AirCare Hawaii

\”Carpet. How It Affects Indoor Air Quality\”is a video that I found on You Tube. It was upload on April of 2008 and its main purpose is to promote awareness among Healthcare practitioners on evidence gathered over the past decade linking carpet and flooring to allergy symptoms It all comes down to cleanliness, chemicals used to dye carpets, VOC’s from new carpets, whether or not the carpet was cleaned properly by a carpet company, etc…

Just click on the blue link above and it will direct you to the video.

Hope this short video informs you one way or another!

It seems like every morning when I wake up I have a stuffy nose or runny, depending on the day, accompanied by some sneezing, which typically comes in threes, and at times, if I am lucky, the feeling of an onset cold coming about to ruin my weekend.

What is so upsetting about this process that I would like to call allergies is that it is never ending. I have gone through many different types of allergy medicines, very few actually work for me personally, but yet I still have to battle the symptoms that can potentially make me miserable.   I also notice that my symptoms will change depending on where I am at and what I am exposed to.

I’m sure many of you reading this blog you can relate or knows someone who is constantly battling mild to moderate allergic symptoms everyday. This is why allergies are recognized as “one of the most important health concerns of modern time.” According to the IEQ Review there was a recent survey that was conducted in “33 different countries and over 1.39 billion people,” roughly 22% of the population is suffering from some kind of “allergic disease.”

“It is essential to have the proper knowledge of allergens, their prevalence and mode of action for therapeutic or clinical management of allergy and immunological disorders.”

There are six “common sources of indoor allergies”; aeroallergens, surface allergens, carpet allergens, insect and animal allergens, pet allergens, and food allergens. Aeroallergens are airborne particles such as mold spores and plant particles (pollen). Surface Allergens are particles (mold, pollen, animal dander etc) that have settled anywhere indoors. Carpet allergens are the same as aeroallergens and surface allergens but found in the carpet. Carpet allergens can also be from chemicals used on the carpet, as well as, dyes. The older the carpet is the more contaminated it is. Animal feces, animal hair from a mouse or rat, dust mites, and bed bugs, cause insect and animal allergens. These are “identified as a common source of indoor environments.” Pet and food allergens are pretty self-explanatory.

There are three different types of allergy in indoor environments.  Respiratory, which is the main cause of an allergic reaction, is caused by inhaling airborne particles such as dust, pollen and mold spores.  The symptoms associated with respiratory allergies are itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, itchy throat, breathing difficulties. In most cases this causes hay fever and asthma problems. Contact allergy is when an individual is exposed directly to a substance that can cause a rash, or itching or burning sensation directly on the skin.  Food allergy is when food is certain an individual consumes certain foods and allergic reaction will follow. Typically, people are allergic milk, peanuts, shellfish, eggs etc…  Obvious symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, swelling of the throat, and skin rashes.

The biggest key to controlling allergic outbreaks are knowing what you are allergic too. One recommendation is to go to an allergist and get tested to find out what causes these sudden onsets of inconvenient symptoms and ways to prevent them. Educating yourself on ways to minimize allergic reactions can have a huge affect on your life!

Here is a brief video I found on floods that occur in peoples homes and/or apartments on you tube by the IAQ Marketer. This video talks about avoiding potential indoor air quality issues that can affect you and your loved whens when lack of response and non-effective techniques aren’t implicated properly.

Just click on the url below to watch this 3 minute and 28 second video called, “Avoiding IAQ Problems After a Flood”. Also, if you do have a water leak or some concerns about moisture in your home or office please give AirCare Hawaii a call and we will be happy to assist every and anyone of your needs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPAVegOUkQ0

When you think of cardiovascular disease (CVD) many of us relate it to implementation of lifestyles. What I mean by this is a lot of what we put in our bodies and the amount of exercise we do can have a serious affect on us down the road such as diabetes, cancer and of course CVD.

Cardiovascular disease is also commonly related to the term atherosclerosis. According to the American Heart Association, “atherosclerosis is a condition that develops when a substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries.” As time goes on the plaque builds up even more in the arteries, which then makes it hard for the blood to flow through. This tends to be the main reason why many people have suffered from heart attacks and strokes.

