Author: Dennis Reed

Dennis Reed Owner and Author @ BreatheBetterAir.org

How to Quiet a Noisy Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are pretty noisy by nature.

After all, they sit halfway in and out of a window with a motorized compressor sitting right behind the vents where the cool air comes out.

  But like any machinery, window air conditioners can become noisy after time.

  New vibrations, parts clanging, new outdoor sounds can make a window AC unit much louder than it was intended to be.

But for every problem, there is a solution. Usually.

In this article we are going to attempt to help you identify the noise, and give you a solution to get rid of the sound or at least dampen it.

Let’s get rolling.

How to Quiet a Noisy Window Air Conditioner

1.  Gurgling

The gurgling sound coming from a window air conditioner is one of the most noticeable noises that a window AC unit can make.

And to be honest, it’s not one that you’re going to always be able to get rid of.

The problem arises when condensation builds up to the point that there is water standing inside of the air conditioner.

Not only will you start hearing a gurgling noise, you will also start to feel mist coming out of the vents.

  This is a drainage issue.

It is either caused by a drain hole being stopped up to the point that water does not drain,

Or an air conditioner that is unlevel so that the water does not flow towards the drainage hole.

If the drainage hole is stopped up, the easiest thing to do is to take a water hose and spray the inside of the air conditioner out and take a pencil or something similar and dig the gunk out of the drain hole.

If the stoppage is more extreme, then there is the possibility of having to take the outside of the air conditioner off and doing a thorough cleaning inside.

In the case of an uneven window air conditioner, leveling it can be done using a level and some shims.

Most window ACS call for the rear of the AC to be slightly tilted backwards so that the water runs towards the outside of the house and not the inside.

But like I said before there’s not always an answer for this problem.

  The reason is that some window air conditioners do not have drainage holes and are meant to rely on evaporation to get rid of the condensation.

But if the humidity outside is too high, sometimes it can overcome the ability of the air conditioner to evaporate the condensation.

This can result in water inside of your air conditioner making a gurgling sound.

2. Walls vibrating

This is a problem that can create an annoying buzzing sound in the walls.

  There are a couple of things to look for when you have vibration sounds around the air conditioner.

   The vibration in the walls is a direct result of the vibration of the air conditioner.

If the air conditioner is sitting directly on the window sill without a buffer between the unit and the wood, then the walls will vibrate with the vibration that is happening naturally with the air conditioner.

Putting a piece of foam window seal weather stripping between the air conditioner and the window seal, as well as the window should cut down the amount of vibration coming from the air conditioner quite significantly.

If the vibration is extra loud, it is a result of an abnormally heavy vibration coming from the window unit itself.

  In this case, it’s more than likely that something has come loose inside of the air conditioner and is shaking.

A screw has worked itself loose and you have something shaking that should be tightened down.

The solution is to take the air conditioner out of the window, remove the outer casing and look for, then tighten down the part that has vibrated loose.

Once everything is fastened down and foam insulation has been installed between the windowsill, the AC, and the window, you should notice a big difference.

3.  Outside noise

Rarely does a window air conditioner take up the whole space of a window.
That is why they provide you with the plastic, adjustable fillers to place on both sides of the air conditioner.

  Those fillers tend to work fine for a little while as far as keeping the outdoor air on the outside. But even for that they tend to weather fast and break.

   But they were never meant to keep the outdoor noise out. The plastic on those things is much too thin to be considered a noise dampener.

Replacing the window fillers that come with the air conditioner with something much thicker will keep the outside noise outside much better.

  Even some 3/4 inch plywood can block the outdoor noise way more efficiently.

   And even more sound absorbing material is an insulation product called mineral wool. Not all of your hardware stores are going to carry it, but it is the same stuff that they make sound absorbers for music studios.

It is not strong enough to work as a standalone product when you’re talking about using it as a window filler, so it will have to be glued to another product. Like the three quarter inch plywood.

The whole process is to cut the plywood to the exact measurements that you need to fill in the spaces on the side of the AC.

Cut the mineral wool to the exact same sizes as of the wood and glue it on to the wood with some spray adhesive.

  You can cover the pieces with some fabric or wallpaper so that the mineral will insulation is not exposed.

Put your new pieces into the window and fill in the gaps around them with some spray insulation.

4. Other outdoor noises

Some outdoor noises come directly through the grill of the air conditioner.

Usually the sound of the compressor inside of the air conditioner is loud enough to cover up any outdoor noises coming through the unit itself.

But there are times when this is not the case.

How do you dampen an air conditioner noise?

One solution is to build an enclosure around the air conditioner. This can be a fully( open bottom) insulated box that sits on the outside of the air conditioner.

Important: But there is one stipulation. It must sit at least a foot around the air conditioner.

  The reason a window air conditioner needs to be in the window is because of the heat that exhausts out of the rear and the side grills that let air into the air conditioner to keep the components cool.

So any encasement around an air conditioner has to allow for these two things to occur.

Putting anything directly against the outside of the air conditioner will cause the unit to not only not cool the air like it’s supposed to, it will overheat and trip the overload button.

This is why, even though there are people selling them for this reason, putting a weighted blanket on the outside of the air conditioner to reduce the outdoor noise is not a good idea.

How to stop rain noise on window AC?

Another outdoor noise that can be a little loud inside of the house when you have a window air conditioner is the sound of rain hitting the unit.

Very similar to the sound of rain hitting a metal roof.

