Indoor air quality is influenced by many factors, including dust, pet dander, mold spores, and volatile organic compounds. Northern Virginia and DC residents, particularly in areas like Bethesda, Arlington, and Capitol Hill, often seek solutions to alleviate allergies and respiratory discomfort. Many turn to whole-home air purifiers, but do these truly make a difference?

As the local indoor air quality experts, F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical is here to answer this question and provide insight into how these systems can transform your indoor air quality.

How Do Whole-Home Air Purifiers Work?

Whole-house air purifiers integrate directly into your HVAC system, ensuring every room benefits from cleaner air. Unlike portable units that only filter air in a single space, these systems continuously remove contaminants throughout the home.

Some key features include:

• Filtration process: These purifiers use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, activated carbon, and UV light technology to capture and neutralize pollutants. For example, a HEPA filter can trap microscopic allergens like pollen and pet dander, preventing them from circulating in your house.
• Integration with HVAC: Installed within the ductwork, the purifier cleans air as it moves through the system. This means that whether you’re in Silver Spring, VA, or Dupont Circle, DC, your home’s air remains consistently fresh.
• Continuous operation: Unlike portable units that require manual operation, whole-home purifiers work automatically whenever your HVAC system runs, ensuring uninterrupted air purification.

The Benefits of Whole-Home Air Purifiers

Many residents mistakenly attribute their persistent allergies to seasonal changes when, in reality, poor indoor air quality may be the culprit. The body works harder to filter out airborne contaminants, leading to fatigue and respiratory strain.

Whole-house air purifiers offer several advantages:

• Improved respiratory health: By removing allergens like dust mites and mold spores, these systems help reduce symptoms of asthma and allergies. For instance, a client in Alexandria, VA, noticed fewer allergy flare-ups after installing a purifier.
• Odor elimination: Activated carbon filters absorb odors from cooking, pets, and smoke, ensuring a fresher indoor environment. A family in Rockville, MD, found that lingering kitchen smells dissipated much faster.
• Extended HVAC lifespan: Cleaner air reduces the strain on HVAC components, leading to fewer repairs and a longer system life. A resident in Georgetown, DC, reported fewer maintenance issues after installing a purifier.
• Enhanced comfort: With fewer airborne pollutants, indoor air feels fresher and more breathable, improving overall comfort. A client in Falls Church, VA, noted a significant difference in air quality within days.

Do Whole-Home Air Purifiers Work?

Yes, whole-house air purifiers are highly effective at improving indoor air quality. These systems continuously filter out contaminants, ensuring that every breath you take is cleaner and healthier.

Unlike portable units that only address air in a single room, whole-home purifiers provide comprehensive filtration, making them a worthwhile investment for those in Maryland, Virginia, and DC.

Schedule an Air Purifier Installation

F.H. Furr offers whole-house air purifier installations in Northern Virginia and DC. Our team is committed to delivering top-tier service, ensuring your home’s air is as clean as possible.

F.H. Furr hires “Absolutely the Best” professionals, ensuring that every installation is handled precisely. We treat your home with the utmost care, offering industry-exclusive guarantees and flat-rate pricing so you always know what to expect. Our community involvement and charitable efforts reflect our dedication to 100% customer satisfaction.

Contact F.H. Furr today to schedule whole-home air purifier services in DC or Northern Virginia.

It’s official — spring has sprung! While the sun is shining and the grass is getting greener, allergy sufferers are left sneezing due to the abundance of tree pollen, mold spores, and grass pollen in the air. Luckily, there are several tips homeowners can take to minimize the impact of spring allergies and improve their overall health and comfort.

Here, the HVAC professionals at F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical discuss simple tips and tricks for improving the quality of your home’s air and keeping your seasonal allergies at bay this spring.

How Does an HVAC System Affect Allergies?

The air in your home cycles through your HVAC system before circulating through your home. Dust and debris can be blown into your living spaces if your AC is poorly maintained. This is especially true if your air filters are dirty or clogged, as your system is then unable to filter the air properly.

With preventative maintenance, homeowners can avoid having contaminants recirculate in their homes and keep their indoor spaces allergen-free.

Ways To Alleviate Allergies

To get the most relief from seasonal allergies, homeowners can follow these tips to remove pollutants from their indoor air and keep their homes fresh and clean.

Replace Filters

The filters in your HVAC system can trap airborne particles as air is drawn into the system. When the filters are dirty and clogged, their filtration abilities are limited.

We recommend replacing your filters at least every three months, although replacing them monthly can benefit those with sensitive allergies. Consider a high-quality HEPA or EnviroAire filter to capture even smaller particles.

Install an Air Purifier

With its advanced filtration and UV lights, a whole-home air purifier can help remove more airborne allergens like pollen, dander, and mold spores. Unlike a portable air purifier that improves the air in one room, a whole-home system adds an extra layer of filtration to any air that comes into your home to provide added relief for allergy sufferers.

