6 Common Causes for Poor Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality Katy Tx

Causes for Poor Indoor Air Quality Katy Tx

A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience. ~Sydney Smith

Coming home! Ah! Home can be such a retreat, a respite from a tough day at work or school. Gathering together with the people and pets that you cherish the most is special. Such a special place needs to be as safe and healthy as we can make it.

Studies reveal that several changes in building techniques and building materials make indoor air several times more polluted than outdoor. Couple that with how much we appreciate our homes—we spend the vast majority of our time indoors—homeowners should pay special attention to indoor air quality (IAQ).

Poor IAQ can irritate the sinus and eyes with symptoms similar to pollen allergies/hay fever. It can also lead to breathing difficulties, dizziness, and fatigue. Here are a few common sources of indoor pollutants and some steps you can take to improve indoor air quality.

  1. Be Careful with Allergens.

Allergens are a general class of pollutants that cause an inflammation reaction to the skin, sinuses, eyes, and throat. Often allergens are organic and sourced from living organisms. Some of the most common allergens include:

  • Dust and dander, small particles that flake off of living surfaces, including human and pet bodies
  • Pollen from grass, trees, and flowers. Pollen enters your home through small gaps, every time your door opens and can be carried in on clothes and shoes.
  • Mold spores are actively blowing about and enter your home in the same manner as pollen. Mold can also find moist, dark spaces in your home.
  1. Be Aware of Household Chemicals.

Chemicals find their way into our homes and contribute to indoor air quality. Drawing attention to some of these sources will help you make wise decisions.

  • Manufacturing items, including furniture, flooring, paints, and adhesives will give off volatile organic compounds (VOC) for several years after they are installed. There is nothing to prevent this, but remember they are contributing to your IAQ.
  • Often your garage also serves as a storage space for lawn care products, including mower/trimmer fuel, pesticides/herbicides, and fertilizers. Every time you open the garage door, small amounts of these chemicals enter your home. NEVER “warm” your vehicle inside your garage, since a large portion of the exhaust will find its way indoors.
  • Household cleaning chemicals also contribute to IAQ.
  1. Tobacco Smoke.

Smokers are aware of the health hazards tobacco smoke poses to themselves and to others as secondhand smoke. To reduce the impact of tobacco smoke on Indoor Air Quality, find a favorite spot outdoors to smoke and avoid smoking indoors.

After addressing the most common pollutants, let’s look at some top measures you can take to improve IAQ.

  1. Improve Ventilation.

Houses are built for energy efficiency, allowing very little air to enter through gaps and cracks. This allows the pollutants mentioned above to concentrate indoors. Planning improved ventilation can help you improve Indoor Air Quality Katy Tx.

  • Often extreme weather keeps our windows and doors closed for energy efficiency. But during every season, we experience a few days of relief, with very pleasant temperatures. On those days, pull the screen doors closed and open doors and windows to let in the fresh air. While fresh air is coming indoors, pollutants are migrating outdoors.
  • Be mindful of pollen and mold counts if family members have allergies.
  1. Change the Air Filter Regularly.

Your HVAC system has an air filter that removes most pollutants each time the blower circulates the air during a heating or cooling cycle. Every airborne particle trapped by the filter improves Indoor Air Quality Katy Tx. However, eventually, the dust and pollen clog the filter and reduce its effectiveness. Changing the air filter at least every 3 months will ensure most particles are removed and no longer circulate.

  1. Further Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality Katy Tx

Sometimes families find a need for improved indoor air quality; severe allergies, asthmas, and illness that makes breathing difficult require quality indoor air. These improvements might require professional help.

  • Dust and pollutants collect in the ductwork and may need to be removed by duct cleaning professionals.
  • If you suspect that a mold infestation has developed, removal will also require a mold mitigation specialist.
  • If pollen, dander, and mold cause severe allergic reactions or trigger asthma, talk to All Cool about an inline ultra-violet (UV) air cleaner. A UV air cleaner functions in this manner:
    • We are often warned that UV light damages human skin with prolonged exposure. UV light damages the cell walls of living organisms.
    • A UV inline air cleaner is installed inside the ductwork of your HVAC system. Enclosed in this space it cannot harm family members or pets.
    • The UV light will damage the cell walls of organic pollutants such as pollen, bacteria, and mold spores.
    • The dead cells are neutralized and more easily collected by the air filter.

Need Help with Your Indoor Air Quality Katy Tx?

