Prevent Black Mold and Minimize Mold Growth

If you read our last post, you are aware that black mold can make you sick.  So what can you do to prevent mold and minimize mold growth? Castellano Air Condition Services has some tips to help keep your indoor air quality optimal.

Preventing Mold

■ Consider air conditioning possible augmented with a dehumidification system. These systems pull the moisture from the building thus minimizing growth by depriving mold of one of its nutrients. 

■ Use caution when you turning your air conditioning off. In humid climates, extended periods of non-operation of HVAC equipment may allow humidity levels to become quite high in buildings.
These periods can permit mold to gain a foothold in the building and thrive.

■ Install insulation and vapor barriers to prevent condensation on cold objects such as water pipes, beams, and plumbing fixtures.

■ Keep sinks, showers, tubs and other “wet” areas free of standing water. 

■ Demand architectural, design, and construction applications that prevent water from entering the interior. Areas of concern include improperly pitched roofs, poorly designed balconies, windows,
doors, improperly installed flashing, vapor barriers, and thin stucco.

■ Maintain the integrity of building envelope through regular inspections, caulking, roof flashing, and sealing of the buildings exterior.

■ Perform semi-annual maintenance of HVAC mechanical systems using Preventative Maintenance Agreements with your ACCA Contractor. If water pooling or dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate in a system, the HVAC system could support mold growth.

■ Inform your HVAC contractor of your mold concerns and point out locations of suspicion or evidence of mold. 

■ Educate you family or building occupants about mold, the dangers, and prevention.

How can I minimize mold growth?

Mold is a natural byproduct of the fungi family that thrive when nutrients—primarily organic substances and water—are found in the right conditions. These organic substances include materials commonly found in buildings: soil, dead plants, carpets, drywall, fiberboard, wood, paper, dust, lint, and etc.  Mold propagates via spores that can remain dormant—yet viable—for years during periods when moisture is not present. Mold issues require education, identification, remediation, and solutions to minimize mold growth in the environments we live.

Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) mechanical systems are not generators of mold. Their metallic surfaces do not provide the organic matter mold needs to grow. However, systems that are not well maintained could support mold growth.

Castellano AC Services is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning Tampa Bay contracting business. Our HVAC service area covers the Tampa Bay area of more than 25 cities.  We are committed clean indoor air quality.  With more than 40 years experience, our technicians are all highly trained, qualified and licensed to diagnose and repair all types and brands of HVAC systems.  Learn more at www.aircastellano.com. 

Adverse Health Effects of Toxic Mold

Last week, we discussed the differences between Good Mold vs Bad Mold.  Today, Castellano AC Services would like to talk about how mold can make you sick.

Some molds can amplify poor Indoor Air Quality and are capable of making people sick.When mold is toxic, like black mold, it can affect a human's health, and even a pet's health, in a negative way.  Generally, people who are more sensitive, have compromised immunities, seniors, children, infants and pets are most at risk for feeling the negative effects from mold exposure in a home or building.

There are correlations of mold exposure contributing to the following symptoms:

• Allergic reactions, including irritation of the eyes, nose, or throat
• Headaches, especially upon waking
• Sinusitis and Sinus Infections*
• Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Asthma or Breathing Disorders
• Coughing up Blood or Black looking Debris
• Nose Bleeds
• Constant Fatigue
• Weight Loss
• Hair loss
• Skin Rashes
• Open Sores on the Skin
• Memory Loss
• Swollen Glands in the Neck Area and under the Armpit
• Ear Infections, Chronic Sinus Infections, Chronic Bronchitis

*Sinusitis is the most common healthcare complaint and affects 37 million people in USA (about 1 out of every 7 Americans). According to a Mayo Clinic study, mold is a known allergen that many people are likely sensitive to. In addition, the study shows that mold in the air and in the nose is directly linked to sinus inflammation. The Mayo Clinic study proved that 93% of all chronic sinusitis studied was caused by mold.

If You Suspect Mold in Your Home or Building

If you are worried about having illness due to mold exposure, see your doctor. If you believe you have been exposed to mold, it is a good idea to take notes and talk to your doctor about where you might have been exposed along with the types of symptoms you are experiencing along with their duration.

Next, alert your HVAC contractor and/or the building contractor (if the building is relatively new) regarding your concerns. The next step is education and exploring solutions. If mold is found, identifying the type will help establish whether any dangers are present. If health issues are present, evacuation, abatement, and remediation are necessary.

The identification of mold requires specialized testing and laboratory analysis to determine the type of mold and any of the health hazards that may be associated with it.  If your HVAC contractor does not performmold analysis, abatement, and remediation, they may be able to identify a partnering company that is a trained and certified in this type of work.

Castellano AC Services is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning Tampa Bay contracting business. Our HVAC service area covers the Tampa Bay area of more than 25 cities.  We are committed clean indoor air quality.  With more than 40 years experience, our technicians are all highly trained, qualified and licensed to diagnose and repair all types and brands of HVAC systems.  Learn more at www.aircastellano.com. 

 

Good Mold vs Bad Mold

Mold is everywhere and can have many benefits.  However, it can also lead to poor indoor air quality and even sickness. 

Good Mold

Molds are the “bleu” in bleu cheese and Roquefort. Molds improve our wine. They produce penicillin and antibiotics and are used widely in the food and beverage industry. Without mold and mold’s decaying mechanism, the natural environment would be overwhelmed with large amounts of dead organic matter.

Bad Mold

Despite many harmless and beneficial molds, some molds can be toxic and pose very serious health threats to humans. The Environmental Protective Agency (EPA) cautions that all molds can cause health problems under the right conditions. The word “toxic” is used to refer to mold that produces toxic compounds, or mycotoxins.  Often included in the list of toxic molds is Stachybotrys Chartarum, a greenish-black mold, which can grow on high cellulose, low nitrogen materials such as fiberboard, drywall, paper, dust and lint in the presence of moisture.

Check back next week for our blog on the Adverse Health Effects of Toxic Mold

Castellano AC Services is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning Tampa Bay contracting business. Our HVAC service area covers the Tampa Bay area of more than 25 cities.  We are committed clean indoor air quality.  With more than 40 years experience, our technicians are all highly trained, qualified and licensed to diagnose and repair all types and brands of HVAC systems.  Learn more at www.aircastellano.com.

4 Tips to Keep Your Tampa HVAC System Running Smoothly All Year Round

Last week, we spoke about the importance of having your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation
(HVAC) system checked twice a year for safety and comfort.  Today, Castellano AC Services would like to present you with some tips on what you can do to keep your HVAC system humming in between regular maintenance visits.

Tip 1: When you cut grass near the outdoor condensing unit, make sure grass cuttings are blown away from the outdoor coil.

Tip 2: Cut, pull, or trim shrubs, bushes, plants, and weeds around the condenser to allow a free air flow.

Tip 3: Keep the area around the condensing unit cleared of leaves, dirt, grass cuttings, and other debris that can cause clogs and restrict the flow of air.

Tip 4: Be sure not to build fences, walls, or other obstructions too close to the unit or cover
it with a roof  or overhang.

One Last Idea from your Tampa HVAC Experts

In addition to following these four tips, the easiest way to stay cool in summer...and warm in winter...
is to have a Planned Maintenance Extended Care Plan with Castellano AC Services.

Castellano AC Services is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning Tampa Bay contracting business. Our HVAC service area covers the Tampa Bay area of more than 25 cities.  With more than 40 years experience, our technicians are all highly trained, qualified and licensed to diagnose and repair all types and brands of HVAC systems.  Learn more at www.aircastellano.com.

Clean Air Conditioning Coils Keep You Cool All Year Round

Clean Your Coils! Save money and keep comfortable year-round!

Now is the time to think about getting your air conditioning system in shape so you can keep your comfort...and keep your utility bills comfortable, too. It’s a breeze to do when you call on one of the Tampa Air Conditioning professionals at Castellano AC Services for help.

Keeping Cool

You should have your heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC) system checked twice a year for safety and comfort.  For summer’s heat and winter’s chill, one thing is a must: a clean outdoor coil.  To provide cooling in the summer, air conditioners work by moving the hot air in your home to the outside. A refrigerant in the system picks up the heat at the evaporator coil inside the house and takes it to the compressor and condenser outside.  There, the hot air is released and the refrigerant turns back into a liquid and returns through the coil for another batch of heat. Fins in the condenser can become clogged with dust and dirt, which act as insulation and slow the process. The condenser has to work harder, so it uses more electricity.  Eventually, the strain becomes too much and the system fails.  To provide heating in the winter, air conditioning heat pumps work in reverse operation. However, whether for cooling or heating, improper maintenance of the outdoor coil can lead to problems.

A Better Idea from your Tampa HVAC Experts

To maintain year-round comfort, have Castellano AC Services service your system regularly.  It’s your best bet for energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. One of our trained technicians will perform a number of inspections, checks, and tests of the indoor and outdoor components of your HVAC system and clean the condenser with a brush, vacuum, pressure washer, soap, water, steam, or non-acidic cleaner as recommended by the manufacturer.  The HVAC technician will also inspect the outdoor coil fins (straightening them as needed) and he or she will clean and lubricate the condenser fan and motor if necessary. Additionally, the technician will advise of restricted outdoor air flow due to vegetation or other obstructions.

Check back next week for HVAC Maintenance Tips that you can do yourself between services.

Castellano AC Services is a heating, ventilation, air conditioning Tampa Bay contracting business. Our HVAC service area covers the Tampa Bay area of more than 25 cities.  With more than 40 years experience, our technicians are all highly trained, qualified and licensed to diagnose and repair all types and brands of HVAC systems.  Learn more at www.aircastellano.com.

5 Things to Look For When Hiring A Heating and Cooling Contractor

Ever wonder why the most inexperienced, costly contractors end up in your home? Actually it could have less to do with you than it does with the kind of information you’re gathering before you contact a heating and cooling company in for work.

Let’s be clear: You usually take the time to call a heating and cooling contractor because you are either: a) very hot or b) very cold. So an untimely breakdown (are they ever timely?) has forced your search for someone who can make the repair.

From this point, the service you receive can either soothe – or increase – your feelings of panic and irritation. There are several factors that contribute to both.

Here are the top five things to look for before opening your home—and your wallet:

1. Credentials – If a contractor begins to stutter or make up excuses when you ask for an HVAC license, it’s probably a safe bet that you should take your business elsewhere. Oddly, many customers don’t ask but wish they had.

Our dealers are required to be licensed and insured. In fact, all heating and cooling contractors should be able to readily (and eagerly) provide licensing and insurance information, plus references from recent customers.

Be sure to check the references and inquire about timeliness, job performance, and overall satisfaction of results. The best question you can usually ask is, “Would you hire them again?”

2. Technical Skill –Even though fairly common, you do not want your home to be the training ground of an inexperienced technician. By the time you see your contractor scratching his head or tossing “spare” parts back in his tool kit, it may be too late to ask about prior training.

Granted, not every company meets the stringent hiring and training advised by most equipment manufacturers. Heating and cooling work is serious business, and not suited for “guesswork”. Skilled training is the only path to proficiency.

Plus, don’t necessarily assume that “30 years of experience” is a fair method of judgment; it could very well mean one year of mistakes repeated for 30 years.

You’ll learn more about a company asking specific questions about training policies and experience requirements for hiring. Our dealers are willing to share this with you to help you make the best choice for your home or business.

Check back next week for tips 3, 4 and 5 to help you stay comfortable while saving money!

Have questions? Contact the indoor air quality and air conditioning experts at Castellano A/C Services in Tampa.  24/7 emergency services available. www.aircastellano.com

Preventing Mold in the House or at Work

As indoor air quality specialists, we know that preventing mold from making your indoor environment is key to good health.  Here are some tips:

Preventing Mold

■ Consider air conditioning possibly augmented with a dehumidification system. These systems pull the moisture from the building thus minimizing growth by depriving mold of one of its nutrients.

■ Use caution when you turning your air conditioning off. In humid climates, extended periods of non-operation of HVAC equipment may allow humidity levels to become quite high in buildings.
These periods can permit mold to gain a foothold in the building and thrive.

■ Install insulation and vapor barriers to prevent condensation on cold objects such as water pipes, beams, and plumbing fixtures.

■ Keep sinks, showers, tubs and other “wet” areas free of standing water.

■ Demand architectural, design, and construction applications that prevent water from entering the interior. Areas of concern include improperly pitched roofs, poorly designed balconies, windows,
doors, improperly installed flashing, vapor barriers, and thin stucco.

■ Maintain the integrity of building envelope through regular inspections, caulking, roof flashing, and sealing of the buildings exterior.

■ Perform semi-annual maintenance of HVAC mechanical systems using Preventative Maintenance Agreements with your ACCA Contractor. If water pooling or dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate in a system, the HVAC system could support mold growth.

■ Inform your HVAC contractor of your mold concerns and point out locations of suspicion or evidence of mold.

■ Educate you family or building occupants about mold, the dangers, and prevention.

Have questions? Contact the indoor air quality and air conditioning experts at Castellano A/C Services in Tampa.  24/7 emergency services available. www.aircastellano.com