This can be solved by putting a dampener directly on the outdoor portion of the roof of the AC.

  One ideal is to use rubber welcome mats.
You can purchase them with foam inside of them also, which would make a great sound dampener.

And they are also easy to cut with a pair of scissors.

Very simply measure the size you need and cut it out of the welcome mat.

You can send it directly on the AC. If it is too windy in the area that you have the AC, double-sided tape can be used to keep it from blowing off.

Leaves and branches

Another outdoor noise is simply the sound of please brushing up against your air conditioner.

In this case a little bit of outdoor maintenance in the form of clearing out some brush is going to be necessary.

6. Window air conditioner compressor noise

Compressor noise comes with an AC window unit.

Unlike other types of air conditioners like mini splits and HVAC which are split into two halves with the compressor completely outside, window ACS are an all in one box type solution.

In other words, there’s no getting away from the sound of the compressor running on a window AC completely.

But not all compressor noises or meant to be there. Compressors are machines that vibrate. Vibration can lead to parts breaking and parts coming undone inside of the air conditioner over time.

Why does my window AC sound like a helicopter?

If the compressor is abnormally loud, and though this is not normally true of brand new units, something in the compressor might have come loose.
Which is making an extra sound inside of the air conditioner, providing extra noise then usual.

This is a disassembling job. You’ll have to take the air conditioner out of the window, unscrew the casing and take it off and then search for what is making the noise.

If you turn it on without the outside casing , and the noise is not there anymore, then your problem lies with the casing.

Maybe something has come loose and is tapping the casing or the casing has gotten bent and is pushed up against a component inside of the air conditioner.

Summary

How to quiet a noisy window air conditioner?

Window air conditioners can create a lot of noise and they can also allow a lot of noise to get through them.

  Some of the different kinds of noises include gurgling water sounds, mechanical banging sounds, loud outside noise getting through the air conditioner, and standard compressor noises.

In the above article, we talked about making sure that the air conditioner is level and the drain hole is completely open.

We also talked about vibrations and how to handle the result of what a vibrating window air conditioner can give.

We also talked about how window air conditioners are inherently noisy because they are an all-in-one solution that has the running compressor directly inside of it, and vents little love the noise to come directly into the room that you were using the air conditioner in.

Hopefully one of these tips is what you were looking for and you are able to quieten down your window AC.

How Do You Get the Most Heat Out of a Candle?

You may have wondered if it was worth it to try to get heat out of a candle?

After all, what can one or two candles actually do in terms of getting enough warmth off of them to make a difference?

But you may be surprised to learn that there are some very unique ways that people have come up with to concentrate the heat off of only a couple of candles to generate enough heat to warm your hands on.

 How do you get more heat from a candle?

Getting more heat from a candle comes down to supplying more oxygen to the candle.

When you generally let a candle and set it on a table, the oxygen burns and floats up to the ceiling. Creating a situation where the oxygen is lost very quickly.

So to increase the oxygen, it only makes sense that you would somehow trap the already supplied oxygen in around the candle.

That is the premise around these uniquely designed do-it-yourself candle fueled heaters.

Let’s take a look at a few.

The first one is called a “coffee can heater”

You can find a whole variety of coffee can candle heaters on ol interweb.

A lot of very creative ideas.

But the simplest ideal for a coffee can candle heater is to combine a metal coffee can with two or three tea lights burning in the bottom of the can.

Tea lights are the elixir of this easy design.

Because they already have a metal cup that they sit in, they naturally get hotter on the outside than glass-based candles.

Simply burning a few tea light candles in a clean metal coffee can that has been stripped of any kind of paper on the outside, is enough to create enough heat to get you by in an emergency situation.

Just remember the bottom of the can is going to get very hot, so don’t sit it on anything that may burn.

And though you probably are the cautious type, it goes without saying that you shouldn’t leave a coffee can candle heater alone.

Another type of interesting candle heater that is easy to make and can help you get quite a bit more heat off of a candle or two, then you would be just lighting it is the flower pot heater.

This design takes a clay flower pot with the plate base that usually comes with it when you purchase them.

The ideal is to use the plate to place a couple of lighted candles and to suspend the flower pot upside down over the candles.

Most people just use a couple of bricks to lift the flower pot above the flower pot plate. But you can also get creative and hang the flower pot above the plate using hooks and chains.

Again, it is a very simple design that works because the clay flower pot gets very warm when it is heated.

Placing the flower pot upside down over the candles traps the heat under the clay, supplying more oxygen to the candles, so that they burn hotter, and trapping the heat inside of the flower pot.

After seeing these ideals for an emergency candle heater, I plan on buying my coffee in a metal coffee can next time I’m shopping for coffee.

And the ideal with the clay pots connected with hooks and chain really looks like a cool do-it-yourself project.

Can a Single Candle Heat a Room?

Can a single candle heat a room?

You may have wondered yourself about how much heat can actually come from a candle.

Emergency situations can and do arise and having a contingency plan that includes survival techniques and a MacGyver knowledge of household products like candles can be very helpful.

What can a single candle do to heat a room? Really.

You could logically say that a single candle could have a heating effect on the temperature of a room even if it is very miniscule.

Some often quoted research suggests that it takes about 20 burning candles to match the heat of a small space heater.

That’s based on the ideal that a candle is creating about 80 w of heat and a space heater is rated at 1500 watts.

