The World Health Organisation has just published Guidelines on Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould.
It does re-iterate some of the simple virtues of keeping buildings clean and dry, and critically for HVAC systems:
"Several studies have shown that the prevalence of symptoms of sick-building syndrome is often higher in air-conditioned buildings than in buildings with natural ventilation (Mendell, Smith, 1990; Seppanen, Fisk, 2002). One explanation for the association between sick-building syndrome and mechanical heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems is microbial and chemical pollutants, which are emitted by heating, ventilating and air-conditioning components and ductwork".
You can download a copy of the Guidelines from our website here
There is of course also much emphasis on keeping buildings (and HVAC systems) dry, and on dealing properly with condensation where it is unavoidable e.g. at a cooling coil.
As practical experience shows, the majority of 20th century A/C systems (and a pretty large proportion of those installed in the last few years too) do not have properly designed and installed condensate drain trays and so you get trapped water. This is one of the reasons we've been so keen on Triventek BioBlock to stop microbiological growth where stagnant water cannot be avoided.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Just because you cannot see it, doesn't mean there isn't anything
Here's a fascinating article "Workers Say Courthouse is Unhealthy" from North Carolina, USA, about a problem building.
It seems it hasn't been a great building for 36 years.
Regarding air hygiene, various tests and investigations have been done, but none have produced results convincing enough for the employer/landlord to do anything concrete about duct cleanliness
A couple of quotes from the article:
"Employees also spoke of black, dustlike particles falling from ceiling vents. County officials said that was a concoction of dust and dead skin and was not a health hazard"
“People start wondering what the test results mean,” he [State Health Dept investigator] said. “Interpretation of the results is difficult. (People) want to link mold in the environment to their health issues, and that’s a problem because we don’t have a benchmark for what is safe and unsafe.”
Now take a look at the state of an HVAC diffuser grille and the nearby ceiling as an office employee takes a tape sample for mould / mold
And yes I know some of that dirt is induced from the served area onto the grille vanes and ceiling tiles, but really - how filthy does a building component have to be before somebody says: 'Hey, let's clean this'?
Think of the time and money that's been spent over the years doing investigations, discussing results etc. Is it really that complicated or difficult to see that it's just not right for a system to be that dirty?
It's the old story: just because it's out of sight, does not mean it should be out of mind.
It seems it hasn't been a great building for 36 years.
Regarding air hygiene, various tests and investigations have been done, but none have produced results convincing enough for the employer/landlord to do anything concrete about duct cleanliness
A couple of quotes from the article:
"Employees also spoke of black, dustlike particles falling from ceiling vents. County officials said that was a concoction of dust and dead skin and was not a health hazard"
“People start wondering what the test results mean,” he [State Health Dept investigator] said. “Interpretation of the results is difficult. (People) want to link mold in the environment to their health issues, and that’s a problem because we don’t have a benchmark for what is safe and unsafe.”
Now take a look at the state of an HVAC diffuser grille and the nearby ceiling as an office employee takes a tape sample for mould / mold
And yes I know some of that dirt is induced from the served area onto the grille vanes and ceiling tiles, but really - how filthy does a building component have to be before somebody says: 'Hey, let's clean this'?
Think of the time and money that's been spent over the years doing investigations, discussing results etc. Is it really that complicated or difficult to see that it's just not right for a system to be that dirty?
It's the old story: just because it's out of sight, does not mean it should be out of mind.
Just because you cannot see it, doesn't mean there isn't anything
Here's a fascinating article "Workers Say Courthouse is Unhealthy" from North Carolina, USA, about a problem building.
It seems it hasn't been a great building for 36 years.
Regarding air hygiene, various tests and investigations have been done, but none have produced results convincing enough for the employer/landlord to do anything concrete about duct cleanliness
A couple of quotes from the article:
"Employees also spoke of black, dustlike particles falling from ceiling vents. County officials said that was a concoction of dust and dead skin and was not a health hazard"
“People start wondering what the test results mean,” he [State Health Dept investigator] said. “Interpretation of the results is difficult. (People) want to link mold in the environment to their health issues, and that’s a problem because we don’t have a benchmark for what is safe and unsafe.”
