Now that we've committed to spending more time indoors due to social distancing, let's shift our focus to indoor air quality (IAQ); which is the key to staying healthy according to the the World Health Organization (WHO) that cites breathing fresh, clean air can reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as asthma. An air purification system is a device that removes airborne pollutants and thereby greatly reduces the health effects associated with breathing bad indoor air.
Before you purchase an air purification system or start cleaning, clearing, sanitizing and decontaminating your indoor spaces, we want you to read this article to understand your options. There are hundreds of air purification systems floating out there, and our local Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) experts at Electrician On Call & FIXAIRX, a local DFW team of IAQ professionals weigh in on the most common questions trending during the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic related to air quality.
Ready to get started?
Source: FIXAIRX
Yes! Indoor air quality has become an important health & safety concern over the years. It's scientifically proven and cited as a key factor to your overall health & wellness. People that suffer from autoimmune diseases, compromised immune systems and critical underlying health issues understand the seriousness of indoor air quality management as key component to staying healthy.
2. What are some common indoor air pollutants that impact indoor air quality?
Source: FIXAIRX
Mold growth from moisture intrusion after 24-48 hours
Certain types of mold produce mycotoxins – which are the main cause of most health problems following mold exposure.
Airborne mold spores can quickly and easily spread to your HVAC system. The condensation in the coils, plenum and ducts provide a perfect place for mold to grow.
Most newer highly efficient homes have 200% more allergens because of improperly installed ventilation systems which don't bring in enough fresh air.
Chemical (VOC) levels are too high due to varnishes, sealants, construction materials, carpets, laminates, glues, fiberglass, particle boards, paints, chemicals, etc.
3. What are some symptoms of poor indoor air quality?
Source: FIXAIRX
Common symptoms people report are:
Dryness & irritation of the eyes, nose, throat & skin
Headache
Fatigue
Shortness of Breath
Hypersensitivity
Allergies
Sinus Congestion
Coughing & Sneezing
Dizziness
Nausea
People generally notice their symptoms after several hours at work and then feel better after they've left the building.
4. If COVID-19 is so dangerous & contagious...why is the N95 respirator the requirement instead of N100 or P100?
Source: Today's Home Owner
Particulate filters are rated by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health according to what, and how much, they filter out. The rating has both a letter and number (example N95, N100, P100):
N: Not oil-proof
R: Oil resistant (up to 8 hours)
P: Oil-proof (beyond 8 hours)
Number: Particulate filters are rated 95, 97 or 100, which corresponds to the percentage of one-micrometer particles removed during clinical trials. A 95 rating means that the filter removes 95% of particles from the air. Filters rated 100 are considered High-Efficiency (HE or HEPA) filters.
5. Is there an indoor air quality (IAQ) test that can detect the Coronavirus in our homes or offices?
Source: FIXAIRX
No. Unfortunately, there is no such IAQ test for the COVID-19 virus at this time. The best approach to avoiding viral contamination is to clean, disinfect and sanitize your spaces as much as is possible and have proper air ventilation.
Since the virus is transmitted primarily via the air, in place of a test, WHO has come up with some guidelines for proper face masks protocols (e.g. how to put on mask, understand how to dispose, interaction with infected face mask, etc.).
In addition to maintaining clean surfaces, and covering the ear, mouth & nose, having a well maintained indoor air purification system helps to remove, kill viruses and control viruses from spreading. The table below compares the rating & effectiveness of reputable indoor air purification systems trusted by IAQ professionals.
6. How do air purification systems work?
To understand how the REME HALO® air purification systems works, watch this quick clip:
To understand how the iWave-R air purification systems works, examine this diagram:
7. Which air purification system does Electrician On Call trust?
We care about our customers & our community and we want to make sure that you're making an informed buying decision prior to scheduling your new air purification system.
