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Have to admit I’ve not really given much though to the correlation between humidity levels and indoor air quality. Or, to the fact that humidity effects the perception of comfort in an indoor environment. After some research I’ve definitely been enlightened.
Apparently it is important to keep indoor humidity levels between 30 and 60 percent. Anything above 60 percent will begin to allow mold and mildew. Anything below 30 percent and mucous membranes begin to dry out and lessen our ability to defend against upper respiratory illnesses. That in itself is helpful information to me.
Also, humidity levels effect the perception of indoor temperature. Having good indoor humidity levels (between 30 and 60 percent) can even help save on our cooling expenses. Of course, everyone perceives comfort differently. But, if humidity levels are set appropriately it may be possible to set your thermostat just a bit higher to achieve your level of comfort. At any rate, it is something to consider both for better indoor air quality and better financial quality.
Give us a call if we can answer any questions or help with your indoor air quality!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
I’ve posted many times about how important indoor air quality is and how to improve yours. I’ve talked about one of the ways to improve it is to have your air ducts cleaned. But, I’ve never really addressed the issue of whether or not that particular improvement is a “DIY” thing. I’m definitely a DIY person. I suppose you could try to stick your vacuum cleaner hose down (or up) your air vents and returns and try. However, it is definitely not something I (or any other true professional) would ever recommend.
While your vacuum obviously has some suction power it is nothing compared to that of professional equipment. Our professional equipment is made by Abatement Technologies. Our Hepa-Vac is a portable unit that can be placed within 25 feet of your main supply line it is fully contained so that nothing pulled from the ducts ever reenters your indoor breathing air. Each branch line is brushed with a soft-ply brush on the end of a drill back to the trunk line. After branch lines are thoroughly brushed, an air sweep at 185 PSI is used down every branch line to the trunk line. Once all the branch lines are brushed and air swept to the trunk line, we will then clean the trunk line back to unit with reverse brushes and air sweeps. After all that a camera can be placed down each line to insure that it is thoroughly clean. I’m reasonably confident that your vacuum hose doesn’t have nearly that capability.
All that to say I don’t really think air duct cleaning is a DIY thing. Leave it to the professionals. If you do, your home’s air ducts will stay clean for 5 to 7 years with the use of good filters and Heating and A/C service work on a regular basis.
Let us know if we can answer any questions for you!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
Sometimes in the summer when the heat really starts rearing its ugly head we migrate indoors. Not a huge problem except for the condition of our indoor air. Unfortunately the quality of our indoor air can be much worse than what we breathe outdoors. So what do we do about it? Well, there are actually a multitude of things that can be done. I came across a very informative article that I’m placing here. It has some excellent tips to help us all.
5 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality this Summer
Mason Mechanical wants Mesa residents to breathe easier when the summer hits.
Mesa, Arizona (PRWEB) May 24, 2013
Reports indicate that the air quality in homes may be up to 10 times worse than outdoor air quality. Breathe easier this summer by boosting the air quality indoors. Everything from harsh cleaners to air fresheners can impact the air quality in the home and in some cases those chemicals can linger in the air and in dust for years.
1. Avoid using harsh cleaners and chemicals – Common household items like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar can disinfect and clean just as effectively as conventional cleaners without putting harsh chemicals in the air.
2. AC filters should be changed every one to three months – Some higher quality filters can be changed less often but Mesa has dusty conditions and poor air quality overall so home owners should change filters as frequently as possible. Proper maintenance and AC repair can also help with air quality concerns.
3. Avoid using air fresheners and synthetic fragrances – Air fresheners are essentially a combination of various chemicals and many of them can irritate people’s lungs. Rely on natural essential oils, fresh flowers, or fruits such as citrus to add a pleasant fragrance to any room.
4. Invest in plants – Plants help filter toxins from the air and act as natural air purifiers. Some plants like ferns, peach lily and spider plants are all relatively easy to care for and are especially good at removing toxins from the air. For best results, 15-18 plants should be incorporated into a standard 1800 square foot home.
5. Avoid synthetic materials – Carpets, particle board furniture, treated mattresses and many other furniture and home décor items leach chemicals into the air. Avoid purchasing products that are treated with chemicals or that are not made of natural materials.
6. Vacuum frequently with a high-quality vacuum – This is especially crucial in rooms with carpeting. Carpeting collects dust, pollutants, and contaminants that impact the air quality in the home. Surfaces should be vacuumed as well as contaminants can get trapped in dust.
