visualizing hope

AA Homepage Articles | Healthy Humidity |

Visualizing Hope – First Of Its Kind Humidity Control Plan Unveiled

2 minute read

Share

Dr. Jeff Gusky has been at the forefront of the conversation around using humidification to combat COVID-19. Dr. Gusky, who also works as an emergency room physician, first made headlines when he started measuring humidity in indoor space throughout the Dallas area nearly six months ago.

Visualizing Hope to Help Visualize Healthy Air

His most recent initiative, Visualizing HopeTM, is the first of its kind in the United States. Roma, Texas, a small border town, has installed sensors inside several municipal buildings and businesses to measure the real-time absolute humidity. Dr. Gusky, who works in Dallas, collaborated with local physicians in the county to initiate this project.

According to the city’s website, residents can also check the absolute humidity levels on their smartphones and decide to visit places with safer air.

Absolute humidity measures the total amount of moisture in the air and unlike relative humidity, it does not take temperature into consideration and ranges from 0-30. Good, indicated by green on the above map, ranges from 10-24.

Relative humidity on the other hand, which is a measure of the percentage of water vapor in the air, does take temperature into consideration. The optimal range for relative humidity is 30-60 percent.

Dr. Gusky’s hope is that by helping people visualize Healthy Air with a color-coded map, they will be encouraged to be more aware of air quality and the important role that it plays.

Dry indoor air is a catalyst for transmitting airborne viruses. The body’s immune response and its initial defense system which consists of cilia and mucous membranes in the nose decreases in dry air. In addition, airborne viruses in dry air are smaller and lighter than their humidified counterparts. This means they are suspended in the air longer and can travel farther distances. They are also harder to detect and stand a better chance of getting past your body’s natural line of defense.

From his research, Dr. Gusky found that absolute humidity “turns on cell-mediated immunity in our lungs.” This activation involves white blood cells, which help the body fight disease and improve the body’s immune response.

“The answer as to why hundreds and millions of people in the poorest places on earth have an immunity to the virus is because there is a different kind of herd immunity, said Dr. Gusky. “There is another branch of immune system that doesn’t have to be educated by either a vaccine or becoming infected…It’s called cell-mediated immunity.”

Keeping your home’s air properly humidified is important in restricting the transmission of airborne viruses.

Products to Humidify Your Home

An Aprilaire humidifier can help make sure the air in your home is properly moisturized. With a myriad of offerings to fit your needs, you can easily combat dry winter air. For added convenience, our humidifiers come with dual sensors to monitor the humidity inside the home and the temperature outside so you can set the humidity you want and forget it. Each humidifier is designed and manufactured in the United States and comes with a 5-year warranty.

For the most effective virus protection, consider investing in a whole-home Aprilaire Healthy Air System™. The Healthy Air System offers a three-part award-winning approach to virus protection complete with humidity control, fresh air ventilation, and air filtration. The system also has a suite of applications beyond virus protection to help make the air inside your home healthy.

To get started, contact a Healthy Air Professional in your area and let them know you want Healthy Air Solutions in your home.

healthy air hero

Healthy Humidity | Healthy Humidity Summer 2021 |

Breathe the Fullness of Life: Tips from a Healthy Air Hero

4 minute read

Share

You may know the air inside your home plays a key role in your overall wellness. But how much do you know about the impact of humidity and maintaining the right balance? Fortunately, Aprilaire Healthy Air Hero Scott Merritt of Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. is here to shed some light. From alleviating seasonal allergies to just breathing better, he discusses the unseen benefits of Healthy Humidity.

Interview with Healthy Air Hero Scott Merritt

Thank you for speaking with us, Scott. Can you start by telling us where in the U.S. Fire & Ice Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. provides service? How long have you been in business, and how long have you been working with Aprilaire?

“Fire & Ice operates in Central Ohio, in the greater Columbus, OH area. We’ve been in business for 17 years and, in that time, we’ve grown to become one of the city’s largest HVAC contractors.

We partnered with Aprilaire a handful of years ago because we identified their products as top-notch. It’s been a beneficial partnership, and we truly believe we’re providing top-of-the-line Indoor Air Quality solutions to our customers.”

While most homeowners probably think about the temperature inside their homes, they may not be aware that humidity also plays a role in maintaining Healthy Air. How does Healthy Humidity impact a home?

