Month: November 2021

2021-11-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – Giving and receiving gifts over the holidays is a tangible representation of how much people care for each other. However, sometimes the best presents are not physical objects. By gifting your friends and family experiences, you can make memories that last longer than the latest and greatest video game or toy of the season.

Here are some inspiring ideas on how you can spend time together and make memories this holiday season.

1) Learn together

Participating in an activity together is a great way to gift your family members a holiday memory they’ll cherish for years to come while learning a new skill. Have you ever wanted to learn how to rock climb, surf, kayak or throw an ax? See if your friends want to join you and reserve a session over a holiday weekend. Maybe your spouse has expressed an interest in woodworking, or your teen has developed a passion for cooking. You can encourage these interests by signing up for a workshop. By trying something new and learning a new skill together, your family may discover new passions and hobbies that you can continue to enjoy together.

2) Take a trip

Whether you want to escape to warmer climates this winter or revisit your favorite cold-weather activities, a holiday getaway gives your family the perfect opportunity to bond, take exciting photos and collect funny anecdotes you’ll tell again and again. Check online listings for vacation rentals in locations that everyone will enjoy.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, home of America’s largest indoor waterparks, is an excellent option for a family-friendly holiday getaway. You can stay at any of the four resorts located in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; Sandusky, Ohio; Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania; and Round Rock, Texas. Each location features a full-service spa, a family entertainment center, signature dining options, retail shops, and, of course, an indoor waterpark. There’s something for everyone all under one roof, so relax and enjoy a vacation everyone is sure to remember.

3) See a show

The holiday season is a great time to check out what your local live performing arts scene has to offer. During the holidays, you’ll find productions of famous plays and musicals put on by local and traveling companies, including holiday-themed classics like “A Christmas Carol” and ballet performances of “The Nutcracker.” If there’s a Broadway production your family has been wanting to see, it may be coming to your area during the holiday months.

Also, make sure to check live music performances. Maybe it’s time to introduce the kids to your favorite rock band or let them introduce you to the pop stars they have been listening to. Perhaps you can all try something new and attend an orchestra performing classic holiday music. Whatever you choose, you’ll be singing songs and quoting lines from shows to each other long after the holidays are over.

4) Gift an experience for later

Gift cards or certificates are a great way to gift experiences when your schedule doesn’t allow you to easily plan activities with your loved ones. Has your niece mentioned she wants to play guitar? She’ll be thrilled when she opens your card and sees you bought her lessons. If you don’t know what musical your friend is looking forward to seeing, check with your local theaters for gift certificates for their upcoming season. You can also purchase gift cards to Kalahari Resorts to treat your family to a future trip they can look forward to that fits in their busy schedules.

2021-11-29T12:01:00

(BPT) – When checking your holiday list, you’re searching for gifts that inspire joy and delight, and electronic items often fit that description. But what if that gift also happens to have a positive impact on your loved one’s life and the world at large? With all that has happened in the last couple of years, many of us have a greater appreciation for the things that protect the health of the planet for everyone.

Whether you’re shopping for a shiny new appliance or gadgets to make someone’s life easier, here’s how your gift can do a world of good: look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. These are independently certified to use less energy than standard products, which not only saves money on energy costs, but it also makes a difference for the climate.

To inspire you, here are a few holiday shopping list ideas:

Cool savings on the hottest electronic devices: Did you know the average household owns 24 consumer electronics products? The more you invest in items designed to save energy, the more the savings will rack up. That has become even more important these days as families continue to use multiple electronics for work and school. For catching up on favorite shows, tablets use four times less energy than streaming to a laptop and 15 times less than a desktop computer. An energy-efficient sound bar offers a sleek solution to achieving that rich stereo effect, but uses 70% less energy than a conventional model.

A smarter solution to save heating costs: Families are still spending more time at home and energy bills have skyrocketed. Smart thermostats take the guesswork out of maximizing energy efficiency, and choosing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat means savings you can trust. Plus, they make great gifts. Were everyone to make the switch, we’d save 56 trillion BTUs of energy and $740 million a year, offsetting 13 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Appliances with noticeable cost savings: Even when the purchase price is nice, don’t overlook this hidden cost of owning appliances: the cost of operating the product. So, if you’re eyeing a new washer/dryer set as the perfect holiday gift, make sure it’s energy efficient. You’ll feel good helping your loved one realize more than 20% savings on their electric bill while using one-third less water compared to the standard models.