  So one candle out of 20 burning will potentially give you 1/20 of the heat that you would get from a small space heater.

But in reality, if all you have is one candle to heat a room, you shouldn’t expect to do much to warm it.

  That’s not to say that candles are useless at helping keep warm.

There are some really awesome survival methods that people have concocted over the years that can magnify the heat from one or two candles,

And while it is not realistic to say that a single candle can heat a room, there are methods to use a candle or two, combined with a coffee can or a couple of clay pots, can give off enough heat to warm a very small space or warm your hands at least.

The easiest way to get more heat out of a single candle is to encase the candle so that the amount of heat is multiplied.

You can do this with a metal coffee can.  By placing a couple of tea light candles in the bottom of a coffee can.

The heat coming off of the candles combined with the heat transferring from the metal of the candle to the metal of the coffee can, can build up enough heat to huddle around it in an emergency or survival situation.

Another unique way that people use candles combined with household items to create heat is to trap the heat of the candles inside of a clay flower pot.

Even the small amount of heat coming off a candle is enough to heat a clay flower pot to the point of not being able to touch it.

  A simple flower pot candle heater includes a couple of mid sized flower pots. A mid-sized flower pot and one flower pot slightly smaller.

A long piece of ‘All Thread”. All Thread is a type of solid pipe that is threaded like a screw.

Five long washers that go around the all thread. And five nuts that screw onto the all thread.

Four tea candle lights.

Use the illustration for assembly.

Summary

Can a single candle heat a room?

You’re not going to be able to heat a whole room with a single candle. But there are creative ways of combining candles with items like coffee cans and clay flower pots that can cause a candle to produce much more heat than it would if it were lit and sit on a table where the oxygen could dissipate quickly.

 
 

Can Tea Candles Heat Up a Room?

Can tea candles heat up a room?

There’s a lot of people interested in alternative ways to create heat besides using electricity.

One of the most popular reasons that people search these things out is simple survival in an emergency situation.

For instance, candles are a household item that in a power outage, are an easy go to for getting some light inside of the house.

Most people have an assortment of candles around the house including tea light candles.

But what if the weather is cold outside and you’re stuck in a power outage without not only light but heat too?

Are candles good for heat? Can tea candles heat up a room?

Tea candles are very small candles and compared to the average small votive candle, only create about 30 watts of energy compared to the 80 that you might expect to get out of a votive candle.

But they do have a uniqueness that other candles do not have. And that is that they are surrounded with metal. (This is an important point that will get back to you in a second).

According to multiple resources, a candle is worth about 80 Watts of heat. In comparison to a small space heater which all space heaters are 1500 w on high, a candle can create about 120th of the heat that a small space heater can.

So with that math, it would take roughly 20 candles burning at the same time to create the amount of heat that a small space heater can in a room.

Can tea candles heat up a roomThat’s a bunch of candles.

But tea candles only create around 30 watts of heat per candle. So if you were to compare the amount of heat of a tea candle to a small space heater, you would come up with a number more like 50.

It’s doubtful that you have 50 tea candles hanging around in the house and if you did, lighting 50 tea candles is a whole other story. Not to mention the risk of starting a fire with that many candles lit.

So yes, technically you could heat a room with tea candles provided that you had at least 50 candles burning at the same time, but even in an emergency situation like a power outage, 50 tea candles burning is not going to last you long enough to justify lighting all the candles. My opinion.

But, there is an alternative for using tea candles to generate some heat if you were to get into an emergency or survival situation.

And this is where the point that tea candles sit in a metal cup comes in.

The idea was this,

You can take an empty metal coffee can and simply burn three or four tea candles inside of it, to get a small alternative heater working if you have no heat otherwise.

Because the tea candles are sitting in metal themselves, they tend to heat the metal coffee can up as they are burning.

And since the coffee can keeps the heat concentrated inside of a small area, you can get a fair amount of heat coming off of the coffee can by using this  method.

A couple of things to remember if you decide to try this are:

One, The coffee can is going to get hot and could possibly scorch whatever it is sitting on. So pick a place that is not going to get burnt.

Two, make sure that you take all the paper or label off of the outside of the coffee can before you light the candles inside of it. Paper is flammable. And you will up your risk of causing a fire by having paper on the can.

Summary,

Tea candles can heat a room provided you have a mountain of them lit.

That’s about 50 candles. So even though technically it’s possible, you probably shouldn’t do it. Imagine the fire risk involved.

But, survivalists and other unique geniuses on our Earth, have discovered that burning a few candles in the bottom of a metal coffee can can generate enough heat to warm your hands.

You may be amazed at the amount of DIY coffee can heaters you can put together in a small amount of time with things you probably have around the house. 

  It might not be enough heat for a whole room, but warming your hands when you are freezing is a big deal at that moment.

What Candles Produce the Most Heat?

What candles produce the most heat?

Trying to warm your hands up with a candle or even more seriously, an entire room is not an easy thing.

  And if you find yourself in such a situation, you are going to want to have some candles that put off plenty of heat.

So… What candles produce the most heat?

The easy answer is soy candles because  the wax burns longer than with paraffin candles. And the longer the candle burns, the hotter it will get.

And when you get into the question of what is the longest burning candle, the variety that you can pick from goes up substantially.

For instance, there are survival candles like the “Candlelife” brand that can burn for 115 hours.

Or the ReadyHour that burns 100 hours.

