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Understanding Indoor Air Quality: Today and in the Future

Now more than ever, there is an increased focus on preserving people’s health and quality of life. Due to COVID-19, many commercial property managers are shifting their attention from energy efficiency to achieving better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for their tenants. Evidence shows that COVID-19 may spread through particles in indoor spaces. A building’s layout and design, type of HVAC systems, and level of occupancy can all contribute to the potential spread of the virus through indoor air.

While energy conservation is important to help lower costs and greenhouse emissions, emphasis is now being placed on retaining healthy indoor air quality. Indoor air quality can be defined not only through temperature and humidity, but in particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and evidence of mold growth.

If any of these factors have been pushed outside of an acceptable threshold, the IAQ may be compromised and require measures to keep those levels in check. Poor IAQ has historically been shown to contribute to issues such as headaches, fatigue, and respiratory irritation. At times, inadequate air quality has led to asthma and other respiratory diseases.

Over the past year and half, Black Jack customers repeatedly asked how they can better protect themselves from viruses while improving air quality in general. Black Jack is a leading provider of installing air filtration systems ranging from installing enhanced filter media such as HEPA filters to sophisticated equipment that include ionizers, electrostatic, activated carbon, and air sanitizers.  

A particularly successful solution has been the installation of  the REME-HALO® Total Indoor Air Purification System. The REME-HALO® utilizes RGF’s patented REME® Cell technology with UV-C light to create low level, airborne hydrogen peroxide throughout the air-conditioned space reducing airborne and surface bacteria, viruses, odors, and mold. The REME-HALO® in-duct air purifier actively neutralizes pollutants at the source ensuring excellent indoor air quality.  When installed into the existing air conditioning or heating system air ducts, the REME-HALO® produces airborne Hydrogen Peroxide that is distributed through the HVAC 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® actively purifies pollutants at the source.

These small investments can add significant value to building or your home. Please inquire of your Black Jack representative about any of the items above and we would be happy to come to inspect the location to suggest the most beneficial solution to meet your needs.

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Here are five reasons to replace your AC unit in the fall or winter:

Fall has arrived and customers are getting ready to use your AC much less than the peak summer months. You may want to consider getting an inspection and possibly installing a new HVAC system during the cool autumn months. Many homeowners don’t realize that fall is one of the best times to replace air conditioning units, saving them time, money, and hassle. Due to supply chain interruptions issue resulting from COVID-19, replacement parts can be difficult to obtain. Just this past summer season, costly items such as coils and compressors have had lead times of up to six weeks and beyond depending on your unit’s manufacturer. This issue is expected to continue into 2022. Black Jack recommends our customers make a concerted effort to look at their units in the fall and winter. The age of the unit is critical as well as your occupancy as full time or part time residents as well as your home’s proximity to the water (units experiencing significant salt exposure obviously do not last as long).  

  1. Money and Energy Savings

If you replace your HVAC system in the fall, you allow yourself plenty of time to decide the best financial route to take. Should you pay upfront, or cover the new system under a home equity loan and save on financing costs? It is also a good time to decide what kind of upgrades to get so that you save costs in the long run. For instance, it might be time to consider a high-efficiency system that will provide you with energy savings.

During the summer months, HVAC prices typically peak due to an increase in repair and maintenance needs. With a decreased demand for AC sales in the fall, you can hunt for price drops and the best deals.

  • Plenty of Time for Decision-Making

You likely won’t take too much time for deliberation if you replace your AC unit during the heat of summer. Your top priority will be getting your house back to comfortable temperatures as soon as possible. With cooler, more temperate weather, you have more time to weigh your purchasing options and discuss with a contractor which system will work best for you.

Improvements in the HVAC field have come a long way in comfort levels and energy cost reductions. Without summer heat forcing you to make a quick choice, you can examine each option at your leisure.

  • Avoid Heat Pump Problems

A large portion of U.S. households today use heat pumps as their primary source of both heating and cooling. If your system doubles as both an air conditioner and heat pump, you will want to get it inspected in the fall before cold winter months hit and you are caught with inefficient heating.

Sometimes, heating issues are harder to catch than AC problems. An underperforming heat pump may sound like it is working but in reality, is not heating up your house efficiently and is racking up your bill costs. Replacing your system during the off-season allows you to focus on the issue without worrying about the weather.

  • Better Service

During the fall season, there is less demand for HVAC technicians. This means that they will have more time and availability to focus on your specific HVAC needs. It is easier to schedule inspections and replacements when your contractor is not heavily booked.

  • Less Installation Delays

There are sometimes delays in system installation despite all efforts to the contrary, especially during the busy summer season. Since fall has less demand, it is less prone to installation delays, and you might be able to get your unit in place right away. However, if there does happen to be a delay, the mild temperatures outside will ensure that you and your family are comfortable while waiting for the new air conditioner.

If your AC system is getting older or has been giving you issues, now may be the best time to schedule a Black Jack technician to come out and look at your home or office’s unit. Take advantage of the fall and winter season to do some research and determine the best options for your HVAC needs.