A-1 Mechanical Blog: Archive for the ‘Indoor Air Quality’ Category

What Are the Benefits of an Air Purifier?

Monday, April 6th, 2020
Air Purifier

Most people love springtime because of warmer weather, increased daylight, blooming flowers and animal life. But for millions of Americans, spring also triggers the start of dreadful allergy season.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to escape these pesky allergens even from the comforts of your home. Allergens are just one of many contaminants that can wreak havoc on your home’s air quality – and your family’s health.

One of the best methods of improving your home’s air quality is through a whole house air cleaner. If you’re interested in eliminating allergens, pollutants and contaminants in your home for good, give the experts at A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling a call today to discuss indoor air quality solutions.

What Is a Whole Home Air Cleaner?

Whole house air purifiers work to eliminate contaminants before they get into the ductwork and into living areas. Many homeowners who suffer from asthma, allergies or other respiratory issues can benefit from having one. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, younger people, older adults and people with cardiovascular or respiratory disease spend more time indoors and could see health improvements from having an air purifier installed.

Air purifiers are sold as either stand-up units that can service a room or two, or larger, whole house units that can be affixed right into the HVAC system, mounted between the air handler and the return ductwork. These types of purifiers can service an entire home.

Common Pollutants Found in a Home

Whole home air purifiers improve indoor air quality by removing up to 99 percent of allergens and contaminants, including:

  • Pollen
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Dust Mites
  • Pet dander
  • Mold spores
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Combustion byproducts, such as carbon monoxide
  • Lead
  • Asbestos

Benefits of a Whole Home Air Cleaner

Lansing and Grand Rapids area homes with allergy and asthma sufferers greatly benefit from the installation of whole home air purifiers. These systems use superior air filters to remove airborne contaminants as air flows through your HVAC system.

According to the EPA, it’s estimated that people spend about 90% of the time indoors, where air quality can be two to five worse than that outdoors.

Some of the benefits of a whole home air cleaner include:

Longer-Lasting HVAC System

Just like a typical furnace air filter, a whole home air purifier helps your HVAC system run more efficiently – thus extending its lifespan – by filtering out contaminants that cause it to work harder. Increased stress on the system leads to breakdowns and need for repairs.

Healthier Air

Obviously, the biggest benefit of an air purifier is cleaner, healthier air. Reducing germs, allergens and dust in your home will reduce health issues, including allergies and respiratory illness.

Contact A-1 Mechanical for Your Indoor Air Quality Needs

A-1 Mechanical Heating & Cooling is your trusted source for indoor air quality. A-1 Mechanical’s NATE-certified technicians pair you with the right whole home air purifier to address your specific concerns.

We have solutions for all of your indoor air quality needs, whether it be humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air cleaners or zoned systems to eliminate hot and cold spots around your home. For more information about our air purification solutions, please contact us today.

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5 Carbon Monoxide Facts You Should Know

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Indoor Air Quality

Are you prepared for a carbon monoxide leak? If undetected, carbon monoxide can build up inside your home until it reaches deadly levels for both animals and humans. A heating and cooling contractor will be able to detect carbon monoxide leaks while performing furnace maintenance.

If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home, get everyone outside (including pets) and call 911. Below, you’ll find five carbon monoxide facts we think every homeowner should know.

1.) YOU CAN’T SMELL, SEE, OR TASTE CARBON MONOXIDE

If there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home, you won’t be able to tell unless there is a reaction from your carbon monoxide detector. This is why it’s also important to schedule furnace inspections so carbon monoxide leaks can be detected as soon as possible.

2.) CARBON MONOXIDE CAN BE DEADLY

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by breathing in carbon monoxide, which blocks the body’s absorption of oxygen. If you or someone you know has carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 and seek emergency medical treatment. You should never ignore the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Upset stomach
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain

Many of the symptoms associated with carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those for the flu. If there has been a recent carbon monoxide leak in your home, do not dismiss any of these symptoms. Go to the hospital to receive medical care. In these situations, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

3.) CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAN OCCUR DURING VARIABLE LENGTHS OF TIME

Depending on the severity of the leak, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen over a short or long period of time. This is why you need to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are always in working order. A small leak may go undetected for a while, creating health risks for you and your family.