But if you are planning to try to heat up a large area with candles, you are going to need a bunch of candles.

If you were to use the popular ideal that a candle is worth 80 w. That means you would need about 20 candles to equal the heat of a small space heater.

And going off the most recent Amazon price for a ready hour 100 hour candle at $6.95, that’s $139 to heat a small area with candles for a 100 hours.

Not exactly cheap.

And not exactly the best way to get the most heat out of a candle.

If you have been searching long for solutions related to getting “heat from candles”, you probably come across some of the do it yourself candle heaters that people have invented.

The clay flower pot candle heater is one such invention that is pretty unique.

The idea was to take a couple of flower pots, the brownish Orange clay flower pots that are fairly popular and can be purchased at most any big box store.

With one pot slightly bigger than the other, you take a piece of “all thread” and connect them upside down with a space of about 2 in between them and use the plate as a shelf to put the candles underneath the pots.

With this ideal, it will take a lot less than 20 candles to get some heat to warm your hands by.

But if you want the heat to last longer you’re still going to have to purchase the bigger, longer lasting candles.

Another simple candle heater uses tea candles, which were actually very small candles. But the difference is that they are poured into a metal container.

  This makeshift candle heater is very easy to make. It is basically a metal coffee can with burning tea lights at the bottom.

Since the tea light candle wax heats the metal that it is sitting in up, it helps heat the coffee can up to. And because the candles are sitting down in a coffee can, the heat is concentrated and doesn’t allow the oxygen to disperse as easily.

You may not be talking about a Honeywell space heater that can heat up a 200 foot space, but at least if you are in an emergency, it makes a good little survival heater to warm your hands up.

Summing it up

The kind of candle that puts off the most heat is a larger candle that uses soy wax.

The reason is, Soy Burns longer than paraffin and a bigger candle burns longer than a smaller candle.

Is it Dangerous to Leave a Candle Burning?

Is it dangerous to leave a candle burning?

There’s a lot of talk about whether or not you can get enough heat generated from burning candles.

And of course if you have enough candles, you can eventually get enough flames lit that it will heat up a room.

But aside from the obvious fire danger of having a huge amount of candles all burning at the same time inside of a room,

  There is also the problem of whether or not it is actually dangerous to leave a candle burning for that amount of time.

Is it dangerous to leave a candle burning? Yes it is, candles are not made to burn more than an hour. Doing so causes carbon to build up on the wick.

Once carbon is built up on the wick, you have an issue of the smoke coming from the candle being black and sooty.

Leaving a candle burning too long can also cause the wax to become too pliable leading to the wick falling sideways.

Which not only reduces the life of the candle, also causes sooty smoke to burn from the candle.

And what’s more, letting a candle burn too long can make it much too hard on the outside to handle.

And the scariest thing is that even though most household candles are poured in jars and have little chance of spreading outside of the container, that is not always the case.

  The candle that is left to burn too long and become sooty also has the chance of the flame becoming abnormally large because of the carbon on the wick.

  Once this happens, the chance of the fire spreading outside of the candle becomes much larger.

Is it dangerous to leave a candle burning? People have a tendency to generally feel safe with candles burning throughout the house.

But the truth is, fire can be unpredictable and you should never leave a candle unattended or sleep with a candle burning.

  And never allow a candle to be too close to anything that might catch fire. Some materials can catch fire much easier than others.

The humidity in your home may be extra low without you knowing it. Meaning you may have furniture that is extra dried out, without knowing it.

And a little flame on a candle can cause a big accident if it gets too near to something that is dry and combustible.

Summary

  Leaving a candle burning too long can be dangerous. Candles are not made to burn for more than an hour.
After an hour the wax can become too pliable, allowing the wick to lean.

When the flame begins to melt the wax because of the leaning wick, the result can be a black sooty smoke.

Candles that are allowed to burn too long also form Carbon on the wick which is also a source of black sooty smoke.

And though that black smoke is hard to breathe, that’s not the worst of it.

  At that point, the flame on the candle can become large and the risk of the fire coming out of the candle and causing a house fire goes up substantially.

Heat From Candles – Can it Compare to a Space Heater?

Does the heat from candles compare to a space heater?

 

It’s an interesting question, and yes provided you have enough candles burning, you can get enough heat off of candles to warm up a room.

According to multiple sources, the magic number of candles that you would have to keep lit is 19.

That’s based on fact that a burning candle creates about 80w of energy and the typical space heater is 1500w

1500 ÷ 80 = 18.75

So yes the possibility of warming a room with the heat from candles is definitely there.

But the more important question is “Should You?”

I’m going with No. Of course there are always extenuating circumstances, emergencies that could come up that may say otherwise.

But as a general method, my opinion is still No.

There are 3 good reasons I would say that.

1.  Much too dangerous
2.  VOCs
3.  Not economical.

1.  Too dangerous

I’m going to insert a personal story here as to why.

As a young person I was a recording artist. When I first began recording I laid down a fortune in recording hours at the “big boy” recording studio in my city.

It only took a few songs to realize I was not good enough to do one or two takes of anything. And with the clock burning through my wallet, I needed to find a better way.

So the logical solution, if I was going to be able to learn this recording stuff, was to use the money I was spending at the Professional Studio on a home studio where I could do as many takes as I needed on any song.

This is where the candle part of the story comes in.

As I got comfortable with recording in my home, I started lighting a candle or two to create some mood in the room.