“There are a number of homeowners who won’t even consider the humidity of the home when talking about heating and cooling. And it’s not their fault! There’s a lack of education in this area, and if you’re a new homeowner, you might be dealing with a system for the first time in your life. So a lot of what we do in our efforts is informational.
One of the primary functions of an air conditioner is to dehumidify the home, for example. But that’s not usually how it’s presented. So, the idea that a whole-home dehumidifier can aid your air conditioner isn’t obvious until that knowledge is there.”

Breathe the Fullness of Life.
Create the perfect balance at home.

Learn More
Along with allergens, pollutants, and mold, humidity levels in the air you breathe can affect your overall wellness. Can you explain how Healthy Humidity impacts your health?

“The seasonal stuff is usually what we focus on, like allergies in the spring and summer and how proper humidity levels in the winter can reduce the risk of flu infections and other diseases (including coronavirus!). Almost everyone deals with those in some form. There really are a ton of unseen benefits.

I’ll give you a very personal example: my mother has trouble breathing, particularly in the summer. I purchased a whole-home dehumidifier for her, and it’s been the difference between her struggling to breathe at times and her home being the comfortable place for her. So it really can be life changing.”

At Aprilaire, we recommend that humidity in the home should be kept between 40-60%, which is optimal for human health and comfort. In your words, what is balanced humidity and why is it important?

“Most expert sources agree on that range, and our educational materials recommend at or near 50% as the optimal level. But to maintain that requires proactive management of your home’s humidity. It won’t simply hover there most of the time unless you’re using humidity-controlling products to their maximum benefit.”

It’s important to maintain a balance when it comes to humidity. What are the causes of high humidity in one’s home?

“There are probably too many to list, but homes with a basement will have higher humidity, and where you’re located in the country also matters. Few people in Arizona may truly need a whole-home dehumidifier, for example, but everyone in Florida would benefit from one. And vice-versa for whole-home humidifiers. Here in Ohio, we get both humid and dry weather, so we usually recommend both.

Windows and insulation matter as well, of course. As HVAC experts, that’s what we always try to look for, and a good HVAC system can usually make up for deficiencies in those other areas like old windows or a basement that’s prone to moisture.”

How do Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifiers work to effectively combat high humidity?

“Here’s an example: our General Manager here at Fire & Ice has a flooded basement, and we loaned her one of the Aprilaire units we had here in the office. Twenty-four hours and dozens of gallons of collected water later, and she had a relatively dry basement again.

One of our sales representatives also installed an Aprilaire whole-home dehumidifier to manage the heat on his second floor in the summer. His kids got used to sleeping downstairs during the hottest months, but now they can stay upstairs all year.

These stories are reflected in the feedback and testimonials of hundreds of our customers because these are common problems. Good humidity control is often the right answer.”

Lastly, a homeowner may not be sure if they are maintaining the right humidity. When is the best time to address humidity in your home?

“Any HVAC company worth its salt should be willing to have that conversation with you without any charge. A lot of people bring up these questions when one of our technicians is at their home for a tune-up or other maintenance, so that’s always a convenient time to inquire.

Even if you’re not considering a new furnace, AC, or heat pump any time soon, though, there’s no bad time to fix these issues in your home.”

Make Healthy Humidity a Priority

Healthy Humidity plays a key role in overall air quality and personal wellness. Take it from the experts and get the facts. Are you ready to take the next step and learn more about the benefits of Healthy Humidity in your home? One of Aprilaire’s Healthy Air Heroes can help! Find a certified Aprilaire Healthy Air Professional in your area today!

Healthy Air Is on the Way

Find an Aprilaire professional near you.

Breathe the Fullness of Life

Healthy Humidity | Healthy Humidity Summer 2021 |

Breathe the Fullness of Life: Healthy Humidity Edition

3 minute read

Share

What Breathing the Fullness of Life Can Mean for You

Aprilaire knows that Healthy Air shapes all aspects of our lives. It plays a key role in our wellness, while also bringing us everyday, practical benefits. Combined, Healthy Air can help us create the perfect balance in our worlds, proving the air we breathe truly matters. Speaking of balance, let’s explore how Healthy Humidity in your home can benefit you, your family, and your community.

What is Healthy Humidity?

Most people probably think it’s the temperature in their homes that dictates comfort and air quality. While this is true, humidity also plays an important role in how safe and energy efficient the entire home is. At Aprilaire, we believe keeping your home’s humidity in the Healthy Humidity Zone (between 40% and 60%) will lead to a number of benefits, both in your everyday life and in the larger scope.