Let us help you with improving your indoor air quality Katy Tx by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Indoor Air Quality Katy Tx

Indoor Air Quality Problem Areas

Indoor Air Quality Problem Areas

Improving Indoor Air Quality in Problem Areas

American construction techniques have succeeded in building homes with a better seal against outside air, reducing drafts, and improving energy efficiency. However, the trade-off is that sealed homes tend to receive less fresh air. The indoor air constantly circulates and is several times more polluted than outdoor air. While every room will have its share of pollutants, some rooms have specific pollutant problems. Here are five rooms with the potential for poor indoor air quality and some steps to reduce pollutants.

The Attic

Most attics are unused and unconditioned space; that is the HVAC system does not circulate through most attic spaces. An attic can contribute to poor indoor air quality since it will generally be the site for insulation. Some insulation can be harmful, such as fiberglass, but all insulation can contribute to airborne pollutants when disturbed. Expect attics to receive a lot of dust and pollen as well.

  • Use weather stripping to seal attic openings from the rest of the house.

The Garage

Your garage adds to indoor air pollution in two major ways:

  • Driving automobiles into the garage brings in car exhaust. Carbon monoxide is one of the poisonous gases emitted, so this is an important issue.
  • Unless necessary for security, wait a few seconds before lowering the garage door. This allows exhaust to ventilate to the outdoors. Do not let your car idle while in the garage.
  • Consider whether your situation could benefit from garage ventilation.
  • The garage also tends to be a storage area for herbicides, pesticides, paints, and cleaning products.
  • Store hazardous material safely, in secured containers and in a locked cabinet if possible.
  • Make sure the garage door is adequately sealed with weather stripping to prevent fumes and odors from entering the house.

The Kitchen

Activities performed primarily in the kitchen can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

  • Cooking food with natural gas or propane will produce carbon monoxide and other toxins that need to be vented to the outdoors.
  • Stored food can also be a source of mold and bacterial growth.
  • The cleaning supplies associated with cleaning in the kitchen can also release hazardous gases into the rest of the house.
  • Use the stovetop vent on low power when cooking, whether you use gas or not. This will remove both toxins and odors.
  • Make a schedule to dispose of stored food before it spoils.
  • Use nontoxic household cleaners, such as vinegar or baking soda.

Bathrooms

The most humid room in your house will be your bathroom(s). Hot water from showers and baths creates steam which condenses on most surfaces. In addition, standing water is evaporating almost constantly. Moisture on surfaces can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.

  • Use the exhaust fan during baths and showers to remove the steam. Make sure to clean the fan grill to remove the wet dust that develops.
  • When weather permits, open a bathroom window during showers.
  • Wipe down surfaces often with a natural cleaner such as vinegar. Vinegar will inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.

Bedrooms

Many people will spend at least 1/3 of their day in the bedroom, so improving air quality in the bedrooms is a great advantage. If moisture in the bathroom is the issue, there are some simple solutions.  If dust and dander are the issues in the bedroom, the largest percentage of these particles are generated by humans and pets. Here are several ways to improve air quality in the bedroom.

  • Open windows whenever possible to add fresh air.
  • The carbon dioxide that is released while sleeping is significant, so moving the air is a great benefit. Learn to use ceiling fans to improve room ventilation.
  • Clean regularly. Dust. Vacuum. Change and launder bedding regularly.

Have Questions About How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?

Let us know how we can help with improving your indoor air quality, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Indoor Air Quality Problem Areas

 

3 Ways AC Systems Improves Indoor Air Quality

3 Ways AC Systems Improves Indoor Air Quality

How Your AC System Improves Indoor Air Quality

Winter is almost gone; springtime is coming fast. Warmer temps bring the return to outdoor activities-yay! But when the trees and flowers break into bloom, it also brings an abundance of pollen, the trigger for seasonal allergies. Pollen gets everywhere, inside and out. If seasonal allergens trouble you, you should be pleased to know that help is available.