4.) CARBON MONOXIDE ISN’T JUST PRODUCED FROM FIRES

It’s a common misconception that carbon monoxide is only produced by fires. In reality, carbon monoxide leaks can come from many possible sources. For example, carbon monoxide can build up when fuel is burned by cars, trucks, stoves, or furnaces.

5.) HIRING A REPUTABLE HEATING AND COOLING COMPANY CAN HELP PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

To prevent the health risks associated with undetected carbon monoxide leaks, it’s important to make sure you invest in fire safety prevention measures. Many homes already have carbon monoxide detectors installed. However, it is important to make sure these devices are tested regularly to ensure they are in working order in case of an emergency. A furnace repair company will also know how to inspect your furnace for carbon monoxide leaks.

A-1 Mechanical is dedicated to helping customers keep their homes safe from furnace carbon monoxide leaks. If you are interested in any of our heating and cooling services, please feel free to call our Lansing furnace repair contractors at (517) 272-8629.

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How Furnace Service Prevents Carbon Monoxide Leaks

Tuesday, May 14th, 2019
Indoor Air Quality

More than 20,000 Americans visit the emergency room for carbon monoxide poisoning each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Carbon monoxide is so dangerous because it can quickly starve your body of oxygen, all the while being completely colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Thankfully, carbon monoxide poisoning is completely preventable when you install a smoke and carbon monoxide detector and hire a heating and cooling contractor to perform furnace repairs and maintenance.

HOW HVAC CONTRACTORS DETECT CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

While it’s normal for small levels of carbon monoxide to exit the furnace exhaust, there shouldn’t be any traces of the gas leaking into your home. Thankfully, a furnace maintenance contractor will be able to detect carbon monoxide leaks during your furnace service.

HOW CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS WORK

Carbon monoxide alarms are designed to go off once they detect a certain level of carbon monoxide in the air. Depending on the type of carbon monoxide detector you install, the alarm may be triggered by different mechanisms, such as changes in electrical currents, lowered electrical resistance, or color-changing gel. Once a carbon monoxide alarm has gone off, you won’t be able to reset it until the carbon monoxide has dissipated.

WHAT CAUSES CARBON MONOXIDE LEAKS

Carbon monoxide can leak from household appliances when fuels like oil, natural gas, and propane aren’t burned completely. For example, a gas furnace could leak carbon monoxide if it doesn’t receive regular maintenance. As an extra layer of protection, a furnace repair company may recommend installing carbon monoxide detectors for each floor of your home or commercial building so leaks are detected as soon as possible. The sooner carbon monoxide leaks are detected, the less risk there is for people getting hurt.

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING SYMPTOMS

Call 911 and seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak in your home or commercial building. The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are likely to show up first in children, the elderly, and pets.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Dull headache
  • Indigestion
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Blurred vision
  • Loss of consciousness

If you notice your symptoms lessening when you spend time outside the home, this could be a sign that there’s a carbon monoxide leak. Since the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning mimic those of the flu, it can be difficult to recognize when there’s a leak without a carbon monoxide leak alarm.

WHAT TO DO DURING A CARBON MONOXIDE LEAK

If the carbon monoxide detector goes off, you’ll need to get all people and pets outside. If you are able, open windows as you escape the building. Do not stop to pack belongings and do not go back in the house or commercial building for any reason. Each inhalation of carbon monoxide causes more permanent damage to your body.

Once you are safely outside, call 911. The local fire department will inspect the building and make necessary repairs so the building is safe. In the meantime, you and anyone else exposed to the carbon monoxide will need to go to the nearest emergency room. Carbon monoxide detector systems save lives, which is why we recommend smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for every household. We also recommend you schedule preventative furnace maintenance so leaks are caught as soon as possible.

The Lansing furnace repair contractors at A-1 Mechanical are dedicated to helping customers prevent carbon monoxide leaks in their homes and commercial buildings. If you are interested in furnace repair services, give us a call at (517) 272-8629.

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