A new study was published back in January in the Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine that found that those people who used air filters and replaced inefficient air filters within their HVAC or ducts reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease.  More and more studies are showing that exposure to air pollution can contribute to the blood vessel health.

This study was conducted in a small community in British Columbia that “recruited 45 adults from 25 homes” that lived there. In this small community “wood burning stoves are the main sources of pollution.” This also can be a correlation to car pollution, chemicals, gas etc…

The study found that HEPA (high efficiency particle air) filters greatly “reduced the amount of air-bourne particulate matter, resulting in improved blood vessel health and reductions in blood markers that are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”

What I found interesting was that the HEPA filters “reduced the average concentrations of fine particulates in the homes by 60 pc (particle concentration) and wood smoke by 75 pc. The use of HEPA filters also shown an “improved endothelial function and decreased inflammation” both associated with CVD.

This is just another reason to be aware of your indoor/outdoor air quality and the ways you can drastically improve your short term and long term health.

Is your house making you sick? Do your symptoms cease as soon as you leave your home? Did you symptoms start after or before water intrusion? Is there any visible water damage or unusual odor?

These are the kind of questions AirCare Hawaii asks when dealing with clients concerns with illnesses and allergy symptoms that are out of the “norm.”

Many people don’t understand building sciences, which is the expertise of what we do. Building sciences is the science of buildings. It is understanding how buildings work, breathe and ventilate. It is the knowledge and understanding of what happens to those materials when they get wet etc…It is the understanding of buildings that helps AirCare Hawaii better solve current, as well as, potential problems. We provide our customers solutions and the peace of mind they deserve.

In this you tube video I found it talks about how materials in your house can affect your health, particularly mold.

Steve Rush, who is an Indoor Environmental Consultant talks to Headline News about how “so many people getting sick because of where they live.”

This video is brief but very informative.

Click on the the link below if you would like to watch this video or if you are currently experiencing any health issues or what to talk to an indoor air quality specialists and consultant , call 808-589-1660 or visit us at aircarehawaii.com

Steve Rush video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xabVvHDEd40

The Environmental Health and Toxicology webpage is a site that you can find credible resources and vital information on topics that relate to environmental health, toxicology and much more. This information is available for the public or anyone who desires to use it through the Division of Specialized Information Services and National Library of Medicine.

On the Environmental Health and Toxicology webpage i found a lot of useful information that pertains to what our business represents. In other words, what AirCare Hawaii ‘s main drive and commitment stems from, which is the health and safety of our clients.

On a day to day basis I get many calls from potential customers with concerns with asthma and their indoor environment. Many of these customers are extremely sensitive and have to actually remove themselves from their homes in order to feel “normal” and breathe with ease.

Here is a brochure that I found that on the Environmental Health and Toxicology website that was written by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called, “You Can Control Your Asthma: A Guide to Understanding Asthma and It’s Triggers.”

This brochure is just a basic guide that explains what asthma is, what the triggers are, how it is diagnosed, and how asthma and asthma attacks are prevented.

If anyone in your home or office are experiencing unexplained breathing problems that only occur in certain indoor environments don’t hesitate to call AirCare Hawaii at 808-589-1660 for a free consultation or visit us on our website at www.aircarehawaii.com

AirCare Hawaii uses  EM LAB P & K for all our environmental testing as well as analysis of bacteria, mold, asbestos, lead and many more. EM Lab P & K are one of the leading commercial Indoor Air quality specialists that have provided numerous research, as well as, data contributing to IAQ community including training. This article that I found below I thought was extremely interesting and provides an understanding towards fungal allergens. The article, “Fungal Allergens” by Dr. Harriet Burge was directly copied and paste for your viewing from the Environmental Reporter: Volume 8 Issue 9.

Fungal Allergens

By Dr. Harriet Burge, EMLab P&K Chief Aerobiologist and Director of Scientific Advisory Board

Introduction: Allergic Disease Nature of Allergens For the purpose of this discussion, allergen will be defined as an antigen capable of stimulating an inappropriate IgE response in a susceptible person. A few definitions are necessary here. First, an ANTIGEN is a molecule that can be bound at the antigen-binding site of an antibody. A single antigen may have several distinct binding sites called EPITOPES. Antigens are complex molecules, usually proteins or polysaccharides.

