The Air Scrubber: An Innovative Step Towards Fighting Indoor Air Pollution

Allergens and airborne pathogens are everywhere. In fact, according to the Asthma Allergy Foundation of America, 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. These allergens and pathogens aren't just polluting the outside air, but the indoor air as well. Indoor air quality plays a major role in the respiratory system, which is why having a comprehensive purification system is important. The Air Scrubber is one-of-a-kind, and its unique system has become a relief for allergy and asthma. Additionally, it brings an overall freshness to someone's home or office.

How Does the Air Scrubber Work?

Electronics, plants, and even carpets contribute to air pollution. The Air Scrubber reduces harmful airborne contaminants indoors by using NASA ActivePure space technology. The ActivePure technology uses UV waves and a proprietary catalytic cycle to purify the indoor air. This process has been proven to reduce, at least, 90% of the harmful indoor air pathogens that people breathe in every day.

The Benefits of Using The Air Scrubber

When it comes to indoor air quality, The Air Scrubber purification system has many benefits. Some of them include:

- Reduces the presence of harmful airborne contaminants

- Begins working immediately after installation

- Uses natural air filtration system

The Air Scrubber tackles every inch of a home or building by way of air ducts. This process not only minimizes airborne contaminants but also surface contaminants found on walls, countertops, and carpets.

Investing in Clean Air

For some, the investment in clean air is imperative to their overall health. The Air Scrubber is the perfect solution for asthma and allergy sufferers, and those who breathe in the same air they do. Installing The Air Scrubber is an investment in clean, indoor air, healthier lungs, and a cleaner home.

Schaafsma Heating & Cooling Now Offers LaundryPro

For years, homeowners have used washing machines with detergent and hot water to do laundry. Now, they may not have to. The LaundryPro from Schaafsma Heating & Cooling provides an effortless and environmentally friendly way to clean clothes.

What Is LaundryPro?

LaundryPro is a simple system that uses the ActivePure Technology and the cleaning action of activated oxygen to lift dirt away from clothes. The ActivePure Technology is borrowed from a variation of technology originally developed by NASA for use on the International Space Station.

How Does It Work?

Users attach the LaundryPro to a washing machine using standard hoses. This is a straightforward installation. No professional or expert skills are needed. Unlike traditional washing machines, LaundryPro does not use hot water to clean clothes, only cold water. It uses ultraviolet rays and ions to produce activated oxygen that lifts dirt and grime off of clothes. Typically, the water forms a peroxide solution that cleans clothes more effectively than hot water and detergents. This process helps clothes to retain their original colors without the fading normally caused by scrubbing.

What Are the Benefits?

By eliminating the use of detergent and hot water, the LaundryPro saves homeowners money that they would otherwise spend on cleaning products and electrical bills. It also makes clothes softer and removes old detergents from clothes. This device is ideal for people with sensitive skin, who are usually affected by detergents embedded in clothing. LaundryPro is environmentally friendly, eliminating the need for plastic detergent bottles and saving the energy that would otherwise be used to heat the wash water. Finally, it requires no regular maintenance to operate, offering users a hassle-free way to keep their clothes clean.

The team at Schaafsma Heating & Cooling is excited to offer this device to their customers. This revolutionizing technology is ideal for anyone who prefers a simple, reliable, and effective way to get their clothes clean.

Four Essential Benefits of Regular Furnace Tune Ups

With time, the furnace system is susceptible to various problems and may end up malfunctioning if not inspected regularly. A single heating and cooling system can have more than 20 parts, and each one of them can break down. This can cause increased heating costs, operating failure, and internal air pollution. However, these problems can be avoided by regular furnace repair and tune-ups.

Ensure Safety to Family Members

A furnace burns fossil fuel and releases combustion gasses that contain harmful elements such as methane, carbon monoxide, small amounts of sulfur dioxide, and VOCs. By design, furnaces should release these gases outside a building. However, it may malfunction and emit these gasses in the home. Tune-ups can help to prevent indoor air pollution and reduce health risks for family members.

Lessen the Chance of Breakdowns

Systems tend to break down when they are consistently working hard, like during the cold season or a holiday when there are many guests at home. During these cases, the furnace has to work harder to maintain the indoor temperature. This increase in runtime increases the chances of a breakdown. With regular tune-ups and maintenance, it's possible to keep the furnace running seamlessly.

Keep Heating Costs Down

According to Energy Star, a heating and cooling system accounts for 46 percent of the utility bill for a 3,000 square foot single-family home. Malfunctioning heating systems tend to consume a lot of energy, and this is reflective in the bill. By regularly maintaining the furnace, homeowners can reduce energy costs.