And the more comfortable I got, I didn’t always make an effort to make sure the candles were blown out.

I thought it didn’t really matter because they were small candles inside of a jar.

But as stupid as it was, there was a specific incident where I left the house to run to the corner convenient store and

I didn’t think it was worth shutting down because I was going for a drink and I would be right back.

But, as I was on the way to the store I realized I didn’t grab my wallet. So I turned around and immediately went back to get it.

As I opened the door I smelled smoke.

I ran into the recording room and found that a pair of headphones had been too close to a burning candle. The cord on the headphones had combusted.

I don’t know what material that headphone cords are made of, but it went up like a dead Christmas tree.

It had caught fire and melted to almost nothing in the time it took me to leave the house and turn around and come back because I forgot my wallet.

  Up till then, I didn’t consider candles to be dangerous. But after that incident I’m pretty wary of using candles.

It scares me now when I see someone, especially one of my teenage children sleeping with a candle burning. Especially when they have been told not too more than once.

I never knew how fast fire could take hold and spread so easily.

It’s as if the flame had jumped off of the candle and landed straight onto the headphones. Honest truth.

So when it comes to keeping 20 or so candles lit to warm a room, that in my opinion is a definite no no.

The ease in which a fire could start is much too risky.

2.  VOCs

Most of the information that you can find on whether or not it is safe to breathe with a candle burning suggests that it is completely safe as long as it is only one or two candles and it is an open area.

  And that the candles are non scented…

This statement kinda blows the idea of keeping a room warm with candles out the window.

Firstly we are not talking about 1 or 2 candles. We are talking about 20.

Secondly, we are trying to keep the room warm which automatically means closing the doors and windows and sealing it in as well as possible.

And granted, if you were going to purchase candles to warm a room, you probably wouldn’t choose apple cinnamon or warm vanilla sugar.

But I think it goes without saying that the scent of a candle is the main appeal besides putting off light.

And the candles most of us have around the house are strongly scented.

That’s the point

It’s the fragrance that they put into candles that creates soot and the black smoky flame. Imagine multiplying the amount of soot by 20.

  The chemicals released from the fragrance fall under the category of Volatile Organic compounds ( VOCs) .

Air purifiers are designed for getting rid of VOCs. Because they are dangerous to breathe.

I haven’t tried it, but you know it would be hard and near impossible to breathe with 20 sooty scented candles burning.

3.  Not economical

Candles are not cheap.

Votive candles are approximately $2.50 a pop. Times 20 is 50 bucks for about 5 to 7 hours of burn time.

Even if they burned 8 hours you’re still looking at $150 for 24 hours.

You can buy an excellent space heater for $150. You can buy three small space heaters for that.

And I know that they have emergency candles that last 100 hours. But they are definitely not $2.50. More like $10.

Times that amount by 20. You’re still looking at $200 for $100 of heat.

So heating a room with candles is definitely not a cheap way to get heat.

Emergency or Survival Candles

I understand that in an emergency there may be a need to use candles to warm up your room.

But unless you have a stockpile of candles already,

  I think the better money would be on purchasing a propane space heater for emergency situations.

Summing up

Whether or not candles can heat a room is an interesting question.

And the answer is yes. If you have enough candles burning, you can heat up a room with candles.

The number of candles that it takes to roughly match the heat of a 1500 watt heater is about 19 to 20 candles.

That’s based on a candle being able to create about 80 watts of heat.

But even though it can be done, is it something that really should be done?

Most people will say, “what about an emergency?”

That makes sense. What if the power is out and you do not have any heat, and it’s cold outside.

So yes, I can see how if provided, you have 20 candles sitting around already, that lighting them all would be a way of getting some heat in your room in that kind of situation.

But if you don’t have 20 candles ( more like 60 in a 24-hour period) then buying candles for emergency preparedness is not going to be the best ideal for warming your house or room. And not the best ideal for preparing for an emergency or survival situation.

The amount of money that it would take to purchase enough candles to keep a room warm for 24 hours is enough to buy a more than adequate propane heater that can be lit without electricity.

And be a much safer option than having that many candles lit.

How Can Humidifiers Help With Respiratory Problems?

We all know that when we get a respiratory infection, it gets difficult to breathe through the nose and mouth, and it even gets worse at night when we are trying hard to get to sleep,

 but the cough and difficulty in breathing don’t let us get sleep peacefully. If any seniors have such a disease, Respite Care in Seal Beach is ready to help all seniors of Seal Beach

These are mostly caused due to dry air, so moisture in the air is a must. Humidifiers may be very beneficial because they provide complete moisture at your home and shield you from many clinical conditions like dry skin, angry eyes, dryness within the throat or airways, allergic reactions, common coughs, bloody noses, sinus complications and cracked lips.

Some people revel in respiratory signs and symptoms in the summer months, whilst the climate is hot, and the air consists of extra allergens.

Air conditioners lovers can circulate dry air via the room. But these air conditioners eliminate the humidity from the room completely. A humidifier can be beneficial all through this season.

What are Humidifiers?

Humidifiers are gadgets that release water vapor or steam to increase moisture degrees in the air (humidity). 

Benefits of a humidifier:

It keeps your skin and hair moist

Few people know that their skin, lips, and hair become dry and fragile in wintry weather.

Many heating gadgets pump hot, dry air thru the residence or workplace, making the pores and skin dry, itchy, or flaky.  Outside air can also dry out the pores and skin.

