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Your HVAC System and the Coronavirus

Posted on by CFAdmin

Recently, a form of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, has been flooding the media and for good reason. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been over 134,000 people have contracted the coronavirus COVID-19 and  4,970 deaths are reported worldwide. In this blog post, we will be discussing how you can protect yourself and what it means for your HVAC system. Keep reading to learn more! 

What is Coronavirus or Covid 19? 

Starting off, it’s important to understand what the Coronavirus is. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first detected in China and has now been detected in more than 100 locations around the world, including the United States. 

On January 30, 2020, the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the World Health Organization declared this outbreak to be a “public health emergency of international concern” which you can learn more about onsite. 

Coronavirus is a virus that can exist between humans and animals. The animals that have been correctly diagnosed include camels, cattle, cats, and bats. However, the primary animals that have been linked are bats, due to the virus having its origins in bats. While the virus may have started in China, recently there have been cases in the United States. These cases are believed to be the result of imported cases from international travels (not just those who have visited China),  people who have come in close contact with a known case, and community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown. Recently, Italy has come out with outbreaking cases and has also limited travel access. 

Viruses are roughly 100 times smaller than bacteria and typically range from 0.004 to 0.1 microns in size. This means even the most powerful air filters would struggle to purge a virus from the air. COVID-19 belongs to a family of viruses known as coronaviruses. The 2013 SARS epidemic was also caused by a coronavirus, which was 0.1 microns in size. According to Dr. Mariea Snell, Assistant Director of the Online Doctor of Nursing Program at Maryville University, the size of COVID-19 is approximately 0.125 microns

Symptoms

The complete clinical background is still being discovered, but what we do know is that reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe symptoms that include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms have been shown to appear anywhere from two to 14 days after exposure. It’s also been seen to impact people who are older or already ill, specifically those who have underlying health conditions like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. However, there are still ongoing investigations and this is an evolving situation. For more updates, the CDC can be used as a resource.  

How Does This Impact My HVAC System? 

Our HVAC systems regulate the air we breathe within our homes, offices, and building spaces. Since the Coronavirus can be considered to be an airborne illness, it’s important that you’re aware of how your system is being affected, and what it means for the spread of the virus. Even though a good HVAC system cannot cure or prevent you from getting the virus (especially if you’re in contact with someone who is sick), it can be used as a good cautionary measure. 

Changing your air filters and making sure that your HVAC system is up to date cannot protect against the virus, but it can help.You should always be aware of how often you change your air filters —  most recommend that you change the filter about every 4-6 months. While breathing in cleaner air can certainly impact your overall health in a positive way, it may also decrease your chances of contracting any airborne illness. 

Working in any type of contained space can increase a person’s chances of contracting any type of airborne illness. This can range from a common cold to more serious diseases, which is why it’s extremely important to exercise proper hygiene practices. Washing your hands and sanitizing your workspace or other spaces of high traffic like office bathrooms, kitchens, and meeting rooms. 

Taking all and any precautionary measures to protect yourself against the Coronavirus is beneficial. For more information regarding your HVAC system and how to properly upkeep that, Comfort First Products are here for you. Our HVAC products help to improve your indoor air quality and overall health. They’re easy to use, affordable, and easy to maintain.  Our Comfort First Filtered Diffuser comes with a MERV 14 Filter that can be upgraded to a MERV 14 Filter.  All of our Control-A-Flows can fit an approximately MERV 8 filter with an antimicrobial coating.  Call our office for questions – 714-550-4971.   Connect with our specialist for more information. 

The Importance of Changing Your Air Filter

Posted on by CFAdmin

Indoor air quality is more important than ever, especially with the current climate of our world when it comes to pollution. While your 2020 New Year’s resolution may not have been surrounded on improving the quality of your indoor air, it definitely should be. At Comfort First Products, we’re here to help make it easier than ever to improve your indoor air quality. All of our products are designed to give you the best air quality so that you can keep your employees and space as healthy as possible. In this blog we will be discussing the importance of changing your heating and air conditioning filter. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

Changing your air filter is something that’s actually pretty easy to do. While you can hire a professional, most times you should be able to change it yourself. Here at Comfort First Products, all of our products can be installed yourself and can be done quickly with minimal effort. You can easily shop all of our products on-site. 

 

So, why is it so important for you to change your air filter?

 

Extend the Life of Your HVAC System 

You’ve probably seen it before, your air duct is caked with dust and dirt that just sits on the vents. It’s pretty unsightly but it also can be dangerous. A clogged air filter can cause extensive damage to your system. So by replacing these filters, not only are you eliminating polluted indoor air but you are also saving your indoor system. Repairs or replacements of your indoor HVAC system can cause thousands of dollars, while replacement filters are relatively inexpensive. Dirt build up and neglect are some of the main causes of failed heating and cooling systems. This is almost completely avoidable if you pay attention and change your filter frequently, so what are you waiting for? 