A bright idea for stocking stuffers: Here’s a small gift that can light up their lives and save some serious bucks. Just one energy-efficient, LED light bulb can save more than $50 in electricity costs over its lifetime. If each American home replaced just a single bulb with one that earned the ENERGY STAR certification, we’d prevent more than 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

A charger to go with that new electric car: And if big gifts are part of your holiday plan, remember to check out electric vehicles (EVs) and an ENERGY STAR certified charger. EVs are the future of driving and you (or your loved one) can save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fuel and an average of $4,600 on maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle. An ENERGY STAR certified charger completes the gift and uses 40% less energy in standby mode than the standard. Be sure to check for federal tax credits and utility rebates to sweeten the deal.

Still looking for a great gift that is both innovative and energy efficient? Check out energystar.gov/holiday for everything you need to help your loved ones save money and protect the climate all year long.

2021-11-29T12:01:00

(BPT) – The holidays are quickly approaching and so is the stress that holiday hosts know all too well. But with the right preparation and kitchen essentials, you’ll feel ready and excited to celebrate the season. Follow the tips below to throw the most festive gathering this season — without the guesswork!

1. Keep your ingredients “fa-la-la fresh.”

Get inspired with tried-and-true recipes from Bosch and plan your full menu ahead of time, from appetizers to dessert. Start building your grocery list with each ingredient you’ll need (and don’t forget to double or triple the recipe, depending on how many it serves).

Grocery stores are busier than ever during the holidays, so make plenty of time for shopping in advance and bulk-buy ingredients to stock your refrigerator with everything you need. Utilize refrigerator features to help extend the shelf life of your food and keep everything in an easy-to-find, easy-to-reach place. French door bottom mount refrigerators from Bosch feature the FarmFresh System, keeping your ingredients fresher, longer. And, the customizable FlexBar allows you to rearrange shelves to make room for pies, long serving platters, wine bottles and more.

2. Create a schedule so every dish is cooked to perfection, and on time.

Keeping a timeline of when to cook each dish is key to a smooth holiday, so you’re not trying to cook everything at once. For example, make the cranberry sauce the day before, put the prime rib in the oven day-of before noon, warm the rolls at 2 p.m. and get the coffee going at 4:30 p.m.

Once you have a set schedule, work with your oven for perfect results. Make sure you have an oven with convection for consistent, uniform cooking/baking, and if you’re baking with several pans in the oven at once, make sure they are properly spaced to allow for even better heat distribution. When putting food in the oven, remember that cold/frozen items will impact oven temperatures that have already been pre-heated.

3. Let technology help you for a smarter holiday.

Smart appliances come with many holiday-saving features, like preheating your oven remotely from your living room, so you can get back to spending quality time with family and friends.

You can also set up the coffee playlist on the Bosch Built-In Coffee Machine so that you can make everyone’s favorite cup of cheer efficiently, with no fuss. Simply enter multiple beverage orders from your smartphone or tablet, preparing one after the other with ease for the whole family via the Home Connect app.

4. Prep your appliances for the main event.

A few simple appliance hacks make them function flawlessly all through the holiday season. Clean your oven well before the holidays instead of the night before, so you’re not overloading your appliance. It’s generally recommended to perform a diagnostics test on your oven a few weeks before the holiday for optimal performance.

Clean your dishwasher filter to remove debris and help water drain properly, a simple task that should be done every few months. Replacing your refrigerator filter is important as well. Since you and your guests will be using the ice and water features in your fridge quite a bit, make sure your filter is fresh every six months.

5. Personalize your holiday with your guests’ favorite drinks.

A wine-derful holiday is in your future with dedicated storage space for your favorite bottles. If you’re in the market for a refrigerator, opt for one that doubles as a beverage center so you can offer your holiday guests their drink of choice — from beer to wine to soda — at the optimal temperature and humidity. The Bosch Refreshment Center refrigerator holds up to 17 standard wine bottles, featuring a glass-front beverage drawer with five pre-programmed settings. A customizable toast to the holiday and new year is key to the perfect celebration.

6. Dashing through the cleanup.

A simple way to cut down on dirty dishes is to use baking and cooking vessels that double as serving dishes. In addition, make sure you have a top-of-the-line dishwasher with technology that perfectly cleans your dishes as much as it dries them, for less manual steps like pre-rinsing or towel-drying. A simple holiday hack is to run the dishwasher before you bring the food to the table, so you can end your meal without a looming pile of dishes waiting for you in the sink.

