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Posts Tagged ‘Indoor Air Quality’

Now is the Time for an AC Inspection

April 27th, 2011 Comments off

AC InspectionThe summer’s coming at a rapid pace, and dealing with an air conditioning problem should have been handled prior to the start of the spring season. Unfortunately, most people won’t give their AC units proper maintenance in preparation for the hot temperatures until right about now – or even later in the spring as temperatures start to rise.

Just like you have your furnace serviced in the fall to ensure efficient heating for the colder months, your air conditioner should be inspected and serviced by a professional HVAC contractor every spring to ensure it runs well throughout the summer months. Let our Lewisville TX cooling technicians at Southern Comfort Mechanical A/C & Heating handle your next air conditioner inspection.

Having your AC serviced now will our Lewisville HVAC experts ample  time to make any necessary repairs to your unit and have it ready to go just in time for potential triple-digit summer temperatures. Our quality inspection will ensure that the AC is draining correctly and the condensing unit is working as intended. Our technicians also may need to clean the inside of the unit, vacuum away leaves and dirt and dispose of random debris that can be harmful to your unit.

Our inspections also include checking wiring for fire hazards, checking coolant levels and cleaning condensation lines. Additionally, we may be able to suggest upgrades to your unit if it is not providing sufficient cooling.

Let our Lewisville TX air conditioning specialists ensure comfort, maximum efficiency and lower utility bills for your home as we prepare for the summer. Give our Lewisville HVAC company a call today, or visit us online for more details.

‘Going Green’ With Your HVAC System

April 13th, 2011 Comments off

Going Green & HVAC Maintenance“Going green” is a phrase that is used quite commonly. Nearly everyone knows the term has an environmentally sound connotation.

Saving the planet is a big deal, and using economical, energy-efficient methods around the house has become the norm for many families. When linking energy efficiency to your air conditioning unit, it’s a must to look into a reliable maintenance program. Our Lewisville HVAC experts at Southern Comfort Mechanical A/C & Heating offer first-class HVAC maintenance plans that will provide peace of mind to all residential and commercial property owners.

As with any machine, your air conditioner requires regular maintenance in order to offer peak performance. Proper maintenance gives your air conditioner an extended life span, and it will save you money in the long run. Our Lewisville heating and cooling technicians provide seasonal air conditioner and furnace services, including precision tune-ups and thorough cleaning of air conditioners during the spring and summer and furnaces during the fall and winter.

If you are looking to “go green,” this plan may be the perfect solution for you. Call our Lewisville TX HVAC company today, or contact us online for more information on environmentally efficient benefits for your unit.

Preventing Allergies with Duct Cleaning, Indoor Air Quality

April 1st, 2011 Comments off

Air Duct CleaningAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency, the connection between respiratory issues and mold and allergens can all be traced to proper – or improper – indoor air quality. Among the stronger allergens found in the air, ironically, is common house dust.

What many don’t realize is that house dust can be heavily contaminated with disgusting particles such as cast skins and fecal matter from dust mites. With the help of one ounce of dust, as many as 40,000 dust mites can grow and mature. Even the cleanest house in the world can have dust mites, which means allergies are high-risk at all times. It also is a fact that dust mites can be a major factor in respiratory issues and even asthma.

Allergy shots are a good idea, but when it comes to maintaining respiratory issues, our Lewisville TX HVAC representatives at Southern Comfort Mechanical A/C & Heating suggest a thorough air duct cleaning, as well as the installation of new air filters. Dirt and dust accumulates in air ducts, which results in a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Duct cleaning reduces allergens and also increases the efficiency of your air conditioning unit.

Contact our Lewisville indoor air quality specialists for more information on preventative measures to avoid allergies and other respiratory problems. Call our Lewisville TX cooling company today, or visit us online for more information.

Identifying and Preventing Black Mold

March 17th, 2011 Comments off

Black MoldAs disgusting as it may sound, mold is a part of everyday life. With humidity, there’s mold, and with mold toxins, there comes all the allergies and other conditions we tend to associate mold with.

One form of mold that can cause serious problems is black mold. This can be found anywhere in the home but is most commonly found in duct work or on the ceilings or walls. Black mold grows best in dark, moist environments. The most common visible sign of black mold will be a patch of dark speckles.

Black mold is the result of high humidity incorporated with low ventilation. It can cause major health issues and often times starts off with unexplained rashes or other allergic reactions. Living in an area with a high black mold count can lead to respiratory problems that can be extremely harmful.

In order to remove black mold, a highly trained HVAC professional must be called, as parts of a wall or area in your home may have to be removed altogether. You may clean black mold off a specific area, but microscopic spores still exist, which could result in the mold returning. One step for early prevention is to install a dehumidifier in your home. Dehumidifiers reduce the moisture level in your home or office.

Regular air duct services should be scheduled in an effort to prevent black mold in your environment. Our Lewisville TX HVAC specialists can assist you with more information about black mold and how it can endanger your health. Give our Lewisville heating and cooling company a call today, or visit us online for details.

Allergies, Asthma and Your Air Conditioner

September 20th, 2010 Comments off

child with allergies and air conditioningWhether you’re a native Texan or a welcome transplant you’ll soon discover two truths: very little else compares to the sublime beauty of a technicolor field of bluebonnets and, given our extreme and enduring heat, you will most likely have your air conditioner on for at least six months of the year.

Properly functioning and filtered air conditioning is not only beneficial for maintaining the comfort level of your home, but it can be absolutely crucial for you and your family and friends if you suffer from breathing disorders like asthma or are sensitive to allergens common to the home environment. The most common triggers for asthma and allergies include animal dander, pollen and mold.

For many people, these triggers can be toxic. In fact, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has determined that the IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) can oftentimes be more dangerous than the outdoors! Effective sealing and insulation can wind up having a negative effect because they can trap unhealthy air inside.

A properly maintenanced air conditioner is able to minimize these irritants and reduce the humidity that feeds mold and algae with a regularly cleaned filter. Less humidity means less mold. Less mold means everyone is breathing easier.

Reducing Asthma Attacks and Allergic Reactions

One of the best ways to reduce asthma attacks and allergic reactions is to make sure your air conditioning unit is serviced at least once a year by a licensed contractor and your filters are changed monthly (which you can do yourself). Just think, the small cost of an annual service call could help offset the cost of medications taken to alleviate these conditions.

When your air conditioning is serviced regularly, the priority is to clear the coils and drain line of mold or algae and to examine and free the blower of any dirt or debris. On your end, you need to be committed to changing the air filter at least once a month.These can be purchased from your local home supply store at competitive prices. A pleated filter has been proven to be more effective for capturing dust, pollen and other particles that can trigger allergic reactions or asthmatic attacks. Ideally, you should also be cleaning your drain line monthly as well to avoid the overgrowth of mold and algae and prevent a major backup.

Call Laurie Fraser, co-owner of Southern Comfort Mechanical, at 972-420-1700 to discuss what steps we can help you take in making your home a breathe-free environment. And don’t forget to ask about our discount Comfort Club Service Plan that includes regular maintenance of your air conditioning throughout the year. We’ll do all the dirty work so you can enjoy cleaner living.