Now take a look at the state of an HVAC diffuser grille and the nearby ceiling as an office employee takes a tape sample for mould / mold
And yes I know some of that dirt is induced from the served area onto the grille vanes and ceiling tiles, but really - how filthy does a building component have to be before somebody says: 'Hey, let's clean this'?
Think of the time and money that's been spent over the years doing investigations, discussing results etc. Is it really that complicated or difficult to see that it's just not right for a system to be that dirty?
It's the old story: just because it's out of sight, does not mean it should be out of mind.
It seems it hasn't been a great building for 36 years.
Regarding air hygiene, various tests and investigations have been done, but none have produced results convincing enough for the employer/landlord to do anything concrete about duct cleanliness
A couple of quotes from the article:
"Employees also spoke of black, dustlike particles falling from ceiling vents. County officials said that was a concoction of dust and dead skin and was not a health hazard"
“People start wondering what the test results mean,” he [State Health Dept investigator] said. “Interpretation of the results is difficult. (People) want to link mold in the environment to their health issues, and that’s a problem because we don’t have a benchmark for what is safe and unsafe.”
Now take a look at the state of an HVAC diffuser grille and the nearby ceiling as an office employee takes a tape sample for mould / mold
And yes I know some of that dirt is induced from the served area onto the grille vanes and ceiling tiles, but really - how filthy does a building component have to be before somebody says: 'Hey, let's clean this'?
Think of the time and money that's been spent over the years doing investigations, discussing results etc. Is it really that complicated or difficult to see that it's just not right for a system to be that dirty?
It's the old story: just because it's out of sight, does not mean it should be out of mind.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Importance Of Regular Air Duct Cleaning
By: Jay Richards
Indoor air pollution is a serious health hazard; in fact, it has been shown to be at least partly responsible for the occurrence of a number of health conditions. Many people have reported their allergies are often made worse by the unclean air circulating in their homes. That is why it is essential to be sure your air ducts are cleaned and properly cared for on a regular basis. One important part of maintaining a clean air conditioning and heating system is making sure the filter is regularly changed. This process should take place at least once a year, and even more frequently if necessary. If you do not own your own home, you should make sure your landlord takes care of this important detail. Failure to do so can result in the circulation of unclean air through your home, as well as actually diminishing proper air flow. Regular air duct cleaning has been shown to help prevent some health problems, while easing the stress of others that already exist. While some in the profession will argue that this has not actually been proven, it is strongly believed by others because of the improvement people have experienced after having the ducts cleaned. It is time to consider having your air ducts cleaned if the following occurs.If mold is visible on or around your air duct, it is time to have it cleaned. This will remove the mold that can be potentially dangerous to you and others living in your home. Because of the nature of certain molds, it may be necessary to have this area treated before the cleaning takes place. It is important to remember that though a substance may appear to be mold, it may take an expert in the field to actually determine if this is true.If your air ducts are insolated and they become wet or moldy, it is time to have them cleaned. If this is the case, the insulation should be removed and replaced. This is an important detail because it may be more internal and, therefore, more difficult to see. If you do find there is an occurrence of mold, you should remove the cause. If you fail to do this, the mold will recur. The cleaner your air is overall, the easier it will be to breathe. Cleaner, less polluted air will also result in better health for you and your family. Keyword Articles: http://www.topclassair.co Top Class Air Duct Cleaning. We offer air duct cleaning, furnace cleaning and dryer vent cleaning services in Toronto, Markham, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Oakville, Brampton, Mississauga and surrounding areas. Visit www.topclassair.com for more information.
