Contaminants

Recent posts

  • Why Does My AC Smell Like Vinegar?

    Air conditioning units have played a significant role in upgrading our lifestyles. They help us beat the scorching summer heat, reduce humidity, and enjoy better air quality. However, as with other machines, an underlying problem with your AC might cause it to smell bad. People, for instance, often complain about their AC units emitting a…

  • Annoying Beeps: Troubleshooting CO Detector

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that around 50,000 US citizens visit the emergency department annually due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Because the colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas isn’t detectable, accidental CO poisoning is common. Luckily, CO detectors ensure safety by alerting people timely but might beep frequently. A beeping carbon…

  • Fishy Business: Why Does My House Smell Like Fish?

    Unusual odor in the house is not just uncomfortable but can also be indicative of toxic gas leaks and other dangerous circumstances. The constant fish-like smell is a common complaint, and while you may think of spoiled food as its source, multiple other reasons may be lying at the root of the problem. The fish…

  • The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Tap Water in Your Humidifier

    Tap water can be used in a humidifier, but it may lead to mineral buildup and the dispersal of minerals and potential contaminants into the air. The best alternatives to tap water for humidifiers are distilled or purified water, which help prevent these issues and maintain optimal performance. Imagine this scenario: it’s the middle of…

  • Why Your House Smells Like Bleach/Chlorine

    Unless you live under a rock, you’re exposed to chlorine regularly when swimming, drinking water, or driving your vehicle. Besides, homeowners often use bleach-based disinfectants to kill viruses and bacteria in their homes. While a chlorine smell is common after cleaning, a bleach or chlorine smell can occur in your hoe for many reasons. Although…

  • Pee-yew! Why Does My AC Smell Like Urine?

    Air conditioners are designed to boost your indoor air quality by providing cool and fresh air. So, experiencing an unpleasant odor after turning it on is nothing more than disappointment. Unfortunately, homeowners frequently complain about their units smelling like urine. Your air conditioning unit may emit urine/ammonia smells due to mold buildup, dirty AC filter,…

  • What To Do When Your House Smells Like A Tire Shop

    Regardless of your maintenance habits, you’re bound to encounter weird smells around your property once in a while. While a few smells subside pretty quickly, others linger around before dissipating. One such unusual and notorious odor is that of burning plastic or rubber. Your house may smell like burning plastic due to faulty home appliances,…

  • Why Your House Smells Like A Sewer: Causes And Solutions

    A nasty odor from rotten food, garbage cans, and smoke isn’t uncommon. But they are easier to tackle and take a minute to eliminate. A few stubborn smells, however, can make you nauseous and put your well-being at risk. One such noxious odor is that of sewerage. But where does it stem from? Sewerage smell…

  • Air Conditioners That Smell Like Rotten Eggs – Here’s Why

    If you’re like most people, you probably dedicate hours every week maintaining your home and car. There’s nothing more disappointing than coming home or getting in your car on a hot day to discover your air conditioner smells like rotten eggs. A home or car air conditioner can smell like sulfur because of dead animals…

  • How To Reset A Hardwired Smoke Detector

    A hardwired smoke detector can be reset by pressing and holding the reset or test button for 15 seconds. If that fails to stop the alarm from beeping, replace the backup battery with a new one. State laws in the US mandate installation of smoke alarms in all residential areas. While many people use battery…

  • Respirators And Masks For Ammonia – Know The Difference

    Activated charcoal masks, 3M masks, and an OSHA-approved combination of 3M and P100 are the best respirators to protect against ammonia. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of an approved mask or respirator should be worn if you are going to be exposed to airborne ammonia. Ammonia is a naturally occurring gas that enters…

  • Air Purifiers That Remove Carbon Dioxide – Plant Power.

    Regular air purifiers cannot remove carbon dioxide from the air. However, one air purifier can remove carbon dioxide as it is made from algae and mimics how plants remove carbon dioxide from the air. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is an important part of our planet’s atmosphere, playing a crucial role in the greenhouse effect. But high…

  • How To Replace Hoover Vacuum Parts And Accessories

    To replace the belt or the brush roll on a Hoover vacuum, unscrew the brush guard, and replace the old brush assembly and belt. Remove the power switch from the back panel, and slot a new one in its place. Take out the motor housing, and place the new cord using the old retainers. Before replacing…

  • Why Your CPAP Filter Is Turning Black – And How To Fix It

    Air entering a CPAP machine carries airborne contaminants that can cause the filter to turn black over time. Soot stains from candles and mold build-up due to high relative humidity can also make the filter black. CPAP machines deliver a continuous flow of pressurized air to help relieve respiratory disorders, especially sleep apnea. Since these…

  • Deebot Vacuum Beeping – Causes And Solutions

    A Deebot vacuum can start beeping because of a malfunctioning brush, obstruction in a faulty motor, failed auto-sensor, full or improperly installed dustbin, and low battery. The number of times a Deebot vacuum beeps identifies which problem is causing the malfunction. Deebot robot vacuums are known for their powerful suction and ease of use. However, certain…

  • 10 Reasons Why Your Smoke Alarm Keeps Beeping

    Smoke alarms beep continually when there is a fire in the home. In the case of false alarms, a smoke detector can keep beeping due to residual charge, high humidity, old batteries, extreme temperatures or dust/debris on the sensors. Incorrect placement, and old detector or an internal malfunction can also cause a smoke detector to…