Source: PRweb.com
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
School’s out! Yayyyy! Summer is here! We are outside a lot. But, we still need to make sure the air we are breathing indoors is as clean as possible. I know, we don’t give it as much thought at this time of year but it is still important. I’ve been looking around trying to find some more help in this area. Once again the EPA has some really good information and great tips. Just wanted to pass that along today:
Take Action to Improve Air Quality in Every Room
Important tips that will help control indoor pollutants
Test for radon and fix if there is a problem.
Reduce asthma triggers such as mold and dust mites.
Do not let people smoke indoors.
Keep all areas clean and dry. Clean up any mold and get rid of excess water or moisture.
Always ventilate when using products that can release pollutants into the air; if products must be stored following use, make sure to close tightly.
Inspect fuel-burning appliances regularly for leaks, and make repairs when necessary.
Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm.
Asthma is a serious, sometimes life-threatening respiratory disease that affects the quality of life for millions of Americans.
Environmental asthma triggers: are found around the home and can be eliminated with simple steps.
Don’t allow smoking in your home or car.
Dust and clean your home regularly.
Clean up mold and fix water leaks.
Wash sheets and blankets weekly in hot water.
Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers.
Keep pets out of the bedroom and off soft furniture.
Control pests—close up cracks and crevices and seal leaks; don’t leave food out.
Children are especially sensitive to secondhand smoke, which can trigger asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
Secondhand smoke: smoke comes from burning tobacco products such as cigarettes, pipes, and cigars.
To help protect children from secondhand smoke, do not smoke or allow others to smoke inside your home or car.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Radon gas: enters your home through cracks and openings in floors and walls in contact with the ground.
Test your home with a do-it-yourself radon kit. If the test result indicates you should fix, call a qualified radon mitigation specialist.
Ask your builder about including radon-reducing features in your new home at the time of construction.
Mold can lead to allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory ailments.
Mold: can grow anywhere there is moisture in a house.
The key to mold control is moisture control.
If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
VOCs cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, and can damage the liver, kidney, and central nervous system.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): are chemicals that evaporate at room temperature. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products used in homes including paints and lacquers, paint strippers, varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, pesticides, building materials, and furnishings. VOCs are released from products into the home both during use and while stored.
Read and follow all directions and warnings on common household products.
Make sure there is plenty of fresh air and ventilation (e.g., opening windows and using extra fans) when painting, remodeling, or using other products that may release VOCs.
Never mix products, such as household cleaners, unless directed to do so on the label.
Store household products that contain chemicals according to manufacturers’ instructions.
Keep all products away from children!
Carbon monoxide causes headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue, and high levels can be fatal.
Nitrogen dioxide causes eyes, nose, and throat irritation, impairs lung function, and increases respiratory infections.
Sources include: indoor use of furnaces, gas stoves, unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, leaking chimneys, and tobacco products.
Ventilate rooms where fuel-burning appliances are used.
Use appliances that vent to the outside whenever possible.
Ensure that all fuel-burning appliances are properly installed, used, adjusted, and maintained.
So, I looked at the calendar this morning and literally gasped. Half of May is already gone which means summer is knocking on the door. But, wait! I haven’t quite gotten to the “Spring” cleaning yet. Yes, procrastination strikes again! I even blogged about it in early March. But, as usual, did nothing about it. However, I’m reasonably confident that I’m not the only one in this predicament. So, if you are relating to me even a little I’ve got a great article I’d like to share with you. It helped me in the area of motivation and the thought that it is not yet too late for spring cleaning. So, check it out: http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19820421&id=yoJiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gncNAAAAIBAJ&pg=988,3711148
It’s not exactly new, but it still gave me some hope : )
So, it is almost beginning to feel like spring and maybe even summer. Thoughts of spending countless hours basking in the sun and enjoying outdoor activities are beginning to creep into our minds. All sounds great unless you have real trouble with allergies. Which, tends to make us stay inside and just gaze out the window and “enjoy” it that way. Trouble is there are lots of allergens indoors as well. What is a person to do? Well, of course, there is always medication. But, there are also some steps to take indoors to help relieve some of the symptoms. I located an article that points out some of those steps. Hopefully you will find something helpful and useful. Here is the link http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=18&cont=233
Call us and let us help you rid your indoor air of some of those allergens!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
So, for awhile now I have been trying to educate and inform about the importance of indoor air quality. Also, I’ve been spouting how having your air ducts cleaned and using superior air purification can help with that. Now, I would like to share how someone else views it. Here is the link http:www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sdVPoyCTamE
Hopefully you connected on some level and can see how both duct cleaning and an air purification system could prove beneficial for you as well! Call and let us help you breathe easier in your home.