The use of a humidifier to feature moisture to the indoor air may also assist in lessening the prevalence of dry, cracked pores and pores and skin.

Helpful around the home

Moisture provided by the humidifiers are beneficial for you homes. Plants, your furniture and many other things in the house remains good and last longer. Humidity in the house can save your home wallpapers or the paint from cracking and damaging.
Humidifiers can be helpful for winter seasons as the humid air feels more warmer the the dry air, so you can save your money from utility bills.

Creating a cough greater productive

Dry air can motivate a person to have a dry, unproductive cough. Including humidity in the air can get more moisture into the airways, making coughing more efficient. An efficient cough releases trapped or sticky phlegm.

Lowering loud night breathing

growing the quantity of moisture within the air also can lessen snoring. If the air is dry, a person’s airlines are much less likely to be sufficiently lubricated, making snoring worse.
Adding humidity to the air by going for walks and a humidifier at night may also help alleviate some symptoms.

Helps loosen congestion

Humidifiers also can loosen congestion via moistening the nasal passage. Whilst you get ill, the cells lining your respiration tract generate extra mucus, Stiehm says. Whilst the mucus dries, it can become “sticky, ” making it tough to blow or cough.

Growing air moisture could simplify, allowing you to expel the mucus whilst coughing or blowing your nostril, stopping it from drying, Stiehm says.

Humidifiers are often delivered to non-stop positive airway pressure remedy (CPAP) machines used on sleep apnea sufferers. That’s because CPAP blows dry air up your nose, which could boom congestion.

How to measure humidity

A hygrometer is an excellent way to check humidity stages integrated into your home. This device seems like a thermometer. It measures the quantity of moisture built-in-built integrated air. Hygrometers can be bought at hardware shops and department stores. 

Types of humidifiers

Steam vaporizers use power to create steam, which cools earlier than it leaves the unit. But, there’s a chance of burning the pores and skin, and people should avoid using steam vaporizers around kids.

Ultrasonic humidifiers: Those devices use vibrations to vaporize water instead of energy.

Evaporators: these produce humidity by using blowing air beyond evaporating water.

Impeller humidifiers are generally infant-pleasant and use rotating disks instead of warmth to vaporize water.

Imperative humidifiers: someone connects this kind of gadget to the central air conditioning within the domestic or workplace to feature moisture to the entire area.

To benefit those humidifier blessings, it’s critical to ease your device every three days and keep tune of humidity degrees, so they stay between 30% and 50%.

Suppose you want humidifiers to help you with respiratory problems. In that case, it is also important To keep humidifiers free of harmful mold and bacteria and follow the guidelines recommended by the manufacturer.

 These tips for portable humidifiers also can help:

Change humidifier water often. 

Don’t allow film or deposits to develop inside your humidifiers. Empty the tanks, dry the inside surfaces and refill with clean water every day if possible, especially if using cool-mist or ultrasonic humidifiers. Unplug the unit first.

Clean humidifiers every 3 days. 

Unplug the humidifier before you clean it. Remove any mineral deposits or film from the tank or other parts of the humidifier with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, which is available at pharmacies. Some manufacturers recommend using chlorine bleach or other disinfectants.

Always rinse the tank after cleaning. This can keep harmful chemicals from becoming airborne — and then inhaled.

Change humidifier filters regularly. 

If the humidifier has a filter, change it at least as often as the manufacturer recommends — and more often if it’s dirty. Also, regularly change the filter in your central air conditioning and heating system.

Keep the area around humidifiers dry. 

If the area around a humidifier becomes damp — including windows, carpeting, drapes or tablecloths — turn the humidifier down or reduce how often you use it.

Prepare humidifiers for storage. Drain and clean humidifiers before storing them. And then clean them again when you take them out of storage for use. Throw away all used cartridges, cassettes or filters.

Wrapping Up!

Moisture is a must in your atmosphere, as it provides many health benefits and keeps your respiratory system good going. So a humidifier is a useful gadget in your home to keep yourself away from many problems.

Protect Your Health and Sleep Better with a Humidifier

Humidifiers can do wonders for your fitness by keeping the air in your house moist and at ease.

It’s instrumental in winter when dry air can cause breathing issues, skin irritations, and static strength. A humidifier can also assist you to sleep higher by reducing loud night breathing and congestion.

There are a few matters to maintain in mind when choosing a humidifier. The best way to know everything is to take guidance, or you can also find a counselor UK. First, decide what sort of humidifier you need.

 There are both heat mist and cool mist options to be had. Heat mist humidifiers use boiling water to create steam, that’s then released into the air. Cool mist humidifiers use ultrasonic era to generate a pleasant mist dispersed into the air.

Next, consider the size of the unit. If you have a large home, you will need a larger humidifier. Conversely, a small unit will be sufficient for a smaller space.

Finally, consider any special features you may want in a humidifier. Some units come with filters to remove impurities from the water, while others have built-in humidistats to help maintain the ideal humidity level in your home.

Humidifiers are an important part of keeping your home healthy and comfortable. Adding moisture to the air can help relieve various ailments, including dry skin, sinus problems, and respiratory issues.

And humidifiers also greatly benefit your sleep beyond just making you feel better. Here are ways a humidifier can improve your sleep quality and overall health:

Relieve Dry Skin:

A humidifier can be a lifesaver if you be afflicted by dry skin. The more moisture inside the air will assist in hydrating your skin and prevent it from becoming angry or cracked. It’s particularly beneficial in wintry weather when the air is dry.

