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One crucial component of IAQ management is understanding MERV ratings and their role in air filtration systems. MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, is a numerical scale used to rate the effectiveness of air filters in capturing airborne particles.
Did you know that your HVAC should be inspected about twice a year? With spring right around the corner, you’ll want your AC to be checked out so you and your family can be as comfortable as possible once the heat hits. Once the colder months of the year roll back around, it is important to make sure that your home’s heater is in proper working order. Neglecting regular maintenance for your HVAC can cause you to run into some costly problems. Be wary of these serious issues that you can run into: Bad air quality in your home It is much more likely that you will experience more sick days during the winter than you would in the summer. This is due greatly to a lowered immune system in the colder months. However, if you are breathing in dirty air due to a heater that isn’t working properly, this will not help you in your efforts to stay healthy. If you regularly maintain your heater, you will have much cleaner air to breathe in your home. Costly repairs that could have been avoided If you were to never change the oil in your car, you would eventually have to invest in a whole new
Carbon monoxide poisoning may happen if CO from sources such as water heater, or heating system, or other similar gas, oil, or fuel burning appliances build up in an enclosed area. If proper ventilation is not attached to these systems, this can result in build-up of CO above safety levels in an enclosed or semi-enclosed space. Breathing the air in such a space with an over-concentration of CO may lead to CO poisoning in people and animals living in that space. The common symptoms of CO poisoning include nausea, chest pain, sleeplessness, weakness, dizziness, etc. The problem is that the same symptoms may result from many other underlying conditions, so if a CO built-up in a space is not detected, the symptoms may aggravate and may lead to serious illnesses. It may also lead to death in extreme cases. In fact, each year four-hundred deaths are reported in US which are caused by unintentional CO poisoning. What is carbon monoxide poisoning? The poisoning occurs mainly because our red blood corpuscles have a tendency to attract carbon monoxide quicker than they do oxygen. This means that CO can quickly replace oxygen in our blood, and this will prevent proper oxygen circulation
The act of replacing or repairing your air conditioner is not one that should be taken lightly. It is very important especially because it relates directly to the quality of life you lead. There are essential questions to ask when contemplating on whether to repair or replace it. Has it exhausted its useful life? How much have I spent so far on its repairs? For how long have used this air conditioner? Consult an expertMost experts especially those you have heard long working relations with will give you an excellent report on things as they stand. This will enable you make the right decision on the course of action to take. An expert will be able to determine the extent of damage to the equipment and the probability of lasting for a certain period after a repair. AgeAs equipment ages its level of inefficiency increases and should therefore be replaced. The machine may have exhausted its useful life and all it does is break down. When a machine is constantly in need of repair, then it is high time you replaced it. If it is just few times, then it can be repaired and used for a while. Cost of
Doing air conditioning maintenance yourself is impractical and unwise. Proper equipment is a prerequisite for a successful air conditioning repair. It takes a lot of money to have the right toolkit, and a great deal of experience to perform flawless workmanship. If you want to pull the job off the right way, hire a service technician who already has the essential gear. Here’s what you can find in an air conditioning repair specialist’s bag: Screwdrivers Reliable technicians have a collection of screwdrivers to work on different bolts and screws found in most HVAC systems. They don’t just use the ordinary flat head, hex, and Phillips screwdrivers; they invest in those with insulated handles to protect themselves from electrical shock. Pliers AC repair experts keep an arsenal of pliers and wrenches handy to deal with units linked to plumbing. To work on wiring and other electrical components, these tools also need to have insulated handles to observe safety and efficiency. Tin Nips and Steel Shears Sheet metal manipulation is an important part of HVAC repair jobs. Prepared technicians generally bring three types of tin nips to cut metal in different positions and directions with precision. A heavy-duty pair of metal shears with
Don’t wait until temperatures soar to find out your AC isn’t up to the task. Taking these proactive steps now will help keep your system running efficiently, reduce energy costs, and improve comfort all season long
Discovering mold in the home sends many homeowners into a panic. Uncontrolled mold can lead to serious respiratory illness, eye irritation, and skin reactions. Some individuals may develop asthma after prolonged exposure to mold. If your air-conditioning system contains mold, act as soon as possible to reduce the risk of negative health outcomes. What Causes Mold Buildup in Air Conditioners? Any space containing high moisture levels is at risk for mold. Most common molds require a wet environment to thrive, and air conditioners only run intermittently, allowing moisture and debris to accumulate in the air handler and ductwork. Whether you notice black mold, yourself, or a service technician discovers it, mold is an unwelcome health risk. Identifying Mold in Your HVAC System You may not notice mold in your AC system until it builds to recognizable levels. Any maintenance technician should alert you to possible signs of mold and give advice for removing it. In the absence of a technician’s discovery, look for these signs to identify the presence of mold: Something Smells Funky Mold has a distinctive musty smell. Most common molds will make the home smell old and unpleasant. You may notice the pungent nature of the smell
As businesses grow, their IT requirements grow with them, and soon require a separate room. Computing produces heat, and overheating from numbers of computers in a small space can soon lead to damaged equipment, data loss and company downtime. Businesses are increasingly realizing the necessity of investing in computer room cooling systems, and there are various options for doing this without breaking the bank. First of all, it is important to recognize that the cooling equipment used in these areas has to be equipment designed specifically for computers. Air conditioning systems designed for humans will be largely ineffective, as well as adding greatly to operating costs. In addition, what is particularly important is that the equipment should include precision temperature and humidity controls. If the temperature is too high, the equipment will malfunction, and its life will be shortened, while if humidity is not controlled, the equipment is likely to suffer damage due to electrostatic charge, or from condensation. Many businesses are finding that the perfect solution can be provided by computer ductless split systems, which, as they require no duct system, are simple and cost-effective to install. One big benefit of these systems is their flexibility, which means that
If your A/C is more than eight years of age, it might use an older coolant fluid. R22 refrigerant, also known as Freon®, is being a part of a federally regulated R22 phaseout. That means any air conditioner repairs may get more expensive. All air conditioner units contain cooling fluid. Older systems contain R-22, while newer systems usually use R-410A. Sometimes R-22 is called R22 or the brand name, Freon®. Many years ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determined causes ozone layer depletion. So the government created a phaseout plan for R22. Starting in January 2020, refrigerant suppliers cannot produce or sell Freon®. The only R22 available will be recovered, recycled, or reclaimed supplies. While there is a good stockpile of R-22 refrigerant now, that may change as time goes on. Schedule an Inspection for Your R22 System Today [gravityform id=1 title=”false”] Check out our infographic to learn more about what you should do to prepare for the upcoming R22 phaseout!
Summer is back, and your electric bills are likely to go up during this time of year. However, your energy costs shouldn’t get out of hand just because the sun is at its most intense moments. If you plan ahead, you can keep your electric consumption to a minimum without sacrificing comfort. For starters, use these tips: Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR®-Certified Air Conditioning System If your current heating and air conditioning system doesn’t have the ENERGY STAR seal, now is the time to get one that does. Your purchase might set you back a few dollars, but it would certainly pay for itself. According to ENERGY STAR, having an energy-efficient unit could save you nearly $120 every year. Instead of paying for higher electric bills monthly and spending more on maintenance, replacing your inefficient unit with an ENERGY STAR-certified product makes financial sense. Schedule Routine Checkups If your cooling equipment already bears the ENERGY STAR label, you can still improve its performance by addressing minor inefficiencies at their infancy. Working with an experienced HVAC specialist to give your AC the care it needs is a mark of a responsible owner. Switch to a Programmable Thermostat Compared to manually controlled ACs, units