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Out of Sight, NOT Out of MindThe cliché "out of sight, out of mind" is often for neglected maintenance on your HVAC system. HVAC systems are generally installed where they aren't seen, such as in a section of the basement, a closet, in an attic, or in mechanical rooms, making them easy to ignore. The systems are simply taken for granted, until they fail. Decreased efficiency, utility overpayment, discomfort, premature replacement, and higher repair costs are the result.
Spring Visit (preparation for summer season)
Fall Visit (preparation for winter season)
Note: For heat pump applications, winter season inspections repeat a number of the summer procedures plus several additional checks. Maintaining semi-annual ESAs for heat pumps is also important. What's your bottom line? Savings: ESA's typically more than pay for themselves through higher efficiency, lower utility bills, and contractor discounts. PMA customers typically receive a discount on all parts and services performed during the entire year. Peace of Mind: Predictive maintenance will mean fewer system failures and a longer life for your HVAC equipment. Priority Service: Should a system failure occur during the heat of the summer of the cold of the winter, customers with ESA's generally receive priority service. Continuity: Many ACCA contractors assign technicians to specific customers. that way, you get to see and know the same service technician, and he or she becomes more familiar with you and your equipment.
The Air You BreatheUnfortunately, in today’s world, pollution is everywhere. And with the type of cleaning products, manmade goods, and activities undertaken within homes and buildings, indoor environments can become very uncomfortable. Even the air we consider to be “fresh” outdoor air has as many as 30 million dust or pollutant particles per cubic foot. There are, however, measures that can be taken to lessen the effects of these particles in our homes. Since the home is essentially an enclosed system, we are able to take pollution head-on because the air is artificially moved around in our homes. By moving the air through a high efficiency air cleaner, we can remove many of the pollutants that cause discomfort. What does an air cleaner do? At a basic level, an air cleaner should filter out the particles that cause irritation such as pollen, spores, dust and other contaminates that circulate in our homes everyday. In order for any air cleaner to work correctly, the particles need to pass through it. Hence, if the particles are not in the airstream (i.e., dust on furniture), it is unreasonable to assume that these particles will be removed. However, a good air cleaner will:
How can an air cleaner help with allergies? Ask most doctors and they’re likely to tell you that the best way to treat someone with allergies is to remove the offending allergen. By using an air cleaner, you can effectively reduce or remove pollutants, pollen, airborne mold spores and other harmful, unwanted irritants. This can be accomplished by selecting a portable air cleaner for smaller spaces or a whole-house air cleaner that works in conjunction with your forced air system to provide cleaner air throughout your home. What kinds of residential air cleaners are out there? There are basically two: a furnace-mounted, whole-house unit and portable single-room unit. Both types of cleaners have different models with varying methods of cleaning the air and capacities for doing so. Your dwelling may help determine the right unit for your needs. An apartment, for example, may better utilize a room air cleaner, while a home with a furnace and/or air conditioning system might be best suited to a whole-house unit. It’s important to note that both room and system air cleaners come in a variety of models, and that not all models use the same technology to clean the air. Each cleaner type has its pros and cons, which may differ depending on your air cleaning requirements. Take a look at what your needs are based on your dwelling and choose the best unit to maximize the benefits. What are the most effective air cleaners? Media Air Cleaners HEPA Air Cleaners Electrostatic Air Filters Electronic Air Cleaners © Air Conditioning Contractors of America Association, Inc., www.acca.org. Reprinted with permission.
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