 

Give Yourself Cleaner Air

This one may seem pretty obvious, but changing the air filter in your system gives you cleaner, fresher, and healthier air. While everyone can benefit from this, children and elderly people can be especially sensitive to polluted air. Asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems can occur and be heightened if the air around you is polluted. When your air filter is dirty, you’re constantly circulating dust, dust mites, pollen, dirt, and other particles in the air. You may think that the air in your home is cleaner, but if you’re not replacing your air filters, you may be inhaling air that is more polluted than it is outside.

 

Reduce Your Bills 

Dirty or clogged air filters use more energy than clean, fresh air filters. So, by replacing your air filter and eliminating old dirty filters, you are essentially saving money and may find that your electricity bill has actually decreased. Some people have even saved up to 15% on the electricity bill, and while that may not seem like a lot, every bit counts. No one has ever complained about having too much money!  

 

Save the Environment 

Not only are you improving your health, saving money on bills, and extending the life of your HVAC system but you’re also helping the environment. As we mentioned earlier, a dirty air filter causes your electricity bill to increase which also means that there is a lot more carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gasses that are being released by extension. Changing your filter often helps eliminate that, and you end up running your home in a very eco-friendly manner. Changing your air filter can make a large difference. 

 

Reduce Mold 

Dirt, dust, and other forms of grime can block the airflow and therefore provide a space for moisture to gather, which encourages the growth of mold and bacteria. When these form, they can provide an even more solid barrier and will prevent air circulation even farther. Depending on what side of the filter that they gather, they can even introduce more pollutants and allergens into the air. They may also get into the entire HVAC system which can cause even more damage too. 

 

Reduce The Risk Of Pipes Freezing and Overheating 

If your air filter is blocked with pollutants, the hot and cold air can’t travel out as easily. This means that your entire system runs the risk of either overheating or freezing up. You end up paying the same amount of energy or using the same amount of gas and oil, but there will be no change in the temperature. So, don’t run your system harder than it needs to, simply change your air filter and this problem is solved. 

 

All in all, air filters are extremely important and should be replaced frequently. Check your filter every couple of months. You can even stock up on extra air filters from Comfort First Products so that you always have a backup. No matter how long it’s been, make sure that you’re prioritizing your air filters and the indoor air quality of your home. For more information, contact us and shop our entire collection of products!

Indoor Air Quality and Your Child’s School

Posted on by CFAdmin

When we first think of schools we tend to think about the students, teachers, and all of the learning that takes place within these walls. However, barely any of us think of the air quality that’s in this building. Children spend approximately an average of 1,300 hours in school buildings. That’s 1,300 hours of breathing in the air that is circulating throughout the school. After that number, you’re probably wondering how the indoor air quality is in your child’s school now. 

 

Indoor air quality, or IAQ, is extremely important and something that most people tend to forget about, but it plays a major role in the success of students. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

Clean Air For Student Success 

Humans at every age are extremely susceptible to harmful air contaminants. However, developing children are particularly vulnerable to these irritating pollutants. Floating around in the air are massive amounts of microbiological pollutants, allergens, chemicals, and ultra fine particles, which can directly affect the lungs of children. Exposure to polluted air during these developing years has also been associated with decreased respiratory function later in life. Increased reports of asthma among school aged children has been directly linked to elevated amounts of air pollution. 

 

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, respiratory illnesses are the most common cause of absent students, especially with asthma-related illnesses. These account for more than 14 million missed school days every single year. 

 

Where Does Pollution Come From?

Pollution can come from a variety of places. There are several sources of air pollution in schools. According to the EPA, new schools with tightly sealed buildings tend to have a lack of neutral ventilation. The use of synthetic building materials and furniture can also leak hazardous chemicals into the air. Older school buildings may have lead, asbestos, and radon contamination. They may also have issues with mold due to excess moisture. If your building is especially old you may also find excess dust from crumbling walls. 

 

Due to funding, buildings, both new and old, may resort to turning off their HVAC systems or fail to properly maintain them. Due to this, outdoor and indoor pollutants (like vehicle exhaust, pesticides, factory emissions, etc.) may be able to make their way into an already polluted environment. 

 

What Can I Do? 

Parents, teachers, and others can take action by making sure that their schools have clean air in every classroom. Make sure your schools are routinely inspecting and maintaining their HVAC systems regularly. Ask about the cleaning techniques that your school’s janitorial staff is taking, as well as any routine maintenance that the school gets done. Another way to keep the integrity of your child’s school air is to invest in indoor air quality products from Comfort First. We’ve designed a wide array of products that anyone can easily install and maintain. We understand the importance of indoor air quality, which is why we made our products easy to use, while being extremely accessible. Connect with us to learn more today! 

