Have you heard the term “sick building syndrome?” This is a condition in which the people in a given building experience health issues that seem to be directly related to their time spent in the space. Although this is occasionally a short-term problem (resulting from nearby construction, for example), some building owners and managers must take aggressive steps toward keeping the air cleaner in the building and protecting the health of their employees. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Minneapolis’
How to Keep the Air Clean in Your Workplace
Monday, May 11th, 2015 by Lisa PixleyWhy It’s Important to Schedule HVAC Decontamination
Monday, September 29th, 2014 by Lisa PixleyThe HVAC system in a home or business will begin to collect dust, dirt, and other contaminants—including possibly mold and illness-causing microorganisms—over time. Eventually, the system will require a thorough decontamination to remove these pollutants from the ductwork and air handler. This decontamination will not only protect the HVAC system from inefficient operation and repair issues, but it will also benefit your indoor air quality.
A full HVAC system decontamination in Minneapolis, MN goes beyond basic duct cleaning, and for this job you need trained specialists. Alpha Air Corporation has a staff of NADCA-certified technicians with the best equipment available for the HVAC decontamination that will protect your home or business from poor quality air and an inefficient heating and air conditioning system.
Why HVAC decontamination is important
It’s impossible to avoid the intrusion of some levels of contamination into the ductwork of a home or business, and given enough time, this dust, dirt, and other debris will accumulate to the point that it will affect airflow through the ducts. This places unnecessary strain on the heating and air conditioning system. Debris that enters the cabinets of the heater or AC can also inflict damage that will require repairs. A full cleaning of the ducts, vents, and air handler will eliminate these detriments to efficiency and system operation.
Another reason you should schedule HVAC decontamination is that the pollutants which gather inside the ducts and the air handler of the system will enter the air of the building and the lungs of the people in it. This leads to discomfort and health problems, and it is especially worrying for people who have asthma and allergies. A decontamination of the HVAC system goes further than standard duct cleaning to sanitize the ductwork and the heater and air conditioner so they do not contribute to lowering indoor air quality. During decontamination, technicians clean the air handlers, register vents, bathroom exhausts (a common source for mold), and the exhaust vents in a business that release harmful fumes and chemicals.
Alpha Air Corporation uses special robotic cameras to inspect ductwork when we start on a HVAC decontamination job. We use the data from the cameras to plan out the sort of duct cleaning necessary, as well as any spots that require duct sealing. We also use an EPA-registered sanitizing agent (Category III) to decontaminate the HVAC system without leaving behind chemical residue that can affect health within living- or work-spaces.
For HVAC decontamination in Minneapolis, MN, Call Us Today! 952.476.4144 or 1-866-PIXLEYS.
Pollutants That HVAC Sanitizing Will Remove
Tuesday, August 26th, 2014 by Lisa PixleyDuct cleaning is a basic service that homeowners and business owners alike need to have done every few years (sometimes more) to help maintain indoor air quality and to reduce the strain on the heaters and air conditioners hooked up to the ducts. However, sometimes standard duct cleaning isn’t sufficient to eliminate the pollutants that can develop inside an HVAC system. This is where HVAC system sanitizing and deodorizing comes into play. Sanitizing targets specific biological dangers that can develop inside an HVAC system that will lead to severe problems with indoor air quality. Technicians provide a complete cleaning of the ductwork that goes farther than regular duct cleaning.
Just as cleaning ducts requires trained professionals, HVAC sanitizing and deodorizing requires the work of specialists with high-end equipment.
If you think you need sanitizing in Minneapolis, MN for your home or business, Call Us Today! 952.476.4144 or 1-866-PIXLEYS
Here’s what HVAC sanitizing will remove:
- Bacteria: Bacteria develops in humid and closed-in environments, and ducts are ideal places for them to start growing. This bacterial growth can lead to lung infections and other respiratory problems.
- Mold: Mold is one of the most common and harmful of contaminants that can enter buildings. Molds release toxic spores that can cause a number of different health complications, and they are especially dangerous for people with allergies and asthma.
- Mildew: This is a less destructive and unhealthy pollutant—but it can lead to an unpleasant work environment from the damp smell permeating the ductwork. If mildew appears in a ventilation system, it can also points to problems from water damage that may have affected other parts of the HVAC system.