Your HVAC system is the first line of defense against pollen, and this is why:

  1. Air Filters—The First Line of Defense. Your air filter will trap a very high percentage of common pollen and mold spores.
    1. Common tree, grass, and flower pollen range in size between 20 and 30 microns—a micron is 1/1,000,000 of a meter.
    2. Air filters are rated on a MERV scale, an acronym for minimum efficiency reporting value, with values ranging from 1-16. Common HVAC air filters are rated at 12. MERV 12 filters will trap 90% of particles 3 microns or larger, so they are quite capable of removing most pollen and mold spores.1
    3. Changing your air filter regularly (at least every 3 months) is very important for many reasons. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, consider changing the filter more often, perhaps once per month when pollen counts are high.
  1. Evaporator Coils—Removing Excess Humidity. Humidity makes surfaces sticky, attracting pollen and promoting the growth of mold and mildew.
    1. The ideal indoor humidity ranges between 30 and 50 percent; during the summer months, indoor humidity tends toward the upper range.
    2. During the summer, the humidity in southern Texas is often much higher than the ideal for indoor air. The air conditioner evaporator coil removes 5 to 20 gallons of water per day.

Your air conditioner is working to improve indoor air quality and relieve seasonal allergies.

  1. The Blower Motor—Moving Fresh Air. The blower motor is responsible for pushing air throughout your home, moving the entire volume of your home every few minutes.
    1. Both filtration and the removal of humidity are accomplished because the air is moving.
    2. Moving air smells and feels fresher; moving air does not feel stuffy or stale.

Outdoor air that makes its way into the house will be cleaned, cooled, and dehumidified for your comfort.

Tools to Remove Even More Allergens. While your HVAC system is working hard to remove pollen, pet hair, and mold from your environment, you can add accessories to enhance their removal. If a family member has breathing problems or respiratory illnesses, adding these tools can make breathing easier.

  • UV-C Lights. Every summer, we are reminded to apply sunscreen to protect our skin from UV or ultraviolet light. We know that UV light damages cells. That works to your advantage to improve indoor air quality during allergy season. UV lights can be installed inside the ductwork of your HVAC system. As living airborne particles move through the duct, the direct UV light damages those living cells, making them inert, so they can be more easily trapped. UV light will neutralize pollen, mold and mildew spores, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses.
  • Humidifiers/dehumidifiers. No two homes are exact duplicates—people try, but it never works. Some houses need a little boost to remove excess humidity; an environment can develop for the growth of mold and mildew. Laundry rooms, heavily used bathrooms, or perhaps a basement might receive too much moisture. For those homes, a small portable dehumidifier is available. Other homes fall well below that ideal humidity level and can dry eyes, noses, and throats. For those homes a small portable humidifier is available.

Have Questions About How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?

Let us know how we can help with improving your indoor air quality, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

3 Ways AC Systems Improves Indoor Air Quality

HVAC Spring Cleaning To Reduce Allergens

HVAC Spring Cleaning To Reduce Allergens

Your HVAC Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring cleaning may have ancient origins in religious practices, but it became a necessity during the early days of westward expansion. Long winters were difficult and settlers burned multiple fuels to illuminate rooms and keep the house warm. Depending on the location, the fireplace might burn wood or peat, a stove might burn coal or oil, and candles, lamps, and lanterns used kerosene or whale oil.

By the time spring arrived, soot and dust-covered most surfaces. Windows and doors could be opened once again, letting fresh air in as all of the soot and dust accumulation were thoroughly cleaned from every surface.

Springtime remains a favorite time to thoroughly clean the house from top to bottom. Winter weather keeps the house closed up for long periods; warmer temperatures and open windows inspire homeowners to clean and declutter. Spring is a great time to clean, so All Cool is encouraging you to conduct an HVAC Spring Cleaning and make indoor air quality a special project this year. We’ll go room-by-room with recommendations to make a safer place to live and breathe.

Allergen Reducing HVAC Spring Cleaning Checklist

1 Foundation Levels. Let’s start with the basement, crawl space, or foundation of your home. All three are susceptible to seeping water and the damage it can cause. Water can lead to

    • Mold growth
    • Water damage
    • Wood rot
    • Increased humidity

Check your foundation level for current water problems and make repairs without delay; the problem will neither go away nor get better with time. Check for standing water near foundation walls. Channel stormwater from your downspouts a minimum of three feet away from the house. This can be achieved with splash guards or flexible extensions.

2 HVAC Closet. Often, your central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is surrounded by a mechanical closet that will need attention. As the air circulates with every heating and cooling cycle, airborne particles, such as dust and dander are trapped by the air filter. Cleaning around your HVAC system is important for several reasons.

    • Dust is the enemy of your HVAC system, causing mechanical stress and energy inefficiency
    • Airborne particles are the leading cause of seasonal allergies and other breathing illnesses

In addition to cleaning the dust and debris from the closet, change your air filter every three months and call your HVAC professional to schedule an annual preventative maintenance visit. This ensures that it functions efficiently, safely, and cleanly.

