Atlas Butler Heating & Cooling - Experts & Thought Leaders

Women in HVACR (WHVACR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trades, announced it has elected its new board of directors for 2025. The complete board is made up of the executive board and a broader board of directors. These members work collaboratively to guide the organization’s direction, oversee financial management and ensure legal and ethical integrity. New talent and leadership “This board is made up of some of the most experienced and capable women in the skilled trades industry, and I can’t wait to work with them to improve the lives of other women who work in the trades,” said Amy O’Grady, executive director of Women in HVACR. “This team’s experiences and backgrounds will help our members improve their lives by providing them with the education, networking opportunities and mentoring programs they need to be successful. The executive board is structured to allow tenured board members to advise and lead so that we continually bring in new talent and leadership.” Prior roles of Gallup  Gallup served as the board’s VP in 2024, and has been named as the president of the executive board Kristin Gallup, who served as the board’s vice president in 2024, has been named as the president of the executive board. She is the director of product management parts and supplies for Carrier Enterprise, a joint venture between Watsco, Inc. and Carrier Corporation. She has worked in the HVAC industry for more than 17 years in various sales, marketing and product capacities and has been a member of WHVACR for more than 10 years. Prior roles of Sidebottom  Jane Sidebottom has been selected to serve as the executive board’s vice president for 2025. She served on the WHVACR board of directors last year and is the president and founder of AMK, LLC, a strategic growth and management consulting company that works with manufacturers, distributors, and service companies to grow their businesses. Sidebottom founded AMK in 2007 to fill a gap for market growth expertise in the skilled trades and their manufacturing and service partners. She has 7 years of private and non-profit board experience. Other executive board members Lori Tschohl, immediate past president: Tschohl is president of Eagle Pipe & Mechanical in Port Ludlow, Washington. Angela Miller, treasurer: Miller is the brand ambassador for Goettl Air Conditioning & Plumbing in Las Vegas. Crystal Williams, secretary: Williams is the founder and marketing strategist for Lemon Seed Marketing in Burke, Texas. The rest of the new board of directors includes: Laurelyn Arriaga, OME sales manager for McDaniel Metals, Inc. in Houston, Texas. Kelcey Brueggeman, executive vice president of business development and sales for Service Business Evolution, LLC in Phoenix. Melanie Cochran, vice president of Hawkins HVAC Distributors in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sarah Hammond, president of Atlas Services, Inc. in McAllen, Texas. Becky Hoelscher, senior account manager for Arkema in Sidney, Ohio. Lisa Knapp, president and founder of the Sea of Possibility Leaders Consulting, Inc. in Juno Beach, Florida. Christyn Mueller, associate director for Global Learning & Development in Muskego, Wisconsin. Linda Rodriguez, marketing and events manager for Quietflex in Houston.

As winter settles across Central Ohio, bringing snow and ice, homeowners retreat indoors to stay warm and cozy. But did users know that the refuge from the cold might conceal an invisible health hazard, poor indoor air quality (IAQ)? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside our homes can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air, a concerning fact, especially during winter when ventilation is limited. Atlas Butler offers tailored solutions to improve the quality of the air in the home and ensure the user and the family stay safe and comfortable this season. How Winter Makes Indoor Air Quality Worse Wintertime comes with certain habits and conditions that can compromise the home’s air quality, like: Sealing the Windows and Doors: While sealing drafts and keeping windows closed can help retain heat, they can also limit the amount of fresh air flowing into the home. Constant Heating: Keeping the furnace running nonstop can dry out the air, leading to discomfort and irritation. Trapped Pollutants: Dust, pet dander, and allergens get trapped indoors and circulate through the HVAC system without proper filtration. Moisture Imbalances: High humidity encourages bacterial growth, while overly dry air can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Potential Risks of Poor IAQ Excess humidity in damp areas can also promote bacterial growth, aggravating allergies Wintertime IAQ issues can affect both comfort and health. Dry air from heating systems can irritate the respiratory system, worsen conditions like asthma, and lead to discomfort. Limited ventilation during colder months allows pollutants such as dust and allergens to accumulate, which may cause symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Excess humidity in damp areas can also promote bacterial growth, aggravating allergies and respiratory conditions. Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality There are several ways to combat winter’s impact on the IAQ. While some solutions involve professional maintenance, others are simple changes users can implement on their own. Optimize the HVAC System the furnace does more than heat the home; it’s also responsible for circulating the air users breathe. Ensuring it runs properly is key to maintaining good IAQ. Start by replacing the air filters every 1–3 months to prevent dust and allergens from recirculating. Regular maintenance, such as duct cleaning and annual furnace inspections, will also help keep the HVAC system in top condition, ensuring clean, efficient airflow. Manage Indoor Humidity A whole-home humidifier can add the right amount of moisture to the air, alleviating dry skin Humidity levels in the home should stay between 30% and 50%. Heating systems can dry out the air during winter, causing discomfort. A whole-home humidifier can add the right amount of moisture to the air, alleviating dry skin, nosebleeds, and irritation. Conversely, an area like the basement may benefit from a dehumidifier to prevent bacterial growth. Advanced Solutions for Cleaner Air Atlas Butler understands the importance of clean, healthy indoor air, especially during winter. That’s why it offers innovative solutions designed to take the indoor air quality to the next level: iWAVE Air Purifiers: These cutting-edge systems use ionization technology to neutralize allergens, odors, and pathogens, effectively cleaning the air in the home. Plus, they operate without producing harmful by-products, making them a safe and eco-friendly choice. HEPA Filters: Enhance the HVAC system with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which can capture even the tiniest particles, like dust, pollen, and pet dander. UV Lights: UV lights can be installed to kill bacteria, mold spores, and viruses as they circulate through the system for an added layer of protection. indoor air quality concerns Address indoor air quality concerns this winter and create a healthier home for the family. Atlas Butler offers duct cleaning, furnace maintenance, and advanced air purification solutions to reduce dust, allergens, and humidity issues. 