The sanitizing process that we use at Alpha Air Corporation eliminates these pollutants without leaving chemical residues that will lower indoor air quality. The sanitizer rapidly degrades into non-volatile compounds soon after it is used. The deodorizers also attack the sources of smells and destroys them, rather than covering them up with another odor. Neither process will do any damage to the ductwork in your building.
Please take the possible presence of mold, fungi, and bacteria in your home or workspace seriously. “Sick Building” syndrome is something that you can avoid and eliminate with the proper planning and with the assistance of professionals. Our Minneapolis, MN sanitizing team has the residential and industrial experience and certification necessary to clean out the biological hazards from your HVAC system and make sure you have a “Healthy Building.”
How Robotic Cameras Are Used to Inspect Your HVAC Systems
Tuesday, July 29th, 2014 by Lisa PixleyWhen you call on a professional company to come to inspect the ductwork for your commercial building, many of them will conduct a simple visual check with a few lights moved around the ventilation shafts. There are far more advanced ways to handle HVAC system inspections today, so when you need to have the ventilation of your building given a thorough examination, call on a company that uses robotic camera technology to take on the job. You will receive a detailed look at your ventilation network that will make sure you know exactly what work needs to be done for the most energy efficiency HVAC system.
Alpha Air Corporation uses the most advanced equipment available for any HVAC system inspection in Minneapolis, MN that we do. Thanks to robotic camera inspection equipment, we can deliver comprehensive views of your ductwork’s integrity. If you feel that you are losing airflow or your building’s heating and cooling power is suffering, call us to take on the inspection work that will give you the answers you need.
Robotic camera inspections
What exactly are these miraculous robot cameras? They are inspection systems that can examine every section of your ductwork while eliminating the possible fallibilities of the human eye. These machines are capable of performing repeated motions the same way every time, and that allows them to scan over the entirety of a duct system without missing any spots. The robot cameras can also reach sections of ductwork that human technicians cannot.
The robots travel through the inside of the ducts, scanning and photographing as they move. The standard robot has two cameras, one forward and one aft. The forward camera records, while the aft camera helps with navigation. Thanks to the cameras, a technician can show a customer a real-time display of the complete ductwork system from the inside.
This robotic equipment reduces the amount of labor involved, since the job no longer requires a technician trying to access all of the outer area of the ductwork (which includes places impossible to reach without building material destruction). The robot simply travels on its way through the ductwork until finishing: a smooth and easy process that results in a complete view of the ventilation system that would otherwise be impossible.
With the robotic HVAC system inspection in Minneapolis, MN available from Alpha Air Corporation, you will have a complete assessment of the building’s ductwork before any job starts. You will have an easier time making the best decisions (with the expert guidance of our staff) about how to care for your HVAC system’s integrity.
Don’t allow your ducts to receive a substandard and fallible inspection: Call Alpha Air Corporation Today! 952.476.4144 or 1-866-PIXLEYS
3 Ways Commercial Duct Cleaning Improves Your Bottom Line
Wednesday, February 19th, 2014 by Lisa PixleyWhen you examine the expenses for your business to determine areas where you can reduce spending and improve the bottom line, “duct cleaning” might not be an additional expense you want to add. We understand why you might think this: ducts are usually an “out of sight, out of mind” part of a workplace, and people rarely give them much consideration.
However, your bottom line can improve with the addition of regular duct cleaning. We’ll show you three ways that investing in cleaning from commercial duct cleaning specialists can save you money.
And who can you call for quality commercial duct cleaning in Minneapolis, MN? We humbly suggest Alpha Air Corporation. We specialize in commercial ductwork and have NADCA-certified technicians on staff to make sure you receive the most thorough cleaning available and receive the benefits below.
Ways duct cleaning will save money
- Less strain on your HVAC system: Minneapolis has extremely cold winters and warm summers; your HVAC system will probably stay on most of the year, and you’ll see it as a major expense on your budget. If the ducts are dirty, it will impair the flow of air through the ducts with a heavy coast of dust, and this will put strain on the system to make it work harder. And that means… higher bills. Duct cleaning will give your HVAC system the easiest airflow possible.
