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Air Conditioning is the process in which the physical condition of air within a space is
maintained in a desired condition by controlling simultaneously its temperature, humidity,
cleanliness and motion.
Are you looking at buying a new air conditioner for your home? Maybe you need an air
conditioning repair to get your current cooling system up and running properly. Have you
ever wondered when it is better to repair the air conditioning equipment you have now or
would it be better to have a new air conditioning unit installed?
When buying a new air conditioning system as equally important as the equipment is the
contractor you choose to install your air conditioner for you. This may be even more
important than the equipment itself. Air Conditioning that is not properly installed is not
going to keep you comfortable on the hottest days. Be sure and get references and ask to
see any licenses they carry.
Your job should be permitted and installed according to the requirements of your local, city
or state. Once an air conditioning contractor is finished installing your new system you will
need a final inspection to close out the permit on your job. Installing a new air conditioner is
not a do-it-yourself project and you need to carefully consider the a/c contractor you
choose to work on your home.
We have compiled the best air conditioning information to help you make those decisions.
Being comfortable in your home is important to you. You will find information on air
conditioning, air conditioning repair, central air conditioning, air conditioning filters, air
conditioning service, air conditioning equipment, Amana air conditioning,, Carrier air
conditioning, Goodman air conditioning, Lennox air conditioning, Trane air conditioning,
Rheem air conditioning, York air conditioning, Bryant air conditioning,, air conditioning mini
systems, portable air conditioning, air conditioning parts, air conditioning installation and
more.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect health and
comfort of building occupants. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants
(mold, bacteria), chemicals(such as carbon monoxide,radon}, allergens, or any mass or
energy stressor that can induce health effects. Often it is perceived that outdoor air is
polluted, but indoor air is acceptable. Scientific studies illustrate the falsity of this
perception, and, in fact, indoor air is often a greater health hazard than the corresponding
outdoor setting.
Techniques for analyzing IAQ include collection of air samples, collection of samples on
building surfaces and computer modelling of air flow inside buildings. The resulting samples
can be analyzed for mold, bacteria, chemicals or other stressors. These investigations can
lead to an understanding of the sources of the contaminants and ultimately to strategies for
removing the unwanted elements from the air.Contents[hide]
* 1 Carbon Monoxide * 2 Radon * 3 Molds and other Allergens * 4 Legionellosis * 5
Asbestos Fibers * 6 Institutional Roles * 7 External links
[edit]
Carbon Monoxide
One of the most acutely toxic indoor air contaminants is carbon monoxide (CO), a
colorless, odorless gas that is a byprocuct of imcomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
Common sources of carbon monoxide are tobacco smoke,space heaters using fossil fuels,
central heating furnaces and automobile exhaust. Improvements in indoor levels of CO are
systematically improving from increasing numbers of smoke-free restaurants and other
legislated non-smoking buildings. By depriving the brain of oxygen, high levels of carbon
monoxide can lead to nausea, unconsiousness and death.[edit]
Radon
Radon is an invisible, radioactive atomic gas that results from radioactive decay of some
forms of radium that may be found in rock formations beneath buildings or in certain
building materials themselves. Radon is probably the most pervasive serious hazard for
indoor air in the United States and Europe, probably responsible for tens of thousands of
lung cancer deaths per annum. There are relatively simple tests for radon gas, but these
tests are not commonly done, even in areas of known systematic hazards. Radon is a very
heavy gas and thus will tend to accumulate at the floor level. Building materials are actually
a signicant source of radon, but very little testing is done for stone, rock or tile products
brought into building sites. The half life for radon is 3.8 days incicating that once the
source is removed, the hazard will be greatly reduced within a few weeks.[edit]
Molds and other Allergens
These biological agents can arise from a host of means, but there are two common
classes: (a) moisture induced growth of mold spore colonies and (b) natural substances
released into the air such as animal dander and plant pollen. Moisture buildup inside
buildings may arise from water penetrating compromised areas of the building skin, from
plumbing leaks or from ground moisture penetrating a building slab. Especially in the
absence of light and with lack of air circulation, mold colonies can propagate on surfaces
and eventually enter the air. Many of these mold types can cause allergic reactions and
respiratory effects; there are some varieties of mold that are toxic in nature.[edit]
Legionellosis
Legionellosis or Legionnaire's Disease is caused by a waterborne bacterium, which is
probably the most common serious health threat to building interiors, since mortality is high
in infected patients. The number of instances of this disease is higher than commonly
understood. The bacterium itself thrives on warm moist substrates and hence is usually
associated with a plumbing misdesign or malfunction.[edit]
Asbestos Fibers
The U.S.Federal Government and some states have set standards for acceptable levels of
asbestos fibers in indoor air. Many common building materials used before 1975 contain
asbestos, such as some floor tiles, ceiling tiles, taping muds, pipe wrap, mastics and other
insulation materials. Normally significant releases of asbestos fiber do not occur unless the
building materials are disturbed, especially by sanding, drilling or building remodelling.