Maintaining Your Indoor Air Quality and Wildfires

Posted on by CFAdmin

Sadly, California is no stranger to wildfires. This past year, 2019, California has been plagued with some of the worst fires. According to the California Fire Department, almost 7,000 fires have been recorded totaling an estimated 253, 321 acres of burned land. The effects of these wildfires have been detrimental. From the copious amount of lost property and damage to the number of injuries and even deaths that have taken place, these fires have truly affected us in multiple ways. 

 

One of the biggest ways that the California fires have impacted us is through indoor air quality or IAQ. During a wildfire, the smoke that arises can have extremely dangerous impacts on our health, especially if they are not dealt with properly. If you are close to a wildfire, the fires itself, as well as the heavy smoke and ash, can pose serious risks to your safety and health. Because of this, you and your family should be prepared to evacuate immediately if told to do so. Even if you’re farther away from the wildfire you are still exposed to the smoke from the fire. 

 

Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gasses and fine particles that are produced when wood and other organic materials burn. It can be made up of even more toxic gasses and particles when manmade items are burned. All of those chemicals and toxins are then floating in the air that you’re breathing. The biggest health threat from smoke comes from the fine particles. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system when you’re both indoors and outdoors. Not only can this produce long term health concerns but the immediate results can also be detrimental. From burning eyes and difficulty breathing to contracting illnesses such as bronchitis, the particles from fires can have strong effects. You may also be susceptible to chronic heart and lung diseases, which can be linked to premature deaths. 

 

The smoke from wildfires can be a silent and deadly killer, which is why you want to make sure that you’re protecting yourself. Even if you’re someone who doesn’t struggle with breathing issues or you think you’re far enough away from the fire that it won’t affect you, it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

 

Some easy ways to protect yourself during a fire are as follows: 

 

Pay Attention to Local Air Quality Reports

As the fires or smoke gets worse, the concentration of particles in the air increases and so should the steps that you’re taking to protect yourself. Air quality reports are usually available through your local news media, local air agency, and can be found online. 

 

Monitor Your Activities

Even if you’re being told that it’s safe to resume your normal activities, use common sense. If the air outside looks like it’s polluted, use your best judgment and only go out if you have to. During this time most businesses and people will understand if you’re not able to make your usual appointments due to the outside air. Certain places also may be closed for this reason too. You’ll also want to cut back on any recreational activities outside. It’s probably not the best time to go for a run outside or mow the lawn. It’s especially crucial that you monitor the time that your children spend outside too. Since their bodies are still developing they are especially susceptible to harmful particles in the air. If you or your children are spending long amounts of time outside, pay attention to any symptoms that may be occurring. If you are experiencing anything, these symptoms are a likely indication that you need to reduce your exposure. 

 

Invest In Face Masks

While dust or paper masks are not enough to protect your lungs against the fire particles, they are a good place to start. Make sure that these masks are fitted properly to you and your loved ones. Other masks like particulate masks known as N-95 or P-100 respirators can help too. You should be able to find these types of masks at hardware stores or other home repair stores. 

 

Keep Particle Levels Low Inside 

When smoke is heavy, especially for prolonged periods of time, fine particles can build up indoors, even though you may not be able to see them. Avoid anything that burns in your home. This means candles, wood-burning fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, and other items like these. Even vacuuming can stir up particles that are already in your home. You should especially avoid any type of smoking too. This puts even more pollution into your lungs. 

 

Invest In Products From Comfort First 

An easy way to protect yourself and the ones you love from harmful smoke and fire particles is to invest in products from Comfort First. At Comfort First, we have a wide array of products designed to give you the cleanest air possible even in cases of wildfires. All of our products are designed for easy use that you can do yourself. These products can fit into most areas in commercial offices or residential homes. We even have products designed specifically for Indoor Air Quality, which you can easily purchase on site. For more questions regarding Indoor Air Quality, learn more by visiting our site or connecting with us through phone or email. When you think Indoor Air Quality, think Comfort First Products. 

 

Common Types of Air Pollutants

Posted on by CFAdmin

No matter if you’re living or working in an urban or rural environment, indoor air quality is of the utmost importance. Through all of the hustle and bustle that goes on everyday, we are constantly breathing in things that aren’t the best for our health. Studies have actually shown that living in heavy metropolitan areas can actually reduce your lifespan but two to three years. Due to these strong allegations, it is important to understand what major pollutants are and how we can decrease the damage that they cause. Keep reading to learn more! 

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required by the Clean Air Act to set quality standards for six of the most common and harmful types of air pollutants. These air pollutants pose a particular threat to the enviornement, and people’s health and well-being. Since these pollutants have the potential to cause so much damage, the EPA sets permissible levels for these air contaminantes and checks on them on a regular basis. The six most common pollutants include ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. 

 

Ozone

Ground-level ozone is different from the ozone layer that protects the planet from the sun. It is actually created on the ground when volatile organic compounds chemically react with oxides of nitrogen in the presence of sunlight. These chemicals are a result of a motor vehicle exhaust, emissions from electric utilities, and industrial facilities, chemical solvents, and gas vapors. Ozone can also have harmful effects on the ecosystem, which can then cause changes to the quality of habitats, nutrient cycles, and water.

 

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a byproduct of the combustion process, carbon monoxide emissions most commonly come from transportation sources. Carbon monoxide is extremely harmful to the body due to its ability to inhibit the blood from delivering oxygen to the organs. At high levels, it can stop all oxygen delivery which can cause death. Carbon monoxide fumes can also be dangerous when they’re inside due to the area holding the fumes in. Many people have carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and workplaces. 

 

Sulfur Dioxide 

The combustion of fossil fuels at power plants and other industrial facilities are responsible for the majority of sulfur dioxide production. It is also very harmful to the respiratory system, which can cause asthma-like symptoms. Sulfur dioxide can also react with various compounds in the air which form small particles. These particles can then embed themselves in the lungs and can cause emphysema symptoms for certain people. It can also affect those with heart disease, which is one of the leading causes of death.

 

Lead 

Now that we’re aware that lead is an extremely poisonous and toxic chemical and we are no longer using it in day to day products, it is still considered to be an air pollutant. Lead isn’t as prevalent however it still shows in certain air quality tests, making it important to note.

 

Nitrogen Oxides 

These are produced from emissions that are formed from power plants, on-road vehicles, and off-road vehicles, nitrogen oxides are one of the chemicals that are involved in the formation of harmful fine particle pollution and ground-level ozone. They have been known to cause respiratory distress and a large number of other health issues. 

 

Particulate Matter 

This can also be commonly called particle pollution, and this form of pollution is extremely harmful to the body. Nitrates, organic chemicals, soil, metals, sulfates, and dust particles are responsible for creating particulate matter. The EPA has classified the particulates into two categories, which include inhalable coarse particles and fine particles depending on their size. 

 

While these air pollutants are commonly found outside, they can also be easily transferred indoors. This can be even more dangerous due to the fact that the air can be condensed and trapped inside. Investing in products that help improve the quality of air, especially indoors, are investments that are beneficial for not only you but those around you. At Comfort First Products, we have a full range of filtered supply diffusers that drastically improve the quality of your indoor air. Both our Control-A-Flow® Draft Eliminator and Comfort First Filtered Diffusers™ redirect air along with the ceiling and terminate drafts and cold breezes through superior airflow that are compatible with all HVAC systems. Contact us today! 

Under Pressure – Why Clean Air Filters Matter

Posted on by CFAdmin

Just like the iconic rock band Queen, your HVAC system is always “Under Pressure.” As air moves throughout a building, different factors have an effect on the flow of that air. These factors affect the air flow temperature, speed, and pressure. Issues within your HVAC system can cause the air pressure to change, which could negatively affect you and others attempting to work or live in those spaces. If you have ever walked into a room and immediately noticed something “off” about the way the air felt in the space, then you may have been experiencing high air pressure. High air pressure can lead to temperature fluctuations and general discomfort for people operating in that room. Even if you have already stocked your building with Comfort First’s premier air conditioner deflectors and air vent diffusers, an issue with your HVAC system could be causing static pressure issues.

 

How Does Air Flow Through An HVAC System?

In order to understand how your building can be negatively affected by high air pressure, you must first grasp how air is brought in to a space and distributed by an HVAC system. HVAC systems work by in-taking outside air, putting it through an air purification process, and then distributing that air throughout the building at the desired temperature. This entire system is controlled by a thermostat – the HVAC unit self-adjusts the pressure and heat levels to produce the desired effect. The air that reaches the occupants of the building can not only vary in temperature level, but in pressure levels as well.

 

What Is Static Pressure?

Static pressure can be a real drag. In fact, drag is a great way of framing one’s thinking about static pressure. When air is free to move throughout a space without being impeded or experiencing drag, the static pressure will remain at comfortable levels. When air is trying to move through a system where it experiences drag, the static pressure of that air will rise. High static pressure can not only make the air in a space uncomfortable, but it can also place stress on components of your HVAC system that could lead to maintenance issues and even system failure. Having a certified HVAC professional evaluate your system will definitely determine if there is in fact a static pressure issue.

 

How Is Static Pressure Measured?

If you suspect your system has a high or low static pressure issue, or if you just want to do a general wellness-check on your HVAC system, contact a certified technician. A maintenance technician will visit your location and perform a test on your system. He or she determines if there is an air pressure issue by measuring static pressure at several places along your system and by checking the air handler filter pressure sensor. This sensor is a permanent installation in your HVAC system that is designed to protect the system from a catastrophic failure. Low static air pressure issues will typically cause this type of catastrophic failure, but high static pressure issues are much more common and need to be measured by an on-site technician.

 

Problems Bad Static Pressure Can Cause

If your unit is experiencing static pressure issues, it can manifest in your system in a number of ways.

  • Noise: if your system is experiencing high static pressure, you may hear loud sounds coming from the unit and ducting. The higher the static pressure, the more physical pressure and strain is placed on your HVAC unit.
  • Lackluster Airflow: if you can feel distinct hot or cold spots in a space, or the air just being generally uncomfortable, static pressure could be the culprit.
  • Component Failure: as previously mentioned, high static air pressure causes intense strain on your unit. Components may cease to function or drastically lose efficiency.
  • Complete Unit Failure: if not caught in time, high static pressure can cause the catastrophic failure of your entire unit.

 

How To Fix Static Pressure Issues

Regular wellness checks from a qualified HVAC maintenance technician is your best bet to ensure the longevity of your HVAC system. There are steps you can take to prevent static pressure issues and safeguard the health of your unit. The biggest thing that can be done to prevent high static pressure is providing clean filters for your unit. Think back to drag – the easier air can move through a space the better quality that air will maintain. Drag causes air molecules to slow down and work harder to reach you, which means that they may change temperature and no longer match the temperature that the HVAC unit is trying to produce. A dirty filter blocks the flow of air and makes the entire unit work harder to push air through.

The proper filtration system can make all the difference to the health of your HVAC unit. Luckily, Comfort First makes it easy to filter air through our commercial diffusers and vent diverters. We also provide convenient replacement filter sets to keep your air flowing and at optimum static pressure levels. Shop our online store today!

How to Identify Poor Indoor Air Quality

Posted on by CFAdmin

If you own a commercial building, you’ve probably got a lot of things on your plate at any given time. There’s a lot of stuff to take care of and manage, so it wouldn’t be surprising if indoor air quality wasn’t always at the top of your list. However, it’s important not to neglect what’s happening in your HVAC system, because if left unchecked, the indoor air quality of a commercial building can seriously deteriorate. At first, it may just cause minor annoyances, but as the problem gets worse, it can become the cause of dangerous health hazards.

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to recognize that you have poor air quality. It’s often something you have to go out of your way to check, because unless it’s extremely bad, it’s probably something you’ve been experiencing on a day-to-day basis for weeks or even months. Changes in air quality can be so subtle that you don’t notice them as they come.

Want to figure out how good or bad your indoor air quality might be? Here are some questions to ask yourself.

How Humid Is It?

One of the easiest ways to get a lead on bad air quality is to check the humidity. Humidity levels aren’t a result of bad air quality, but they can be the source of it. Ideally, you’ll want your commercial building’s humidity to be around 35-50%. When your humidity is too low, you’ll end up with excessively dry air. This can cause the typical irritations you’ll find from dryness, such as itchy skin. But dry air can also make it easier to get an upper respiratory infection, which is something that’s just better off avoided.

Meanwhile, if your building’s air is too humid, it’s going to be ripe for all kinds of nasty and unpleasant growth. Moisture-heavy air is where mold and mildew thrive, and you can bet you’ll be getting some if you don’t keep an eye on your humidity levels. Humid air also attracts bugs and pests more than dry air does. But make no mistake — mold is the biggest enemy to air quality. Mold is insidiously hard to get rid of, and its spores will make their way into people’s lungs like it’s nothing.

If your air is too dry or too humid, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee that your air quality is bad. But it can be a good starting point to start looking for other problems. If, for example, it’s sitting at high humidity, it would be prudent for you to do an exhaustive mold checkup.

Are Sicknesses or Allergies Flaring Up?

Another good starting point for diagnosing air quality is to consider how the people inside your building are doing. Do allergies seem to be exceedingly common? Are people coughing a lot? Does it seem like a new cold or flu passes through the building every two weeks?

It’s really easy to look at this kind of behavior and just assume that there’s a bug going around. And indeed, that may be true — the common cold tends to flare up during certain seasons, but it’s very possible that if you have bad air quality, you’re making it far easier for pathogens to get around.

If your air is really bad, it could be a phenomenon exclusive to your current building. So it’s also useful to note the behavior of people in your other circles. Is there a cold that’s “going around” at everyone’s work? Or does everyone seem to be fine and dandy except for the poor suckers in your building? If it’s the former, it’s time to investigate your indoor air quality.

Is the Air Being Distributed Equally?

This is one that we know all about at Comfort First Products. Basically, you’ll want to investigate the air flow in your building. While small apartments and homes typically don’t have major problems in air distribution, it’s much different in commercial buildings and offices, which have massive HVAC systems that often cover several floors and thousands of square feet. Unless the building’s vents have impeccable design, it’s more than likely that air distribution is uneven in certain spots.

Why is this important? First off, it could be indicative of HVAC problems — if air isn’t reaching certain areas, there could be blockage in your system or it could be working at weakened power. Obstructions in your vents can decrease air quality, while a weakened system may not be doing a very good job at filtering out gunk from outside.

But even if your HVAC is in perfect condition, uneven airflow is still possible due to vent design, and that’s why, at Comfort First, we offer a variety of air diffuser and vent deflector products. When you install one of our air diffusers or vent deflectors where the air usually comes out, you can redirect the air to distribute more freely. You can either have it flow into four different directions, or redirect it to take a trajectory of your choosing.

Uneven airflow isn’t ideal because it can make certain regions of your office more susceptible to bad air. An area with excessive airflow may become disproportionately humid, causing mold, and the opposite can be true too, with certain parts of the office being too dry. It can also cause temperature fluctuations, which is a cause of discomfort.

Is There Dust Building Up?

If you have a regular cleaning crew, it’s possible that dust isn’t an issue in your building, but if you don’t, it’s something you need to be proactive about. Most people are good at preventing dust buildup on their desks and common areas, but pay attention to the windows, blinds, and unused areas of your building. If there’s a lot of dust forming, it doesn’t bode well for the air quality in your building.

Dust is one of the biggest culprits of poor indoor air quality. It dissipates into the air until it’s visible and before you know it, everyone is unknowingly breathing it in, potentially with a good dose of coughing and wheezing. If you start to see a lot of dust, get to work fixing it ASAP.

Does It Smell?

One of the biggest giveaways of poor air quality is a bad scent, but this, surprisingly, can be pretty hard to identify. Smells can be subtle, and when we spend enough time in their presence, it’s easy to become desensitized. Even some of the nastiest smells can feel “invisible” after a while, so it wouldn’t be surprising if you have a funky smell and don’t even realize it.

One of the best ways to get a good reading on the smell of your commercial building is to step outside and then back inside multiple times. Pay careful attention to what you’re smelling — does the building smell like a “normal” indoor space, or is there definitely something funky in the air? If you can safely say that it’s the latter, it’s time to look for indoor air quality solutions!

Improve Your Air Quality With Indoor Vent Deflectors and Air Diffusers

At Comfort First Products, we offer a variety of indoor air quality solutions. Our vent deflectors and air diffusers go a long way towards creating more equal air flow in your building, and they’re equipped with high-quality filters which will help to trap harmful particulates. Want to make sure no one in your building is breathing in nasty air? Browse our selection of products today!

Don’t Buy Into These Myths About Indoor Air Quality

Posted on by CFAdmin

At Comfort First, we sell all kinds of products that are meant to improve the indoor air quality of your building and promote healthy indoor air quality. However, the importance of our products can easily be lost on someone who doesn’t have a solid understanding of why it’s important to maintain good air quality.

Unfortunately, this problem is exacerbated by various myths and misconceptions that have long been floating around. It’s time to put these to rest. Don’t buy into the following myths regarding indoor air quality!

Myth: Indoor Air is Healthier Than Outdoor Air

From a certain point of view, this one could make sense on paper if you don’t think too hard about it. After all, the outdoor air in many cities is tainted by smog and who-knows-what, and a lot of people have the expectation that indoor HVAC systems naturally filter the bad stuff out.

While HVAC systems do, in fact, filter harmful particulates in the air, the truth is the indoor air is almost always lower quality than outdoor air. The bottom line is that the air we breathe indoors comes from the air outside, so even if it gets filtered, we’re still breathing in the same air over and over as it circulates.

And that’s not taking into account HVAC quality. If you haven’t changed your air filters in a long time, or invested in products such as air deflectors and vent diffusers, you could be lowering the air quality in your home or commercial building.

And, finally, buildings have their own problems that you don’t always encounter outdoors. Mold, dust, pet dander, and pathogens all love to thrive indoors, and you can bet they will be circulated through your air system. With all these things considered, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to be proactive about maintaining your HVAC system.

Myth: Indoor Air Quality Isn’t a Big Deal

If this point were true, we wouldn’t be taking the time to write about it! Though, if that argument isn’t quite compelling enough for you, let’s break it down a little more.

Bad indoor air quality can manifest itself in various forms, ranging from mildly annoying to a legitimate health hazard. People who have breathing problems suffer greatly from bad indoor air quality, as dust and pollutants can trigger asthma attacks. People who experience seasonal allergies can have regular reactions indoors if the HVAC system isn’t up to par. Meanwhile, harmful chemicals like mold can build up in your air vent system, creating a nasty odor, headaches, and respiratory problems.

If it’s your home, being negligent about air quality is one thing, but it’s on another level if you’re the owner of a large commercial building or office space. Sure, you might be willing to cough every once in a while and deal with allergies, but do you want to be responsible for exposing countless other employees to that? People have different tolerances to air quality, so it’s best to prevent any major problems by investing in well-made indoor air quality products.

Myth: Newer Buildings Always Have Better Air Quality

We tend to have a subconscious habit of regarding newer things as better, or higher quality. But we advise you to not be deceived. Did you know that newer and “cleaner” buildings actually often have worse indoor air quality?

First off, newer buildings are much more airtight than what came before. This has its advantages, such as being less susceptible to outdoor temperatures, but it also means that it’s harder for air to escape, thus resulting in poor indoor air quality as the same air is circulated over and over.

Also, the construction aspect of new properties doesn’t do favors for your air quality. Paint fumes and formaldehydes have a tendency of getting into the air, and the building will actually need some time to totally rid itself of the pollutants.

If you’re a commercial building owner, it’s important to remember that your air quality might not be good just because your building “feels” nice, so make sure to get it checked as soon as possible!

Myth: You Have No Control Over The Airflow in Your Building

Many people believe that they’re under the whim of their building design when it comes to airflow. In other words, they resign themselves to the ventilation design of the building, when in reality, there are many things that can be done to have some degree of control over your building’s airflow.

Consider a vent deflector. You’ve probably seen these all over various commercial buildings. Vent deflectors create an angle or slope right underneath an air vent, which guides the air flow in a certain direction. This is useful, because sometimes if you do nothing, the air being circulated by your HVAC might end up congregating in a corner, or blowing disproportionately hard on a certain region of the office.

By making wise use of vent deflectors and air diffusers, you can create even airflow throughout your building, something which ultimately can benefit the indoor air quality! It also ensures that, if you have any problems with your air quality, that they’re not being forced upon one specific region of the office, resulting in employees who routinely experience worse air quality than their coworkers.

Myth: Air Filters Should Be Replaced on An Annual Basis

Close, but no cigar. While it’s absolutely true that your air filters should be regularly replaced, doing it once a year is not nearly “regular” enough. Air filters, especially the ones that are found in commercial buildings, filter out a whole lot of contaminants, and if you leave them sitting there for months and months at a time, you can bet that they’re going to build up with pollutants, resulting in less efficient air flow, and more particles “breaking through” the barrier, which ultimately reduces air quality.

We would suggest replacing your filters every two to three months. Fortunately, if you’re the type of person that has a hard time remembering mundane maintenance jobs like this, you can subscribe to our air filter subscription program, where we will routinely send you new filters! This will ensure that you have a solid reminder every few months to change your filters, and your indoor air quality will be all the better for it.

Air Diffusers, Vent Deflectors, Air Filters, and More

The best thing you can do to promote good indoor air quality is to invest in products that will facilitate healthy and productive airflow.

We call ourselves “Comfort First Products” for a reason — it’s because our HVAC components have a profound impact on the indoor air quality of your commercial building, resulting in a comfier, healthier, and safer environment for you and your employees. Browse our selection today!

Why Indoor Air Quality Is Often Worse Than Outdoor Air Quality

Posted on by CFAdmin

If you are a facility manager or owner of a commercial or industrial building, you can take action to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been receiving an increasing number of inquiries on how IAQ can be improved.

This has resulted in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) taking action and completing more than 600 indoor air quality investigations in the office buildings under the Health Hazard Evaluation Program.

Not only do owners and facility managers need to make an effort toward improving air quality, but the staff and occupants of the building need to get involved as well. IAQ, whether commercial or industrial, is a community effort.

That’s why in this blog post, Comfort First Products is going to share the factors that contribute to IAQ, what owners and facility managers can do to improve IAQ, and how staff and occupants can get involved to help improve IAQ.

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters

Indoor air quality can impact health, well-being, and performance. Did you know that humans on average spend 93 percent of their time indoors? 87 percent of that time is in a building, and the other six percent is in an automobile. What’s more, the EPA shared another study that showed that “concentrations of some pollutants are often two to five times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.”

This means that building, facility, and business managers have an obligation to ensure that the IAQ of their building or facility is being addressed regularly to keep the environment clean and healthy for themselves, staff, occupants, employees, and more.

What Factors Contribute To Indoor Air Quality?

The reason indoor air quality is often worse than outdoor air quality is the ability to filter pollutants, chemicals, and allergens from the air before they come into contact with staff or occupants. In fact, IAQ is not an easily defined problem like a broken desk drawer or a leaky faucet; it’s a complex issue that includes many factors. Also, heat, dust, and moisture all play a role in indoor air quality. Some of those factors are listed below:

  • Types and levels of pollutants, allergens, or chemicals in the environment
  • Sources of pollutants
  • HVAC design, maintenance, and ventilation
  • Dust, moisture, and humidity of the indoor environment
  • Staff and occupants susceptibilities to pollutants, chemicals, and allergens
  • Age of the building

All of these factors and more must be accounted for before a successful and effective IAQ strategy is enacted. Here are three steps you need to take to manage the IAQ of your building or office:

  1. Remove or isolate pollutant sources to better mitigate negative effects indoor.
  2. Dilute pollutants and remove them from indoor via ventilation.
  3. Utilize effective air filtration to scrub the air of pollutants.

How Owners and Facility Managers Can Improve Indoor Air Quality

As an owner or facility manager, it’s important you take indoor air quality seriously. It directly affects the health of all the staff and occupants in the building. In some case, IAQ will involve more than one person. For example, an owner of a building may work with a maintenance crew and specific staff members to better manager IAQ. Furthermore, a facility manager may work with the landlord, building tenant, and a local HVAC company to improve the HVAC system and the IAQ.

Here are nine ways owners and facility managers can work to improve IAQ:

  1. Foster a relationship with building maintenance and/or landlord so that taking steps to improve indoor air quality and environment issues is an option.
  2. Position furniture, plants, equipment, and more to enhance the environment, IAQ, temperature control, and pollutant removal functions.
  3. Coordinate and cooperate with building maintenance when HVAC maintenance or updates are needed, Including regular filter replacements.
  4. Establish a clear, effective smoking policy.
  5. Define and avoid processes or products that can negatively affect IAQ.
  6. Include IAQ into all indoor environment purchasing decisions.
  7. Communicate with landlords, building owners, or managers to ensure pest control is only used when necessary, and, if possible, non-chemical treatments are the chosen method.
  8. Identify and communicate with building managers before any renovation or remodeling occurs to mitigate environmental pollutants.
  9. Introduce and encourage your building management team to use the EPA/NIOSH guidance document.

How Staff and Occupants Can Get Involved In Improving IAQ

When it comes to IAQ, it’s a group effort. The staff and occupants of a building can influence IAQ, and they can take action to help improve it. Here are the six ways staff and occupants can help with enhancing IAQ:

  1. Filter the office air.
  2. Keep air vents and/or grilles unblocked and clean.
  3. Comply with the smoking policy for the building or office.
  4. Report water leaks immediately, maintain office plants routinely and clean up liquid spills as soon as possible.
  5. Collect and dispose of garbage and trash promptly.
  6. Be mindful of proper food storage.
  7. If you suspect an IAQ issue, notify the owner, building manager, or facility manager promptly.

Comfort First Products: Your Solution To Indoor Air Quality

At Comfort First Products, our mission is to provide our customers with a variety of products that improve office comfort, health, and wellbeing. Whether you are a facility manager, business owner, landlord, or otherwise, the indoor air quality of your building is crucial to the health and safety of yourself, the staff, the occupants, and more. It’s time you shop our indoor air quality and comfort products online now.

Do You Need a Vent Deflector?

Posted on by CFAdmin

Vent deflectors, also known as air diffusers, are a great product to help you keep your home and office a consistent temperature. Whether you get blasted by hot air in the winter and cold air in the summer, a vent deflector may be exactly what you need to keep yourself comfortable year-round.

What is a vent deflector?

A vent deflector is just a fancy word for a device that fits over air vents. The purpose of the deflector is to change the direction of the air flow. Now, you may be asking yourself, “Why would I want to change the direction of the air?” If you do, continue to ask yourself questions, such as: Are there hot or cold spots in my home or office? Am I tired of not staying a consistent temperature? If you’ve answered, “yes” to any of those questions, it may be time to purchase a vent deflector. By installing one in your home or office, you’ll be able to avoid cold or hot drafts, and you may even be able to increase air quality.

What kind of materials are used to make a vent deflector?

There are many different types of vent deflectors available. Some are made with the sole purpose of a commercial building, and others were created for use in a home; however, they’re usually created with plastic of light metals which weigh less than 3 pounds.

Shop Comfort First Products, online now!

Choose to deflect air and keep your home or office a comfortable temperature when you shop online today with Comfort First Products. We have affordable vent diffusers available. Shop for one you love and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 800-804-3366.