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Heater Maintenance: Steps to Follow Before Turning on Your Heater

Heater Maintenance: Steps to Follow Before Turning on Your Heater

Heater Maintenance: Winter Planning Tips

As we say goodbye to the heat of the summer, we approach cooler months where we will turn on our heater. Before the cool nights set in and you start to rely on the warming comfort of your furnace, follow these easy steps for safety and energy conservation.

Make Sure Your Pilot Light is Lit

It has been quite some time since your heater has been running, so there is a chance that your pilot light may need to be lit once again. If you do not know how to do this, it is best to call in the professionals. If you have not had recent heater maintenance servicing on your system, this is a great time to have this done. Lighting the pilot light, routine heater maintenance, ductwork inspection, and a general check-up is a safe and energy-efficient way to start the winter months.

Heater Maintenance 101 – Replace Your HVAC Filter

Chances are, you cannot remember when the last time your air filter was changed. As your filter traps dirt and debris, your system becomes strained and will not run as efficiently.  Not to mention, that when your air filter is dirty, more contaminants and allergens are circulating through your home. We strongly recommend changing your air filter every 30-90 days depending on if you have pets, smoke, or have chronic allergies.

Update Your Thermostat

Heater Maintenance: Steps to Follow Before Turning on Your HeaterManual thermostats are being phased out and replace by programmable and smart thermostat models. These more modern alternatives allow you to program your days and evenings of your heater’s operation. Most newer thermostats can be controlled via WIFI to allow you to adjust your home’s heater while you are away. Weather updates and smart technologies allow your heater to adjust itself based on you and your family’s behavior.

Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Replace your batteries or test direct-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Most of these devices have a small button that allows you to test its function. If you do not remember the last time the batteries were changed, change the batteries now just to be safe.

Heater Maintenance Is Just A Click Away

As Summer ends, it is a great time to have your furnace services and a proper maintenance appointment by an HVAC maintenance technician. Planning ahead will make sure that your system is not delayed when the rush hits during the first cold front.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or heating systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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HVAC Maintenance: Winter-Proofing Your Home

HVAC Maintenance: Winter-Proofing Your Home

HVAC Maintenance: Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Summer is about over and your HVAC system has taken a beating to keep up with the heavy demands of a South Texas Summer. Your HVAC unit may not be ready to flip the switch to heating without maintenance to keep the system running at its best. Before your HVAC system can switch gears, you’ll need to take care of its end of summer maintenance.

Here is a guide for HVAC maintenance tasks to get you ready for winter.

Change Your HVAC Air Filter

Your air filter is the key to keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Dust and debris build-up will bring unnecessary work on your HVAC system causing it to use more energy and cause wear and tear on your unit. Replacing your HVAC filter will improve efficiency, reduce utility bills, and improve indoor air quality.

Check Your Thermostat Setting

Drained batteries can cause your HVAC system to power on irregularly or not at all. If you cannot remember when the batteries were replaced, replace them to make sure that a fresh set is installed and ready for the winter. If you are using a smart or programmable thermostat, make sure that your zones and settings reflect your wintertime temperature settings.

Inspect Your Ductwork

Keeping your ductwork clean is crucial to efficient airflow. Inspect your ductwork thoroughly for any wear and tear, breaches in the ductwork, or rodent infestations. Clogs, and dust and debris buildup will cause a loss in airflow and reduced efficiency in your furnace’s heating ability.

Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Appointment

Our HVAC technicians will provide the manufacturer’s maintenance procedures to keep your HVAC system functioning at its best. Remember, regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance can prevent costly repairs that can sometimes be avoided.

HVAC Maintenance: Winter-Proofing Your Home

Get Ready For Winter

As Summer ends, it is a great time to have your furnace services and a proper maintenance appointment by an HVAC maintenance technician. Planning ahead will make sure that your system is not delayed when the rush hits during the first cold front.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Purification Systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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5 Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

5 Myths About HVAC Service

Benefits of Regular HVAC Maintenance

The Summer heat has arrived in full strength. Your HVAC system needs to be operating at it best to keep your family and guests comfortable during summer cookouts, swim parties, and other indoor/outdoor gatherings.

With these HVAC maintenance tips, you can care for your air conditioning system throughout the heat of the summer. Proper maintenance will help prolong the lifespan of your HVAC system resulting in saving you money on costly HVAC repairs.

