The Benefits Of A Crawl Space Dehumidifier

By Gary Hatcher

If your home has a crawl space, there is a high chance that it could accumulate a significant amount of moisture. This may cause a number of problems, including the build up of mold and mildew. As a result, your entire family may begin to experience some health issues. This is where a dehumidifier can help.

Eliminating mold can be very difficult. Regular dehumidifiers will not work because normally they are too large for a crawl space. Crawl space dehumidifiers are ideal for removing the excess moisture because of its size and design. Moisture can cause a build up of fungi, bacteria, and harmful microorganisms. When this happens, you run the risk of wood rot and horrible odors permeating throughout your home.

The most effective way of dealing with mold is to remove the excess moisture. Mold has a difficult time thriving in a dry environment. The crawl space dehumidifier works by drying the air. As a result, the environment will not be efficient for mold to grow. By removing the moisture you lessen the chance for wood rot and eliminate bad odors.

A dehumidifier can help you in a couple of ways:

Improved Health of Your Family- When the environment in the house is dry, mold will not grow. Mold is known as a factor for asthma and other allergic reactions. Young children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems are especially at risk

Maintaining your Home Properly - Moisture is never good for your home and can cause a lot of damage. If the wood rots, it has to be replaced and that is not cheap.

Investing in a crawl space dehumidifier can save you a lot of money in the future. There are so many different models of crawl space dehumidifiers to choose from. Being proactive can prevent a lot of headaches later. - 31822

About the Author:

Want to find out more about the crawl space dehumidifier, then visit Gary Hatcher's site on how to choose the best crawl space dehumidifier for your needs.

Whole House Air Purifiers

By Owen Jones

We have all heard of central heating and most of us have heard of central air conditioning, but how about central air purifying? Indeed, is there such a thing? When you go to the mall or general department stores, you tend to see local air purifiers, that is air purifiers that clear the air in one room only. They are portable systems, so that you can watch TV with it on and then take it into your bedroom at night.

This is all right as far as it goes, but rooms are interconnected and the 'dirty' air soon comes in and mingles with your nice clean air. What you really need to do is clean all the air in the whole house, in every room simultaneously. This would be on the same principal as central air conditioning. In fact most central air conditioning systems incorporate an air purifying system. Admittedly, they are usually pretty basic on older conditioners, but they can be very sophisticated too, if you are willing to get a more expensive new conditioner.

The middle ground if you do not want to upgrade your central air conditioner or even if you do not want to air conditioning, is to fit a central or 'whole house' air purification system. This is most easily and most economically carried out if you already have ducting in your house for central heating or air conditioning. The central air purification unit is then simply put in line with your existing ducting.

The central air purifying apparatus is installed into a home's central HVAC (heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system, just upstream from the air handler (the furnace or the air conditioner), similar to a central humidifier. This type of central installation enables CAP (Central Air Purification) systems to continuously remove allergens, pollutants and other irritants from the air being supplied to the entire occupied living space of the home, rather than just one room. installing the CAP unit like also keeps it completely out of sight and out of the way.

CAP systems can be fitted into virtually any type and configuration of forced air HVAC system, regardless of age, and are a common sense add-on or upgrade. Many of these systems incorporate a powerful ultraviolet light for added purification. This is called photo catalytic oxidation.

Photo catalytic oxidation has been proved to be highly effective at clearing airborne biological and chemical contamination (206% more powerful than chlorine and 157% more powerful than hydrogen peroxide. The energy field in the photo-catalytic chamber is roughly 10,000 times more powerful than natural sunlight).

These modern whole house or central air purifiers are extremely efficient and can give a new lease of life to sufferers of airborne allergies such as pollen. The system is relatively inexpensive, if you already have ducting in place, otherwise that could cost you an extra $3,000 - 4,000. The actual air purification units themselves are a lot cheaper, costing between $300 and $1,000 and the installer can fit them in minutes with common tools. - 31822

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the author of this article, writes on many subjects, but is currently involved with central air conditioner prices. If you are interested in Home Air Conditioning Systems, please click through to our site.

Air Conditioning Filters Replacement

By Owen Jones

Air conditioners have always been popular, but they used to be pricey to buy and expensive to run. These days they are cheaper to buy. It is not so bad if you live somewhere where you need heating for three months and cooling for three months, but if you live somewhere where you have one unit or other running twenty-for hours a day, seven days a week, it is still expensive.

However, the comfort that they give to your life is amazing. But, the thing to bear in mind is that air conditioners, like all pieces of equipment, do need servicing. That is, the actual moving parts, lubricants and other fluids need to be checked professionally every two years (or whatever it says in your instruction manual). There are other parts though that have to be checked far more frequently than that - maybe even monthly.

The good news is that you can carry out this maintenance yourself. I am talking about the filter. All good, modern air conditioning units come with an in-built filter. It depends on the sophistication of your air conditioner, what its filter can block, but most will filter tiny particles such as pollen and traffic pollution out of the air it is circulating in the room.

These filters have to be cleaned or replaced fairly frequently and you will need to check your air conditioner's handbook to find out what you can do. Frequently, it will say that they can be scrubbed two or three times with either soapy water and a tooth brush or vacuumed clean. After that they have to be replaced, in order for the unit to be completely effective.