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is a molecule produced by the human immune system possibly to guard against parasite infections. At least a third of the human population has the genetic propensity to produce IgE against non-parasitic antigens. These people are called ATOPIC.

Nature of the Allergic Response In an atopic person, the first encounter with an allergen stimulates B cells (through a series of interactions with other cells) to produce IgE antibodies that are specifically designed to recognize the allergen. Because the allergen may have several different binding sites (epitopes), the B cells may produce several different kinds of IgE antibodies, each specific to one of the epitopes. These antibodies circulate in the blood stream, and eventually bind to two types of white blood cells: MAST cells and BASOPHILS. Both of these cell types are filled with granules containing histamine and other inflammatory agents. Mast cells are attached to tissues (including mucous membranes), and basophils circulate in the blood. At this point, the exposed person has become sensitized to the allergen, but does not have symptoms. It probably takes a series of exposures to the same antigen before this process leads to the next step: symptom production.

Once sensitization has been accomplished, the next encounter with the same allergen may cause symptoms. Symptoms result when the allergen molecule encounters an appropriately sensitized mast cell or basophil. When the allergen binds to the antibodies on the surface of these cells, the inflammatory agents they contain are released into the surrounding tissue and cause dilation of local blood vessels (leading to redness), mucous secretion (runny nose), nerve stimulation (itchiness) and smooth muscle contraction (difficulty breathing). The overall type of reaction the individual experiences depends on how the allergen enters the body, the nature of the individual’s sensitivity, and the nature of the allergen. If the chemical mediators travel throughout the body, then anaphylaxis occurs. Asthma is the result of exposure to the lower airways. Allergic rhinitis occurs primarily from allergens borne on relatively large particles that impact in the eyes and upper airways. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is localized to the skin.

Other factors may play a role in sensitization. For example, ADJUVANTS (immunostimulants) may stimulate a stronger response than the allergen alone. For example, the fungus Alternaria has adjuvant-like properties that stimulate sensitization in the lower airways (Kobayashi et al., 2009). Holt et al. (2009) postulate that early failure of the innate mucosal immune system predisposes some infants and young children to respiratory infections and the development of allergies. This predisposition is probably genetically controlled.

Fungal Allergens Fungal allergens are generally proteins, and are often enzymes released from the fungal spore during germination, although some may also be proteins located on the surface of spores. For surface allergens, the spore may not need to be living to cause sensitization. However, internally produced allergens must be released from the cell before they can be effective. Fungi with hydrophilic cell walls (e.g., Fusarium, Acremonium, Stachybotrys, and many others) may release internal allergens as soon as they contact a water source (e.g., the respiratory mucosa). Whether or not these spores need to be living has not been studied, although it is likely that long dead spores would not have retained the intact allergens. Hydrophobic fungal spores have an outer surface composed of rodlets called hydrophobins. A pathway must develop through these hydrophobins before internal allergens can be released. This pathway occurs during spore germination. Thus, for allergens to be released from hydrophobic spores, the spore must be alive (Aimanianda et al., 2010; Dague et al., 2008).

Probably all fungi can produce some allergen. However, apparently some very common ones are less likely than others to lead to sensitization and symptoms. Using human IgE immunostaining and confocal microscopy, Green et al. (2009) found that among the identifiable spores in their air samples, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Bipolaris, Curvularia, Pithomyces and Stachybotrys contained allergens reacting to the IgE, but Epicoccum, Fusarium, and Spegazzinia did not. It would be interesting to know whether or not any of these spores were actually able to germinate under the conditions used. If not, then this study is biased toward those spore types with surface allergen, and those that can release allergens without germination.

Using a mouse model, Chung et al. (2010) found that allergens derived from Stachybotrys chartarum were less potent than those from house dust mites. More than twice as much Stachybotrys allergen had to be administered to match the response to house dust mite allergen. Again, it is not possible to know whether the Stachybotrys spores were germinated to produce the allergen. House dust mite allergens are readily released from their fecal packages.

Recognizing that fungal enzymes are allergenic, Horner (2010) used human sera and commercially available fungal enzymes in a RAST (radioallergosorbent) test to evaluate specific IgE presence. They found that invertase (from bakers yeast), cellulase (from Trichoderma viride), and glucosidase (from brewer’s yeast) reacted with the patient IgE. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the patients were sensitized to these specific fungi. It may be that these enzymes, which are produced by many fungi, are sufficiently homologous that their source is irrelevant. This may explain much of the cross-reactivity found among different fungal allergens. In fact, Soeria-Atmadja et al. (2010) used cluster analysis to determine that fungal specific IgE clustered according to relationships within the fungal kingdom. He found the following groupings:

Exposure to Fungal Allergens Most exposure to fungal allergens probably occurs from inhalation of spores in outdoor air. All of the fungi found indoors are also part of the outdoor ecology, making separation of indoor and outdoor exposures difficult. Given that some spores must be alive to release allergens, it is possible that spores produced in an indoor environment would be “fresher” and more likely to be alive than those outdoors. If this were true, then indoor exposures to some fungi may be more important than outdoor exposure.

I won’t reiterate the abundance of data on sources for indoor exposure. Obviously, growth on damp or wet materials is the primary source. I did find one study that documented the danger of evaporative coolers with respect to fungal exposure. Prasad et al. (2009) report that 42% of people with evaporative coolers had positive skin tests to at least one fungus, while only 19% those without these appliances had such reactions. Six-year old children had the highest prevalence of positive skin tests.

Epidemiologic Studies Nearly all the information we have about exposure/symptom relationships for the fungi come from epidemiological studies. There are many of these. Data from three recent ones are presented here.

Much of the data from these recent studies reinforces the results of earlier studies. The most interesting of these studies with respect to the nature of fungal allergens are those that seek to clarify the extreme complexity of the fungi and their allergens. There remains an urgent need to develop fungal skin testing materials that more broadly identify the fungal allergic patient. This requires the recognition that fungal allergens are not readily released from intact spores, and the patterns of cross-reactivity between different fungi.

References: 1. Aimanianda V, Bayry J, Bozza S, Kniemeyer O, Perruccio K, Elluru SR, Clavaud C, Paris S, Brakhage AA, Kaveri SV, Romani L, Latgé JP. 2009. Surface hydrophobin prevents immune recognitions of airborne fungal spores. Nature 460(7259) 1117-U79.

2. Bundy KW,Gent JF, Beckett W, Bracken MB, Belanger K, Triche E, Leaderer BP. 2009. Household airborne Penicillium associated with peak expiratory flow variability in asthmatic children. Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology 103(1):26-30.

3. Chung YJ, Copland LB, Doerfler DL, Ward MDW. 2010. The relative allergencity of Stachybotrys chartarum compared to house dust mite extracts in a mouse model. Inhalation Toxicology 22(6):460-468.

4. Dague E, Delcorte A, Latge JP, Dufrene YF. 2008. Combined use of atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and secondary ion mass spectrometry for cell surface analysis. Langmuir 24(7):2955-2959.

5. Green BJ, Tovey ER, Beezhold DH, Perzanowski MS, Acosta LM, Divjan AI, Chew GL. 2009. Surveillance of fungal allergic sensitization using the fluorescent halogen immunoassay. Journal De Mycologie Medicale 19(4):253-261.

6. Holt PG, Strickland DH, Bosco A, Jahnsen FL. 2009. Pathogenic mechanisms of allergic inflammation: Atopic asthma as a paradigm. Advances in Immunolgy 104:51-113.

7. Horner AA. 2010. Regulation of aeroallergen immunity by the innate immune system: laboratory evidence for a new paradigm. Journal of Innate Immunity 2(2): 107-113.

8. Iossifova YY, Reponen T, Ryan PH, Levin L, Bernstein DI, Lockey JE, Hershey GKK, Villareal M, LeMasters G. 2009. Mold exposure during infancy as a predictor of potential asthma development. Ann Allergy Asthma & Immunology 102(2):131-137.

9. Kobayashi T, Iijima K, Radhakrishnan S. 2009. Asthma-related environmental fungus, Alternaria, activates dendritic cell nd produces potent Th2 adjuvant activity. The Journal of Immunology 182: 2502-2510.

10. Pongracic JA, O’Connor GT, Muilenberg ML, Vaughn B, Gold D, Kattan M, Morgan WJ, Gruchalla RS, Smartt E, Mitchell HE. 2010. Differential effects of outdoor versus indoor fungal spores on asthma morbidity in inner city children. J Allergy Clinical Immunology 125(3):593-599.

11. Prasad C, Hogan MB, Peele K, Wilson NW. 2009. Effect of evaporative coolers on skin test reactivity to dust mites and molds in a desert environment. Allergy and Asthma Proceedings 30(6):624-627.

12. Simons E, Hwang SA, Fitzgerald EF, Kielb C, Lin S. 2010. The impact of school building conditions on student absenteeism in upstate New York. American J Public Health 100(9): 1679-1686.

13. Soeria-Atmadja D, Onell A, Borga A. 2010. IgE sensitization to fungi mirrors fungal phylogenetic systematics. J Allergy Clin Immunology 125(6):1379-1386.

14. Warman K, Silver EJ, Wood PR. 2009. Modifiable risk factors for asthma morbidity in Bronx versus other inner-city children. J Asthma 46(10):995-1000.

All this information stated below is directly off of OSHA’s website

For those of you who just want to know the mold basics here are some interesting facts I found from the OSHA’s web page ,” A Brief Guide to Mold in the Workplace.”

“Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere – inside or outside – throughout the year. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide.”

“Outdoors, molds play an important role in nature by breaking down organic matter such as toppled trees, fallen leaves, and dead animals. We would not have food and medicines, like cheese and penicillin, without mold.”

“Indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Problems may arise when mold starts eating away at materials, affecting the look, smell, and possibly, with the respect to wood-framed buildings, affecting the structural integrity of the buildings.”

“Molds can grow on virtually any substance, as long as moisture or water, oxygen, and an organic source are present. Molds reproduce by creating tiny spores (viable seeds) that usually cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores continually float through the indoor and outdoor air.”

“Molds are usually not a problem unless mold spores land on a damp spot and begin growing. They digest whatever they land on in order to survive. There are molds that grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods and insulation, while other molds feast on the everyday dust and dirt that gather in the moist regions of a building.”

“When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth often will occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains uncorrected. While it is impossible to eliminate all molds and mold spores, controlling moisture can control indoor mold growth.”

“All molds share the characteristic of being able to grow without sunlight; mold needs only a viable seed (spore), a nutrient source, moisture, and the right temperature to proliferate. This explains why mold infestation is often found in damp, dark, hidden spaces; light and air circulation dry areas out, making them less hospitable for mold.”

“Molds gradually damage building materials and furnishings. If left unchecked, mold can eventually cause structural damage to a wood framed building, weakening floors and walls as it feeds on moist wooden structural members. If you suspect that mold has damaged building integrity, consult a structural engineer or other professional with the appropriate expertise.”

“Since mold requires water to grow, it is important to prevent excessive moisture in buildings. Some moisture problems in buildings have been linked to changes in building construction practices since the 1970s, which resulted in tightly sealed buildings with diminished ventilation, contributing to moisture vapor buildup. Other moisture problems may result from roof leaks, landscaping or gutters that direct water into or under a building, or unvented combustion appliance. Delayed or insufficient maintenance may contribute to moisture problems in buildings. Improper maintenance and design of building heating/ventilating/air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as insufficient cooling capacity for an air conditioning system, can result in elevated humidity levels in a building.”

This article can pertain to anyone whether it be for a research paper, interests in mold, concerned about mold due to your air conditioner or water damage, or someone who has allergies. If you are experiencing any health concerns or concerned about mold please feel free to contact AirCare Hawaii at 808-589-1660 for a free consultation and peace of mind!

In the article ” The Gulf Spill: The impact on Indoor Air Quality” in the Indoor Environment Connections newspaper, I found that the information presented was extremely important and pertains to all of us especially since almost everything is ran from coal and oil.  I believe education is extremely important and   society needs to make better precautions to ensure a healthy and clean future for the generations to come.

Indoor air quality is a huge concern when dealing with household chemicals , mold, and other pollutants but what about an oil spill?

The Environmental Protection Agency, also known as the EPA, “has been monitoring air quality along the coastline for several weeks, looking for evidence of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and naphthalene.”

So you are probably wondering what the hell does this all mean? In a clear way that AirCare Hawaii can better explain is that VOC’s are emitted into the air as a gas usually from a solid substance as well as a liquid substance, which in this case is oil. Usually the the amount and the strength of a VOC depends on whether or not it is indoors and outdoors. If the VOC is released indoors then it is typically  more dangerous and the levels are a lot higher. Examples from the EPA site include but are not limited to, “paints, paint strippers, and other solvents; wood preservatives; aerosol sprays; cleansers and disinfectants; moth repellents and air fresheners; stored fuels and automotive products; hobby supplies; dry-cleaned clothing.”

Your indoor air quality can have a huge affect on your short and long term health.

According to the EPA, some of those health affects of VOC’s are “eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.  Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.”

Already from the efforts to clean up this oil spill disaster some of the volunteers and workers have experienced a variety of these symptoms. “The  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is issuing key information online, and the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has established improvised clinics to monitor residents in affected regions.”

The health affects are still less clear when it comes to affecting people. According to Senator Tom Harkin “the oil spill may also affect mental health.” This same assumption was concluded in a “study that was done in Alaska after Exxon Valdez spill of 1989.”

“Experts say that the chemical composition of spilled oil changes over time. Oil that has just been released typically  contains high percentages of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). Oil that has been exposed to air and water for a significant period of time , known as “weathered  oil,” has already lost most of these VOCs. Nonetheless, the weathered oil still contains other hazardous chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and even heavy metals such as nickel and lead. Once the oil has been aerosolized by wind and weather, these chemicals can e taken into the body through respiration, both indoor and outdoor environments.”

The HHS has decided to get a separate team of scientists nationwide to come together to develop a “public workshop exploring a broad range of health issues related to the oil spill.”  The HHS response to the Gulf disaster main objective is to “review and assess  a framework for monitoring and surveillance of the affected population” since there is just not enough information on the health affects to those who are exposed.

In conclusion, people have been experiencing health affects due to the recent gulf oil spill and there are reports of previous spills having the same affects in the past. Little information is still known on the  potential threats it has towards humans. We obviously can see the sad reality of how harmful it is to the environment and the thousands of species that have died due to the oil contamination.

Without the dedication of those working on the clock 24/7 we would not have the resources to help educate us for future disasters and more importantly, understanding health and how it affects people and the environment. Everyones efforts are greatly appreciated.Hopefully history will not repeat itself! Our hearts at AirCare Hawaii go out to the families in Louisiana who have been affected tremendously by the oil spill. If you are currently in Honolulu there is a a fundraiser for the Gulf at Oceans Club located at Restaurant Row. Starts at 6pm! Hope to see you there!

It is really important to be actively engaged to new and improved technologies and improvements whether it is in regards to  Hawaii’s indoor air quality or any other state. HVAC systems are extremely popular especially in the mainland but in Hawaii it is more commonly used in buildings, newer condos, some schools and universities, and homes whom those individual owners can afford.

I think what a lot of people forget is that if an HVAC system is old or clogged or  the ventilation system is just plain dirty, this can not only circulate bad air quality but also cost you more money per month as well as burn more energy, which is bad for the environment.

Dirty, which usually means dusty or moldy, coils compel compressors to run extensively and work harder than necessary. When this happens this obviously increases the energy that is being used as well as the utility cost. In return dirty coils reduce the HVAC systems life expectancy and can also be the root of allergic reactions due to bad indoor air quality. The U.S. Department of Energy states that “a dirty condenser coil can increase compressor energy consumption by 30 percent.”

The Pacific Gas & Electric (PGSE) argue that “once the system has been properly charged with refrigerant and has good airflow across the indoor coil, and assuming there is no damage to the duct system, only basic service, such as changing filters and cleaning the outdoor unit annually, should be needed to maintain the system operation at peak performance levels.”

AirCare Hawaii suggest that an annual due diligence program can be provided to its commercial and residential patrons. This generally means yearly inspections and  HVAC duct cleaning when necessary.  We can develop a due diligence that is right for you. Call us today for more information at 808-589-1660.