HVAC Maintenance: Replace Your HVAC Filter Regularly

During the heat of summer, your air conditioning system will be working overtime to keep up with the demand to cool your home. Your AC filter will need monthly inspections to make sure it is not full of contaminants that cause your air conditioning system to work harder than necessary.

We recommend keeping air filters on hand so when a replacement is needed, they are readily available. Another great reason to keep spares on hand is to beat the demand that can result during the summer months.

HVAC Maintenance: Inspect Your Vents and Registers

Thoroughly inspect your vents and registers to make sure that they are not blocked and adjusted open. Blocked vents will restrict airflow and can create performance issues and can cause system overheating.

Remove any rugs, carpets, or furniture, or any other items away from vents and registers. Make sure that all vent louvers are in the open position and never close more than 20 percent of your HVAC system’s vents.

HVAC Maintenance: Inspect Outdoor Equipment Components

Inspect your outdoor cooling equipment components. Remove any grass, leaves, or other debris that can accumulate around your unit. Keep vegetation trimmed to eliminate growth around the unit. Keep any outdoor furniture from the area that immediately surrounds the unit.

HVAC Maintenance: Monitor System Condensation

Keeping your drip pan and condensation drain lines free of clogs or water build-up. Clogged drains or filling drip pans can grow mold, algae, and bacteria when condensation cannot properly drain.

Excessive condensation can cause your HVAC system to malfunction, and overflows can cause water damage.

You can clear clogs within the drip can or drain lines with compressed air or by using bleach poured into the drain pan. You can also use a wet vacuum to remove water making it easier to monitor how fast water accumulates.

5 Myths About HVAC Service

Be Sure to Plan Ahead

As Summer ends, it is a great time to have your furnace services and a proper maintenance appointment by an HVAC maintenance technician. Planning ahead will make sure that your system is not delayed when the rush hits during the first cold front.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Purification Systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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5 Myths About HVAC Service

5 Myths About HVAC Service

Truths About Quality HVAC Service

Everyone seems to have their opinion about HVAC service and AC system repair. There is so much misinformation circulating that it is difficult to tell what is truth and what is a myth. We have identified five myths about HVAC service so you can keep your HVAC system working properly.

MYTH: Your Air Filter Needs to be Changed Once per Year

Fact: Many people fall for this, or they simply forget to change their filter on a regular basis. This is much more than a myth, it can be a costly mistake. Your HVAC filter removes not only dust and debris, but it also removes harmful allergens like pet dander, bacteria, some viruses, mildew and mold.

If you have pets or suffer from chronic allergies, you will want to consider changing your filter more often.

MYTH: The Bigger HVAC System is Best

Fact: Bigger is not always better. If an HVAC system is too large, or too small your HVAC system will be less efficient. In addition to cooling challenges, removing humidity can be a challenge. It is important that you consult one of our HVAC service technicians to configure the properly sized air conditioning system.

MYTH: Your AC Does Not Require HVAC Service and Maintenance Until it is Broken

Fact: Do we use the same philosophy with our car? We don’t wait until we are sitting beside the road to consult with a mechanic. You take your car in for regular maintenance, oil changes, replace the tires, and have a tune-up.

Your AC system needs regularly scheduled HVAC service to ensure that it is working properly. This plan can and will save you big when compared to the costly repairs or replacement of a neglected AC system.

MYTH: Air Leaks in Your Ductwork Are Easy to Find

Fact: Air leaks can sometimes be very difficult to find. Our HVAC service technicians can assist to properly seal any leaks that waste energy and reduce efficiency. Our experienced experts can check for leaks and make the necessary repair.

HVAC Service From R.M. Mullinix

MYTH: Turning up/down the Thermostat is the Best Way to Heat or Cool Your Home

Fact: If your AC system is not functioning properly, your system may not ever reach the thermostat temperature setting. Lack of insulation, ductwork leaks, or wearing components are all factors that can affect the efficiency of your AC system.

To ensure that your home’s HVAC system is able to heat and cool efficiently, schedule regular maintenance with one of our HVAC service professionals.

HVAC Service From R.M. Mullinix

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or HVAC Service, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

 

 

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Air Purification Guide: Installation, Maintenance, Repairs

Air Purification Guide: Providing Quality, Indoor Air

Air Purification Guide: Providing Quality, Indoor Air

Indoor contaminants can be as much as eight to ten times higher than outside air contaminant concentrations. Air purification systems can assist HVAC units by removing pollutants from the air.