Prevent Nosebleeds:

Nosebleeds are often caused by dryness in the nasal passages. A humidifier can help to prevent this by keeping the air moist and reducing the risk of nosebleeds. Dry air can cause your nasal passages to become irritated and lead to nosebleeds. By adding moisture to the air, a humidifier can help prevent these nosebleeds from occurring.

Reduce Snoring:

If you or your partner snores, a humidifier can help. The air’s moisture will help keep the throat lubricated and reduce irritation. It can lead to quieter nights for everyone involved!

Soothe Sinuses:

Dry air can cause sinus problems like congestion, headaches, and even nosebleeds. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help to soothe these symptoms and provide relief.

Prevent Colds and Flu:

Humidifiers can also help to prevent colds and flu by keeping the air moist. It can reduce the risk of viruses spreading through the air and causing illness.

Relieve Asthma Symptoms:

People living with Asthma often find relief with a humidifier. The air’s moisture can help open up the airways and make breathing easier

Reduce Allergy Symptoms:

Like Asthma, allergies can also be improved with a humidifier. The air’s moisture will help reduce irritation and inflammation caused by dryness.

Boost Immune System:

Humidifiers can also help to boost your immune system by keeping the air moist. It can reduce the risk of illnesses like colds and flu.

Detoxify the Air:

Some humidifiers also come with features that help to detoxify the air. It can remove harmful toxins and chemicals, making the air healthier for you to breathe.

humidifierReduce Stress Levels:

The extra moisture in the air can also help to reduce stress levels. It can lead to calm and relaxation, which can benefit your overall health.

Alleviate respiratory problems: 

Humidifiers can help alleviate congestion, sinus infections, and nosebleeds by adding moisture to the air. If you have Asthma, a humidifier can help alleviate your symptoms by adding moisture to the air. The extra moisture will help thin mucus secretions, making them easier to expel.

Protect your hair: 

Just like your skin, your hair can also benefit from the extra moisture in the air. Indoor heating can cause your hair to become brittle and dry, but a humidifier can help reverse these effects.

Ease congestion: 

A humidifier can help ease congestion by thinning mucus secretions if you’re struggling with a cold or allergies. The extra moisture will also make it easier to breathe through your nose.

Soothe a sore throat: 

Humidifiers can also help soothe a sore throat by keeping your throat moist. It is especially important if you suffer from a cold or the flu.

Improve sleep quality: 

More moisture within the air can also improve your sleep by making breathing easier and stopping your skin from becoming too dry. When you have a problem sleeping, a humidifier can help. The extra moisture inside the air will assist you to breathe extra easily and make you feel greater at ease. It could cause a better nighttime sleep.

Prevent Static Electricity: 

The extra moisture in the air can also help prevent static electricity from building up. It is especially important in the winter when indoor heating can make static electricity more pronounced.

 Reduce dust mite allergies: 

Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in dry environments. By adding moisture to the air, a humidifier can help reduce dust mite allergies by making their environment less hospitable.

Purify the air:

A few humidifiers come with filters that could assist purify the air by eliminating allergens and other contaminants. It may help improve your common fitness and sleep great.

Wrapping Up!

If you’re looking for ways to improve your health and sleep quality, consider using a humidifier. It can make a big difference in your respiratory health, skin health, and overall comfort level.

Humidifiers may be useful to your home, particularly all through winter. Keeping the air in your house wet and comfortable can lessen respiration problems, skin irritations, and static strength.

A humidifier can also assist you sleep better by decreasing snoring and congestion. While selecting a humidifier, consider the type, length, and special capabilities you could need. By doing so, you could locate the precise humidifier in your wishes.

How to Stop a Home Gym from Smelling

How to Stop a Home Gym from Smelling

Working out at home can be a great way to save money and get in shape, but it can quickly become a deterrent if your home gym starts to smell bad. In this blog post, I will discuss tips on stopping a home gym from smelling. We will also cover some common causes of gym odor and how to prevent them. Let’s get started.

Why Do Home Gyms Smell Bad?

There are several reasons why home gyms can start to smell bad. They include:

Poor ventilation

Ventilation is among the most critical factors in keeping a home gym smelling fresh. If your gym is located in an enclosed space with little or no ventilation, the sweat and body odor from your workouts will quickly build up, leading to a nasty smell.

Dirty equipment

Another common cause of foul odor in home gyms is dirty equipment. If you don’t regularly clean your gym equipment, it can start to harbor bacteria and dirt, which can lead to an unpleasant smell.

Stale air

If your home gym is located in a basement or other area that doesn’t get much fresh air, the air can start to feel stale and stuffy. This can also contribute to an unpleasant odor.

Moisture

Another common cause of bad odor in home gyms is moisture. When you sweat during your workout, the moisture can collect on surfaces and start to grow mold or mildew. This can lead to a musty or unpleasant smell.

Bacterial Buildup

This is one of the most common causes of bad odor in home gyms. When you sweat during your workout, the bacteria on your skin can transfer to surfaces in your gym. Over time, this can lead to a buildup of bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant smell.

Using scented body oils

Another unlikely factor causing your home gym to smell is the scented body oils you might be using. These oils can interact with the sweat and bacteria on your skin to create an unpleasant odor.