By: Jay Richards
Indoor air pollution is a serious health hazard; in fact, it has been shown to be at least partly responsible for the occurrence of a number of health conditions. Many people have reported their allergies are often made worse by the unclean air circulating in their homes. That is why it is essential to be sure your air ducts are cleaned and properly cared for on a regular basis. One important part of maintaining a clean air conditioning and heating system is making sure the filter is regularly changed. This process should take place at least once a year, and even more frequently if necessary. If you do not own your own home, you should make sure your landlord takes care of this important detail. Failure to do so can result in the circulation of unclean air through your home, as well as actually diminishing proper air flow. Regular air duct cleaning has been shown to help prevent some health problems, while easing the stress of others that already exist. While some in the profession will argue that this has not actually been proven, it is strongly believed by others because of the improvement people have experienced after having the ducts cleaned. It is time to consider having your air ducts cleaned if the following occurs.If mold is visible on or around your air duct, it is time to have it cleaned. This will remove the mold that can be potentially dangerous to you and others living in your home. Because of the nature of certain molds, it may be necessary to have this area treated before the cleaning takes place. It is important to remember that though a substance may appear to be mold, it may take an expert in the field to actually determine if this is true.If your air ducts are insolated and they become wet or moldy, it is time to have them cleaned. If this is the case, the insulation should be removed and replaced. This is an important detail because it may be more internal and, therefore, more difficult to see. If you do find there is an occurrence of mold, you should remove the cause. If you fail to do this, the mold will recur. The cleaner your air is overall, the easier it will be to breathe. Cleaner, less polluted air will also result in better health for you and your family. Keyword Articles: http://www.topclassair.co Top Class Air Duct Cleaning. We offer air duct cleaning, furnace cleaning and dryer vent cleaning services in Toronto, Markham, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Oakville, Brampton, Mississauga and surrounding areas. Visit www.topclassair.com for more information.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Furnace Tune-up
Furnace Tune up is one of the most necessary preparation before the cold weather sets in for the winter season. It is always best to get your furnace serviced before the winter season sets in to avoid any problems.
A qualified technician usually performs furnace service in the following steps.
Step 1
Turn the circuit breaker off to the forced air system. The home electrical box should have the circuit breaker clearly marked.
Step 2
Locate the access door to the blower compartment area. It is usually located at the front of the forced air heating unit.
Step 3
Lift up on the door panel, and remove it from the unit. Some model may have two screws located at the top of the door panel.
Step 4
Remove the air filter from the unit and if possible cleans it out.
Step 5
Use a vacuum to vacuum out the blower compartment area.
Step 6
Inspect the motor to see if there are two oiling ports. If required, check the oil level.
Step 8
If any, inspect the belt and look for cracks, splits or any other type of excessive wear.
Step 9
Clean out the burners and heat exchanger.
Step 10
Clean up the air conditioning coils on top of the furnace.
Step 9
Insert a air filter. Install the door panel back onto the unit, and secure it with the retaining screws if equipped.
Step 10
Turn the circuit breaker back on to the forced air system.
www.topclassair.com is providing furnace cleaning services for Toronto, ON. As well as we do duct cleaning oakville, duct cleaning ajax, duct cleaning whitby, duct cleaning aurora, duct cleaning mississauga, duct cleaning brampton, duct cleaning GTA and surrounding areas. Call us today at 416-628-1070 to get your air duct cleaning and furnace cleaning.
Furnace Tune up is one of the most necessary preparation before the cold weather sets in for the winter season. It is always best to get your furnace serviced before the winter season sets in to avoid any problems.
A qualified technician usually performs furnace service in the following steps.
Step 1
Turn the circuit breaker off to the forced air system. The home electrical box should have the circuit breaker clearly marked.
Step 2
Locate the access door to the blower compartment area. It is usually located at the front of the forced air heating unit.
Step 3
Lift up on the door panel, and remove it from the unit. Some model may have two screws located at the top of the door panel.
Step 4
Remove the air filter from the unit and if possible cleans it out.
Step 5
Use a vacuum to vacuum out the blower compartment area.
Step 6
Inspect the motor to see if there are two oiling ports. If required, check the oil level.
Step 8
If any, inspect the belt and look for cracks, splits or any other type of excessive wear.
Step 9
Clean out the burners and heat exchanger.
Step 10
Clean up the air conditioning coils on top of the furnace.
Step 9
Insert a air filter. Install the door panel back onto the unit, and secure it with the retaining screws if equipped.