3 Laundry Area. We are such creatures of habit! Often, we clean and dry our clothes at the same time that we clean the house; no wonder the laundry room gets neglected. Confined spaces also make it hard to clean. Take some time to thoroughly clean some real messes.

    • Make sure to clean the dryer vent. A dirty vent, clogged with lint, will make your dryer run hotter and can lead to a house fire.
    • Make sure water supply hoses and the drain hose are properly connected without leaks. Wet surfaces in hidden spaces can promote the growth of mold, with spores that can lead to serious illness.
    • Spilled laundry products are generally sticky and collect dust and dirt.

4 Scrubbing the Kitchen. The kitchen sees a lot of action and that results in significant messy situations. Since you prepare food in the kitchen, it probably gets cleaned often. During your spring cleaning, take some additional steps to keep everyone safe.

    • This is a good time to empty shelves and dust. You may need to declutter a little as well.
    • Move appliances when possible to clean behind, beside, and underneath.
    • Use a vacuum cleaner to clean the refrigerant coils on your refrigerator and/or freezer.
    • If your oven needs to be clean, be careful to use non-toxic cleaning supplies.

5 Bathrooms get cleaned regularly, but we can recommend a few HVAC Spring Cleaning steps further.

    • Springtime is a good time to give tile and grout some extra attention. Proper care and sealant can prevent the growth of mold, which is both dangerous and unsightly.
    • Remove the cover to the exhaust fan and clean the dust that might have accumulated.
    • Remove items from drawers and shelves, dust and declutter.

6 Bedrooms. Most people sleep for 1/3 of their lives, so make sure to give special attention to spring cleaning in each bedroom. Of course, you are changing/washing your bedding regularly, but remember to:

    • Vacuum the mattress often. The mattress will collect dirt and dust, just like every other surface. During sleep, you come into close contact with the mattress, so make sure it is clean.
    • Clean closets and drawers, dusting and vacuuming as needed. This is a perfect time to declutter here as well.
    • Clean ceiling fans thoroughly, both the motor and the blades.

7 Living Rooms. Every other space, including living rooms, playrooms, office spaces, and man caves, needs special attention as well.

    • Dusting and vacuuming are essential. Any dust you remove from a surface will be removed from your home for good.
    • Clean lighting. You will be surprised at how much accumulates here. It might just brighten the room.
    • Don’t forget closets and drawers, declutter as needed. Except for the “junk drawer.” Don’t declutter the junk drawer, since you never know when you might need one of those items.

Have Questions About Your HVAC Spring Cleaning Checklist?

Let us know how we can help with reducing allergens with proper HVAC system maintenance, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

HVAC Spring Cleaning To Reduce Allergens

Indoor Air Quality: Fighting Winter Allergies

Indoor Air Quality: Fighting Winter Allergies

Fall and Winter Allergies and how to Maintain Indoor Air Quality

Most people associate seasonal allergies with Springtime pollen from trees and grasses, but many experience worse allergy symptoms in the Fall. When leaves and the temperature drops at the same time, Fall allergies trigger symptoms similar to Spring allergy symptoms:

    • – A runny nose and head congestion
    • – Itchy or watery eyes
    • – Wheezing or difficulty breathing
    • – Sneezing and coughing

We also associate cooler weather with an increase in common colds; you might have mistaken your allergy symptoms for the onset of a pesky cold. A couple of key differences between allergy and cold symptoms may help you distinguish between the two.

    • – A fever is quite common with a cold or flu but is not a symptom of allergies.
    • – If your symptoms persist longer than 10 days, it is a strong indication of allergy symptoms instead of a cold. Cold symptoms generally persist for 7 to 10 days.

With Fall allergies and reduced Indoor Air Quality, you may also experience:

    • – Severe congestion and a sore throat, as allergens irritate the linings of your nasal cavities and the back of your throat.
    • – Headache, also caused by the inflammation of nasal passages.
    • – Difficulty sleeping, as the inflamed sinuses swell and make breathing difficult. The lack of sleep may leave you exhausted, with less energy.

