Illustration of St. Brigid holding a cross and sheaf of reeds, surrounded by shamrocks, flames, and flowers, marking St. Brigid’s Day on February 1, 2026.

Halfway to Spring 🌱

Halfway to Spring 🌱 February 2 marks not just Groundhog Day, but also Imbolc, a traditional Irish holiday celebrating St. Brigid. This date symbolizes a pivotal moment between winter’s harshness and the promise of spring. As the days grow longer, there’s a sense of hope and resilience in the air. Yet, with spring comes challenges, particularly for indoor air quality. A simple, often overlooked element—your air filter—can significantly impact your comfort. Air Filter Alarms will make a big difference. Happy Imbolc and Groundhog Day!

Why Your HVAC System Might Be Three Times Too Big

(And Why That’s a Problem You’re Living With Every Day) I recently visited a 1962 home in Croton on Hudson

Tall undecorated Balsam fir Christmas tree in eclectic living room with botanical wallpaper and vintage furniture

The Science of Seasonal Traditions

Dry winter air can quietly make your home uncomfortable—causing dry skin, nosebleeds, and lingering illness. In this post, I break down how different humidifiers actually work, why steam humidifiers are my preferred choice, and how proper humidity control can make homes in the Hudson Valley and Westchester healthier, warmer, and easier to live in all winter long.

Modern home in autumn woods with mushrooms and fog, illustrating mold spores and indoor air quality risks in New Paltz NY.

The Spore Cloud: Why Hudson Valley Air Quality Matters This Fall

Fall in the Hudson Valley is gorgeous—but it’s also peak mushroom season, and that means more mold spores in the air. Add in wood stoves firing up in seasonal homes, and indoor air quality can take a real hit this time of year. I want to talk about the hidden risks of mold and allergens, and why keeping the air clean inside your home matters more than you might think.

Four people sleeping drowsily on brown leather couch illustrating poor indoor air quality effects during Thanksgiving dinner in Beacon NY home

It’s Not the Turkey—It’s Your Indoor Air Quality

That post-Thanksgiving drowsiness isn’t the turkey—it’s your indoor air quality. Learn why gas stoves, CO₂ buildup, and poor ventilation are the real culprits.

Close-up of a dirty mini split with corroded copper pipes, tangled wiring, heavy cobwebs, and dust buildup. The coils and electrical components are visibly contaminated.

🎃 What’s Lurking Inside Your Mini Split Might Be Scarier Than Any Ghost

Think ghosts are scary? Try breathing in what’s hiding inside your mini split. Mold, bacteria, cobwebs — and a sludge so vile we had to invent OctoClean™ just to fight it.

Close-up of irritated green eye with red sclera from a barnacle-related injury.

I Got a Barnacle in My Eye

After a surprise barnacle-to-the-eye incident while winterizing her boat, Kimberly Sevilla reflects on the importance of PPE—and why your HVAC system deserves the same seasonal care. From sailboats to split units, Shelter Air’s got your winter prep covered.

HVAC technician wearing blue DemeTECH mask in attic workspace.

I Took a Job as an HVAC Apprentice

When Kimberly Sevilla, founder of Shelter Air, took a job as an HVAC apprentice to evaluate a potential acquisition, she didn’t expect to get electrocuted within the first hour. This gritty, behind-the-scenes look at a real-world HVAC install reveals the cultural pitfalls, safety red flags, and leadership lessons that inspired her mission to transform the industry—from the attic up.

Why I’ve Been Cranky Lately (And Why Your HVAC Might Be Too)

Spring is beautiful—but also full of pollen, humidity swings, and cranky HVAC systems. If you’ve been feeling off, your air might be too. Here’s why now’s the perfect time for a system tune-up—and how to save 10% with Shelter Air’s Wellness Plans.