Here is your guide to Air Purification Systems

Popular Brands to Consider

There are two main types of air purifiers, portable and whole home. The standalone portable units are placed to target specific areas to remove contaminants. Whole-home air purification systems are installed with your HVAC system to remove pollutants from circulated air throughout your home.

Popular brands for air purification systems are:   Aprilaire, Lennox, Trion Air Bear, Honeywell,  and Fresh-Aire

Air Purification System Installation

Some portable air purification systems are DIY projects for homeowners. Home improvement stores or online retailers sell these units. Appropriate sizing is a key component when researching which system to buy.

You will need to make sure that you choose a model that is right for your home or the targeted area.

Whole-house air purification systems require an HVAC professional to install. These systems work in conjunction with your heating and cooling equipment and must be installed professionally to ensure the benefits of the system are maximized.

Indoor Air Quality System Maintenance Tips

Whole-home air purifier filters must be changed routinely, usually every 6 to 12 months. Portable air purifiers have reusable filters that can be hand-washed.

UV C air purifiers have an extended service life. A UV C light purifier bulb can last several years. Your installation technician can update you on the replacement times.

Air Purification System Installation and Repair Costs

Portable air purifiers are the most affordable system and can range between $30 to several hundred dollars. Since you can install the systems yourself, this makes a portable option very cost-effective.

Whole-home air quality systems can vary in cost and range up to several thousand dollars depending on the size of the system. The installation cost will depend wholly on the size of the unit that you choose to purchase.

What contaminants do air purifiers remove from your home’s air?

Pet dander and hair, mold spores, pollen, smoke, dust, bacteria, viruses, smells, fumes, VOCs

Are UV-C light air purifiers better for my home?

UV air purifiers use a UV light bulb that is installed inside your HVAC system that targets your ductwork and coils. As contaminated air flows through your system, the UV-C energy from the bulb will neutralize airborne particulates.

The ultraviolet energy kills the particulates and renders them unable to reproduce and spread.

The UV-C energy produced by these air purifiers is very safe – it is the same as our Sun emits, which works to neutralize particulates in outdoor air!

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Purification Systems, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality systems information page.

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Smart Thermostats: Creating an Energy Efficient Smart Home

Smart Thermostats: Creating an Energy Efficient Smart Home

Smart Thermostats: The Keys to Having a Smart HVAC System

Smart home technology and interactive home appliances are quickly becoming a popular trend with homeowners. No matter if you are embracing the technology or you are a skeptic, these devices have been installed in millions of American households.

From smart home hubs, smart plugs, to smart thermostats, this technology continues to evolve bring greater convenience and more energy efficiency to our homes. The number of resources that are available seems to be endless Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit™, Google Assistant, and IFTTT are a few of the most popular smart home devices.

In addition to smart home systems, the number of products that integrate continues to expand making your home easier to manage and more energy efficient.

Smart home devices are in half of all American homes and as statistics show that 57% of Americans using these devices have reported that they shave about 30 minutes off of their daily tasks. Homes with one smart device state that the first purchase has led to wanting more. Over 70% of consumers say they purchase of the first device led to the purchase of additional smart home devices.

Smart Thermostats: Save Money and Time

Smart thermostats were one of the first smart devices to hit the market. While programmable thermostats revolutionized heating and cooling temperature scheduling for enhanced energy savings, the smart thermostat now delivers the ultimate convenience where your HVAC system is concerned.

A Quick Look at These Interactive Devices

“Smart” means exactly that, a smart thermostat learns your behavior and your temperature preferences and schedule to optimize energy savings by optimizing your thermostat settings.

For a short period of time after your thermostat’s installation, you will manually set your thermostat. This allows your “smart” thermostat to “learn” your routine.

After learning your routine, the smart thermostat will take over and make automatic adjustments throughout your day to deliver the desired comfort while optimizing energy savings. In addition, your thermostat will provide reports to help you lower your energy consumption.

Your smart thermostat can also alert you when it is time for maintenance or if your system spikes energy consumption.

Your thermostat knows when you are at home, and when you are away, and it monitors weather conditions, humidity levels, and offers Wi-Fi connection to monitor your home’s energy consumption from anywhere, anytime, which adds to its energy efficiency.