Step 10
Turn the circuit breaker back on to the forced air system.
www.topclassair.com is providing furnace cleaning services for Toronto, ON. As well as we do duct cleaning oakville, duct cleaning ajax, duct cleaning whitby, duct cleaning aurora, duct cleaning mississauga, duct cleaning brampton, duct cleaning GTA and surrounding areas. Call us today at 416-628-1070 to get your air duct cleaning and furnace cleaning.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Duct Cleaning mold prevention.
Dealing with mold can be a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow the five steps below to eliminate and prevent mold problems, so you and your family can move on to enjoying a healthy home:
Keep it Dry! Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using dehumidifiers as required. New houses require constant dehumidification, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer: an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores.
Circulate, Circulate, Circulate! Nothing helps moisture breed quicker than stale, dead air. Ensure ventilation of humid areas such as bathrooms and attics, and of moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers. Encourage air exchange by opening doors and windows when possible; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts. Consider ceiling fans in several areas of your home (and keep them on as much as possible). Air conditioning also helps circulate air in the home.
Seal it Properly. Avoid condensation-related moisture by properly sealing windows and insulating cold water pipes and air conditioning vents.
Investigate Monthly. Monitor mold hotspots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics for evidence of mold. It might be a good idea to take a look around these areas once a month. Look for surface discoloration and ‘follow your nose’ – that musty, earthy smell could be hidden mold.
Treat it Right Away! If you find mold treat it immediately. However, there are more friendly products than bleach that are available. Treating mold can be something that homeowners can do easily themselves but beware if you have mold that makes up more than a 10ft x 3ft space — you should call in a professional to take a look.
This article has been provided by Concrobium®, makers of an earth friendly method to kill and prevent mold that is approved by Health Canada called Concrobium Mold Control®
visit www.topclassair.com for more duct cleaning information.
Keep it Dry! Maintain indoor relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent, using dehumidifiers as required. New houses require constant dehumidification, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer: an inexpensive device found at many hardware stores.
Circulate, Circulate, Circulate! Nothing helps moisture breed quicker than stale, dead air. Ensure ventilation of humid areas such as bathrooms and attics, and of moisture-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers. Encourage air exchange by opening doors and windows when possible; indoor mold spore counts are typically higher than outdoor counts. Consider ceiling fans in several areas of your home (and keep them on as much as possible). Air conditioning also helps circulate air in the home.
Seal it Properly. Avoid condensation-related moisture by properly sealing windows and insulating cold water pipes and air conditioning vents.
Investigate Monthly. Monitor mold hotspots such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and attics for evidence of mold. It might be a good idea to take a look around these areas once a month. Look for surface discoloration and ‘follow your nose’ – that musty, earthy smell could be hidden mold.
Treat it Right Away! If you find mold treat it immediately. However, there are more friendly products than bleach that are available. Treating mold can be something that homeowners can do easily themselves but beware if you have mold that makes up more than a 10ft x 3ft space — you should call in a professional to take a look.
This article has been provided by Concrobium®, makers of an earth friendly method to kill and prevent mold that is approved by Health Canada called Concrobium Mold Control®
visit www.topclassair.com for more duct cleaning information.
Furnace Duct Cleaning by Top Class Air Duct Cleaning 416-628-1070
People who choose to have their heating ducts cleaned tend to do so because their children or other family members are suffering from breathing problems. Air and furnace ducts, when uncleaned, breed mold and mildew and lead to poor air quality. Furnace duct cleaning will also improve the efficiency of your furnace.
Duct cleaning requires not only of the ducts themselves, but of the entire furnace system: the blower, heat exchangers, cooling coils, and condensate pan. When these parts are clean, air flows efficiently through the entire system.
If you or someone in your household is experiencing health problems, and you suspect your furnace air ducts might be the problem, call a duct cleaning company. They can inspect your furnace ducts, and will most likely use robotic video equipment to show you how dirty the ducts actually are. If the video surveillance reveals mold anywhere in the duct system, it’s time to clean your furnace ducts.