Boost the Unit's Lifespan

Homeowners who experience a consistently broken down unit may need to replace it sooner. The Department of Energy encourages homeowners to invest in regular furnace maintenance to save money while boosting the longevity of their units. Typically, the longer a unit can keep running, the more money a homeowner can save. Replacing a unit can be costly as some good options range from $3,000 – $10,000.

Homeowners who practice regular furnace repair and maintenance can rest easy knowing they're reducing unnecessary costs while keeping their furnace running for years to come.

Prepare for Hurricane Season with a Generator Tune-Up

Anyone living in a coastal area understands the importance of seasonal preparation in advance of the hurricane season. Having a generator is a matter of course for many homeowners and business owners in these locations to prevent power interruptions. An annual tune-up will ensure that equipment is functioning correctly and ready to use if needed.

An Overview of Generator Maintenance

Most generators sit in a garage or storage shed, unused for a large part of the year. Dust and dirt can settle on the unit, which may prevent it from running efficiently. To ensure that a generator will be ready to use, it's imperative to get it out, inspect it, and perform some basic maintenance.

Perform a full inspection of the generator, looking for any damaged or corroded parts, frayed wires, and loose components. Check the air filter to determine whether it needs changing. Excessive dirt and debris will require a fresh filter. Check the spark plug, and clean or replace it if necessary. Tighten or replace bolts to ensure that every component is tight.

Fill the tank with fresh gas. Adding a fuel stabilizer helps prevent any damage to the engine, which could result from using ethanol. It's also important to change the oil before the onset of the storm season.

Testing the Generator

Turning on the system when a storm hits may be too late. Instead, test the generator to ensure that it functions correctly before it's needed. With the generator running, utilize several small appliances in the home to make sure that the unit can handle the load. Allow the generator to run for about 15 minutes. Perform this test once each month during hurricane season.

Supplies to Have

When a storm hits and a generator must run to maintain power, specific supplies may be necessary. Homeowners should stock extra fuel, oil, oil filters, air filters, extension cords, and bolts. Having these supplies on hand enables extended use of the unit, as well as maintenance and repairs, if necessary.

As with any important home system, a generator requires ongoing maintenance to ensure that it functions properly when needed.

NATE-Certified Technicians Offer the Best in HVACR Installation and Repairs

When it comes to choosing a repair or installation technician in the heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration industries, the first thing homeowners should look for is whether a technician is NATE-certified. North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is a non-profit certification organization that tests the real-world working knowledge of HVACR technicians, ensuring those that are certified have the highest level of knowledge and understanding of one or more specialty areas.

About NATE Certification

While other organizations provide training to HVACR technicians, NATE is the only organization that actually tests their knowledge. In fact, NATE is the only certification organization supported by the HVACR industry as a whole, developed by industry experts as a way to validate a technician’s knowledge. HVACR professionals with NATE certification have demonstrated superior knowledge in one or more of the following specialties:

- Air Conditioning

- Air Distribution

- Heat Pumps

- Gas/Oil Heating

- Hydronics Gas/Oil

- Light Commercial Refrigeration

- Commercial Refrigeration

- Ground Source Heat Pump Loop Installation

- HVAC Efficiency Analysis

Technicians who have completed NATE certification have taken the organization’s rigorous multiple choice tests for installation or service in their designated specialty areas. Most certifications are good for two years, which ensures that technicians are constantly up-to-date with the latest industry technology and best practices. NATE also encourages technicians to enroll in continuing education courses in order to continuously provide clients with the best services possible.

How NATE Certification Benefits Customers

While any contractor can claim to be an expert, NATE-certified businesses and technicians have demonstrated that they have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide the highest quality services to customers. Surveys show that nearly nine out of 10 homeowners prefer to have a certified installer or technician when possible, and NATE certification is the highest level of expertise an HVACR can reach professionally. Whether looking for a contractor or an individual technician, NATE is the only certification homeowners need to look for to be sure their technician is among the best in the industry.

Why Air Conditioner Maintenance Should be at the Top of your Priority List

Before summer hits, it is important to have air conditioner maintenance performed. There's nothing worse than your AC unit breaking down on one of the hottest days of the year. In addition to preventing a future problem, there are a few additional key reasons why having your machine inspected and serviced are essential.

Reduce Energy Usage

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, something as simple as replacing a clogged filter can lower the amount of energy you use by 5 to 15 percent. That may not sound like a great deal, but over the course of several months, it really adds up. It makes more sense to have a professional clean or replace the filter each year, especially since this task takes just a few minutes.

Keep Your Warranty in Good Standing

Don't forget to read the fine print when obtaining a warranty for your AC unit. Some specifically state that if you do not perform yearly air conditioner maintenance, the warranty is null and void. This means that if your machine breaks down during the warranty period, the company is not obligated to fix it, which is more money out of your pocket.

Extend Equipment Life

The better you care for your AC system, the longer it will last. You'd be surprised at how quickly one small problem can turn into a big problem that requires you to replace the entire unit. With routine air conditioner maintenance, you'll extend the amount of time the equipment runs, which means you'll save money by not having to buy a new unit before the proper time.

When hiring a professional to service your air conditioner, you'll want to make sure that a few things are on his checklist. You'll need all of your coils cleaned out, your refrigerant level checked, and all of the system's moving parts lubricated. All controls and thermostat settings should also be checked.

End Leaks With Duct Sealing

Controlling home heating and cooling expenses requires ongoing vigilance and maintenance. A house’s ductwork is one area where air can escape, which can result in uneven temperatures and rising HVAC costs. Duct sealing can help minimize waste and inefficiency in heating and cooling systems.

Symptoms of a Problem

A house can develop efficiency issues over time. These problems might occur gradually, or they could suddenly present themselves without warning. Monitor an HVAC system for telltale symptoms that could indicate a problem, such as:

• Uneven heating and cooling

• Furnace or air conditioner running excessively

• Increased utility bills

• Reduced interior air quality

Resolving the Problem

When a homeowner has noticed symptoms of a problem, a technician can provide heating and cooling services that include examining the home to determine whether a problem exists. After detecting a leak, the technician can repair it with special HVAC duct sealing. The process involves creating a vacuum and then sealing the leaks to stop the expensive airflow.

• Wall registers throughout the home will be sealed to ensure that the only air escaping the system moves out through the leaks.

• The technician injects the special chemical sealant into the system.

• The chemicals in the sealant create tiny particles that move through the ducts. The airflow in the ducts eventually pulls the particles to the sources of the leaks. The particles bind together to stick to the leaks, sealing the area and stopping the flow of air.

• Remaining particles and chemicals dissipate, leaving only small traces of material in the system.

• The technician analyzes the system once again to ensure that the escaped airflow is reduced.

With comprehensive maintenance and heating and cooling services that may involve duct sealing, homeowners can ensure that their HVAC systems remain cost-effective and efficient.

Common Household Heating Mistakes

When winter comes around, people go to great lengths to keep their houses warm and cozy. Unfortunately, some of the things that people do to heat their homes can actually do more harm than good. Here are a few common mistakes and tips on what to do instead.

1. Cranking The Thermostat

One thing that many people do, which seems logical, is crank the thermostat way up in the hopes that this makes it work faster. If you come home on a frosty evening, it's certainly tempting to dial it up to 82 degrees, but this won't actually speed up the heating process. Heating systems are designed to pump out warm air at a steady, fixed rate until the room meets the desired temperature. You won't heat the house faster, but you may wake up in a sweat if you forget to dial it back down! Invest in a programmable thermostat that kicks on 30 minutes to an hour before you get home.
2. Thermostat Near Heat-Producing Appliances
Ever wonder why thermostats are most commonly found in hallways? That's because it's the best location to prevent another common mistake. You want to keep the thermostat away from appliances that put out heat because the device will register that as the ambient temperature of the whole house. For example, if an appliance raises the temperature two degrees, your thermostat will stop heating the house two degrees shy of your desired temperature. Keep the thermostat in a neutral area that will accurately reflect the temperature of the entire house.
3. Blocking or Covering Vents
When it seems that the warm air is not circulating properly, check the vents. Oftentimes, we unintentionally block or cover the vents with a rug, piece of furniture, plant, or any miscellaneous item, without noticing that with the vent blocked, the air cannot get out and circulate as it normally would. Blocking and covering vents is also hazardous, and it is in your family's best interest to keep all items at a safe distance from the vents for this reason.
4. Not Changing the Filter
Another very common mistake is allowing the task of changing the air filter to fall to the bottom of the priority list. The dirty air filter is actually polluting the very air that your family inhales throughout your home, and that can lead to health problems as well as increase your energy bill. Make changing the air filters regularly a priority, and you'll efficiently heat your home and keep your family healthy as a result.