RMM - JULY 23 - Aura I Elton

Optimize Your Home’s Air Conditioning HOW TO STAY COOL & LOWER COSTS THIS SUMMER

Home Sweet Home spoke with Lauren Acosta Huckleberry of North Carolina-based Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical, a second-generation family business that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lauren shares her expert advice to help homeowners keep their homes cool and comfortable during the hot summer months while keeping energy and repair bills to a minimum.

Lauren Acosta Huckleberry with one of Acosta's Certified HVAC Techs on a service call

UNDERSTAND AIR FILTERS As summer temperatures soar, and we enter what Lauren calls “the cooling season.” During this season she recommends “Cleaning or replacing air filters every month—even more frequently if the filters seem excessively clogged with dust and debris.” Filters that contain a lot of particulate matter are a sign the area near them contains a lot of air contaminants. TIP: Use a permanent marker to record the date you change each filter on the top border. This will help you easily find this information if you can’t remember the last time you replaced them. How quickly the air filters in your home will require cleaning or switching out depends on many factors: Do you dust and clean your home regularly to keep debris and other airborne particles from accumulating in the air? Are you an avid cook? Regular use of your stovetop releases Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), substances that contain carbon. 1

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOCS) VOCs are substances that contain carbon and are commonly found in a variety of widely used household items ranging from cleansers to aerosol sprays, as well as supplies for DIY projects or simple repairs including certain glues, pastes, paints, and varnishes. If possible, use these types of products outdoors where there is ample ventilation. In addition, if you haven’t kicked the nicotine habit yet and vape or smoke, don’t use any kind of cigarette

indoors as these contain VOCs as well. VOCs are known to irritate the eyes, nose,

throat, and lungs. They are also known to trigger headaches, nausea, and lack of coordination. More serious health conditions linked to VOCs include damage to the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and cancer. If you must use these items indoors, check the packaging before purchasing and choose products that are marked as low-VOC. To further reduce exposure, keep your home well- ventilated and make sure your air filters are changed at least once a month.

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