If you need to replace your air filter, you may find the following hints useful.

The best place to start is either the main dealer for your brand of air conditioner, the people you bought it from or the people that installed it for you. At least, you know you can trust them, even if it is only a case of 'better the devil you know'. Many of the stores that sell other makes of air conditioner may sell filters for your model as a sideline too.

You are already making use of the Internet, so that is another good place to check for current prices and bargains, before you go traipsing around town. 'Fore-warned is fore-armed', as they say. You can utilize the price knowledge you acquire from your Internet surfing as a bargaining tool to get the best price locally.

If that does not work or you just cannot be bothered, order on line and your air conditioner filter will be with you in a couple of day anyway. By the way, like with vacuum cleaner bags, it is normally better to purchase several at a time. For example, if you know that they will survive three washes, then each filter will last four months. Why not buy three and be done with it for a year? - 31822

About the Author:

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on many topics, but is currently involved with central air conditioning systems. If you are interested in Home Air Conditioning Systems, please click through to our site.

Nutrition and Nasal Health

By Stanley Lang

I am writing this article to help you understand some of the different aspects of having a healthy nose. In many cases I suggest using a good nasal saline spray or solution as a key to having a healthy nose. At the same time as you are working on having a healthy nose you will also be creating the environment to have a healthy sinus. It is obvious that the nose is part of the body though we often act like it isn't. We're very much aware that it's there when it doesn't work.

There are many other things that affect the health of the nose. One of these is the general nutrition of the body. Nutrition of course affects every cell in the body. If you have bad nutrition your cells are not going to be as healthy. If you have good nutrition your cells are going to have much improved health. So while it is important to continue to do things like nasal saline spray for the nose, these other issues are important too.

So the nutrition of the body does directly affect the cells of the nose. It should be obvious to us that the body's health affects the health of the nose and so nutrition to the body affects the nutrition of the nose. In spite of this obvious connection it is typical that people with chronic nasal problems or chronic sinus issues pay little attention to how and what they eat. If you eat junky food your sinus problems are going to be worse.

A very important part of nutrition is supplementing the foods we eat. Now "supplement" is a word that means you are adding to something that is already there. Unfortunately many people supplement fairly well but they are supplementing a junky diet. If that is your strategy I am giving you the sad advice that your strategy will not work well. You need to start with a diet rich in good nutrients. If you don't do this, your nasal saline solution will be less effective.

There are many different nutrients--- at least 50---- that are helpful in the health of the body---actually they are crucial to the body. All of these nutrients are very important and one cannot say which is most important. However more research has been done on some nutrients and so those nutrients get more attention. It would seem that these are more important that others, but they really aren't--- they are all important.

So as a summary, there are many different things that affect the health of the nasal passages and the sinuses. Even though one is more likely to think about nasal saline solution when you're having symptoms, I believe the most important of these various aspects of having a healthy nose is nutrition. So get your nutrition right if you want to have a healthy nose. - 31822

About the Author:

Learn more about saline nasal spray. Stop by Dr Stanley Lang's site where you can find out all about saline nasal solution and what it can do for you.

Sleep Easy with Smartsilk Hypoallergenic Bedding

By Pete Malcolm

Because we spend about 1/3 of our lives in bed, it is important that our sleep experience is not only peaceful, but also healthy. Many people suffering from severe allergies and respiratory illnesses do not realize that it may be their bedding that is a contributing factor aggravating their condition. Dust mites, pet dander, and mold and mildew in our bedding can trigger allergic reactions. The results can be inflamed, congested, and irritated respiratory passages, as well as wheezing, watery eyes, constant sneezing, skin irritations such as eczema, and an uncomfortable sleep. Located in Montral, Quebec, Canada, Smartsilk(TM) is a company specializing in hypoallergenic bedding products that eliminates allergens in bedding which can improve your physical and emotional health.

Smartsilk(TM) is the first all natural bedding to be certified asthma and allergy friendly(TM) by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and the Asthma Society of Canada. Their hypoallergenic products are scientifically tested and proven to be an effective barrier against dust mites, pet dander, and are also resistant to mold and mildew growth. Natural silk is an exceptional hypoallergenic material because it does not support dust mites as it has a tighter fabric weave. Their allergy bedding products include the Duvet, Silk-Fill Mattress Protector, and Silk-Fill Pillow Protector.

Allergy bedding uses naturally occurring hypoallergenic silk fiber. The bedding is soft, comfortable, and regulates body temperature so that it alleviates the effects of night sweats and chills that may occur during menopause or when undergoing chemotherapy. It is all natural and breathable which prevents the accumulation of moisture. It also contains a biodegradable water repellant non woven lining that protects from staining. Smartsilk'(TM) products have helped people suffering from fibromyalgia enjoy a more restful and relaxed nights sleep.

Their unique bedding products allow people to sleep worry free of allergens that are triggers for fibromyalgia. Their 100% silk fill is scientifically proven to sooth your extremities and comfort your body. The result is a restful and uninterrupted sleep. To get the Smartsilk(TM) certified asthma & allergy friendly bed set, you can go to their website and follow 3 easy steps where the prices have been adjusted to reflect the 10% discount.

