Pure Air Control Services Inc News
Hospital air handler restoration saves capital budgets for Tampa Bay healthcare facility! This project profile examines how HVAC restoration saves time, money, and energy compared to replacing aging equipment. The Challenge: A large suburban hospital located in Tampa Bay with a 479-bed facility offers comprehensive healthcare services for the region. Recently, SiteLogIQ was working with the hospital on energy/performance surveys to improve facility operations. During the study two air handler u...
Ensuring a healthy learning environment is crucial for the well-being of students and staff in any K-12 school system. One key aspect often overlooked is indoor air quality (IAQ), which directly impacts the health, focus, and productivity of everyone within the school community. In this blog article, Pure Air Control Services will explore the recommendations provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for improving indoor air quality in schools, with a specific focus on the indis...
In the world of facility management, maintaining the optimal performance of air handler units is crucial. One key aspect that often gets overlooked is the cleanliness of cooling coils. Dirty cooling coils can lead to reduced efficiency, increased energy consumption, and compromised indoor air quality. In this article, they will explore three main ways cooling coils in air handler units get dirty and discuss effective solutions, with a focus on high-temperature, low-pressure steam cleaning. Thr...
In the dynamic world of facility management, optimizing energy consumption is paramount for both environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. HVAC systems play a pivotal role in maintaining comfortable environments. However, their energy usage can vary significantly based on geographic locations in the United States. impact and Recommendations In this article, Pure Air Controls delves into the nuances of HVAC energy consumption in commercial buildings and explores the impact of...
HVAC Restoration saves $1 million dollars in capital budget at the University of Texas, San Antonio with refurbishment of two air handler units (AHUs). Challenge The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) faced ongoing maintenance issues with two large air handler units (AHUs): AHU 23 S-7 and AHU 24 S-8. After years of wear and tear, the AHUs started to severely deteriorate. Eventually, the axle that drives the blower wheel broke and needed to be replaced. Because of this, there was no airflo...
As the crisp autumn breeze ushers in a kaleidoscope of colors, it also brings with it a challenge for many individuals – allergies. For university students and staff, navigating through fall can be a sneeze-inducing endeavor. However, as an institutional facility manager, they have the power to create a healthier indoor environment and minimize autumn allergies, particularly by focusing on the air conveyance system. Air conveyance systems Understanding the Challenge to Minimize Autumn...
The building facade serves as its protective shield against external elements, but its significance extends beyond aesthetics and weather protection. It plays a crucial role in determining the indoor air quality (IAQ) within the building. Poorly designed or maintained facades can lead to a host of IAQ issues, which can negatively affect the health and productivity of building occupants. In this article, Pure Air Control Services Inc. will explore how a commercial building’s facade affects...
When it comes to the functioning of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining energy efficiency and temperature control. However, the HVAC insulation health hazards associated with older and degraded fiberglass insulation within single-walled air handler units cannot be overlooked. Over time, as fiberglass insulation breaks down, it can release particles that contaminate occupied spaces within buildings, posing potential risks to h...
Ensuring the health and well-being of students and staff is a top priority for any K-12 school. Mold growth is a common concern that can negatively impact indoor air quality (IAQ) and, subsequently, the overall learning environment. In this article, Pure Air Control Services Inc. delves into the importance of addressing mold concerns in school buildings and HVAC systems, offering actionable solutions to create a safe and healthy atmosphere for all. Mold Concerns in Schools Impact Health and Le...
As the summer break comes to a close, it’s time to prepare the primary school for the much-awaited back-to-school opening. One of the most critical aspects of this preparation is creating a safe and healthy learning environment for the students and staff. One key factor that often goes unnoticed but has a significant impact on the well-being of everyone in the school is indoor air quality (IAQ) and the proper functioning of the HVAC system. This article will provide facility managers...
Cubic feet per minute (CFM) is a measurement used to quantify the flow rate of air or gas in a system. It represents the volume of air that passes through a specific point in the system in one minute. CFM is commonly used in various industries, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems, to assess airflow rates and ensure proper ventilation. CFM in HVAC systems plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness and efficiency of the ventilation process. Proper ventil...
Wildfire smoke can infiltrate a building’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system through various pathways, including outdoor air intakes, cracks, gaps, and openings in the building envelope, and leaks in the ductwork. Once inside the HVAC system, the smoke particles can be distributed throughout the building, affecting indoor air quality and potentially causing health concerns for occupants. Indoor air quality The following are some mechanisms by which wildfire smoke...
As a facility management professional, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the different types of air handler units (AHU) used in commercial HVAC systems. Aims to provide a comparative analysis of three commonly used air handler units: chilled water air handler unit, package air handler unit, and direct expansion (DX) air handler unit. By exploring their unique characteristics, working principles, and applications, can gain valuable insights into their suitability for vario...
Tax Initiative 179D, also known as the Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction, is a federal tax incentive program in the United States of America (USA) that encourages energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings. It provides a deduction for the costs associated with implementing energy-efficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, lighting systems, and building envelope improvements. History of Tax Initiative 179D Tax Initiative 179D was introduced a...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides funding through the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases (ELC) program. This funding supports state and local health departments in their efforts to respond to public health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this allows public schools to provide CDC funding for HVAC and IAQ improvements. CDC Funding for HVAC in Schools The CDC has allocated ELC fun...
