Filters can get rid of dust and bacteria that might be circulating in your home. Our goal is to allow you to have peace of mind about the air you’re breathing.
WHAT IS IAQ?
It’s a measure of what you are breathing in. With our homes becoming more energy-efficient due to higher construction standards and home improvements there is more chance of the air in your home becoming stale. This chart provided by the CDC shows air pollution in three groups.
At Southern Comfort Mechanical, we care about what you are breathing in and measure the air in your home in 6 defined areas.
Temperature
Temperature is controlled by the thermostat and the capability of your HVAC to achieve the target. If a system is not meeting the target temperature, then it’s easy to see the issue and call.
Humidity
Humidity is driven by your HVAC and its ability to remove moisture from the air in your home. 55% is the target range of relative humidity in your home. Anything over 60% is considered too high and anything below 45% is when any wood flooring can start to dry out. There is not much of an issue with low humidity in the DFW area, but in the summer months, high humidity can become problematic. Your HVAC unit is only one element that can impact humidity. Leaky ductwork or insulation can result in hot air entering your home and if not addressed can result in your HVAC unit not being able to reach your target comfort level.
Particle Size
Particle sizes are the airborne particles in the air around your home. The main source for particles in your home is from pets, dust, and pollen.
VOCs/Odors
Volatile Organic Compounds are produced in the home from beauty and cleaning products. Other sources are new furniture, carpet, fresh paint, and burning candles. Odors are typically from pets or lingering smells from cooking that can still be detected the following day.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide is added to the home by human activities. When we breathe, we all create carbon dioxide. Over time this builds up in the air in the home. Fresh air has a level of around 400 ppm (parts per million). In a typical home, the level is around 800 -1200 PPM with highs in the 2000 plus. Cognitive impacts can be observed at levels above 1200 ppm.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is a typical exhaust gas from a furnace. This is only a concern in winter when the gas in the furnace travels through a heat exchanger and out the flue pipe.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
There are many different approaches and options to improve air quality based on your issues and requirements. If you’re having temperature issues, we recommend a service call to fix the issues with your equipment or ductwork. In addition, sealing up or replacing leaking areas that are pulling moisture and or an air balance can address a hot or cold area in your home. Filtration improvements can help to remove particles from the air also. For carbon dioxide treatment, we can help add fresh air back into your home via a range of options, starting with a fresh air intake and monitor. Adding powered ventilation April Aire energy recovery ventilator (pictured) or a combined ventilator and dehumidifier unit can also be an effective solution. Lastly, for carbon monoxide, if the furnace is not exhausted out of the home correctly, this will allow a carbon monoxide leak into your home which can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath. The only option is to repair the existing unit or replacement.
MERV RATING AND FILTER UPGRADES
The MERV rating is an abbreviation for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. The higher the rating, the smaller the particle size is trapped and higher filtration performance. A filter upgrade with a higher Merv rating such as an April Aire Filter with carbon added charcoal can be used to remove odors, although there are alternatives methods to remove odors via fresh air or air treatment. Our team can provide you with additional information to make a decision that’s best for you and your home.
Choosing Our Certified IAQ Inspection Service Professionals
Fall maintenance will confirm that your HVAC unit is ready to go for any winter weather that Texas throws at us. Maintenance from Southern Comfort Mechanical includes a comprehensive check of your system. The best reason for the maintenance is to achieve one thing: an efficient HVAC system that overall simply provides more comfort at less cost!
VOCs and Odor Treatment
VOCs and odors along with airborne particles can be treated with air treatment for the whole home. Southern Comfort Mechanical can install a system for a range of budgets starting with a duo unit from Field Controls and Reme Halo and Reme Led from RGF.
INDOOR AIR ASSESSMENTS
Southern Comfort Mechanical is highly experienced with many different types of air quality technologies. The best interests of our customers are respected, and we’ll educate you about your options. We make it easy to use our services by offering flexible appointment availability during the week. We’ll work around any of your scheduling needs and get jobs done as soon as possible.
Call us today to get more information or to schedule a visit from one of our technicians.