Rust or rubber odors

Rubber can sometimes give off an unpleasant odor, especially when it’s old or worn. If your gym equipment is made of rubber, the bad smell could be the source. Rust can also cause an unpleasant odor, especially if it’s left to build up on surfaces.

Leaving dirty gym clothes in your gym bag

If you leave your gym clothes in your gym bag after your workout, they can start to harbor bacteria and sweat, which can lead to an unpleasant smell. Be sure to wash your gym clothes as soon as possible after each workout.

How to Stop a Home Gym from Smelling

Now that we’ve covered some common causes of bad odor in home gyms, let’s discuss tips on how to stop a home gym from smelling.

Here are a few tips:

Make sure your gym is well-ventilated If your space is not well-ventilated, the sweat and body odor from your workouts will quickly build up, leading to a bad smell. Be sure to open windows or use a fan to circulate fresh air during and after your workout.

Even after your workout sessions, you want to make sure you are airing out your space. This will help to prevent the smells from becoming trapped and intensifying.

  1. Invest in a quality air purifier

Air purifiers are among the best ways to remove bad odors from your home gym. They work by circulating and filtering the air, which helps to remove bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants that can cause an unpleasant smell.

If you choose an air purifier for your home gym, you must pick one with a HEPA filter. This will help remove any bad smells and pollutants from your gym.

  1. Clean your equipment regularly

Another important tip for preventing bad odor in your home gym is to clean your equipment regularly. This includes wiping down surfaces after each use and deep cleaning them weekly.

Deep cleaning can be done by using a disinfectant or sanitizing surface wipes. You can also use a vinegar solution to deep clean your gym equipment. Just be sure to rinse the surfaces well after cleaning them with vinegar.

  1. Wash your gym clothes regularly

Another important tip for preventing bad odor in your home gym is to wash your gym clothes regularly. Gym clothes can harbor bacteria and sweat, leading to an unpleasant smell. Be sure to wash your gym clothes as soon as possible after each workout.

  1. Use a time-release air freshener

Time-release air fresheners are a great way to keep your home gym smelling fresh and clean. These air fresheners slowly release fragrance over time, which helps to mask any foul odors that might be present.

Be sure to choose an air freshener that is designed for small spaces such as home gyms. You also want to choose a fragrance you enjoy, as you’ll be smelling it for a while.

  1. Use a dehumidifier

Since moisture is among the most significant contributors to bad odor in home gyms, using a dehumidifier can be extremely helpful. Dehumidifiers work by removing moisture from the air, which helps prevent bacteria and mold growth.

Choose a dehumidifier that is big enough for your space and has an automatic shut-off feature. You also want to empty the dehumidifier regularly, as the collected water can become stagnant and lead to a bad odor.

  1. Check for mold and mildew

Mold and mildew can also cause an unpleasant smell in your home gym. These growths thrive in moist and humid environments, so be sure to check for them regularly.

If you do find mold or mildew, be sure to clean it up immediately. You can use a commercial mold and mildew cleaner or make your own by mixing equal parts of water and vinegar.

  1. Wear clean clothes

This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s essential to make sure you are wearing clean clothes when working out. Sweat and body odor will quickly build up on dirty clothes, creating an unpleasant smell.

  1. Use charcoal filters

Charcoal filters are another great way to remove bad odors from your home gym. These filters work by absorbing odor-causing particles from the air, which helps to keep your gym smelling fresh and clean.

Activated charcoal filters are the most effective type of charcoal filter. However, there are so many out there to choose from that it can be challenging to know which one to get. Do your research and read reviews to find the best charcoal filter for your needs.

  1. Use essential oils

Essential oils can also be used to freshen up your home gym. These oils are known for their ability to mask bad odors and create a pleasant scent in your space.

You can either diffuse essential oils throughout your gym or make your own DIY air freshener using a few drops of oil and water. Be sure to choose an essential oil that you enjoy the smell of, as you’ll be smelling it for a while.

  1. Use clean towels

Make sure the towels you use in your home gym are clean. Towels can harbor bacteria and sweat, which can lead to an unpleasant smell. Be sure to wash your towels regularly and store them in a dry place when not in use.

You may also want to consider using paper towels for wiping down surfaces after each use. This will help to prevent the spread of bacteria and keep your gym smelling fresh.

  1. Avoid carpets

Carpets are a breeding ground for bacteria and can quickly become smelly. If possible, avoid using carpets in your home gym. If you must use a carpet, be sure to clean it regularly and vacuum it often.

Consider using a yoga mat or exercise mat instead of a carpet. These mats are easy to clean and won’t harbor as much bacteria. Plus, they provide a comfortable surface to work out on.

  1. Hire professional cleaners

For all-around deep cleaning and freshness, hire professional cleaners to clean your home gym regularly. They will be able to get rid of any bad odors that might be present and leave your gym smelling fresh and clean.

Be sure to ask about their cleaning methods and products before hiring a company. You want to ensure they use safe and effective products that won’t damage your gym equipment.

Following these tips can keep your home gym smelling fresh and clean.

Final Thoughts

Taking simple precautions is easy to prevent your home gym from smelling bad. Be sure to use a dehumidifier, wear clean clothes, and use charcoal filters to keep your gym smelling fresh and clean. You can also use essential oils or hire professional cleaners for an all-around deep clean.

Hopefully, this article has given you some helpful tips for stopping a home gym from smelling. If you have any other suggestions or questions, share them in the comments below.