The Potential to Live Better

Sleep Better

It’s no secret that high humidity can be really uncomfortable, especially when we sleep. But it’s not just feeling uncomfortable lying in bed. High humidity levels can actually increase the number of times we wake up, which can reduce the amount of deep, restful sleep we get. That deep REM sleep is important for bodily recovery and memory.

Lower Your Stress Levels

We all want to lower our stress levels, but sometimes it’s not just our daily tasks and responsibilities that cause our stress. When we are exposed to great heat or humidity, our body systems find it harder to function and compensate. Overheating can cause weakness, headaches, and dizziness. Maintaining balanced humidity is an easy way to help keep stress levels down, both physical and mental, and keep us functioning at our best!

Even Fight Illness!

Here’s a fun fact: Studies have shown that flu viruses thrive in dry air environments. Other viruses, molds, and pollutants tend to like either excessively dry or damp conditions as well. Humans, on the other hand, are most comfortable and healthy in a nice, sweet spot between 40% and 60%. Keeping your air balanced is not only best for you but will keep you safe from various airborne illnesses that thrive in extreme environments.

The Power of Practical Science

Enjoy Energy Savings

If you notice your energy costs are higher than they should be, it might be because your air is not being cared for properly. Having balanced humidity prevents your air conditioner or furnace from working overtime, thus saving you money on future energy costs.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Owning a home is an investment, and one day you might want to cash in on that investment. If you’re not focusing on the air in your home, it could be causing damage that you aren’t seeing until it’s too late. Dry air can lead to cracked wood, while damp air contributes to harmful mold growth and pests. Having proper humidity keeps your home safe and can help you in the long run.

Even Help Save the Planet with ENERGY STAR®!

Wouldn’t it be great to know that the choices you make have a greater impact on the environment? Aprilaire has worked on creating cost AND energy-efficient products and has received certifications from ENERGY STAR®, the nation’s leading innovation and energy efficiency expert. Our new e-series™ Dehumidifiers, recognized as ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient 2021, have increased energy efficiency and removal capacity without sacrificing ease of install or their wide variety of install applications.

Connect with a Healthy Air Hero for the Full Benefits Today!

 At Aprilaire, we want you to breathe Healthy Air in your home every day to help you realize the benefits of better health, less stress, and greater cost and energy savings. Healthy Humidity is a great place to start, but be sure to check out all of our whole-home solutions and systems designed to manage air purity, fresh air supply, and more. Find an Aprilaire Healthy Air Pro near you, because everyone deserves to Breathe the Fullness of Life.

St. Vincent de Paul

AA Homepage Articles | News |

2021: Aprilaire’s Good Neighbor Values

2 minute read

Share

Click the play button to listen to the post

We take the importance of caring for others to heart at Aprilaire. We believe we have a purpose beyond the individual work we do and that being a successful company also means “Being a Good Neighbor.” It’s one of our core values, and something we put into action each year.

We remain committed to helping our local communities in a number of ways, including financial contributions and volunteering. In the past, we’ve raised funds to provide pack-n-plays to mothers in need, volunteered at local blood drives, and held various donation drives throughout the year.

While our partnership opportunities may look different in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re excited to continue our work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, whose mission statement reads:

“A membership organization, the Society began working in Madison in 1925 with two parish-based groups of members serving their neighbors in need. Today, programs the Society operates in Dane County include a large customer-choice food pantry, a charitable pharmacy, storage for the goods of persons who are homeless, seven thrift stores offering direct charity, housing at Port St. Vincent de Paul and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton House, and several other forms of assistance for people struggling with poverty.”

We’ve been working with St. Vincent de Paul – Madison since 2014, giving us a number of incredible opportunities to give back and live out our mission of being Good Neighbors.

We believe the work they’re doing to provide assistance for our community is more important than ever right now, which is why it’s our honor to be a 2021 Platinum Sponsor for St. Vincent de Paul’s 6th Annual Care Café fundraising breakfast on May, 5th 2021. The theme is “Love Made Visible.”

They’re going virtual this year, which means they have unlimited capacity to reach their goal of $140,000. If you live in Dane County, we encourage you to attend the virtual event and support our neighbors in need through your contributions to the food pantry, free pharmacy, and housing programs.

 Click here for more information on St. Vincent de Paul – Madison to see how you can get involved.

Or find a charity in your area that you may be able to connect with to make an impact.

AA Homepage Articles | News |

Experiencing the Fight For Air Climb

2 minute read

Share

Before the Fight For Air Climb

Entering the US Bank Center for the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb was a rush of energy.