A good night's sleep not only directly affects our physical, mental, and emotional health and well being, but also improves our energy levels, immune system, and memory capacity. Knowing some the causes of allergies and how to reduce the conditions that create an allergy prone environment, will help you better control their effects. Using Hypoallergenic bedding products allows you to sleep longer and more comfortably which will result in an improved quality of life and health. - 31822

About the Author:

Certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) bedding products from SmartSilk, the leader in allergy and hypoallergenic bedding products. Allergy pillow protectors, allergy duvet covers, dust mite bed covers and more!

Cod Liver Oil And Asthma: Is It Worth A Look?

By Kim Archer

A few interesting studies seem to reveal that cod liver oil might be of some use for treating asthma. Cod liver oil is known to help ease dehydrated skin, ease the ache of arthritis and help top up your body's supplies of omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for heart health. Now researchers are wondering if cod liver oil has any benefits for relieving asthma as well.

Asthma is an inflammatory condition in the same way as arthritis, and since we understand that omega-3 fatty acids can curb inflammatory conditions, then it is realistic to assume that cod liver oil could be an effective supplement in treating this condition.

Children tend to be more apt to acquire asthmatic symptoms if they don't get enough of the necessary nutrients such as Vitamins B12, C and E, along with selenium, magnesium, beta-carotene and zinc. Moreover, a lack of omega-3 fatty acids in the overall diet is considered by most specialists to be one of the causes of asthma.

The latest investigation reveals that the threat of experiencing asthmatic symptoms might be lowered through the ingestion of an adequate amount of essential fatty acids every day, chiefly the omega-3 fatty acids contained in cod liver oil. Omega-3 is believed to be the least consumed of the fatty acids because it's challenging to obtain enough omega-3 fatty acids via diet alone. That's why using cod liver oil as a supplement to the food you eat can be a clever thing to do.

The very first thing that needs to be done if you or your little one has asthmatic symptoms is to consult your physician to establish if cod liver oil is the best choice for your circumstances. If you have another health condition or you're taking medication which can interact with the cod liver oil then you shouldn't take it. There may be other situations in which it cannot be used also, and only a medical professional can counsel you in this regard.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that cod liver oil provides a certain amount of relief from asthmatic symptoms, and based on the general agreement among scientists, it could be an effective supplement to standard asthma therapies. - 31822

About the Author:

Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that affects millions of people throughout the world. Not only is an asthma attack a frightening experience, it can be deadly if not treated promptly. Arm yourself with the information you need about topics such as allergy induced asthma at Asthma Treatment Options.

The Link Between Asthma And Eczema

By Kim Archer

There are lots of diseases that have no cure; some of them are life-threatening while some just generally make our lives more complicated. Their symptoms can be managed, but the medical profession has yet to pinpoint a definitive cure for them. The majority of these medical conditions are not associated with one another in any way; developing one will not cause someone to develop another. Yet in a couple of instances, such as when it comes to eczema and asthma, there is reason to think that having one will result in the other one too.

Eczema can be described as a condition that impacts the skin - the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin, gets inflamed and tends to be very uncomfortable. The indicators can range from rather minor to exceedingly severe, and consist of skin blistering, cracking, flaking, crusting, redness, itchiness and skin swelling, as well as bleeding and oozing in more advanced situations. There are certain medications which are helpful to heal eczema, which are called corticosteroids. These kinds of medications are quite effective at managing the patient's eczema; but the disease cannot be entirely eliminated at this point in time.

Asthma, on the other hand, involves long term irritation of the lungs in which the airways end up constricted so that inhalation becomes difficult or practically impossible. Roughly 7% of the US population is afflicted with asthma and 300 million people globally are afflicted with it. Warning signs of asthma include shortness of breath, even when resting; nocturnal coughing; a chronic cough that sounds similar to clearing of the throat; and tightness in the chest. Asthma has assorted degrees of severity also; attacks range from mild to moderate. While as a general rule it can be managed by means of medication, it can't be cured, either.

So how do these conditions, that are apparently so different, have any relationship to one another? The relation isn't completely understood, yet it's been established that half of all young children who acquire eczema will go on to acquire asthma also. Doctors have determined that when eczema occurs, it triggers a substance to be secreted by the body's injured skin. This substance winds up flowing through the bloodstream and through the lungs, and then sets off asthma-like problems that ultimately develop into the full-blown disease. That's why young children who suffer from eczema will regularly go on to experience asthma too.

For the medical society, this is a tremendous step forward. They now think that if they start treating eczema more aggressively and make sure that the body doesn't begin manufacturing that substance to start with, then many of the kids who have eczema won't go on to develop asthma. As long as they are victorious, thousands of youngsters will be able to enjoy their lives without this debilitating affliction. - 31822

About the Author:

Eczema is a medical condition that encompasses a number of different skin ailments, from nummular eczema to atopic dermatitis. Although there isn't actually a cure for it, there are various treatment methods that will give you some relief. Learn more about treatment options including dyshidrotic eczema treatment at the Eczema Treatment site.