Lastly, stainless steel appliances and glass induction cooktops make cleaning a snap. These surfaces are easy to clean with the simple swipe of a damp washcloth. Holiday cleanup should be quick and stress-free, so you can get back to the seasonal fun.

2021-11-29T12:31:00

(BPT) – Whether this is your first or 15th time hosting friends and family for holiday celebrations, you know that preparation is key to a successful party. Planning a holiday get-together should be enjoyable, and here are some helpful tips to help make hosting merry and bright for all, courtesy of Tropicana.

• Decorate simply. Less is more. A few holiday decorations go a long way. Spruce up your space with a few garlands here or there, a wreath on the door and some paper snowflakes to set the mood. Plus, if you have kids, you can set them up with a holiday craft that keeps them entertained and doubles as decor.
• Cook ahead of time. It’s easy to make cookie dough the day before the party, refrigerate or freeze it, and slip a tray of cookies into the oven just as your guests are arriving. Bonus points for the delicious smell that will fill your space!
• Don’t be afraid to share the love. Invite your guests to bring their favorite appetizer, side dish or dessert to share.
• Make a list of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink options. You can buy ingredients for festive cocktails and mocktails a few days in advance and keep them refrigerated until guests arrive. While everyone enjoys their drinks, you’ll free up fridge space for leftover food.

Bright and cheery cocktails and mocktails that everyone can enjoy are essential for getting into the holiday spirit. If you’re having trouble coming up with holiday drinks, fear not! From your daily morning OJ to the special moments around the holiday table, Tropicana is here with some easy-to-make recipes. Tropicana’s delicious cocktail and mocktail recipes will bring a moment of brightness to any festive gathering this winter using Tropicana Premium Drinks and seasonal garnishes that add a fun flair.

Frosted Coconut Martini Cocktail

Winter hasn’t arrived until you’ve cozied up to a toasty fire with a frosty and delicious Frosted Coconut Martini. Tropicana Premium Drinks Pina Colada brings a hint of bright summer flavor to this twist on a holiday classic. Please drink responsibly.

Ingredients:

2 ounces Tropicana Premium Drinks Pina Colada

1 ounce gin

1/2 ounce dry vermouth

Coconut flakes and sliced pineapple for garnish

Honey to adhere coconut flakes to rim

Instructions:

1. Dip cocktail glass rim in honey and then coconut flakes.

2. Fill shaker with ice.

3. Pour Tropicana Premium Drinks Pina Colada and gin into shaker and shake well.

4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

5. Garnish with coconut flakes and sliced pineapple.

Frosted Coconut Martini Mocktail

If an alcoholic beverage isn’t for you, you can still mix up a seasonal coconut martini mocktail that tastes delicious.

Ingredients:

2 ounces Tropicana Premium Drinks Pina Colada

1.5 ounces club soda

1 ounce pineapple juice

Coconut flakes and sliced pineapple for garnish

Honey to adhere coconut flakes to rim

Dash of bitters

Instructions:

1. Dip cocktail glass rim in honey and then coconut flakes.

2. Fill shaker with ice.

3. Pour Tropicana Premium Drinks Pina Colada and gin into shaker and shake well.

4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

5. Add a dash of bitters and garnish with coconut flakes and sliced pineapple.

Berry Merry Mule Cocktail

A year-round favorite, the Berry Merry Mule Cocktail offers a modern twist on a classic mule and is a holiday party must-have. Please drink responsibly.

Ingredients:

2 ounces Tropicana Premium Drinks Summer Berry Bliss

1 1/2 ounces bourbon

1/2 ounce lime, juiced

1 1/2 ounces ginger beer

Blackberries and lime for garnish

Instructions:

1. Over an ice-filled copper mug, pour Tropicana Premium Drinks Summer Berry Bliss, bourbon and lime juice.

2. Top with ginger beer.

3. Stir to combine.

4. Garnish with lime and blackberries.

Berry Merry Mule Mocktail

This delicious fan favorite mule is just as enticing sans bourbon.

