Mold is a part of every day life. Believe it or not, we actually need a certain level of mold spores to reduce organisms found in your air. But with all things, there must be a balance. Too much humidity results in too much mold; and then mycotixin, a mold byproduct, can cause rashes and aggravate your allergies.

Our Birmingham HVAC specialists would like to take a moment to inform you about some of your options, should you face such a problem.

Black Mold

Black mold is generally the result of high humidity mixed with low ventilation. Black mold can crop up anywhere in your home, whether it is the drywall, insulation, ductwork, or your floor joists. Black mold can wreak havoc on your property and your health.

Symptoms of Black Mold

The fist sign of black mold may be a decrease in your health. Perhaps you have an unexplained rash, or your allergies constantly bother you. A sure sign of a black mold infestation is a patch of black speckles in a moist area.

Black Mold Locations

Black mold can be found anywhere in your home. Whether it is the duct work, ceiling, walls, or joists; black mold thrives where it is dark and moist.

Black Mold Remedy

Black mold removal requires a trained HVAC professional. You might tear out the affected portion of your home, however, the microscopic spores still exist. You will find yourself locked in a vicious cycle of sickness and repair.

Black Mold Prevention

The first step you can take to prevent black mold is installing a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier will reduce the moisture level in your home. Black mold thrives in a humid environment. Also you can schedule regular air duct services with One Hour Air Conditioning. Last but not least, you can have a HEPA filtration system installed.

If you have, or think you may have a problem with black mold; call your Birmingham HVAC specialists today! (205) 352-4195

HEPA filters are an integral part of many heating and cooling systems that demand high air purity. They are commonplace in residential homes and commercial buildings. But have you ever stopped to think about how they work, or how they came into ubiquity? Our Birmingham heating and air company has some answers for you!

Origin of HEPA Filters

First generation HEPA filters were developed by the the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1940′s. The Manhattan Project required a filter capable of preventing the spread of radioactive particles. In the 1950′s, the civilian market began incorporating HEPA filtration into just about every major industry that requires high air quality. HEPA filters continue to meet the increasingly high demands of pharmaceutical processing as well as microchip manufacturing.

Anatomy of a Filter

HEPA filters are comprised of a mat of random, typically, fiberglass fibers. The fibers range from 0.5 to 2.0 micrometers in diameter. A HEPA filter must remove 99.97% of all airborne particles as small as 0.3 micrometers in diameter.

If you see a filter branded as “HEPA-type”, “99% HEPA”, and/or “HEPA-like”; it does not meet Department of Energy standards. While these filters may be fine for some applications, they do not live up to the HEPA standard of Indoor Air Quality.

How HEPA Works

HEPA filters are a random mesh of fibers varying in diameters from 0.5 to 2.0 micrometers. The filter employs a 3 fold mechanism to trap particles below 0.1 micrometers in diameter. The mechanisms are as follows:

1. Interception, where a particle moves with the air stream, comes within close proximity and sticks to the fiber.

2. Impaction, where large particles simply can not avoid fibers as they are pushed through by the air flow.

3. Diffusion, where the smallest particles are blown around like a feather in the wind; thus diverting and delaying their trip through the filter. This increases the likelihood that one of the two previous mechanisms will trap the particle.

There is much more to learn about HEPA air filters, and our Birmingham HVAC technicians are pleased to help. Call us today, and find out how HEPA filters can increase your indoor air quality! (205) 352-4195