Building pressurization is the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of a building. There are three types of pressure that are typically talked about: positive pressure, negative pressure, or stack pressure, and each has an effect on indoor air quality (IAQ). Positive pressure Positive pressure occurs when there is more air coming into the building than going out. This is often used in hospitals, laboratories, and other buildings where it’s important to keep the air...
Mold in HVAC systems is a cause for concern in buildings. This is because the HVAC system distributes air within a building. But what is mold and how does it get there? Mold is a type of fungus that grows on organic materials such as wood, paper, and fabrics, and can also grow on surfaces, such as walls and ceilings. Mold in HVAC Systems When mold grows in a building, it releases spores into the air, which then is circulated throughout the building by the HVAC system. Mold in HVAC systems ca...
Facility managers understand that ventilation plays a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ), especially in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals. Ventilation in hospitals is the process of exchanging indoor air with outdoor air, in order to improve the quality of indoor air. It is essential to maintain adequate air change rates, so as to ensure a healthy indoor environment for patients, staff, and visitors. Importance of Good Ventilation Explained below are three main point...
One method for improving the quality of indoor air in buildings is through better ventilation. Limiting the circulation of airborne pollutants indoors benefits the safety and health of building occupants. In fact, long before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, research proved the value of outdoor air ventilation and the related practice of air filtration. A recent review of state policy strategies to improve ventilation in schools highlights its importance. Several prescriptive services and...
To stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus, many facilities managers use disinfection technology. This includes UV lamps that use ultraviolet germicidal radiation (UVGI) to deactivate pathogens. However, new research shows some of the negative side effects of UV disinfection on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Side effects of UV disinfection on IAQ One side effect of UV disinfection is a reduction in indoor air quality (IAQ) Hospitals and other healthcare facilities use UV Lamps to disinfect the air,...
The January 2023 issue of the Healthy Indoors Magazine contains an article on the IICRC’s new mold standard for IAQ professionals. The standard for remediation services serves as a guide to help professionals in their efforts to improve indoor air quality. The information in the standard also benefits facilities managers looking to improve the safety of buildings under their supervision. The following is a summation of the IICRC and its new standard. About the IICRC The IICRC is an orga...
As the HVAC system does its year-round work of providing clean fresh air to buildings, dirt builds up. Not only dirt, but particles, such as dust and pathogens that cause illness and disease. However, a clean system keeps building occupants healthy. Dirty HVAC ducts could contribute to more serious health problems and pose a threat to those who suffer from respiratory illnesses, autoimmune diseases, or certain environmental allergies. For this reason, commercial HVAC air duct cleaning is critic...
IAQ dangers continue to hamper efforts to create healthy indoor air. Facilities managers in all industries, as well as in schools and government facilities, rely on the help of qualified IAQ firms to keep their buildings safe. As 2022 comes to an end, Pure Air Controls continues to look at the IAQ issues it covered as well as the services and methods that address them. The IAQ Dangers of Allergens Recently, Pure Air Controls used the opportunity to remind facilities managers abo...
In the spring of 2022, most businesses and schools were open and ready to return to normal. Of course, this new normal included changes to the way users think about safety in buildings. Improving indoor air quality remained a top concern for building owners and facilities managers. They looked at ways to enhance IAQ through inspections, cleaning, and monitoring as well as ways to fund these efforts using available tax credits. They also offered advice on how to reduce energy costs through HVAC...
The 2023 Old Farmer’s Almanac offers some interesting news for the US for this winter. The almanac calls it “a tale of two winters.” That means mild temps for the western states and cold and snowy for the Midwest and the East Coast. According to the almanac, southern US states can also expect lower temps in 2023 with higher precipitation for the southeast. No matter where an individual lives, however, it is time to start winter HVAC preparations. Below is a list of things in...
While spring allergies cause discomfort for millions of Americans across the country, fall is no slouch when it comes to triggering symptoms. Rotting leaves produce mold and ragweed release pollen during the autumn months with a peak in September. Indoors, the same culprits of dust and dander trigger symptoms. Learn about Autumn allergen’s impact on IAQ as well as solutions to lessen their effect. What Are Indoor Allergens? What are the autumn allergens impacting IAQ? Mostly, they&rsq...
That leak in the roof of the building seems like a small problem currently. Letting it go unrepaired, however, leads to bigger problems down the line. One major reason for concern is that roof leaks affect IAQ. Taking care of commercial roof leaks early prevents them from developing into health risks for employees. It also improves the overall efficiency of the ventilation system. Commercial Roof Leaks With the many challenges facing facilities managers in this age of pandemics and tight bu...
Even as COVID-19 variants continue to cause unease for Americans, the number of cases has dropped in the US. As people return to the workplace, employers, business owners, and building managers focus on creating safe indoor environments. But what about students? As students return to class, fixing school indoor air quality (IAQ) is more important now than ever in the past. Importance of clean air Clean air is important, not just for larger health threats, like COVID-19, but also for daily irr...
With the risk of airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus established, homeowners and business owners seek to limit the spread of COVID indoors. This requires a combination of methods and guidelines including increased HVAC maintenance and social distancing. A recent air cleaner study recommends an additional tool in the fight against virus transmission. The findings, published in the journal Indoor Air show that air cleaning devices limit the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, portable air cl...
OSHA Safety Stand-Down Week on Fall Protection is May 2nd-6th. This is a national event in which Pure Air Controls participates annually. Throughout the week, all the field services divisions will seize this opportunity to have a Stand-Down, not only for Fall Protection but to address safety overall. Safety first Each team will discuss various safety topics (applicable to their area of expertise and job function) and celebrate the comprehensive safety culture. This provides for a more...