Ingredients:

2 ounces Tropicana Premium Drinks Summer Berry Bliss

2 ounces ginger ale

1/2 ounce lime, juiced

Blackberries and lime for garnish

Instructions:

1. Over an ice-filled copper mug, pour Tropicana Premium Drinks Summer Berry Bliss, ginger ale and lime juice.

2. Top with ginger ale.

3. Stir to combine.

4. Garnish with lime and blackberries.

Let Tropicana add real moments of brightness to your holiday party. Both Tropicana Premium Drinks Pina Colada and Tropicana Premium Drinks Summer Berry Bliss are available in 52-ounce bottles, so you’ll have more than enough to make cocktails and mocktails for all your guests. You may even have leftovers to enjoy after everyone has gone home. Cheers!

2021-11-29T08:01:00

(BPT) – After getting through the past couple of difficult years, many holiday gift-givers are searching for ways to share their values of compassion and concern for the world around them with family and loved ones. If you have a cause you care about, or if those you’re shopping for feel passionately about making a difference in the world, this is the ideal opportunity to share the joy of the season by choosing gifts that give back.

Here are ideas to help you give gifts that you — and the person you’re shopping for — will feel really good about this holiday season.

1. Donate to a cause in their name to help provide basic needs to people around the world. They will love hearing about how the donation is truly making a difference for a person or community in need. For example, charity: water is a nonprofit organization that provides the crucial gift of clean water to people around the world to help fight the global water crisis. Nothing could be more fundamental to human survival than clean, safe drinking water. Currently, 785 million people in the world live without clean water, and dirty water kills more people than all forms of violence, including war. Since private donors cover their operating costs, this organization uses 100% of donated funds to bring clean water to people who need it.

2. Buy merchandise to help spread the word through items like T-shirts and hats from nonprofit organizations. Gifting their merchandise helps provide funds for that organization and also shows your gift recipient’s support for the cause, which can spark conversation with their friends and family. At charity: water’s online store, you can find unique gifts that spread the word about the global water crisis. From wearables and water bottles to candles, books and more, these special items make great gifts while also helping spread awareness of the need for clean water all over the world.

3. Give a meaningful new experience that can further your loved one’s interest in a cause, or spark a new passion. Gift them a class or workshop that teaches something your friend or family member would find informative and intriguing — from creating a pollinator-friendly yard or composting to organic gardening or making your home more sustainable. Learning a new skill or technique that makes a difference in your own backyard is a gift they’ll never forget. Make sure to get one for yourself, so you can join them!

4. Choose gifts from local artisans and entrepreneurs to help support your own community and bring much-needed income to start-ups and small businesses right in your neighborhood. Make sure to enclose information about the company with your gift, so the recipient will know where it came from — and may be inspired to shop there, too! Many search engines today make it easy to find local businesses that are minority-owned, which gives you a great opportunity to support those companies.

5. Give a gift to the world with a charitable gift subscription for a gift that not only gives back, but keeps on giving. Many charities and causes allow you to purchase a monthly subscription for a variety of price points. In the case of charity: water’s subscription The Spring, you can choose any amount to give each month. For example, a $40 monthly donation can give 12 people the gift of clean water every year. Subscribers are then sent monthly impact reports, so you’ll be able to see the progress that has been made from your contribution.

With a little creativity, your holiday gifts will say a lot about what matters to you, and what the person you’re shopping for cares about, too. By choosing gifts that give back this year, you might just help change the world.

2021-11-24T10:01:00

(BPT) – Despite unprecedented challenges related to the global pandemic, the future of adventure remains bright! With the world opening back up, and people largely unhindered by travel and safety restrictions, explorers and thrill seekers alike are eager to feed their venturesome spirit. This holiday season, the time is right to help your adventurous friends and loved ones reignite their passion with trips and experiential gifts that truly inspire them and allow them to live their best life. We’ve rounded up a handful of the hottest gifts for people who love adventure below:

1. Give a lifetime of adventure

One way to circumnavigate supply chain issues is to empower your loved one with a new skill. For those driven by adventure, scuba diving is a perennial favorite on everyone’s bucket list. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) offers online scuba diving lessons beginning at $195 that enable new divers to start their scuba training digitally whenever, wherever it’s convenient. PADI eLearning^® makes it easy to fit scuba lessons into a busy schedule, work at your own pace, and then schedule in-water training whenever you’re ready. Novices will enjoy the PADI Open Water Diver course, where a highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach diving skills in a relaxed, supportive learning environment. By the end of the course, recipients will earn their PADI^® certification to dive near home or abroad, all while being an ambassador for the underwater world. Visit https://www.padi.com to purchase or for more information.

