Indoor Air Quality Concerns On The Rise This Winter
Meteorologists are forecasting a somewhat warmer, drier winter for North Texas because of the La Niña weather cycle in the Pacific Ocean. Whether you think that’s good news or bad, it does not mean we won’t have a lot of cold days and colder nights.
Remember, those are average temperatures. We can expect the mercury to dip into the 30s and 40s frequently over the next few months, and sometimes into the 20s. Any way you slice it, that’s cold.
You will be using your heater. Unlike your central air conditioning, a malfunction in your central heating system can be bad – even dangerous – for your health. But you can prevent that.
The Big Difference Between Heaters And AC
Adam Mennenga, who runs HVAC operations for billyGO, thinks if we had to pay as much for gas as we do electricity maybe people would pay more attention to getting top performance from their gas furnaces.
“You will save on utility bills when your heater is well-maintained. It works more efficiently, burns less fuel and will last longer with annual maintenance,” Mennenga says. “But there is a critical difference between AC tune-ups and heater tune-ups that homeowners should be aware of.”
The difference is safety and indoor air quality. Combustion of natural gas or propane produces poisonous exhaust gasses, including carbon monoxide, that must be vented outside the house. Improper venting can keep them inside, in the air you breathe.
Carbon monoxide is odorless, tasteless and invisible. Symptoms include dull headache, weakness, dizziness and, with enough exposure, shortness of breath, confusion and loss of consciousness. A cracked heat exchanger in your HVAC system can release carbon monoxide directly into your air ducts and circulate it throughout your home.
Why Heater Tune-Ups Are Important
During a heater tune-up, billyGO certified HVAC technicians set your heater to run as close to factory specifications as possible. We check the air/gas mix, look for heater malfunctions and faulty installation. We make certain exhaust gasses get safely vented outside, not into the air you breathe.
Here are a few of the things on our checklist:
- Inspect heat exchanger and burners for defects
- Inspect system cleanliness
- Check capacitor ratings
- Check humidity levels
- Test safety and limit controls
- Set correct gas pressure
- Check and adjust pilot light/glow plug operation
- Monitor flue draft
- Monitor furnace cycle
- Check for loose electrical connections
- Monitor amperage and voltage draw on motors
- Check airflow in all rooms
- Adjust thermostat
New Air Scrubber Technology Fights Viruses
Mennenga says the COVID-19 pandemic has made homeowners more aware of indoor air quality measures that go beyond heater tune-ups.
“People want to know how they can help protect against airborne viruses and allergens in their homes. Now there is a way," Mennenga says.
Mennenga says until recently, most residential air purification equipment has relied on passive systems, including high-efficiency air filters or by electrostatically charging airborne contaminants so they attach to a collection grid installed in a central HVAC system.
Now, improved air scrubber technology takes an active approach. The Air Scrubber by Aerus uses ActivePure® technology first used in the space program. It installs in central HVAC systems and pulls in free oxygen and water molecules in the air and turns them into powerful oxidizers that attack contaminants in the air and on every surface in a home, as well. Passive systems treat only the air, not surfaces.
The oxidizers seek and destroy DNA and RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (novel coronavirus), Swine Flu (H1N1), Avian Bird Flu (H5N8), Hepatitis A (HAV) and MS2 bacteriophage, regardless of their size, on surfaces and in the air. The Air Scrubber also is highly effective removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, dust, pet dander, and other allergens.
“This product is a game-changer for home air purification,” Mennenga says.
billyGO COVID-19 Safety Measures
billyGO plumbing director Jeff Sims says whether people need HVAC or plumbing service, COVID-19 has raised concerns everywhere about minimizing contacts with people outside their own homes.
“We know you need plumbing and HVAC service, even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Sims says. “We want you to know we are taking some extraordinary precautions to protect you, your home and our employees.”
Sims says all billyGO plumbers and HVAC techs have daily temperature checks, arrive for appointments with gloves, shoe covers and a medical-grade mask.
He adds, “all techs bring disinfecting wipes to clean their tools and all surfaces they touch. They will put on a protective coverall suit for extra protection, at your request.”
Have you had your heater tune up yet? You can schedule your appointment now for the day and hour that works best for you. billyGO techs will be glad to tell you more about the Air Scrubber by Aerus.