Indoor Air Quality: Fall Allergy Triggers

If you suspect Fall allergies instead of a cold, it is helpful to understand Fall triggers. As you might suspect, pollen from regional wildflowers that bloom in the Fall are a chief source of allergens. Some of the most common culprits include:

    • – Ragweed/Golden Rod
    • – Tumbleweed
    • – Sagebrush
    • – Lamb’s quarter
    • – Pigweed

Some wildflowers may bloom until temperatures drop to freezing or shorter days causes the plants to become dormant for the winter.

Another common allergen prevalent during the Fall is mold spores. Mold is a fungus essential to our ecosystem, since it breaks down organic matter, such as leaves, and reintroduces their chemicals into the environment, and can reduce Indoor Air Quality. Mold reproduces by releasing microscopic spores into the air, and spores can persist all Winter. Consider a pile of wet leaves along the tree line:

    • – While the leaves are wet and the weather is warm, mold reproduces and creates spores.
    • – Blustery, winding days will release the spores into the air.
    • – Raking the leave will also release spores.
    • – Every warm day will encourage mold growth and reproduction on wet surfaces.

Mold spores may be present throughout the Fall and Winter in South Texas.

The Keys to Maximizing Fall Indoor Air Quality—Clean, Clean, Clean

Pollen and mold spores will enter your home every time you open the door; they will also hitch a ride on anything you bring into the house, including your clothes, shoes, and skin.

Clean Your Home Regularly. During the heating season, we seal our homes up like a drum, trapping allergens inside with us. If you suffer from seasonal allergies:

    • – Vacuum carpets more frequently, dust surfaces, and mop floors.
    • – Bath pets frequently, weekly if possible to wash away dander and allergens trapped in their fur.
    • – Wash your clothes often, taking note of coats, gloves, and hats you might wear outside.

 Clean your HVAC system:

    • – Your furnace air filter is an essential barrier to recirculating airborne particles throughout the house. The filter should be changed at least every three months.
    • – Schedule annual preventative maintenance and cleaning of your furnace and air conditioner. An All Cool technician can remove dust from the interior portions of your HVAC system.

Need help with improving your Indoor Air Quality?

Let us know how we can help with improving your Indoor Air Quality, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

 

Indoor Air Quality: Fighting Winter Allergies

 

Covid-19 and Residential Indoor Air Quality

Covid-19 and Residential Indoor Air Quality

Everything You Need to Know About Covid-19 and Residential Indoor Air Quality

In March 2020, the whole world became more aware of how respiratory illnesses spread when Covid-19 began to attack our world and disrupt our lives. Scientists and medical professionals encountered a new, highly contagious illness and we all have been learning best practices “on the fly.”

The current understanding is that the virus transmits via aerosol droplets; we were reminded to cough or sneeze into our elbow or a tissue, wash our hands frequently, and stay home when we are ill. Later we were introduced to face masks, social distancing, and the term “indoor air quality” (IAQ).

Significant instruction centers around public spaces; we are encouraged to wear face masks inside, continue to be socially distant, and limit indoor gatherings. Current research has not uncovered the perfect, fail-safe solution to prevent viral transmission and ensure public safety.

Instead, we are encouraged to use many different methods together to improve Residential Indoor Air Quality. The personal safety measures are inexact since we all follow them imprecisely.

Owners of public indoor spaces take extra precautions to keep guests and employees as safe as possible. These measures give us more confidence in returning to activities such as working, worshipping, and shopping and are not based on choices made by occupants.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) offers guidelines for improving all IAQ; remarkable improvements in ventilation, air filtration, and air cleaning devices are creating safer indoor spaces.

  • By increasing the exchange of outdoor air, we can dilute the “dirty” indoor air.
  • High-quality air filters can remove 99.7% of all airborne particles.
  • Air purifiers can neutralize and remove viruses and other pollutants.

Applying these same principles, ASHRAE has provided guidelines for residential Residential Indoor Air Quality in regards to Covid-19.

Here are Residential Indoor Air Quality recommendations1 for keeping your home safe: 

  • Operate your HVAC system within normal comfort levels.
    • Temperatures should range between 68-780F and relative humidity should stay between 40-50%.
    • If you turn the system off, make sure to open windows for plenty of ventilation.
    • The lack of ventilation or the circulation of air leads to poor Residential Indoor Air Quality.
  • Improve Residential Indoor Air Quality by adding fresh, outdoor air as often as possible.
  • Increase air movement. Ceiling fans increase energy efficiency; moving air feels cooler and allows you to raise the air conditioner settings by as much as 100F. It also increases air circulation, preventing the air from being stagnant.
  • Improve the quality of your air filter. Before Covid-19, most homeowners did not put much forethought into air filtration. Air filters were cheap and needed to be changed routinely every three months.
    • Back in 1987, ASHRAE completed research and set standards for the manufacturing of air filters.
    • Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) is the rating standard to help consumers determine quality. The higher the MERV number, from 1 to 20, the smaller the open. Smaller openings trap more of the airborne particles and remove them from circulation.
    • MERV 13 and higher are recommended for removing particles the size of viruses.
    • A denser air filter will reduce airflow, so check with your HVAC manual for air filter tolerances. Call your HVAC professional if you need further help balancing the need for cleaner air and sufficient airflow.
  • Consider air purifiers. If your HVAC system cannot handle a MERV 13 air filter, explore air cleaners or purifiers to improve IAQ.
    • Ultra-violet lights can be installed inside the ductwork. Ultra-violet light will neutralize (kill) microbes, mold spores, and pollen, including viruses. The inert (dead) cells will be trapped by the air filter.
    • Air purifiers have multi-level filtration and remove particulates, including viruses. Both whole-house and portable, room-sized air purifiers are available.
  • Use exhaust fans as needed. Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans provide valuable ventilation when needed and contribute to air circulation.
  • Keep your HVAC system running smoothly with regular maintenance. Not only does preventative maintenance keep your system in operation as long as possible, cleaning the interior components removes deposits of potentially harmful particles, including viruses and prevents them from recirculating throughout your home.

Need help with improving your Residential Indoor Air Quality?

Let us know how we can help with your Residential Indoor Air Quality, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

Covid-19 and Residential Indoor Air Quality

Tips to Have a Mold Free HVAC System in Your Home

How to Have a Mold-Free HVAC System

How to Have a Mold Free HVAC System

If the problem of mold keeps reoccurring, please consult with a mold remediation professional.

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) are designed to heat and cool, freshen, clean, and dehumidify the air in your home for your protection and comfort. When the system ceases to provide one or more of these functions it can lead to a mold infestation.

A serious mold infestation is hard to eradicate and can be very harmful to your family; do not wait—call a professional.

Since it is so serious, let’s consider some ways to make sure mold does not become a problem inside your home. Let’s start with your HVAC system.

Humidity Regulation is the Key to a Mold Free HVAC System

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission determines the ideal humidity for indoor air is between 30 and 50% humidity; expect between 30-40% in the winter and between 40 and 50% in the summer months.

Mold needs three things to grow: moisture, organic matter (it’s not picky), and a dark place, with little to no sunlight. Keeping the humidity low throughout the house restricts the places mold can grow. The indoor air should not feel “sticky,” even on summer days with high humidity outdoors. Use bathroom exhaust fans when showering. If it does feel “sticky,” call your HVAC professional.

Preventative Maintenance Promotes a Mold Free HVAC System

The second thing mold needs are organic material. Mold can bloom on wall paint, chalk, or wooden doors, but it can also feast on collected dust and dander. Matter of fact, the mold pollen will most likely travel together with dust, just waiting for moisture to activate it.

Make sure that you change air filters regularly, every three months at a minimum. Have an HVAC professional service your unit regularly, annually is recommended. Make sure your ductwork is cleaned as needed.

A preventative maintenance inspection can remove dust and repair components that contribute to water leaks. Prevention is much more effective—and safer than remediation.

Mold Removal

Even with these measures, it is not uncommon to find small quantities of mold. So how can you safely remove it?

  • If the affected area is larger than 9 square feet, the problem is large enough to call a mold remediation professional. Smaller areas can be cleaned with proper preparation and technique.
  • Mold spores can be harmful to your respiratory system; be very aware of the danger. Take the precaution of wearing a mask and gloves before cleaning or scrapping mold away.

Find the right cleaning supplies to keep a Mold Free HVAC System

Mold elimination products are readily available. They generally consist of harsh chemicals, so make sure you wear a mask and have good ventilation for the fumes.

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly cleaning solution, start with soap and water; sometimes that is all that is needed. Another easy remedy is baking soda and water; it kills even black mold and acts as a bleaching agent. Since you are near the mold, always wear a mask.

If you have asthma, allergies, or other breathing issues, it is best for you to stay away and let someone else take care of the problem.

Throw Out Food Items

As mold grows on food, it is reproducing well beyond what you see. Some molds produce a toxin, known as mycotoxins, which will make you very ill. If you see mold on a food item, consider it lost and dispose of it; it is not worth the risk.