2. Upgrade their two-wheel ride with custom bike accessories

Bikes have the power to add something special to everyday life. That became evident throughout the past two years, when millions of people turned to bicycles as a safe and socially distanced way to get out of their homes. For the exploration-loving family member or friend who is already enjoying a new ride, custom Electra Bicycle Company accessories, such as the playful Electra Tutti Frutti Velcro Handlebar Bag ($24.99), Electra Plasket ($39.99) made from one pound of recycled ocean plastic, or a foodie-inspired Electra Oodles of Noodles Domed Ringer Bike Bell ($14.99), make daily excursions even more uniquely themselves. Electra puts the fun into bike riding with creativity, innovation, design and attention to detail to make the most innovative accessories and comfortable bikes possible. Whether they need to carry extra stuff or just want to trick out a new bike and make it their own, gift it with some Electra style, and visit https://electra.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/ for more information.

3. Feed the need for adventure

With eBikes all the rage this last year, they are the perfect companion for anyone looking for a new experience this holiday season. For over a decade, Bosch eBike Systems has collaborated with over 40 U.S. eBike manufacturers to outfit bikes with drive systems that ensure riders maximize performance and the bike goes the distance. Give the gift of adventure with the Cannondale Tesoro Neo X (starting at $3,350) or the Gazelle Ultimate C380+ (starting at $4,749), which both are made with Bosch’s Performance Line Sport Drive Unit to give you the speed and the juice to go the distance. Those needing some extra storage for errands will enjoy the Benno Boost E D10 Performance (starting at $4,999). Featuring Bosch’s Performance Line Speed, this bike offers dynamic support in everyday life or for leisure use. By the end of the first ride, your loved one will want to eBike everywhere they go. Visit https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/riding-experience for eBike travel and adventure guides.

“People are ready to get out there once again, and seek not only new experiences but also great memories,” comments Kristin Valette-Wirth, chief brand and membership officer for PADI. “This season, we believe the key is providing adventure seekers a way to explore new horizons and enjoy the staggering beauty of the parts of the world they may have missed recently, all while offering a very unique perspective.”

2021-11-24T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether hitting the road to visit family or taking a cross-country road trip to make vacation memories, you need a vehicle that you can count on to get you to your destination. But you want your ride to be more than that: you want something that’s fun to drive and ideally good for the environment. Fortunately, electric vehicles (EVs) check all of those boxes.

Electric vehicles are becoming more common as carmakers continue to roll out more electric models. With EVs on the top of people’s minds today, now is a great time to give one a try. Here are four reasons to consider making the switch to an electric vehicle for your next road trip:

1: There are plenty of electric vehicle options to choose from

If you’re in the market for a new car, there are plenty of electric vehicles to consider, and many major automakers are rolling out new electric models. Plus, those EVs aren’t just hatchbacks and small cars — EVs now come in full-size sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks. This means you can now drive electric practically anywhere, with the same number of passengers and the same amount of luggage as you’d be toting in a gas car.

You also don’t even need to own an EV to drive one, as some car rental agencies may offer the opportunity to rent electric vehicles. And if your trip is a short one and you plan to utilize a rideshare service, some companies may offer electric vehicle options, too.

2: Electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions

If you’re looking for simple ways to help reduce your tailpipe emissions, driving an electric vehicle is a smart choice. EVs typically emit lower levels of greenhouse gases than the average new gasoline car, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Just how much fewer emissions do electric vehicles generate? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs produce on average roughly 3,700 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions per year, compared to more than 11,400 pounds of average CO2 equivalent emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles. Compared to a gas-powered car, that’s a lot less CO2 if you own an EV.

3: Charging is more accessible than ever

If you’re taking an electric vehicle on a road trip, public fast-charging stations are a great way to charge up before heading back out onto the road. Electrify America’s fast-charging stations can be found at convenient, accessible places you’d likely encounter during a road trip: grocery stores, shopping centers, restaurants and even gas stations. This way, you can complete errands, enjoy some local entertainment or simply relax while your vehicle charges. Many of these stations are located in metro areas and close to highways, so you don’t have to venture too far from your route to charge.