Schedule Duct Cleaning

Over time, dust and debris can settle in your air ducts, which then circulate that air throughout your home when your HVAC system runs. To remove pollen, pet hair, and more that may exacerbate your allergies, we recommend homeowners schedule professional duct cleaning services to remove these contaminants and reduce allergy symptoms.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Before the height of spring allergies, homeowners should schedule their spring AC maintenance. During this tune-up appointment, a technician will clean coils, check for mold growth, and ensure proper airflow to improve overall system efficiency and prevent dust accumulation that can worsen allergies.

Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up

If spring allergies are impacting your health and well-being, call F.H. Furr to learn how our professional cooling and indoor air quality services can help.

Our team offers a full range of quality services that can eliminate allergens from your home and support a healthier environment. Trust our team to assess your needs and recommend the best solutions for your home today.

Contact F.H. Furr today to schedule air quality services.

Ask F.H. Furr: “I saw that you install UV light air purifiers. I always thought that UV rays are dangerous. Aren’t they a form of radiation? Are UV lights safe to use in the home?” — Carrie S., Fairfax, VA

Recently, a customer asked this question to our service team. She was interested in an air purification system but was worried about the use of UV light in her home.

This thought process isn’t uncommon, especially since we see advertisements for sunglasses, sunscreen, and even clothing that protect us from UV rays. So let’s get into some basics about UV light, radiation, and whether or not it’s safe to use in your home. 

Ultraviolet Light at a Glance

To answer the question of “is it safe?” you should be aware of what it is. Ultraviolet (UV) light is a form of radiation (electromagnetic waves, especially high-energy particles, which cause ionization). It’s invisible to the human eye, falling right before visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum.

It’s a range of wavelength frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends. Although we can’t see it, we feel its effects, especially when out in the sun, as sunlight is the main source of UV radiation. 

When It’s Dangerous

UV light and radiation are dangerous when it comes to powerful rays that occur in nature and come into contact with your skin or eyes. UV can penetrate layers of your skin, causing tanning and burning. This leads to premature aging of the skin and potentially skin cancer.

Staring into UV rays can also cause vision impairment. This is why sunscreen and sunglasses are essential outdoor safety requirements. So in this form, UV light is dangerous. 

When It’s Safe

UV light is safe when used in the form of a lamp or UV bulb and not coming into contact with the skin or eyes. Over the years, scientists have discovered the germ-killing power of UV light and have harnessed that power into a bulb that emits powerful but safe UV rays, sanitizing surfaces and airborne contaminants.

You should be aware that not all UV products are safe or effective. Be sure that you trust the company you purchase from. Although you should never shine UV lamps on your skin or in your eyes, UV light is safe for in-home purification when installed by a professional. 

UV Light & Indoor Air Quality 

When it comes to indoor air quality, there’s no greater purification system than a UV-C light. We install EnviroAire IAQ Whole-Home In-Duct Air Purification Systems, and our customers are experiencing cleaner, healthier air than ever before.

If you’ve been wondering whether a UV germicidal air purification system is a solution for your home’s poor indoor air quality, we can help answer your questions.

Reach out today and experience the air-purifying power of ultraviolet light.

What’s Lurking in Your Crawl Space?

What is a crawl space? It may not be a term you’d know off the top of your head, but it’s a part of your home, and it has the potential to be extremely harmful. A crawl space is located beneath many houses, is generally very small, and is only tall enough to “crawl” through, hence its name.

These spaces have room for pipes to run, allowing easy access should the pipes need to be serviced. Unfortunately, these spaces are very near to the ground, and their floor is generally made of dirt. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself to discover the truth about your crawl spaces:

What are the dangers of leaving my home’s crawl space as it is?

Homeowners likely don’t feel that taking protective measures with their crawl space is necessary, since they’ve rarely even noticed its existence, but crawl spaces can be damaging to your home and health. A lot of water accumulates in the earth beneath your home, and this moisture can vaporize and puddle. Your crawl space is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew.

As your home circulates air, it pulls up from the crawl space and into your home. Mold spores, odors, and dust mites can come up with the air like smoke being wafted up a chimney. This severely compromises your indoor air quality as well as the health and safety of your home. As spring and summer approach, the moisture combined with stagnant air and humidity will wreak havoc on your home and cause unhealthy air quality.

Crawl spaces need to be properly ventilated to allow the moisture to escape, or else the vapors can lead to serious structural problems as floor joists and framing become compromised. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that water vapors are damaging your home:

• Warped or buckling floors
• Mildewed carpets
• Rust
• Peeling paint
• Musty odors

You have to watch out for structural damage, and keep in mind that rodents and pests of all kinds love dark, dank areas. These creatures also attract snakes, and while some of us may like the reptiles, most don’t want them slithering beneath our homes.