Interested in a Mold Free HVAC System? 

Let us know how we can help with your indoor air quality concerns and creating a Mold Free HVAC System, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

How to Have a Mold-Free HVAC System

Improving Indoor Air Quality with Ultra Violet Light

UV Light Use in Improving Indoor Air Quality

Ultra Violet/UV Light Use in Improving Indoor Air Quality

For decades, hospitals, laboratories, food processing plants, and water treatment facilities have used ultraviolet light (UV light) to disinfect biological contaminates. UV light is very effective in removing bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew spores from the air and on surfaces. With technological advances, UV light is now available for residential applications and can significantly improve the indoor air quality in your home.

How does it Work?

Ultraviolet light is a narrow band in the electromagnetic spectrum with a high energy wavelength. UV light penetrates cell walls and alters the DNA structures in cells, making it impossible for cells to reproduce.

Sunlight contains ultraviolet light, so sunlight actually disinfects our atmosphere and outside surfaces to make our world a safer place. We create indoor spaces to live and work. We seal these spaces to keep us warm and safe, but enclosed spaces trap harmful biological contaminates.

Your HVAC filtration system actively removes harmful particles from the air you breathe. Adding UV light to your HVAC system can disinfect indoor spaces; the air filter can then trap these particles and remove them before they can cause damage.

Where is UV Light Installed?

The blower motor pushes conditioned air into your home and pulls air into the ductwork. The air filter traps 99% of particles before they reach the heating and cooling components of the system. After the air is filtered, it enters the evaporator coil; the coil contains many surfaces and during the cooling season these surfaces are covered with moisture. A dark, moist surface is the ideal area for mold, bacteria, and viruses to grow.

This is the ideal location to install UV lights in the HVAC system. Three UV lights are installed strategically to shine on every surface and shine continuously. The UV light prevents the growth of biological contamination before it can re-enter your home with the conditioned air.

Installation of ultraviolet lights will only take a few hours. The lights are completely concealed—have you ever seen your evaporator coil? Since they are concealed, they cannot harm people or pets. Expect to change the bulbs every 2 or 3 years or include them on the HVAC preventative maintenance visit.

Have questions about bettering the indoor air quality in your home?

Let us know how we can help with your indoor air quality concerns, call AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

UV Light Use in Improving Indoor Air Quality

Ultra-violet Light Use For Better Indoor Air Quality

Using Ultra-violet Light for Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has become an increasing concern since early 2020 with the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic. Homeowners and commercial building managers are seeking methods of removing pathogens from the air for two reasons:

  1. To make indoor spaces genuinely safer
  2. To reassure people that spaces are safe

Ultraviolet (UV) lights were shown to kill mold, viruses, and bacteria more than 100 years ago. In fact, in 1903, Niels Finsen was given the Noble Prize in Medicine for using Ultra-violet Light to effectively treat patients with skin infections. Ultra-violet Light continues to be used to disinfect food, water, and air in industries like food-processing, medical and laboratory facilities. The technology has been adapted for home use to enhance Indoor Air Quality in homes like yours.

How Do UV Lights work in bettering Indoor Air Quality?

The wavelength of UV light can easily penetrate the cell walls of mold spores, bacteria, and viruses and damage the genetic material found inside the cells. The damage disables the ability to perform vital functions, including the ability to reproduce. Sunlight includes UV light and helps clean these contaminants from the outdoor air. Since we seal indoor spaces to save energy, airborne microbes are trapped and find good conditions for reproducing, which can lead to illness.

Bad news for germs is good news for you! When applied properly, UV technology can take natural cleansing UV light and render harmful bio-contaminants into harmless particles that are easier to remove. UV light can help make your indoor spaces safer for you and your family.

Installing and Maintaining Ultra-violet Light in Your HVAC System

UV light systems are readily available through All Cool AC. Schedule an appointment and our technicians will inspect your home, your system and make customized recommendations for your indoor space. Installation usually includes one to three UV light bulbs inside your system.

A prime location for Ultra-violet Lights is near the evaporator coil. The AC unit creates very cold gases inside the coil tubes. As warm air passes over the coil, water vapor condenses to a basin below and the air is cooled before circulating throughout the house. The presence of moisture makes for ideal conditions for the growth of mold, bacteria, and viruses. A UV light near the coil prevents growth in this area.