Because public chargers are becoming widely available, drivers can feel more confident taking their EVs across town, regionally or even across the country. To help with longer-distance travel specifically, Electrify America now offers multiple cross-country routes and several north-to-south routes along the coasts and Middle America, in addition to many other interstate options.

By the end of 2025, the charging company expects to have more than 1,800 public ultra-fast charging stations with about 10,000 chargers either completed or under construction in the U.S. and Canada.

4: Electric vehicles are fun to drive

The instant torque and silent electric motor can make driving an EV even more fun than a traditional gas-powered car. Electric vehicles offer smooth handling thanks to a low center of gravity. You’ll also experience less vehicle hesitation and gear shifting, with instant acceleration at just a tap of your foot.

Next time you’re looking to take a road trip, consider taking an electric vehicle. You’ll feel good switching to electric, knowing you’re helping to reduce tailpipe emissions. You can also feel confident going almost anywhere as EV model options become more plentiful and charging options become more widely accessible. With transportation becoming more electrified each year, taking an electric vehicle road trip now will help prepare you for the future.

2021-11-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – Air quality has become a hot topic. COVID-19 heightened our awareness of all of our surroundings — especially the air we breathe. Because people spend 90% of their time indoors, especially during colder winter months, sorting fact from fiction about indoor air quality is crucial.

Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, is helping debunk common myths about indoor air quality and offering tips to improve the air you breathe:

Myth 1: Outside air is always better.

Debunked: Not always. It’s healthy to get a dose of fresh air, but sometimes when you bring in outdoor air you can invite allergens, smog and humidity into your home. It can be better to filter your air to freshen and reduce particulates. According to Jason Bingham, president of Trane Technologies’ Residential HVAC business, “An important aspect of helping people feel confident indoors is mitigating airborne health risks, especially those related to viruses, bacteria, pet dander and other particles.”

Myth 2: Using technology to monitor indoor air quality will increase energy consumption.

Debunked: Not necessarily. Efficient and connected building technologies make it easier for experts to help builders install eco-friendly, economical heating and cooling solutions. Meanwhile, homeowners and building owners can use air quality monitors, which can detect certain potentially harmful gases and particulates, to make cost-effective, efficient decisions about improving air quality.

Myth 3: Once the pandemic is over, indoor air quality won’t be a concern.

Debunked: Indoor air quality will always be important. Without adequate ventilation, harmful gases or particles can infiltrate the air. By reducing these irritants and pollutants, you can also reduce exposure to pathogens and conditions that can cause illnesses, respiratory problems and other health risks. Plus, less illness means less absenteeism from work or school. Improved air quality in homes and buildings can pay dividends for years.

Myth 4: Vaccinated people don’t need to worry about the air quality.

Debunked: Vaccination is a protection against specific viruses, but not all. Without proper ventilation, filtration and humidity control, there is a higher risk of contaminants circulating indoors and conditions that can encourage exposure to airborne viruses. Gases, particulate matter and other pollutants can also affect your health, especially if you have asthma or allergies.

Myth 5: You can’t see air quality so you can’t feel confident about the air you breathe.

Debunked: Sophisticated sensors and technologies are available that help you know and control air quality. According to Jason Bingham, “The first step is awareness and knowing the air quality within a home or building. Once you understand your air quality and the various factors that impact it, such as ventilation and humidity, you can improve it.”

An air quality sensor can monitor for dust and allergens. A filtration system can remove 99.98% of those allergens. And a humidifier can maintain the right balance of moisture.

Myth 6: If room temperature is right, I should be OK and feel comfortable.

Debunked: Humidity plays a big part in air quality and comfort: too high or too low can cause health problems, discomfort, mildew and unhygienic air. Indoor spaces that are the right temperature but don’t have adequate ventilation can contain high concentrations of carbon dioxide, which can lead to drowsiness and headaches.

Myth 7: Thermal comfort (how we feel) has nothing to do with air quality.

Debunked: Thermal comfort is based on temperature and humidity, and humidity plays a significant role in air quality. For example, airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is found to be more transmissible in dry air. As a result, researchers recommend relative humidity of 40% to 60%.

Busting these myths is just the tip of the air quality iceberg. Look to Trane Technologies to get to the bottom of indoor air quality solutions and how air quality affects you. You can also tune in to the Healthy Spaces podcast and learn more about real solutions to transform indoor spaces into healthier and safer environments.