Our top choice: REME HALO® is an in-duct air purifier that utilizes RGF’s proprietary Reflective Electro Magnetic Energy technology. Installed into the supply plenum of your existing air conditioning or heating system air ducts, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier produces Hydro-Peroxide plasma that is distributed through the air handler, through the duct system and into the conditioned living space. Unlike passive air technologies, which need pollutants to pass through the unit for purification or filtration, the REME HALO® in-duct air purifier sweeps through your home actively purifying pollutants at the source. In addition, the charged plasma induces particles to coagulate or stick together making them bigger and easier for your filter to catch. Hydroperoxides occur naturally in the earth’s atmosphere and are part of nature’s process of cleaning the air. You can reduce common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen, mold spores, dander and dust. Thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. Eliminates odors from cooking, pets, dirty socks, diaper pails, and musty rooms. 75% Electrician On Call employees use this product in their personal space
Our second choice: iWave-R, the world’s first self-cleaning, no maintenance needlepoint bi-polar ionization generator designed specifically for treating air in residential duct A/C systems. As the air flows past the iWave-R, positive and negative ions actively purify the supply air, killing mold, bacteria and viruses in the coil and living space. The ionization process also reduces allergens, smoke and static electricity, as well as controlling odors (cooking, pet, VOCs) and other particles (no more sunbeams) in the air without creating ozone or any harmful byproducts. 25% Electrician On Call employees use this product in their personal space
It’s important to note that both air purification systems can kill 99.99% of similar pollutants that are packed in protein like COVID-19, however COVID-19 has not specifically been tested and proven that it can be filtered.
8. How do you install an Air Purification System?
Air Purification manufacturers like the ones we trust can only be installed by a licensed Electrician or HVAC Professional that has completed the manufacturer's required training. The fully trained licensed professional is responsible for installing and testing the equipment according the the technical specifications provided by the manufacturer, adhering to the National Codes, City Municipal guidelines and best practices. These skilled Technicians are the only experts that can install these devices correctly because they are trained to handle, install, adjust, measure, mount, test, verify and maintain the equipment, all while ensuring no damage occurred to the device or the existing HVAC system. If the HVAC system and/or ductwork is damaged during the install, the product will not provide optimum coverage, but rather expose the home/business owner to the very toxins they were trying to remove, reduce & avoid. When hiring a technician, remember to review their TDLR license number and online reviews to ensure that a skilled Journeyman, Master Electrician OR EPA-State-Licensed HVAC Tech with prior air purification system installation experience is installing the system.
9. What do you do if you're feeling sick and you want Electrician On Call to install an air purification system?
Remember, Electrician On Call, other licensed electrical and HVAC contractors can correctly install air purification systems to ensure it's working correctly. If you feel under the weather, we cannot enter your home. Other reputable contractors cannot enter your home either (see our screening process flow chart below). Please schedule your appointment when you are in the clear and feeling better by Booking Us Online.
Due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic declared by WHO in 2/2020, our Dispatch Desk verifies the following prior to scheduling an appointment AND during the courtesy call prior to the Technician arriving to the work site (this process is implemented to mutually protect our employees and customers):
Have you or anyone close to you traveled outside of the US in the last 30 days?
Currently experiencing, within the last 7 days, a fever, cough, sore throat, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, GI issues, fatigue, body aches, rash, or nasal congestion (not allergy or sinus infection)?
Have you had close contact with someone who is suspected of having or has laboratory-confirmed Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the last 30 days?
Have you had fever, cough, or shortness of breath in the last 14 days?
Here's a visual of the screening process our Dispatch Desk & Support Team follow. Customers must be in the "green" for all questions asked. *We appreciate your patience & support while we conduct the screening process that is provided by the COVID Taskforce: WHO, FEMA, TWH, and CDC.
10. Where can you learn more about air purification systems?
About Electrician On Call:
The team at Electrician On Call has continued to advocate for preventive solutions like REME HALO® and iWave which are both products we proudly recommend based on the industry reputation and scientific data supporting the improvements both equipment offer. stand behind as our own team members have these product installed in their homes! We offer these product during our HVAC Spring Tune Up, HVAC Fall Tune Up, New AC Unit Installations and customers with compromised/sensitive immune systems. If you're unsure if you have the products installed by Electrician On Call, don't hesitate to email us at info@eocfw.com and we'll verify the type of air purification equipment you have.
www.ElectricianOnCall.com | (214) 235 - 7251 | Veteran Owned + LadyPro + DPW
About FIXAIRX:
Licensed and Certified team of Environmental and Indoor Air Quality professionals with 5 years experience in diagnosing and correcting Poor Air Quality conditions. We offer a wide range of environmental testing services and at the same time we are always glad to help find the best solution that fits your families needs and budget. FIXAIRX is also a highly recommended Tools & Technology Trailblazers educator that provides free educational workshops to help participants understand the roles, responsibilities and working conditions of an Air Quality expert.
www.iaqrx.com | (469) 225-3397 | LadyPro + WBE
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