With changing seasons, optimizing the HVAC system for clean air solutions can make a big difference in the home’s air quality. Common allergens like mold spores and ragweed can easily find their way indoors, worsening allergy symptoms. Fortunately, their trained and certified technicians have identified a few strategies that can help reduce these allergens and improve the home's comfort. Keeping the HVAC system well-maintained is one of the best ways to improve indoor air quality. Regular HVAC check-ups ensure that the system is operating efficiently and free of dust, mold, or other contaminants that could worsen allergy symptoms. Be sure to replace the air filters every 1-3 months, especially during high-allergy seasons. More significant problems Best practices: Schedule an HVAC check-up at least once a year to catch potential issues before they become more significant problems. Regular filter changes ensure that the system runs efficiently and effectively filters out allergens. Regular filter changes ensure that the system runs efficiently and effectively filters out allergens Home’s ductwork is often an overlooked component of indoor air quality, but it plays a vital role in circulating clean air throughout the living spaces. Over time, dust, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens accumulate in the air ducts, recirculating through the home every time the HVAC system runs. These contaminants can compromise air quality, trigger allergy symptoms, and reduce system efficiency without regular cleaning. According to the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), dirty ducts can circulate dust, mold, and other pollutants into the living spaces, affecting health and overall comfort. Incorporate UV Light Systems Pro tip: If it’s been over eight years since the last duct cleaning—or if users are noticing an increase in allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, or congestion—scheduling a duct cleaning can significantly improve the quality of the air they breathe. UV light technology is another effective solution for reducing airborne allergens. Installed directly into the HVAC system, UV light systems use ultraviolet rays to kill mold, bacteria, and viruses that may be present in the air circulating through their home. This technology is beneficial in humid areas of HVAC system where mold might grow. The benefit: UV lights are an efficient, hands-off way to clean the air inside the home and reduce allergy triggers like mold and bacteria. Improving indoor air quality While standard filters are effective for larger particles like dust, HEPA filters offer far superior protection When improving indoor air quality, upgrading the HVAC system with advanced filtration and purification options is critical. Start by installing HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, designed to trap 99.97% of particles, according to the EPA, including common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and mold spores.  While standard filters are effective for larger particles like dust, HEPA filters offer far superior protection, ensuring that the system circulates cleaner, healthier air throughout the home. However, due to their higher resistance, not all HVAC systems can handle HEPA filters, so it’s essential to consult a professional before upgrading. Producing harmful byproducts Consider having an HVAC technician install an iWave air purifier to the system for extra protection. This innovative technology uses bi-polar ionization to neutralize allergens, bacteria, viruses, and odors without producing harmful byproducts. Unlike standard purifiers that trap contaminants, iWave purifiers actively neutralize them, creating a cleaner and more comfortable indoor environment. Why it matters: Combining HEPA filters with an iWave air purifier ensures that the HVAC system not only captures but also neutralizes allergens and pollutants, making the home a haven from fall allergies. Implementing these clean air solutions can create a healthier, more comfortable home this fall. Whether upgrading to HEPA filters, adding an iWave air purifier, or cleaning air ducts, having a professional install and maintain these systems will help reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality.