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Posts Tagged ‘indoor air quality’

Chicago Commercial Ventilation Service

June 24th, 2011 Comments off

AC One Hour Air, your local Chicago air conditioning service, knows how important it is to have the proper air conditioning and ventilation systems in your small or large office building. The work environment can be stressful and uncomfortable enough without a proper ventilation system. Distractions of unpleasant odors or a muggy environments is should be the least of your worries at work. AC One Hour Air can help with all your Chicago commercial heating and air conditioning needs.

Proper ventilation not only ensures the indoor air quality is up to stringent standards, but also removes smells, excess moisture, introduces outside air, removes bacteria, keeps air circulating throughout a building, and prevents stagnation. There are two types of ventilation: mechanical and natural.

Mechanical ventilation uses an air handler. A good example of and air handler would be a fan. Often these are used as vents in bathrooms to remove odors and humidity. Forced ventilation often takes quite a bit of energy especially when used in climates such as locally in Chicago. These air handlers also tend to cause some noise, so it is often only used in places such as break areas and restrooms.

Natural ventilation uses outside air without using any kind of mechanical device. Sometimes this is done by opening windows to allow air to circulate in and out. There is also something called a trickle vent for smaller offices and spaces. The office may also be set up where warm air can rise and flow out of an upper opening forcing cool air to be drawn into the building. Unfortunately in a places with warmer climates, such ventilation systems are not efficient enough for the summer months. There are also air side economizers which allow for natural ventilation using mechanical fans and the like without using as much energy as mechanical installation.

For all your Chicago HVAC needs contact your local Chicago air conditioning service, AC One Hour Air.

Energy Conservation Tips While On Summer Vacation

May 26th, 2011 Comments off

Saving money and energy on your unoccupied home while you’re gone on summer vacation can alleviate some vacation expenses that add up quickly. Use these energy saving tips from your local Chicago IL air conditioning service experts.

Unplug electronic appliances that do not need to be on. Small amounts of electricity called phantom loads will be used while you are not using the appliances. Turn off all lights except for maybe a lamp or two to make it look like someone is home at night.

Double check your doors and windows are closed tight before you leave for vacation. Letting outside air in, even the smallest amount for a prolonged time can make the AC unit work more than it needs.

Pull curtains and shades on east and west windows in your home to help keep heat out. The morning and afternoon sun can add unnecessary heat to your home and cause your air conditioner to turn on when you may not want it to.

Program your thermostat to hold at a higher temperature than when you occupy your home. Do not turn off your ac unit altogether because you want minimal airflow. Set it at something that will turn on for a while at least once a day.

The most effective way to save money and energy while on vacation is to turn your water heater thermostat down to the lowest setting. Energy efficient water heater choices like this can help reduce wasted money and energy.

The professionals at American Comfort One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, your Chicago air conditioning company, are here to help you with all your energy saving needs. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule an air conditioning inspection today.

Summer Air Conditioning Cleaning and Inspection

May 19th, 2011 Comments off

As the summer approaches, preparing your air conditioning system for the rising temperatures is important for your AC unit’s longevity and your energy bill. Your Chicago IL air conditioning specialists can assist you with our AC Cleaning and Inspection Service Special of $59 (regularly $129) for first-time customers.

Cleaning and inspecting your air conditioner helps with air flow and assures proper functionality now and in the future. Our service special includes but not limited to: checking and setting your thermostat, lubricating all moving parts, inspections of the condensate drain and refrigerant levels, and cleaning coils.

With any good service comes a guarantee. American Comfort’s No Breakdown Policy means if your air conditioner breaks down after you have had our 36 point cleaning and tune-up, our local Chicago IL air conditioning inspection experts will return for free!

The professionals at American Comfort’s One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, your Chicago air conditioning company, are here to help you with all your air conditioning maintenance needs. Give us a call or contact us online to schedule an air conditioning inspection today.

Odors and Your AC Unit

April 12th, 2011 Comments off

AC OdorYour air conditioner will be very important as the spring weeks continue and the summer weeks rapidly approach. The air conditioner should produce cold air for your home. What it shouldn’t produce, however, is an unpleasant odor.

Unfortunately, there are times when your air conditioning unit gives off an awful smell, particularly during this time of year when the unit is starting to be used regularly. If your air conditioner is doing this, know that it is common, and know that it may only be a minor issue. Also, know that the problem can be fixed quickly.

Odors in air conditioners, in many cases, are caused by either mold or bacteria – or a combination of both. Cooling units have coils that can attract moisture, which can result in the growth of mold and bacteria. If it isn’t mold or bacteria, problem, it’s the dust that can collect on an air filter that can cause a problem.

In keeping the unpleasant smell away from your unit, it is imperative to keep your air ducts clean. Regular maintenance of your air ducts will improve the indoor air quality of your home. It also will keep unwanted allergies and respiratory problems away. Additionally, it is important to replace air filters regularly in order to control dirt and allergen buildup.

Our Chicago IL HVAC specialists at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning are here to assist you with proper indoor air quality control, in addition to keeping that unwanted odor out of your home. Call our Chicago cooling company a call today, or visit us online for more information.