What Can I Do To Protect My Home From Crawl Space Damage?

Crawl space encapsulation is the answer. It’s a simple procedure that will save you hundreds on potential damages and give you peace of mind all year. Encapsulation is the process of covering the dirt and gaps with a protective barrier. This barrier seals out the moisture, protecting your home from damage and destructive vapors.

Encapsulation turns your crawl space into a clean and safe area and saves you up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs simply by sealing the cracks that allow outdoor air in.

At F.H. Furr, we encourage you to take the initiative, protect your home from moisture damage, and save energy with crawl space encapsulation. We believe that keeping your home and family safe and comfortable comes first. Saving energy is just another reason to take the right step toward encapsulating your crawl space.

Give our experts a call and find out if crawl space encapsulation is right for your home.

Do you ever feel like your home’s air is too dry in the winter or too damp in the summer? When it comes to balancing humidity levels throughout the seasons, installing a whole-home humidifier is the ideal solution.

F.H. Furr Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical can help with all your indoor air needs. From resolving dry air issues to enhancing overall air quality, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how a whole-home humidifier can transform your home.

Health Advantages of Optimal Humidity

Maintaining the right humidity level in your home isn’t just about comfort — it’s also about health. When humidity is too low, it can lead to dry skin, irritated airways, and an increased spread of illnesses. On the other hand, too much humidity can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria.

A whole-home humidifier offers several health benefits, including:

• Reducing respiratory issues and allergies: Balanced humidity helps moisturize your airways, easing asthma symptoms and allergies. It also reduces airborne allergens like dust and pet dander.
• Promoting healthier skin and preventing dryness: Proper humidity levels prevent your skin from becoming dry, itchy, or flaky, especially during winter when indoor air tends to be drier.
• Mitigating the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria: A humidified environment can reduce the transmission of cold, flu, and other illnesses by preventing viruses and bacteria from thriving in dry air.

Protection for Your Home & Belongings

With a humidifier, you enhance your comfort while protecting your home and its valuable contents. Here’s how:

• Preventing wood warping and cracking: Wood furniture, floors, and cabinets can warp or crack when the air is too dry. A humidifier helps keep the wood in good shape so your furniture lasts longer.
• Protecting musical instruments, furniture, and artwork: Instruments like pianos and guitars can get damaged or lose their sound if the air is too dry. Artwork can fade or crack, too. A humidifier creates a stable environment that keeps these treasures safe and sound.
• Preserving electronic devices: Low humidity can lead to static electricity, which can harm your electronics. A humidifier helps reduce static, keeping your devices running smoothly and safely.

Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings

Using a whole-home humidifier can help you save on energy costs while keeping your home comfortable. Here’s how a humidifier can boost energy efficiency:

• Enhancing comfort at lower temperatures: With the right humidity level, you can feel warmer at lower thermostat settings, allowing you to save on heating costs.
• Reducing heating bills during colder months: Proper humidity helps your heating system work more efficiently, which can lead to lower energy bills in the winter.
• Extending the lifespan of HVAC systems: A humidifier can help your heating and cooling systems last longer by reducing strain, which saves you money on repairs and replacements.

Improved Indoor Air Quality & Comfort

Poor indoor air quality can stem from various factors, including unbalanced humidity. A whole-home humidifier helps maintain optimal moisture levels, reducing static electricity and eliminating static shocks, especially in the dry winter months.

Proper humidity also supports better sleep and overall well-being — moist air is easier to breathe, reduces snoring, and helps you wake up feeling refreshed. A humidifier lets you enjoy consistent comfort in every room, keeping your home perfectly balanced year-round.

Schedule Whole-Home Humidifier Installation

Don’t compromise on your comfort — trust the expertise of F.H. Furr to help you choose the best whole-home humidifier for your home. Our team comprises “Absolutely the Best” people, ensuring your indoor air quality, heating, and cooling concerns are resolved professionally and carefully.

Plus, with our flat-rate pricing and comprehensive guarantees, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying upfront and can trust there won’t be any surprises — just reliable, high-quality service every time.

Experience a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. Call F.H. Furr today to request an appointment.

Imrpove Your Indoor Air Quality

Fall is a great time of year, but it also comes with its own set of challenges for indoor air quality. As the temperatures drop, people tend to spend more time inside, which can lead to a buildup of pollutants and allergens. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve the quality of the air in your home this fall.

The EnviroAire IAQ UV: Your Indoor Air Quality Solution

The EnviroAire IAQ UV is the most effective whole-home air treatment system available. We improved the award-winning design by refining the original system. The EnviroAire IAQ UV has more than 60% effective carbon-ceramic surface area for more efficient air cleaning than the original model. Ten (10) CeraCarbon cells positioned in an advanced V-Twin Matrix design allow for the increased surface area across the plenum. The increased carbon-ceramic surface area provides faster odor and chemical removal.