An ideal secondary location for UV lights is in the return air ductworks before the air reaches the evaporator coil. The air drawn from the house to recirculate throughout the system is disinfected by the lights before it is released into the house through room vents. Usually, these lights are timed to come on as the blower motor runs.

UV light installation is rather simple and takes an hour or two. Once installed, the UV light is contained within the ductwork so as not to harm people, pets, or plants. The bulbs will need to be replaced approximately every two or three years, and bulb replacement can easily be scheduled during your annual HVAC preventative maintenance visit.

Want more information about Ultra-violet Light Use in Indoor Air Quality? We Can Help!

If you are interested in Using Ultra-violet Light for Indoor Air Quality, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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Ultra-violet Light Use in Indoor Air Quality

 

 

 

 

Indoor Air Quality: Poor IAQ Can Trigger Respiratory Issues

Indoor Air Quality: Poor IAQ Can Trigger Respiratory Issues

Reducing indoor allergens that can trigger respiratory problems

If you suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma or severe allergies, each season carries unique indoor air quality struggles. During the summer and winter months, you are tempted to keep the windows and doors closed for comfort, but stale air and airborne particles recirculate.

The pleasant outdoor temps of spring and fall tempt you to open windows, but both are prime pollen and mold seasons. When you struggle to breathe, indoor air quality (IAQ) is a concern no matter the season.

“Most of the things that cause problems are odorless,” says Dr. Nicholas BuSaba, associate professor of otolaryngology at Harvard -Medical School. “So, in many cases, there’s nothing to alert you to the problem.” Symptoms and flare-ups might be the first indication of poor indoor air quality, followed by fatigue, sleepiness, and digestive problems.

Steps to Improving IAQ

If you live with asthma or allergies, there are measures you can take to improve indoor air quality and prevent the onset of flare-ups. It is not possible to eliminate all allergens, the key is to reduce the numbers and therefore your exposure to them. Here are a few strategies you can take to reduce airborne particles and breathe easier.

Clean Thoroughly

Having a regular house cleaning regime is an important step in removing particulates before they become airborne again.

  • Focus on obvious surfaces, such as furniture and accessories, but look for dust, dander, and pet hair in hard-to-reach areas as well. Use cleaning products manufactured to hold dust. Remove clutter that traps and holds dust.
  • Vacuum carpets and area rugs regularly, perhaps as often as twice weekly. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
  • Wash bedding and drapes often, especially if you share your home with pets. Don’t forget the items dogs or cats frequently lie on. Use the hot water cycle on your washing machine—the water should be at least 130° Consider dust mite-proof covers on bedding and mattresses/box springs.

In-door Plants: A Positive or a Negative?

In-door plants add beauty and ambiance to your home and they are oxygen-producing additions. So, is there a problem? In general, plants help with indoor air quality, but the soil they reside in might be a source of mold spores and flowers a source of pollen.

Allergens affect individuals differently. This might be a problem you have not considered. Overall, if your respiratory issues are severe, consider whether the green is worth the risk of attacks.

Change filters often

Be aware of appliances around the house that have filters and clean or change them often. Vacuum cleaners have filters. Clothes dryers have filters. HVAC systems have filters. Every time you clean or change a filter, you are removing very fine airborne particles from your indoor space.

Manufacturers recommend changing the HVAC system air filter every three months, but if you suffer from a respiratory illness, change the filter more frequently.

How often? Perhaps monthly during spring and fall pollen season. Since airborne particles are also trapped in your ventilation ducts, plan on having them cleaned regularly.

Consider an Air Purifier for Better Indoor Air Quality

If indoor air quality is important because of respiratory illnesses and your home has unique problems related to airborne particles, additional technology might help. If you live near a construction site, near a busy thoroughfare, or on a dusty road, you might need more than just the HVAC air filter.

If your family pet makes your eyes water or the plant Granny gave you causes you to sneeze, consider an air purifier. Portable ionic air purifiers are affordable solutions to help capture irritants that may trigger your symptoms.

They come in attractive styles and can be placed near the source of the problem. You might consider a dehumidifier for troubling sources of humidity that can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Fresh Air is the Best!

It is important in every season to open windows and doors to release stale air and contaminants and to fill the house with fresh air. Find a day with moderate temperatures and open up… A complete exchange of air happens approximately every 15 minutes.

Want more information about Indoor Air Quality? We Can Help!

If you are considering improving your Indoor Air Quality, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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Indoor Air Quality: Poor IAQ Can Trigger Respiratory Issues