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
I’ve given you lots of information on indoor air quality and the importance and usefulness of air purification. Now, I’m going to toot our own horn just a bit. Our recent affiliation with Amaircare air purification systems is very exciting for us. We truly believe that they are the best air purification company out there. The way they manufacture each product and the way the products work and the results we see every time we place one of their products is second to absolutely none!
That being said I want to post just a little about how the products are made and how they work.
First the HEPA explanation:
HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) is a filtration standard created by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. To pass this standard, a filter must be 99.97% efficient @ 0.3microns. Due to their extremely high efficiency, HEPA filters have become widely used in medical, electronic and industrial applications.
Perfect Seal HEPA
Many air filtration systems on the market today, boast that they are HEPA filters, but fail to meet HEPA standards. This is often due to an improper seal. If the air can pass around the HEPA media, then it cannot achieve HEPA results.
That is why Amaircare developed the ‘Perfect Seal HEPA’. The Perfect Seal HEPA ensures that air passing through the HEPA system, is filtered through the HEPA media and cannot escape around it.
Each and every HEPA filter that Amaircare builds, is tested with a laser particle counter to ensure that it does indeed, meet or exceed HEPA standards. A Perfect Seal HEPA sticker is then placed on the unit so you know it meets HEPA standards!
Now to explain how Amaircare manufactures their products:
Quality:
At Amaircare, we know that HEPA quality is not simply the media utilized, it’s the engineered system. HEPA filter media is efficient to 99.97% @ 0.3 microns in size. We use a 100% seal on our filters so that the only way air can travel through the filtration system is through the HEPA media. This ensures maximum reduction of contaminants from all the air that passes through the filtration process.
Every Amaircare filtration system is quality tested three times with a laser particle counter during the manufacturing process (which measures the number of particles in a given amount of air that are 0.3 microns in size or larger) to ensure that every unit sold meets or exceeds HEPA specification.
Filter Life:
Amaircare uses generous amounts of HEPA media with each filtration system made. This allows the filter to be used longer, and will require fewer HEPA filter changes. All Amaircare HEPA systems also employ a 3 filtration process which includes:
1. Pre-Filter – which captures large particles such as dust and dander, it also prolongs the life of the HEPA filter by keeping larger particles from clogging up the HEPA media.
2. HEPA Filter – captures 99.97% of all particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger and 95% @ 0.1 micron or larger.
3. V.O.C. Filter – Carbon media that captures chemicals and odours generally in the 95% range.
Amaircare HEPA Filter Systems
All Amaircare HEPA systems come standard with a 3 stage filtration process. A pre-filter to capture large particles such as dust, a HEPA filter which captures 99.97% of particles from .3 microns or larger, and a V.O.C. filter for removal of gasses and odours.
Cutaway of an Amaircare 3000 Unit
Stage 1 – Pre-filter
All Amaircare® pre-filters are designed to prolong the life of the HEPA filter. This is done by capturing the visible dust and particulate from the air. This keeps the larger particles from clogging the HEPA filter so the HEPA can be used strictly for filtering the smaller particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Activated Carbon Pre-filters:Activated carbon is a form of charcoal which has the ability to remove impurities from air, gas, and liquids. When various impurities come into contact with the activated carbon, the constituent molecules become trapped in tiny capillary passages on the surface of the carbon in a process called adsorption. Due to differences in molecular structures, some impurities are more readily adsorbed than others.
Filter Life: 3 to 6 months
Foam Pre-filters: To make the pre-filters last longer, Amaircare® has introduced a foam pre-filter to some of their filtration systems. This foam filter is washable, which drastically increases it’s life. The filter can be removed, washed, and placed back onto the unit (when dry). The filter is useable until it becomes stretched out of shape and no longer fits the unit properly. This foam pre filter does not contain Activated Carbon.
Filter Life: 6-12+ months
16″ HEPA Filter
Stage 2 – HEPA Filters
HEPA is a filtration standard created by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. HEPA filter media is proven to be 99.97% efficient @ 0.3 microns (a micron is 1/1,000,000 of a meter or 1/25,000th of an inch). Due to their extremely high efficiency, HEPA filters have become widely used in medical, electronic and industrial applications. HEPA filters are composed of a various sized borosilicate fibers, which are pressed together to form a netlike structure with openings large enough for air to pass through but too small for most particulates.