Dust and mold can appear to be similar on a scan of the ducts. If the furnace cleaning professionals are unsure, touch a piece of tape to the inside of a furnace duct, and have a lab analyze it for you.
Methods of Cleaning Furnace Ducts
There are several ways to clean furnace ducts. One way is to use an extremely powerful vacuum, which remains in a truck outside. A long hose runs to the furnace area and attaches to the furnace ducts. From the rooms, mechanical brushes, air jet brushes or air snakes pull the dust loose within the furnace ducts.
Another way to clean furnace ducts is with a smaller vacuum unit located inside your house, in the vicinity of the furnace. This vacuum should contain a HEPA exhaust filter to ensure that the dust from the furnace ducts does not fill the air in the room.
A third way of cleaning furnace ducts is to run a rotating brush that is attached to a vacuum nozzle through the furnace ducts.
When selecting methods and services for your furnace duct cleaning, look for quality over cost. A poor quality furnace cleaning job can leave you worse off than before, as it can pull the dust off the furnace duct walls without sucking it all in.
Remember, furnace duct cleaning costs money, so before you sign a service contract, ensure that the company has given you sufficient visual evidence that furnace duct cleaning is necessary. Also, make sure your furnace duct cleaning provider can explain to you in detail how he/she will clean the entire system, not just the ducts. If one component of the system is left uncleaned, it may recontaminate the entire system, defeating the purpose of having put out the cash for the cleaning in the first place. Ask that your furnace duct cleaning provider give you a full duct-length visual inspection after the cleaning is complete, preferably with a camera inside the ducts.
www.topclassair.com provides all services for your air ducts furnace , dryer vent, humidifier, and other related hvac things. Call us today at 416-628-1070 to get more information. You can also book your air duct cleaning online.
Duct cleaning requires not only of the ducts themselves, but of the entire furnace system: the blower, heat exchangers, cooling coils, and condensate pan. When these parts are clean, air flows efficiently through the entire system.
If you or someone in your household is experiencing health problems, and you suspect your furnace air ducts might be the problem, call a duct cleaning company. They can inspect your furnace ducts, and will most likely use robotic video equipment to show you how dirty the ducts actually are. If the video surveillance reveals mold anywhere in the duct system, it’s time to clean your furnace ducts.
Dust and mold can appear to be similar on a scan of the ducts. If the furnace cleaning professionals are unsure, touch a piece of tape to the inside of a furnace duct, and have a lab analyze it for you.
Methods of Cleaning Furnace Ducts
There are several ways to clean furnace ducts. One way is to use an extremely powerful vacuum, which remains in a truck outside. A long hose runs to the furnace area and attaches to the furnace ducts. From the rooms, mechanical brushes, air jet brushes or air snakes pull the dust loose within the furnace ducts.
Another way to clean furnace ducts is with a smaller vacuum unit located inside your house, in the vicinity of the furnace. This vacuum should contain a HEPA exhaust filter to ensure that the dust from the furnace ducts does not fill the air in the room.
A third way of cleaning furnace ducts is to run a rotating brush that is attached to a vacuum nozzle through the furnace ducts.
When selecting methods and services for your furnace duct cleaning, look for quality over cost. A poor quality furnace cleaning job can leave you worse off than before, as it can pull the dust off the furnace duct walls without sucking it all in.
Remember, furnace duct cleaning costs money, so before you sign a service contract, ensure that the company has given you sufficient visual evidence that furnace duct cleaning is necessary. Also, make sure your furnace duct cleaning provider can explain to you in detail how he/she will clean the entire system, not just the ducts. If one component of the system is left uncleaned, it may recontaminate the entire system, defeating the purpose of having put out the cash for the cleaning in the first place. Ask that your furnace duct cleaning provider give you a full duct-length visual inspection after the cleaning is complete, preferably with a camera inside the ducts.
www.topclassair.com provides all services for your air ducts furnace , dryer vent, humidifier, and other related hvac things. Call us today at 416-628-1070 to get more information. You can also book your air duct cleaning online.
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