Do I Have Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

March 26, 2024

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. It originates from such sources as gas-fired appliances, wood stoves, and blocked chimneys. Its unnoticeable characteristics are risky, making the comprehension of its sources and indoor air quality relevant. HVAC services are helpful in CO detection and elimination. Regular inspections and maintenance guarantee that heating systems and appliances work well, reducing CO accumulation risk. We also recommend carbon monoxide detectors, which are an important safety measure against this invisible danger. What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious problem caused by breathing CO gas. This poisonous gas binds with the hemoglobin in the blood, forming carboxyhemoglobin and reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s organs and tissues. With an increased CO in the blood, oxygen transport decreases, resulting in tissue damage and possibly fatal consequences. The cunning nature of CO poisoning is its silent progress that someone may initially miss until symptoms escalate. CO emissions mainly come from malfunctioning or incorrectly used fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, water heaters, and room heaters. Other common sources are blocked chimneys, exhausts from attached garages, and gasoline generators working too...

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Are HVAC UV Lights Safe?

March 6, 2024

Indoor air quality has become a crucial concern for many homeowners. Many have resorted to using ultraviolet (UV) light together with their HVAC systems to ensure their air is clean. However, as this technology becomes accepted, there are also health risks due to improper installation and maintenance of UV lights. The question that everyone is asking is, are HVAC UV lights safe? UV lights can be used for air disinfection; nevertheless, the right usage and safety measures are necessary. Read on to find out more. UV Lights in HVAC Systems UV light has been used in applications such as water treatment for many years because of its short wavelength radiation between 200-280 nm. It is very destructive to the nucleic acids of microbes, thus preventing their replication. UV lights are often found in the ductwork of an HVAC system before the air handler. The circulating, conditioned air is exposed to the UV light, which then attacks any airborne pathogens by breaking down their DNA or RNA, thus making them inactive. Some HVAC UV light systems also incorporate ionization to eliminate odors and statically charged particles in order to be filtered downstream. The UV lights need to be always on so...

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