The 2-year insulated double-wall Quartz UV-C Lamp delivers class-leading biological coil & airstream disinfection while producing zero-ozone emissions.

The cells from the EnviroAire IAQ UV lifetime CeraCarbon are manufactured using a proprietary catalyst blend with germicidal nanotechnology. Microbes are killed on contact, not just by the surface action of the UV-C Light. The CeraCarbon nanotechnology process ionically attracts mold, bacteria, and viruses through an innovative patented process while destroying microbes by piercing the microorganisms’ cellular walls.

If you’re concerned about the air quality of your home, now is the best time to have one of our technicians come out and assess potential issues and risks. The EnviroAire IAQ UV is a great option for homeowners with indoor air quality issues or sensitivity to indoor pollutants and dust.

Call (703) 540-4838 to schedule service with F.H. Furr.

According to the American Lung Association, most people spend 60–90% of their time indoors. This means the quality of the air you’re breathing in your home should be of the utmost importance, and duct cleaning is a vital part of maintaining your indoor air quality.

We can all agree that having smoke detectors installed in the home is a must. However, you might not know that Carbon Monoxide detectors are also vital to your safety, especially during the winter! 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), when winter temperatures plummet, the heating system in the home runs for hours, which can put your home at a high risk of a carbon monoxide leak. Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency room due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and at least 430 people die from it. 

If your home does not have a working carbon monoxide detector, you need to call your electrician immediately to have one installed properly! 

The most dangerous thing about carbon monoxide poisoning is that it’s colorless and odorless, making it invisible. Even if you can escape before succumbing to this poison, you might experience symptoms like loss of balance, memory and vision loss, and eventually loss of consciousness. This can happen within 2 hours if you’re not careful. Carbon monoxide can affect your entire household, including your pets. Therefore, it’s wise to have your electrician install an alarm that alerts you of CO in the air, even when you’re away from home. 

At F.H. Furr, our electricians will help you decide on the best carbon monoxide alarm for your home. More often than not, we recommend the Nest Protect Smart Smoke and CO Alarm. This is because it detects smoke and carbon monoxide, so you don’t need to install separate systems. When a hint of danger is sensed, the alarm speaks in a friendly non-panic-inducing tone and glows yellow, so you can take the proper steps to evacuate without feeling the stress of the alarm continuously blaring through your home. The Nest Protect tells you where the danger is, pinpointing the room where the carbon monoxide is coming from. This will enable you to give the fire department the correct instructions should you need to. 

This detector is considered a “smart home” appliance, which means it connects to your devices so that you can get alerts and even silence it from anywhere. It’s also convenient as it lights up when you walk past, giving you a soft glow when you’re up late at night. If there is a severe emergency, such as a heavy flow of carbon monoxide, or an immediate, smoldering fire, it sounds a more intense alarm. It pulses red, once again, notifying you of where the emergency is located. 

Whether your electrician installs a Nest Protect or a more basic carbon monoxide alarm model, you must install a functioning alert system this winter! Want to learn more about electrical safety? Contact us today and have an electrician perform an electrical safety inspection of your home. This will maintain your system and inform you of potential hazards to keep your home and family safe this winter! 

Reducing the amount of air leaking in and out of your home is the most cost-effective way to decrease heating and cooling expenses, improve durability, enhance comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment. 

How does air sealing work, and what are the benefits? 

Air sealing is the process of finding and filling all of the gaps and cracks within the structure of your home. 

With a sealed and insulated home, the heating and cooling systems can perform at their peak as they are not forced to compensate for the escaping air. The result is not only an increase in the longevity of your system but also a reduction in your utility bills by 10-20%.

Too much moisture in a house can affect its structural integrity or the respiratory health of its residents. Additionally, fewer nooks and crannies mean that pests have less opportunity to become uninvited guests.

To make your home as comfortable, safe, and energy-efficient as possible, you should combine air sealing with proper insulation.

4 Common Areas in Your Home That May Need More Insulation or Require Air Sealing

Attic

Heat gravitates toward cold, making the hot summer attic the most significant contributor of humidity in your home and the cold winter attic an escape zone for warm indoor air. An astounding 30-50% of your energy passes through the attic! 

Windows and Doors

Any area of your home with direct access to the outdoors is particularly susceptible to energy loss and should be sealed and insulated with care.

Floors and Foundation

Just as energy can be lost through inadequate insulation in the attic, floors are often a common medium for air to escape. Gaps will inevitably appear in the foundation of your home as it ages.

Fireplaces

Fireplaces aren’t used year-round in most of the United States, so they become a source of energy loss when they aren’t sealed as they should be.

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our home comfort technicians!