- Fewer repairs for your HVAC system: Since commercial HVAC systems see heavy use, they often require repairs to restore them. Many of these repairs are avoidable with duct cleaning. A dirt contamination in the ducts will quickly lead to dirt infiltrating the cabinets of your heater/air conditioner, and this significantly increases the chance of damage that will lead to repairs.
- Happier employees and customers: A cleaner workplace means more productive employees. A better business environment means happier customers. You can encounter problems with this if you have dirty ducts, because it will make work environment dirtier, plus it can create health problems: asthma, skin and eye irritation, coughing, dizziness… all of which will seriously impair attention and lower worker effectiveness. Duct cleaning will help give you the productive and profitable ideal workspace you need.
When should you schedule duct cleaning?
If more than a year has passed since you last had duct cleaning for your business, that’s more than enough time for dust and other contamination to build-up and create problems. Businesses should have yearly duct cleaning for the best results. Schedule your duct cleaning today and make it part of your calendar each year.
Call Alpha Air Corporation and talk to our Minneapolis, MN duct cleaning specialists. You can learn more about how your bottom line will benefit from our commercial duct cleaning services.
What Can I Expect to Find in My Ductwork?
Sunday, December 15th, 2013 by Lisa PixleyThe ducts connected to your air conditioning (and your heater, if you use a furnace) are not only important for delivering comfort to your home; they are vital for maintaining your indoor air quality. If they stay clean, you should have few troubles with the quality of your air. But as the ducts gradually pick up contaminations—which they will—it will lead to pollutants infiltrating your home, not only threatening the air you breathe, but making your house dirtier. You should schedule regular air duct cleaning in Minneapolis, MN so you have the healthiest and cleanest house possible.
Alpha Air Corporation handles duct cleaning jobs both large and small, from major corporate buildings to your cozy home.
If you have contaminants in your ducts, we can get rid of them and give you pristine, safe ductwork again.
Pollutants you might find in your ducts
- Dust and dirt: It’s almost impossible to avoid having dust settle inside ducts. It will enter through the vents, and without any other escape along the sealed ductwork, it starts to gather and build up. If the filter on your AC becomes clogged (you should change it once a month) the infestation of dirt will worsen. Almost all ducts benefit from a yearly cleaning just to eliminate dirt.
- Mold and other microbacteria: When humid weather strikes in Minnesota, mold and other biological growths can turn into a problem inside hidden, dark places like ducts. Professionals use special sanitizers to safely remediate mold and prevent its return.
- Other allergens: Pollen, dander, and animal hair are among the many other contaminants that can enter your ducts and cause allergic reactions in people inside the house. Sawdust from other construction projects are often trapped inside ducts as well.
- Animals and animal byproducts: Small animals sometimes enter ducts and use them as nests and lairs. They can leave behind carcasses, leaves and sticks, and waste products. This can create terrible odors inside your home and lead to health problems. Because you have limited access to your ducts, it requires professionals to get rid of these pests and anything they may have left behind.
Duct cleaning specialists have you covered
Professionals like those at Alpha Air Corporation use numerous tools to give you the cleanest ducts possible: camera inspections, sanitizers, deodorizers, power vacuums, rotary brushes. These will clean your ducts without damaging them—and without leaving harmful chemicals behind. Our technicians are NADCA-certified to assure you of their skill and training. We promise 100% satisfaction with our residential air duct cleaning in Minneapolis.
What Are the Benefits of Cleaning Your Furnace Ducts?
Thursday, October 10th, 2013 by Lisa PixleyWhen it comes to furnace duct cleaning, Minneapolis residents aren’t usually in a rush to spend a lot of money. Few things are less interesting to purchase than a duct cleaning service, and since your furnace ducts are usually out of sight, it can be very easy to simply write them off in favor of more prominent problems. This can be a mistake; dirty ducts not only cost you money in increased heating bills, but can decrease the quality of your air in the bargain. Dirt is created through a lack of maintenance, though it can sometimes appear when a leak or fissure develops in your ducts.
What are the benefits of cleaning your furnace ducts?
Two of the most important answers can be found below:
- Better indoor air quality. Dust in the ducts is primarily a concern because it can spread all over your home. When the furnace blows hot air through the ducts to warm your home, it takes that dust along with it. The quality of your air goes down, and your house becomes less comfortable as a result. The air can be drier and harder to breathe. Family members with allergies may find themselves experiencing more frequent attacks. Sensitive people might experience increased irritation in the nose or throat. Cleaning the ducts will eliminate these problems and raise the level of indoor air quality for your whole house.
- Better heating. Dust and dirt can cause problems when they get caked on heater components. In extreme circumstances, they can also block the flow of air through the ducts, forcing your furnace to work harder and raising your heating bills as a result. None of that is conducive to your heater’s long-term capacity. Duct cleaning can help prevent that, lowering your bills and helping your heater last longer in the bargain.
In the realm of furnace duct cleaning, Minneapolis has an answer: the experts at Alpha Air Corporation. We can explain the benefits of cleaning your ducts, then set up an appointment with courtesy and professionalism. We are dedicated to your complete satisfaction, so don’t hesitate to give us a call today.
Common Air Duct Contaminants Found During Duct Cleaning
Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 by Lisa PixleyModern homes are built very air tight in an effort to increase their efficiency. While this is great to maximize efficiency, it can hurt your home’s air quality by allowing many different types of contaminants to build up in your home’s air and ducts. Here at Alpha Air Corporation, we offer complete air duct cleaning in Minneapolis, and so we wanted to share some of the most common contaminants that we come across during our duct cleaning visits.
Air Duct Cleaning in Minneapolis: Common Contaminants
As your air conditioning system operates, it will blow cool air throughout your whole duct system. As it does this, it will also pick up and carry a number of common contaminants with that air. Here are a few of the most common that we see.
- Dust – Probably the most common contaminant in ducts is dust, which is primarily comprised of dead skin cells. During the winter when the air gets dry, you may see elevated dust levels because of dry skin.
- Pet dander – If you have pets in your home then you should expect to see lots of pet dander in your ducts.
- Pollen – During allergy seasons, pollen is a big problem. It can often get trapped in your ducts as well and continue to cause problems as your AC blows it around.
- Construction debris – Surprisingly, many homes can have a lot of construction debris in them from when the ducts were installed. While this doesn’t have as much impact on air quality, it can certainly affect your home’s efficiency.
- Insect droppings – During the summer when the weather is hot and humid, insect populations can start to grow—especially dust mites. Their droppings, which are huge allergy triggers, can get caught in your ductwork and cause problems for your respiratory health.
If you’ve never had air duct cleaning in Minneapolis, make sure that you call the experts at Alpha Air Corporation right away.
What to Look for in a Commercial Duct Cleaning Company in Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, June 13th, 2013 by Lisa PixleyWe know you have many choices when looking for a commercial or industrial duct cleaning company in the Minneapolis, MN area. At Alpha Air, we pride ourselves on bringing more than 30 years of experience in the industry as well as a staff of National Air Duct Cleaners Association certified technicians. Commercial services are a big undertaking and it’s important to trust that the technicians handling the job bring the highest level of customer service, technical expertise, and attention to detail.
Alpha Air offers a variety of services including exhaust duct cleaning, mold remediation, dryer vent cleaning, fire restoration, HVAC system inspections and much more. Whether you’re an apartment complex, shopping mall, movie theatre, industrial office, or warehouse, we come prepared with the equipment and experience to handle any job. Call us today to get an estimate or click here to see pictures and testimonials from satisfied commercial clients.
Hire a Professional to Handle Your Minneapolis Duct Cleaning
Friday, June 7th, 2013 by Lisa PixleyHaving your air ducts cleaned on a regular basis not only keeps the system running effectively and efficiently but improves your indoor air quality. It’s important to call a professional who has the tools and training to properly clean your ducts. The certified technicians at Alpha Air use specialized equipment, like in the video below, to loosen any dirt and debris buildup on the inner surface of your ducts. Also, having any holes in the ductwork sealed or re-insulated will help keep them airtight and working as effectively as possible. Call Alpha Air today for more information or schedule service online!
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