This seemed less like an arduous trek up 1,000 stairs and more of an indoor festival. There were volunteers ready to greet you and pump you up for the ensuing climb and people from different companies sitting at tables ready to hand out souvenirs.

They were probably also there to distract you after you just got done instinctively looking up toward the top of the 47-story US Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee becoming a little uneasy at the prospect of your journey upward.

Before you made your climb, you gathered as a team and took several escalators down to the basement level before getting warmed up with a quick aerobic routine. Then you took a long and winding tunnel where you greeted by more volunteers who were cheering you on. It was hard not to feel inspired and excited.

During the Fight For Air Climb

One-by-one people took off up toward the top of the US Bank Center to begin their Fight For Air Climb. I, like most, started off confidently and quickly. I took the first six flights easily, but then by flight eight, I began to fight for air. I now understand why they title this climb just that. My mind and my body were at odds. I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to continue at the same pace to get it over with as quickly as possible or to slow down and feel better. I went with the former.

Everyone in the stairwell was trudging onward with the same dilemma. We all were gasping for air as we kept pushing up each step and each flight toward the top of the Fight For Air Climb. At several points, I wondered if I was actually making any progress.

Every 10 flights there was a group of volunteers handing out cups of water and words of encouragement. Both were sorely needed to help push me along.

With each passing flight, I kept a tally of how many flights I had left. Twenty flights down, 27 more flights to go; 30 flights down, 17 flights to go; Ok, 40 flights down, 7 to go. By the time I got to the 40th floor, I knew I could make the last push to make it to the top of my Fight For Air Climb journey.

After the Fight For Air Climb

Eventually, I reached the top after 9 minutes and 31 seconds. At the top of the stairwell, I was met by volunteers who were cheering me on and by other climbers who were also catching their breath and taking in the picturesque views of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan afforded to us by the tallest building in Wisconsin.

As I grabbed a water and walked around soaking in both the views of the city and my accomplishment, it was really cool to watch teams taking pictures together or greeting other climbers with high-fives and smiles. There was a certain camaraderie found in a common struggle.

Despite the lingering soreness, I cannot wait for next year’s climb. No matter if I beat my time from this year or not, it’s about fighting for air together and helping those impacted with lung disease.

To join an upcoming climb in a city near you, visit www.lung.org/aprilaire.

flights

AA Homepage Articles | News |

Experts Say Flights Can Resume, But Bring Increased Risks

2 minute read

Share

Air quality experts say that it is safe to resume flying, but travelers must take advanced precautions before traveling like taking shorter flights when possible, wearing masks, and social distancing. 

In an opinion piece for The Washington Post, Joseph Allen, an assistant professor of exposure assessment science at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, makes the case that airplanes do not make you sick. In fact, airplanes have comparable levels of air filtration and fresh air ventilation to a health care facility. 

Flights May Be Less Comfortable With Recommendations

He argues that airlines should continue disinfecting high-touch areas such as armrests and tray tables, stop in-flight food service, mandate mask-wearing, and ask patrons to keep their above ventilation fan on throughout the flight. While these adjustments make flying less enjoyable, they can help reduce in-flight virus transmission. Masks are currently required on public transportation. 

Allen is not the only one saying it is safe to resume flying. 

‘Safer Than Eating At A Restaurant’

Linsey Marr, an engineering professor at Virginia Tech, in a CNN article writes, “When HEPA ventilation systems are running on a plane and everyone is masked, the risk of Covid-19 is greatly reduced and makes air travel on a big jet safer than eating at a restaurant.”

Activities Create Biggest Risks

She and Allen argue that the biggest risks in airline travel stem from activities like the pre-flight boarding process or when a flight is delayed and people are stuck on the plane. Marr, who has been wearing an air quality monitor when she travels, said CO2 levels are elevated during these aforementioned activities and are indicative of a lack of fresh air ventilation. 

Marr told CNN that “A CO2 (carbon dioxide) level of 3,000 ppm means that for every breath I take in, about 7% of the air is other people’s exhaled breath…like drinking someone else’s backwash!”

The airport also presents other problems for travelers.

Allen suggests airports create more touchless experiences, upgrade their HVAC system, and require masks. Some updates have already been implemented in some airports or will be implemented in the future. 

Other experts suggest carrying your own personal hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and sticking to shorter flights. 

Even though there are risks to flying, Marr and Allen say you are clear for takeoff this summer.