should be breathing clean indoor air. Let us provide you with a free quote on a new air conditioner. We’re here to answer your questions and can even show you how the addition of an indoor air quality (IAQ) system can improve your air quality even more. Call us today to learn more at 623-872-2900.