  • Do Humidifiers Kill Or Spread Germs – All You Need To Know

    Humidifiers do not kill germs that are airborne. Poorly maintained cool mist humidifiers can breed and disperse bacteria and mold spores into the air and have been associated with inflammation of the lungs. Conversely, warm mist humidifiers can kill the germs present in the water tank, and do not disperse pollutants.   Humidifiers are reliable appliances…

  • Air Conditioners And Ozone Emission – Get The Facts

    Conventional air conditioners do not generate ozone. However, air conditioner units with integrated ionizers do create and emit small amounts of ozone.  The ions produced by the ionizer component can split oxygen molecules, releasing them to bond with other oxygen molecules and form ozone. While air conditioners help make a room comfortable on hot summer days,…

  • Propane Detectors – Single And Multi Gas Monitors

    There are detectors solely dedicated to propane and natural gas detection. However, any combustible gas detector can detect propane gas leaks. Combustible gas detectors are also used to detect butane, natural gas, hydrocarbons and some solvents. Propane gas is a fuel source for many homes and buildings where natural gas isn’t available. It is used…

  • Why You Need A Carbon Monoxide Detector – Get The Facts

    Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all homes in every state, excluding Hawaii and Kansas, under state legislations. Detectors can prevent accidental CO poisoning from common domestic appliances including gas stoves, furnaces, heaters and generators and must be placed on each floor. Every year 50,000 Americans land in emergency departments due to poisoning by carbon…

  • How Furnace Filters Help With Allergies – Removing Triggers

    Furnaces with generic filters are largely ineffective at reducing airborne allergens. However, furnace air filters that are HEPA, pleated polyester, carbon, fiberglass or those with MERV rating >11 can remove common allergens, such as dust and pet dander, and may help with allergies. Furnaces are an everyday appliance in cold areas and most modern ones…

  • What is the White Stuff In (and On) My Air Purifier?  

    High quality air purifiers can remove up to 99.97% of the contaminants in the air we breathe. However, if you have noticed some white stuff in and around your air purifier, you might be concerned that your air is not safe to breathe.   Electrostatic air purifiers can produce white dust as a by-product of air…

  • Do Humidifiers Produce Ozone? – All You Need To Know

    Humidifiers are appliances that improve and regulate the moisture content in the air and are essential in dry areas. But do they produce any toxic byproducts like ozone?  Standard humidifiers do not produce ozone. However, negative ion humidifiers, or ‘humidifier ionizers do produce a small amount of ozone. Certain humidifier-air purifier combination units can also…

  • Do Air Purifiers Remove Uranium – Filtering Radioactive Dust

    Uranium is a radioactive element that occurs naturally in soil, rock, and water. Tiny uranium particles are also present in the air as dust. Air purifiers trap airborne contaminants and therefore might help remove airborne Uranium.   Air purifiers with HEPA filters, ionizers, or electrostatic filters can remove uranium particles from the air.  Purifiers with H13 or…

  • Do Air Purifiers Remove Benzene – How To Eliminate Exposure

    Over 80 million Americans use air purifiers in their homes and offices to improve the indoor air quality by getting rid of different contaminants, which may include benzene. However, there are many different types of air purifiers and not all of them are able to remove benzene. Air purifiers with an activated charcoal filter can…

  • Do Dehumidifiers Get Rid Of Bugs – Insects And Humidity

    Heat and humidity provide a favorable breeding environment for pests. Given that dehumidifiers can reduce relative humidity, we often wonder if they can help counter bugs’ invasion in our homes.   Dehumidifiers reduce humidity levels to 30-50%, which can deter bugs and insects that prefer high relative humidity conditions, such as roaches, ants and spiders. Relative…

  • Can Humidifiers Make You Sick – Infections And Pneumonitis

    Around 45 million American use a humidifier to increase the moisture content in the air. Humidifiers are particularly essential in the wintertime, or in dry climates, for a comfortable environment. But do they have any adverse effects on health?  Humidifiers can lead to health conditions, including microbial infections, sinus congestion, and humidifier lung by breeding…

  • Do Air Purifiers Remove Ammonia – Filters, Odors, And VOCs

    With air quality a growing concern in the United States, nearly a third of Americans have turned to air purifiers for cleaner air. While these devices excel at removing particles, can they deal with toxic gases like ammonia? Standard air purifiers cannot remove ammonia. An activated carbon filter impregnated with potassium permanganate is required to…

  • Air Purifiers That Produce Ozone – And The Ones That Don’t

    More than 80 million Americans use an air purifier to improve air quality and essentially protect their health. However, it’s crucial to know if air purification also creates toxic byproducts such as ozone. Ozone generators and air purifiers with ionizers or UV bulbs that emit wavelengths of 185nm produce ozone. However, air purifiers with HEPA,…

  • Bugs Attracted To Air Conditioners – And How To Keep Them Out

    People seek refuge from the summer heat by keeping their air conditioners on. But during the hottest times of the year, air conditioners are an attraction for various bugs, especially in nighttime warmth. An air conditioner’s moisture and warmth attract certain types of bugs. Cockroaches, spiders, mosquitoes, flies, fungus-gnats, hornets and centipedes can enter the…