Smart thermostats feature stylish design, customizable interfaces, touchscreen technology, and more to deliver as the ultimately connected portal to your home’s HVAC equipment.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Conditioning Repair, schedule an appointment, or visit our air conditioning repair information page.

 

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Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting Guide

Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting Tips

Air Conditioning Repair

Your air conditioning system is the key to keeping your home comfortable and cool, especially during the heat of the summer. When an AC unit stops functioning it is a crisis that you want to address as soon as possible, but the high demands of the intense summer months can mean that a repair technician appointment can be days or even a week away.

There are a few different troubleshooting tips that you can use to diagnose your air conditioning repair on your own. The following guide provides general highlights and a few common solutions to get your air conditioning system up and running to its full potential as quickly as possible.

Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting Tips

Ensure Proper Thermostat Setting

Confirming that your thermostat is set properly can sometimes resolve your air conditioner troubles. Improper settings can cause your HVAC unit to not work as desired. Your thermostat could be accidentally adjusted to heat instead of cool, or the temperature setting can be jostled. If undetected, it can cause your AC system to push out warm air instead of the refreshing cool air desired. Before you call an air conditioning repair technician, be sure to check your thermostat.

Check Your Thermostat Batteries

If your thermostat is set properly, make sure that the batteries are still functioning. If you are unsure of their life-space, replace them with fresh batteries to rule out a low battery issue. Without functioning batteries, the thermostat cannot communicate with the air conditioning unit.

Replace Your Air Filter

Proper airflow is crucial to a fully functioning air conditioner. An HVAC filter that is clogged with dust and debris will restrict airflow and increase the strain on your AC system. The newer and more modern that air conditioning system, the more sensitive the unit will be to a dirty AC filter. If you cannot remember the last time your filter was changed, it is time to change the filter. We strongly recommend writing the date of installation on the filter to keep accurate records of the replacement date of the filter.

Check the Circuit Breaker and Electrical Components

Checking to make sure that the power supply to your air conditioning unit is in good shape sounds elementary, but a tripped breaker or a switched flipped to the “off” position can be an easy and quick fix to HVAC system failures.

Inspect Your Air Vents

Keeping your air vents and air returns clear and unobstructed is an important step in ensuring your air conditioning unit is properly functioning. Dust, debris, or furniture can block air vents and can impede airflow and increase the strain on your air conditioning system. There can also be a variety of obstructions that are inside of your air conditioner ductwork such as mold, crushed ductwork, vermin infestation, or insulation blockages.

How to Know When You Need to Call for Air Conditioning Repair

Air Conditioning Repair Troubleshooting TipsWe have discussed a few tips to diagnose a poorly functioning air conditioner. Although there are DIY techniques that you can do yourself to improve air conditioner function, there are several situations that require an air conditioning repair professional. Here are just a few that require an immediate call so we can quickly repair your air conditioning system.

Unusual Noise of Any Type Coming from Your HVAC System

Loud banging, vibrations, or metal sounds of any type are an urgent sign to call in the professionals. These sounds are an indication of a serious problem. The chances of this being an easy fix that you can do on your own are highly unlikely.

Any Issue with the Outdoor Unit

You should never attempt to repair the outdoor component of your HVAC unit. Improperly attempting to repair your outdoor AC component can result in costly repairs by our professional technicians.

Improper AC Installation

An AC installation that was not properly configured can be the cause of a poorly function air conditioning system. If the HVAC system is too small for the size of the home, or the ductwork is improperly designed, it can lead to an air conditioner that needs constant repair and servicing.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or Air Conditioning Repair, schedule an appointment, or visit our air conditioning repair information page.

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Air Conditioning Repair: How to Extend the Life of Your AC System

Air Conditioning Repair: How to Extend the Life of Your AC System

Parts of the Central Air Unit That Needs a Regular Air Conditioning Repair

Your Central Air system is mechanical and made of many different components. As they operate and wear on each other, they are bound to stop functioning or wear out. Chances are these parts that will fail at the most inopportune time and require a central air conditioning repair call. Below are parts of the air conditioning unit that needs a regular air conditioning service:

Evaporator Coil

Your central air conditioning system evaporator coil may not come in direct contact with dust and debris, but it still can get dirty. The coil must be cleaned if the dust and dirt accumulate. As the evaporator coil becomes dirty its efficiency decreases. The evaporator coil should be cleaned at least once a month.