There are particularly stringent regulations applicable to schools and residences.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers over long exposure times is associated with increased
incidence of lung cancer.[edit]
Institutional Roles
The topic of IAQ has become popular due to the greater awareness of health problems
caused by mold and triggers to asthma and allergies. Awareness has also been increased
by the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency. They have developed an "IAQ
Tools for Schools" program to help improve the indoor environmental conditions in
educational institutions (see external link below).
A variety of scientists work in the field of indoor air quality including chemists, physicists,
mechanical engineers, biologists, bacteriologists and computer scientists. Some of these
professionals are certified by organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene
Association, American Indoor Air Quality Council, Indoor Environmental Institute, Indoor Air
Quality Association, and the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization. AIHA and A2LA
both offer laboratory accreditation programs that relate to indoor air quality.
Call today at 713-218-9797
maintained in a desired condition by controlling simultaneously its temperature, humidity,
cleanliness and motion.
Are you looking at buying a new air conditioner for your home? Maybe you need an air
conditioning repair to get your current cooling system up and running properly. Have you
ever wondered when it is better to repair the air conditioning equipment you have now or
would it be better to have a new air conditioning unit installed?
When buying a new air conditioning system as equally important as the equipment is the
contractor you choose to install your air conditioner for you. This may be even more
important than the equipment itself. Air Conditioning that is not properly installed is not
going to keep you comfortable on the hottest days. Be sure and get references and ask to
see any licenses they carry.
Your job should be permitted and installed according to the requirements of your local, city
or state. Once an air conditioning contractor is finished installing your new system you will
need a final inspection to close out the permit on your job. Installing a new air conditioner is
not a do-it-yourself project and you need to carefully consider the a/c contractor you
choose to work on your home.
We have compiled the best air conditioning information to help you make those decisions.
Being comfortable in your home is important to you. You will find information on air
conditioning, air conditioning repair, central air conditioning, air conditioning filters, air
conditioning service, air conditioning equipment, Amana air conditioning,, Carrier air
conditioning, Goodman air conditioning, Lennox air conditioning, Trane air conditioning,
Rheem air conditioning, York air conditioning, Bryant air conditioning,, air conditioning mini
systems, portable air conditioning, air conditioning parts, air conditioning installation and
more.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) deals with the content of interior air that could affect health and
comfort of building occupants. The IAQ may be compromised by microbial contaminants
(mold, bacteria), chemicals(such as carbon monoxide,radon}, allergens, or any mass or
energy stressor that can induce health effects. Often it is perceived that outdoor air is
polluted, but indoor air is acceptable. Scientific studies illustrate the falsity of this
perception, and, in fact, indoor air is often a greater health hazard than the corresponding
outdoor setting.
