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In the last 10 years, more and more people
have become aware of indoor air pollutants and their
possible health risks and effects. The HVAC industry has
also taken notice and is initiating steps to improve the
quality of the air we breathe.
“People are becoming more aware of the health effects and
problems associated with poor indoor air quality and the
benefits of a clean HVAC system,” said Doug Long, president
of Power Vac America Ltd. “There are more professional
organizations that have been established to help those of us
in the industry to better understand the problems and the
solutions.”
“For example, we are members of the National Air Duct
Cleaners Association (NADCA), Indoor Air Quality Association
(IAQA), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and
the Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA).”
Awareness of what could be potential health risks in any
indoor environment is not the only trend popping up around
the industry.
“More and more projects are calling for a pre-commissioned
clean of HVAC system and associated ductwork,” Long
explained. “This is important to eliminate the construction
dust and particulates from the system before the building is
put into operation.
“The indoor environment industry is paying closer attention
to particle loads within buildings. Dirty air systems can
contribute to this situation.”
As trends in HVAC systems continue to focus on improvements
in cleanliness, Long said he hopes to see “more training
within the industry, more policing of unlicensed and
uncertified contractors and more information regarding
benefits of maintaining a clean HVAC system.”
“Maintaining a clean HVAC system is becoming increasingly
important in controlling the indoor environment,” he added.
Power Vac America, a HVAC systems/air duct cleaning service
specializing in pre-commission, post-construction and
general cleaning of HVAC systems and ductwork, also works
hard to maintain a strong working relationship not only with
its HVAC contractors, but the general contractor as well.
With locations in Houston, Dallas, Austin and Waco and just
21 employees, Power Vac America has run into many challenges
over the course of its existence, and education, education,
education are among the most prevalent.
“Some of the greatest challenges in serving this industry
are educating the end users in proper preventative
maintenance, proper indoor air quality issues, and in using
quality, licensed and/or certified contractors,” Long said.
“As well as educating the building owners and occupants on
the effect that dirty HVAC systems have on building hygiene
and operation efficiency.
“Dirty systems do not operate close to design specifications
and will not control the moisture loads within the building,
which effect comfort and the indoor environment. This is
along with the fact that dirty systems can build up
irritating contaminants.”
Power Vac America is the largest air duct cleaning company
in Texas and handles a variety of jobs ranging from chemical
and electrical plants to houses and apartment buildings.
Original story published in March 2005 Houston Construction
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