Central Air Conditioning Filter

Your HVAC filter does exactly what the name says, it filters. It will filter dust, debris, allergens, bacteria, and some viruses out of your home’s indoor air. If the filter is too dirty, its efficiency decreases, which means that more pollutants stay within your home.

Drainpipes and Drip Pans

Your drain pan and the drainpipes for your central air conditioning unit must work properly for the system to function properly. Keep the drainpipe and drip pan clean and free of any debris that may clog any moisture that accumulates to cause a blockage.

Condenser

The reaction between the compressor oil and moisture inside your central air conditioning unit creates a corrosive substance. A buildup of this substance can damage the condenser. A chemical cleaning by one of our central air technicians can be done to remove the corrosive acids. Due to the acidic nature of this chemical reaction, components will eventually have to be replaced.

Determining if You Need Central Air Conditioning Repair

Parts of the Central Air Unit That Needs a Regular Air Conditioning RepairYour central air system is crucial in maintaining comfort throughout your home. Without a properly functioning central AC system, not only can your home become uncomfortable, it can cause appliances to overheat, and cause other systems to work harder.

The heat of summer and inconsistent maintenance can put your central air conditioning system at risk. Do not prolong your central air conditioning repair and maintenance, call our NATE certified technicians today to save money on costly repairs.

If you have noticed a decrease in the efficiency of your AC system, call us today to schedule a central air conditioning repair appointment.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix, an independent American Standard customer care dealer, or indoor air quality, schedule an appointment, or visit our air conditioning repair information page.

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6 Facts About Indoor Air Quality—And How to Improve It

6 Facts About Indoor Air Quality

Indoor Air Quality Facts To Improve Your Health

EPA research has proven that the air inside your home contains five to ten times more pollutants than the outside air. Poor air quality is one of the most common irritants for allergies, asthma, and chronic respiratory infections. In addition to the physical aspects of poor indoor air quality, bad indoor air quality can also cause emotional issues like poor mood and temperament.

We take a fresh breath of clean air for granted. Fresh air renews and invigorates our bodies and removes toxins from our blood.

6 Facts About Indoor Air Quality—And How to Improve ItThe Facts About Indoor Air Quality

Ninety percent of our time is spent indoors. Keeping the air inside our home should be a top priority. The following statistics are quite disturbing, but it will help you understand why it is important to keep the air inside your home clean.

  • A 2000 square foot home has approximately 53 pounds of dust polluting the air. That equates to about 850 ounces of dust and debris.
  • In each ounce of dust, approximately 42,000 dust mites can be found. That means the average 2,000 square foot home has 35 million dust mites inflaming your allergies, making it difficult to breathe, and causing fatigue.
  • Dust mites drop fecal matter about 20 times per day. That equates to 712 million dust mite pellets per day dropped in a home.
  • You will lose about ¾ of a pound of dead skin per day. That dead skin finds its way into your HVAC ductwork.
  • A couple will leave about 12 pounds of dead skin in their mattress each year.
  • Harvard research shows that homes tested for indoor air pollutants, 100% had one or more air quality problems.
  • 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma or allergies. Those are cases that are diagnosed, there are many additional asthma and allergy sufferers that are never diagnosed.

Without any of these statistics, it is a great idea to be proactive and protect your indoor air quality as best you can. This is especially true when it comes to the Texas Gulf Coast. The Houston Metro Area is surrounded by industry and manufacturing known to contaminate our air quality.

For the same reason you would not drink standing water in a mud puddle, you don’t want to breathe in polluted air.

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or indoor air quality, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality information page.

 

 

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FAQs: Your HVAC System and the Covid-19 Coronavirus

FAQs: Your HVAC System and the Covid-19 Coronavirus

Maintaining Indoor Air Quality During the Covid-19 Pandemic

We have had non-stop questions about how your air conditioning system operation and maintenance needs to change during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here is the most up-to-date and accurate information that we have available to assist in making decisions for the health and safety of your home.

The Covid-19 virus emerged very quickly. It spread worldwide in a matter of a few months. There has not been a great deal of scientific data accumulated to conduct thorough studies to publish quantified results.  There has yet to be any evidence that the virus can be transmitted through an HVAC system. Most of the protocol and preventative measures are being based on similar viruses.

The Covid-19 information that we are sharing is based on that information.

Good News First! There has not been any confirmed proof that Covid-19 has been transmitted through the ductwork of an air conditioning system. As far as we know, this virus is primarily transmitted by direct contact with an infected person and by touching a contaminated surface.

Airborne Transmission

According to the experts, airborne transmission of Covid-19 is possible in theory. Respiratory droplets can keep virus particles airborne for hours. If this is possible, they could enter the air ventilation system. HOWEVER, scientists believe that Covid-19 transmission through this manner is negligible.

Mitigation Procedures

Covid-19 Mitigation tactics are helpful in reducing the possibility of your air conditioning system being contaminated with Covid-19. Reducing the potential exposure through mitigation must be part of a comprehensive plan to reduce person-to-person contact and contaminated surface contact.

FAQs: Answers to Your Specific Questions from Our Phone Lines

Can Covid-19 be transmitted through HVAC ductwork?

Maintaining Indoor Air Quality During the Covid-19 PandemicThere has yet to be a scientific conclusion that the virus can be spread through air ventilation systems. There are many ideas currently circulation that you can add to mitigation procedures to reduce the potential spread of all pollutants within your home’s air conditioning system. HEPA high-efficiency filters are very capable of removing airborne viruses, bacteria, and other airborne debris from your home to promote improved indoor air quality.

The installation of a UV-C light technology or ionization-based air purification system will destroy airborne viruses and other pollutants. Increasing the humidity and airflow can deactivate and dilute airborne pollutants. Having routine maintenance on your air conditioning system that sanitizes your HVAC system components is extremely beneficial.

Are HEPA high-efficiency filters effective against the spread of Covid-19?

HEPA air filters can remove small particles, as small as viruses, from your airflow within your home. Although using a HEPA air filter can reduce Covid-19 transmission, it will not completely eliminate the risk. The Covid-19 virus is so small it has the potential to pass through some HEPA filters.

The downfalls of using high-efficiency filters are that they can restrict airflow due to their denseness and your HVAC system will run longer or more frequently. These HEPA filters do trap more debris, which also means that they will need to be changed more often, and with a cost that is many times double a regular filter, that can be expensive.

According to the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA): “In order for filters to have any impact on infectious disease transmission, the transmission has to occur through the airborne route, filters have to be properly installed and maintained in appropriate systems to treat recirculated air, and filters have to be appropriately designed for the building in which they are used. More importantly, in most buildings and in most situations, filters may be considerably less effective than other infection control measures including social distancing, isolation of known cases, and hand-washing.”

Will UV technology kill the COVID-19 virus?

UV-C light is used to kill and deactivate antigens, including viruses that can pass through filters and penetrate into your HVAC system. There are different types, including upper air and surface-cleaning UV disinfection systems.

According to ASHRAE (as reported in ACHRnews): “the germicidal wavelength can kill 90 percent of all microorganisms living on HVAC air ducts and evaporator coils, depending on wavelength intensity and length of exposure.”

It is important to note that although UV-C light technology has been successful in killing other strains of coronaviruses, it has not been proven to kill Covid-19. UV-C light systems can be expensive, so you will need to weigh the cost toward a benefit that may not be guaranteed.

Are Ionizers effective against Covid-19?

Indoor air filtration systems that use ionized hydrogen peroxide to remove HVAC system pollutants can be placed inside your air distribution system. These small units that can be placed just past the filters destroy pollutants that get through the filters.

How do humidity and ventilation affect COVID-19?

Preliminary research shows that increased indoor humidity can deactivate Covid-19. In winter months where ventilation is reduced and humidity can be between 20-40%, Covid-19 seems to thrive and live for longer periods of time. The increase of moisture in the air may damage the outer membrane of Covid-19 and reduce the likelihood of the virus to remain airborne.

ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) also recommends increasing ventilation (adding more outside air) to dilute any particles that may be present. Here in New York City, that’s not always easily done if you can’t just open a window. However, there are HVAC solutions that can add more outside air to your space.

Should my air conditioning system be sanitized?

This is a practice for most comprehensive maintenance services that are recommended in the spring before your HVAC system enters in the summer rush of its use. Although we cannot guarantee that Covid-19 particles have remained, there is a benefit to clean condenser coils, your ductwork, and your system components. Cleaning your system makes it operate more efficiently, consume less power, and keeps parts in good condition.

Sanitizing your HVAC system components is a one-time event with no long term protection or to future exposure to Covid-19.

 

For more information about R.M. Mullinix or indoor air quality, schedule an appointment, or visit our indoor air quality information page.