March 17, 2016
Helpful Ways to Control PollutantsThere's more than meets the eye when it comes to maintaining a clean, healthful household. Sure, you want the home's surfaces to look clean and shiny, but what about your home's air? Rest assured, minuscule particles are present, affecting your home's indoor air quality, and you need to control them. Read on for ways to do just that. Indoor Air Pollutants What sort of substances are likely to be present in your indoor air? It may surprise you, but here are some of the most common found in a typical American home:
  • Dust
  • Dust mites and decaying insect parts
  • Pollen
  • Pet dander
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are particles given off by cleaning products, dry cleaning, pressed wood, paint, textiles, carpet and other sources
  • Mold, fungus and mildew
  • Radon
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
Controlling Pollutants There are many methods for combating these pollutants, but one of the best is to keep them out of your home.
  • Remove shoes at the door to keep out dust, and brush off clothing before entering the house during pollen season.
  • Brush and wash pets outdoors.
  • Cap off chemicals tightly, storing them in the garage
  • Air out pressed wood, textiles, carpet and dry cleaning before bringing these products into your home.
  • Fix plumbing and roof leaks to avoid stains, flooding and mold
  • Install exhaust ventilation in the bathroom and kitchen to get rid of excess moisture.
  • Dust with a microstatic or damp cloth and vacuum frequently with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter.
  • Wash linens in hot water to get rid of dust mites.
If you suspect radon in your home, see about professional installation of a barrier in the basement. Install a CO monitor to detect dangerous levels of this gas. Finally, install a good quality, pleated HVAC filter, rated 8-12 on the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) scale to capture airborne particles. You can also install ultraviolet lights in the HVAC system to control mold, and a whole-house electrostatic air cleaner to purify the air. For more on controlling pollutants, contact Russell's Heating & Cooling of Hampton Roads in Southeast Virginia. Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 757-750-1831. Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Jana Guothova/Shutterstock”

Maintenance Plans

Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA