Humor Goes A Long Way

While keeping your heating and air conditioning units running in tip top shape is very serious business, we do find that a lil' humor is what helps everyone get thru the day.  At Environmental, we are completely down to earth and it's always great when we have customers who have gotten to know us and enjoy coming by the office just to talk and share some laughs.  It's how we know that we are out making a difference in the Triangle.  We have even posted on the Environmental Heating & Air youtube channel some of the humorous interviews and antics that go on here at the office.  We do our absolute best to keep our customers satisfied, and hopefully we keep making some new friends along the way!  Thanks!

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

Great Time For A Heat Check!

Now if you haven't done so already, it's the perfect time to flip that thermostat on over to heat and make sure your heat is going to come on properly.  The absolute WORST thing you can do is wait until the temperature dips way down only find yourself with a fault in your heating system and you're freezing your butt off waiting for the heating and air guy to get to your residence!

 
Winterizing your home

1. As mentioned in a previous post, remember to check your air filter(s) and change it if necessary.  The cleaner the filter the less work your system will have to do, thus getting peak efficiency from your system!
2. Get a carbon monoxide detector!  Even if you have a fairly new system it never hurts to have one, they are pretty cheap these days and it's a small price to pay to protect you and your family's lives!
3. This one may sound a bit ridiculous but nonetheless important, make sure all vents are opened and unblocked by furniture or other items. This will ensure that the air is evenly distributed through the home.
4. When it does actually start getting cold and you've got your heat running, try reversing the switch on your ceiling fans so they blow upward. This is especially valuable in high ceiling rooms where heat that naturally rises is forced back down into the room.
5. Finally, if your heating system is old, you might consider updating it. A pre-1977 gas furnace is probably 50 percent to 60 percent efficient today.  Modern gas furnaces, on the other hand, achieve efficiency ratings as high as 97 percent!  Replacing an old heating system can cut your natural gas use nearly in half!

I hope these tips will help you out in preparing for this up and coming winter, stay toasty my friends.

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

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