Techniques for analyzing IAQ include collection of air samples, collection of samples on
building surfaces and computer modelling of air flow inside buildings. The resulting samples
can be analyzed for mold, bacteria, chemicals or other stressors. These investigations can
lead to an understanding of the sources of the contaminants and ultimately to strategies for
removing the unwanted elements from the air.Contents[hide]
* 1 Carbon Monoxide * 2 Radon * 3 Molds and other Allergens * 4 Legionellosis * 5
Asbestos Fibers * 6 Institutional Roles * 7 External links
[edit]
Carbon Monoxide
One of the most acutely toxic indoor air contaminants is carbon monoxide (CO), a
colorless, odorless gas that is a byprocuct of imcomplete combustion of fossil fuels.
Common sources of carbon monoxide are tobacco smoke,space heaters using fossil fuels,
central heating furnaces and automobile exhaust. Improvements in indoor levels of CO are
systematically improving from increasing numbers of smoke-free restaurants and other
legislated non-smoking buildings. By depriving the brain of oxygen, high levels of carbon
monoxide can lead to nausea, unconsiousness and death.[edit]
Radon
Radon is an invisible, radioactive atomic gas that results from radioactive decay of some
forms of radium that may be found in rock formations beneath buildings or in certain
building materials themselves. Radon is probably the most pervasive serious hazard for
indoor air in the United States and Europe, probably responsible for tens of thousands of
lung cancer deaths per annum. There are relatively simple tests for radon gas, but these
tests are not commonly done, even in areas of known systematic hazards. Radon is a very
heavy gas and thus will tend to accumulate at the floor level. Building materials are actually
a signicant source of radon, but very little testing is done for stone, rock or tile products
brought into building sites. The half life for radon is 3.8 days incicating that once the
source is removed, the hazard will be greatly reduced within a few weeks.[edit]
Molds and other Allergens
These biological agents can arise from a host of means, but there are two common
classes: (a) moisture induced growth of mold spore colonies and (b) natural substances
released into the air such as animal dander and plant pollen. Moisture buildup inside
buildings may arise from water penetrating compromised areas of the building skin, from
plumbing leaks or from ground moisture penetrating a building slab. Especially in the
absence of light and with lack of air circulation, mold colonies can propagate on surfaces
and eventually enter the air. Many of these mold types can cause allergic reactions and
respiratory effects; there are some varieties of mold that are toxic in nature.[edit]
Legionellosis
Legionellosis or Legionnaire's Disease is caused by a waterborne bacterium, which is
probably the most common serious health threat to building interiors, since mortality is high
in infected patients. The number of instances of this disease is higher than commonly
understood. The bacterium itself thrives on warm moist substrates and hence is usually
associated with a plumbing misdesign or malfunction.[edit]
Asbestos Fibers
The U.S.Federal Government and some states have set standards for acceptable levels of
asbestos fibers in indoor air. Many common building materials used before 1975 contain
asbestos, such as some floor tiles, ceiling tiles, taping muds, pipe wrap, mastics and other
insulation materials. Normally significant releases of asbestos fiber do not occur unless the
building materials are disturbed, especially by sanding, drilling or building remodelling.
There are particularly stringent regulations applicable to schools and residences.
Inhalation of asbestos fibers over long exposure times is associated with increased
incidence of lung cancer.[edit]
Institutional Roles
The topic of IAQ has become popular due to the greater awareness of health problems
caused by mold and triggers to asthma and allergies. Awareness has also been increased
by the involvement of the Environmental Protection Agency. They have developed an "IAQ
Tools for Schools" program to help improve the indoor environmental conditions in
educational institutions (see external link below).
A variety of scientists work in the field of indoor air quality including chemists, physicists,
mechanical engineers, biologists, bacteriologists and computer scientists. Some of these
professionals are certified by organizations such as the American Industrial Hygiene
Association, American Indoor Air Quality Council, Indoor Environmental Institute, Indoor Air
Quality Association, and the Indoor Environmental Standards Organization. AIHA and A2LA
both offer laboratory accreditation programs that relate to indoor air quality.
Call today at 713-218-9797
