Crazy Pictures

We see some crazy things as HVAC technicians out in the field.  From the dirtiest air filter imaginable, to units installed laying completely on their side, we've seen it!  I've decided to post a few pics of the stuff we've encountered on service calls over the years.  You'll never cease to be amazed at the things you'll see in this business.  And this is just a few of the pics, there's so much stuff we don't get the opportunity to take a picture of.  Enjoy!

-Nickadeemus
Environmental Heating & Air of NC, Inc.
http://www.enviro-nc.com
919-535-8422

Do you have a moldy smell in your crawl space or basement?

Facts about UV-C Light:

UV-C LIGHT IS INVISIBLE 

It penetrates the membranes of viruses, bacteria, mold, and dust mites—attacking their DNA—terminating them and their ability to spread. The UV-C Sanitizing Wand emits a blue spectrum of light to help you see the surface area you are cleaning. Indirectly contacting or viewing the blue light produced by the lamp does not expose you to UV-C.

UV-C LIGHT ELIMINATES GERMS AND BACTERIA

Hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment and HVAC systems use UV-C light to eliminate biological contaminants and germs.

YOU’LL SMELL AND FEEL THE DIFFERENCE

Bedding and couches will smell and feel fresh with consistent use of the Sanitizing Wand. Musty smells and pet odors can be virtually eliminated.

SUSTAINABLE SANITIZING

Sanitizing with UV-C light means you don’t need harsh chemicals that pollute our water and add unnecessary product packaging to our landfills. Reduced production of household cleansers means fewer chemicals in our environment and reduced fuel expenditures for transporting them to the marketplace.

SAFE AND EASY TO USE

The Built-In Safety Shut-Off Switch automatically turns the UV-C light off if the device is turned upward, protecting your eyes from exposure.

ELIMINATES GERMS ON 

-Bathroom sinks, toilet seats, and showers
-Telephones, remote controls, and light switches

-Childrens toys and stuffed animals
-Living room furniture, bedding, and pillow

A:  The effects of cleaning with UV-C are cumulative, so more frequent use will result in greater sanitization of a surface. Once a comfortable level of clean has been established, pollutants can usually be controlled with a weekly sanitizing regimen to maintain the effect. Some surfaces, like those in kitchens and bathrooms, should be treated when they come in contact with contaminants. A cleaning regimen of other surfaces such as beds and couches can be done weekly, or even more frequently if required.

Q: How long should I treat an area?

A:  Different bacteria require different exposure times (see “Kill Rate” table at http://www.verilux.com/science-of-light). For example: a 24” x 36” countertop requires three minutes of exposure to eliminate Salmonella or two minutes for Staphylococcus. Be sure you move light gradually and evenly over surface.

Q: When I am cleaning a surface, how close should the wand be to the surface area?

A:  Hold the UV-C wand as close as possible to the surface and gradually move the wand evenly over the entire surface.

Q: How do I know if its working?

A:  Most contaminants are microscopic, so just like using a chemical cleanser, you can’t directly see the effects. However, in many cases people report being able to feel the effects and you may notice that biological and/or organic odors are eliminated as well.

Q: Can I use the wand on myself, family members, or pets?

A:  No. The UV-C Sanitizing Wand is for use on inanimate surfaces only and is not safe for use on your skin, and should not be exposed to your eyes. Important to note: UV-C Light is used to remove biological contaminants from surfaces, it is not a treatment for people or animals.

Q: Is UV-C dangerous to people?

A:  Very close and prolonged exposure to the wand can damage skin and eyes. Use caution to ensure that direct exposure is brief and distant from the light source.

 

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Repost: When is your HVAC too old to repair?

I know I've touched on this in a previous blog, but with the triple digit temperatures today and for the rest of the weekend I feel this needs to be reiterated. If you are on a maintenance plan then you are already a step ahead and good for you. If not, then cross your fingers your a/c doesn't go out! Here are just a few things you can do around the house to make sure you get the most from your a/c this summer:

• change your air filter(s) every 30 to 90 days. Depending on how quickly your filter(s) get dirty
• keep shades, blinds, windows closed to keep out sunlight as much as possible during the day when you aren't home
• have a Preventative Maintenance Plan with a licensed, fully certified hvac company like Environmental
• keep all bushes, grass, and other debris clear from around your a/c unit outside.  a 2 foot minimum clearance is best
• take a quick look at your ductwork.  if it looks old and/or appears to be falling apart, have a professional take a look at it.  you would be AMAZED how much efficiency is lost because of loose and/or deteriorated ductwork

These are some of the major points that you at home can take care of in just a short amount of time. If taken care of, these things can help ensure you stay cool in the hottest of weather and achieve the longest life possible from your a/c and heating system without getting HUGE electric bills.  If you have any questions at all or would like to sign up for Environmental's Preventative Maintenance Plan, just give us a call at the number below or visit our website, thanks for reading and stay cool folks!

Allyson
919-535-8422
www.enviro-nc.com

Air Conditioning Efficiency

There is talk around the campfire about the U.S. government once again raising the minimum SEER rating on all air conditioners being produced.  Last time this happened was in January 2006.  This ruling states that all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have a SEER of at least 13. ENERGY STAR qualified Central Air Conditioners must have a SEER of at least 14.  Whenever the government changes the minimum SEER rating, prices tend to go up on almost all systems, no matter their SEER rating.

To calculate the energy efficiency of an air conditioner, the SEER rating system measures the cooling output of the unit with the total amount of electricity it uses during an entire season.  The higher the energy efficiency, the lower it costs you to run it, viz-a-vi  the higher the SEER rating of the unit, the more energy efficient it is.  With the benefit of SEER ratings, you can more easily choose the most energy efficient a/c unit to fit your needs and your wallet and/or purse.  With the rising costs of energy usage, you can't afford not to know about getting the most from your heating and a/c system.  The Lennox website has a simple SEER calculator to help give you a general idea on savings with different SEER systems.

Basically, if you know your air conditioner is getting old and you think it might be about time to see about purchasing a new system, now is the time!  Like I said above, whenever the government comes down with these SEER changes, the price on new systems goes up, so don't say we didn't warn you!  At Environmental, we give free estimates on system replacements and we would be glad to help you out today!

Nickadeemus
www.enviro-nc.com
919-535-8422

Importance of Clean Air Filters

This is a picture of a very dirty air filter one of our Environmental technicians replaced while performing Preventative Maintenance at a customer's house recently.  The customer hadn't changed the filter in six months to a year!  This is a big no no!  A filter this dirty puts serious strain on a system.  Changing your air filter(s) is one of the simplest and most important steps in achieving maximum efficiency and longevity in your heating and a/c units.  As simple as changing filters is, it is also one of the most overlooked by homeowners.  Dirty filters can wreak havoc on everything from compressors to blower motors to heat exchangers.  A few bucks and a couple minutes of your time at least once every 3 months can save you tons of money on future repair costs and energy bills!  Also, it's always a good idea to go with pleated filters over the cheaper fiberglass filters.  We always have them available here at the Environmental Heating & Air office and on our retail website Enviro Retail.  You'll pay a little more for the pleated filters but they catch a lot more dust and particles than the fiberglass filters.  Keep those air filters changed!

-Nickadeemus
www.enviro-nc.com
Environmental Heating & Air of NC
919-535-8422

Meeting & Exceeding Local Needs

You may think that going with a big company to provide you with your heating and air conditioning needs is the right thing to do, the safest thing to do.  That's a popular opinion these days, but I can explain to you quickly how this might not necessarily be the best course of action.

As it pertains to business in the world of hvac, bigger definitely does not mean better.  Here at Environmental, we have always had to bid against the unlicensed, uninsured, fly-by-night guys and also the "big box" mechanical companies.  So naturally, as with any small business, you really have to dig deep to form a trusting relationship with your customers that will keep them coming back to you because they know that your business will always take care of them.  The trouble with these larger companies is just that, they often overlook the needs of some customers because their client base is so large that it's really no big loss for them to lose a customer here and there for whatever reason.  That's really where the big advantage for smaller businesses begins, our ability to spend more time focusing on each customer's needs and getting things right the first time around.  We are full believers in the idea that if you sell quality products and services that you can always compete with the "big boys".  Your business's actions and efforts will speak for themselves.  People want to know that the company they use for their hvac needs is going to stick around for the long haul and not be gone tomorrow.  Environmental has been servicing the Triangle now for almost 5 years and we're going stronger than ever!  Just give us a chance to prove to you today that we can earn and keep your trust!

-Nickadeemus
Environmental Heating & Air of NC, Inc.
919-535-8422