Americair manufactures its own Amaircare® brand HEPA filters. The filter media comes off a roll and is pleated for optimum surface area. Filament is bonded to the filter to provide structural support and even pleat spacing. After the pleating process, the filters are enclosed in protective screens and cast in food-grade plastisol at both ends for a 100% air seal. Each finished filter is tested for 99.97% efficiency, with a laser particle counter.
16″ V.O.C. Cartridge
Stage 3
Carbon V.O.C. Blankets: Like the Carbon Pre-filters, the Carbon Inner Blanket is a form of charcoal which has the ability to remove impurities from air, gas, and liquids. When various impurities come into contact with the activated carbon, the constituent molecules become trapped in tiny capillary passages on the surface of the carbon in a process called adsorption. Due to differences in molecular structures, some impurities are more readily adsorbed than others.
Carbon/Zeolite V.O.C. Cartridges: V.O.C. cartridges capture contaminants the same way as a Carbon Blanket, but they use solid carbon and zeolite pellets which have a comparably larger surface area. This makes V.O.C. cartridges the filter of choice for situations where V.O.C. removal is a prime objective.
The most inexpensive on the market? Not at all! But, the most efficient and best for you and your home? Undoubtedly! You can’t run out and find them at any retailer or “big box” store, but you can get them through us. Give us a call and let us give you more information. We want to help you improve your indoor breathing atmosphere.
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
I’m learning more and more about how important indoor air purification is. However, rather than drone on from my own perspective, I thought I’d share and article that I recently came across. It has some very useful information and hopefully you will find it helpful.
“Those who suffer from breathing problems like asthma and allergies truly appreciate the importance of indoor air quality. That’s because without clean air, their home is not the safe haven that they need it to be. The same holds true for the rest of us, it’s just less obvious because it takes longer for the negative effects to manifest.
What is in our air?
Pollutants pervade the air in even the cleanest home. The “good” news is that 80% percent of that pollution is “just” dead skin. The remaining 20% can be any of a number of harmful things:
• Secondhand smoke remains in our air far longer than we smell it or see it, and while it’s present, it’s just as dangerous as if we were puffing on that cigarette ourselves.
• Radon, which is radioactive dust, exists in many of our homes because of the materials and processes used to install the foundation.
• Other substances introduced during construction and remodeling include lead, formaldehyde, and asbestos.
• Bacteria can build up in bathrooms, garages, and HVAC systems, and then contaminate the rest of the home.
• Just one ounce of dust can contain over 40,000 dust mites, and your average 1,500 square foot home is likely to have 40 pounds of dust or more.
• Even products like scented air fresheners, which people buy to “clean” their air, introduce contaminants that build up and pollute it.
How do we detect air quality issues?
The problem is that unless someone in the house has allergies or asthma, the signs of impurity can be difficult to identify for what they are. Air that you would describe as “stale” or “stuffy” would be the most obvious sign. Another sign are indoor odors that have no obvious source. Unpleasant odors without an obvious source are very likely a buildup of bacteria in the air.
How do we make the air we breathe healthier?
The first order of business is cleanliness. Cleanliness will not cure air pollution, but a lack of cleanliness will exacerbate matters greatly. Regular dusting followed by vacuuming is the most important step. The problem is that while reducing pollution particles it also stirs them up. This is where a HEPA air purifier plays its part to prevent what would otherwise be a vicious cycle.
Modern HEPA air purifier technology is the most powerful air purification technology that we possess. It removes 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, and that’s enough to make it the choice of hospitals and militaries throughout the world. Used in combination with a regular cleaning schedule, HEPA air purifiers can ensure that the air in your home is as clean as possible.”
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4979171
Fortunately we now offer the best air purification systems out there with the Perfect Seal HEPA filter. It is truly amazing the results we are getting for our customers. Give us a call to set up a demonstration!
Mr. B’s Air Duct Cleaning
Call Today for a Free Estimate!
615-244-1785
“Specializing in Air Duct Cleaning and Air Filtration Systems”
Oh, I think I may have just stumbled across a gold mine for spring cleaning. I know I’m not a huge cleaning, of any kind, fan. But, I have found a wonderful site that has changed my attitude towards cleaning and spring cleaning specifically. It addresses all kinds of “cleaning” personalities and gives amazing tips for anyone and everyone. It is extremely well organized and has something for everyone in the family to get involved in. Don’t think I’ve ever been quite so motivated by a site before. Anyway enough with the glowing reports, here is the link: