Air Duct Aseptics - Blog

Why Air Conditioning Units Should Be Set to "Auto" for Effective Indoor Humidity Control

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:05:03 GMT

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable and healthy indoor environment,
temperature control is often the first thing that comes to mind

However, humidity plays a crucial role in how comfortable and breathable the air feels. High humidity can make the air feel warmer than it is, leading to discomfort, while low humidity can cause dryness, irritation, and even damage to furniture or electronics. Air conditioners, when set to "Auto," are actually designed to help manage both temperature and humidity levels effectively.

Here's why keeping your AC unit on "Auto" is crucial for proper indoor relative humidity control.

1. Air Conditioners Naturally Remove Moisture

One of the key benefits of air conditioning systems is that they don't just cool the air—they also remove moisture. When warm, humid air passes through the cooling coil in the AC, the air cools down, and water vapor in the air condenses into droplets, which are then drained out. This process is called dehumidification.

Continuous Dehumidification: When your AC is set to "Auto," it runs the compressor and fan in sync. As the air is cooled, moisture is naturally removed, keeping the indoor humidity at a comfortable level.
Efficient Moisture Removal: In "Auto" mode, the system automatically adjusts its operation based on the temperature and humidity levels, ensuring that moisture is removed without overcooling or undercooling the space. This is particularly important in Florida.

In contrast, if the AC is set to "Fan" mode, the cooling cycle isn't engaged. This means the compressor isn’t running, so the system won’t remove moisture from the air, even though the fan is circulating it. As a result, the humidity may remain high, making the space feel clammy or uncomfortable.

2. Prevents Overcooling and Excessive Dryness
When set to "Auto," the air conditioner runs based on the thermostat’s readings and maintains a comfortable indoor environment both in terms of temperature and humidity. In this mode:

Optimal Humidity Balance: The system automatically cycles on and off, cooling the air and removing moisture only when necessary, which helps maintain a comfortable level of humidity (generally between 30-50%).
Prevents Overcooling : If the AC is set to "Fan" mode, the cooling cycle isn’t active, meaning the unit might continue circulating humid air without adequately removing moisture. As a result, you might feel too warm and sticky. Alternatively, an overactive dehumidifier (from excessive cooling in manual or "Cool" mode) could over-dry the air, leading to discomfort like dry skin, itchy eyes, and static electricity buildup.

"Auto" mode strikes a balance by turning off the cooling cycle once the desired humidity and temperature levels are reached, preventing the air from getting too dry while still providing comfort.

3. Better Control Over Humidity Fluctuations
Humidity can fluctuate throughout the day depending on external weather conditions, internal activities (like cooking, showering, or drying clothes), and the air conditioning’s cooling cycle. In "Auto" mode, the thermostat continuously monitors both temperature and humidity, allowing the air conditioning unit to adjust accordingly.

Responsive to Environmental Changes: When humidity levels rise (for example, on a hot, humid afternoon), the AC will activate to cool the air and remove moisture, restoring the indoor environment to a more comfortable state.
Prevents Overcooling or Under-Dehumidification : If you run the AC on "Fan" mode, the unit won't adjust to these fluctuations, which means you might experience too much humidity or excessive dryness, depending on the time of day or outside conditions.

With "Auto" mode, the system is responsive and keeps the indoor environment consistent, preventing uncomfortable changes in humidity.

4. Improved Air Quality
Humidity plays an important role in indoor air quality. Excess humidity can encourage the growth of mold, mildew, and dust mites, which thrive in damp environments. Too little humidity, on the other hand, can lead to dry nasal passages, throat irritation, and respiratory discomfort.

Humidity Control Helps Prevent Mold : By maintaining balanced humidity levels, an AC in "Auto" mode helps prevent the conditions that promote mold and mildew growth, reducing the risk of indoor allergens that can trigger respiratory issues or allergies.
Cleaner, Fresher Air: Since air conditioners also filter the air as they cool it, "Auto" mode will ensure that the air you breathe is not only temperature-controlled but also filtered and dehumidified, improving overall air quality.

5. Enhanced Comfort in Humid Climates
In Florida, with our high humidity, especially coastal regions and during the summer months, air conditioners can help maintain comfortable indoor conditions by regulating both temperature and humidity levels. Humidity makes the air feel warmer than it actually is, leading to discomfort, sweating, and increased energy usage as you try to stay cool.

Sustained Comfort : With "Auto" mode, the AC works as a combined temperature and humidity control system, ensuring that the space is both cool and dry without overcooling or under-dehumidifying. This is essential for feeling comfortable in places where both temperature and humidity levels fluctuate often.
Improved Sleep Quality: For those who sleep in areas with high humidity, the constant fluctuation in moisture levels can interfere with rest. By using "Auto" mode, the AC helps keep the room’s humidity steady, preventing discomfort that could disturb sleep, such as feeling too sticky or too dry.

6. Energy Savings with Humidity Control
You might assume that "Fan" mode, which keeps the fan running constantly, could help reduce energy usage, but this is not the case when considering humidity control. In fact, "Fan" mode does not provide any dehumidification, leading to higher indoor humidity and discomfort. You may feel the need to adjust the temperature lower, making the AC work harder to cool the room without removing moisture.

Auto Mode for Efficiency : When the AC is in "Auto" mode, the compressor and fan only run as needed to maintain the desired temperature and humidity. This is the most energy-efficient setting for controlling both temperature and moisture levels, as the system runs at full capacity when required, but doesn’t waste energy when the ideal environment is already achieved.

Conclusion

Setting your air conditioning unit to "Auto" mode is essential for effective indoor humidity control. It ensures that the system cools and dehumidifies the air simultaneously, maintaining comfortable and balanced humidity levels that improve both comfort and air quality. In contrast, using the "Fan" setting may leave humidity levels unchecked, leading to an environment that feels either too humid or too dry, potentially causing discomfort and poor air quality.

Reference:

ASHRAE: Top Ten Things Consumer Should Know About Air Conditioning

EPA : What Are The Main Ways To Control Moisture In Your Home

For optimal comfort, health, and energy efficiency, keeping your AC in Auto mode ensures that both temperature and humidity are constantly monitored and adjusted as needed, providing the most balanced, efficient, and comfortable indoor climate.

As always, we are here to help! Call us today 888-707-7763

Humidistat vs. Thermostat - Why Both Matter in Florida Homes

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:02:03 GMT

Humidistat vs. Thermostat: Why Both Matter in Florida Homes

When you think about staying comfortable indoors, the first device that comes to mind is usually the thermostat . After all, Florida’s hot climate makes air conditioning essential for daily life. But temperature is only half the battle. Florida’s humidity levels, often hovering between 60–90% outdoors, can sneak inside your home and affect your comfort, your health, and even your house itself. That’s where a humidistat comes in.

Understanding the difference between a thermostat and a humidistat can help you manage Florida’s unique climate more effectively.

What a Thermostat Does in Florida

A thermostat controls your air conditioning and heating system, keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

Primary Purpose: Prevents your home from feeling too hot or cold.

In Florida: Most homeowners rely on thermostats almost exclusively for cooling. AC systems run heavily during long, hot summers.

Limitations: While AC systems remove some humidity as a byproduct of cooling, they aren’t designed to control moisture levels directly. On especially humid days, your home may feel sticky even if the temperature is set to 72°F.

What a Humidistat Does in Florida

A humidistat measures and regulates indoor humidity levels, usually in conjunction with a humidifier, dehumidifier, or integrated HVAC system.

Primary Purpose: Keeps humidity in a healthy range, typically between 40–60% indoors.

In Florida: High humidity is a year-round issue. Without a humidistat, excess moisture can lead to:

Mold and mildew growth
Musty odors
Warped wood floors or furniture
Increased allergy and asthma symptoms

Bonus: A humidistat can prevent your AC from running unnecessarily when the real problem is humidity, not temperature—saving energy and money.

If you'd like to discuss further, please call us 888-707-7763

Thanks,

Petrina

Aeroseal - what is it and how does it work

petrina@adaflorida.com (Petrina Tebor) — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 19:35:44 GMT

Until the development of the Aeroseal duct sealing technology, there was no efficient or notable effective method of sealing remote leaks in HVAC ducts. In the past, we have crawled attics feeling and looking for leakage, but only if it was accessible.

Aeroseal changed all that! We can now seal ductwork from the inside-out! With documentable results!

Signs of duct leakage can include particularly hot or cold rooms, dark lines on the edges of carpets, temperature changes between floors, uncomfortable rooms due to different humidity levels, dirt streaks from supply diffusers or severe allergies when inside.

Residential duct leakage is prevalent and a significant source of HVAC energy waste across the country. Aeroseal can help lower energy bills (on average, a homeowner can save between $300-$1000 or 5% to 30%)

Aeroseal can reduce temperature variations between rooms and floors, reduce humidity in rooms and fix hot or cold rooms issues.

Aeroseal can help improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutants, allergens and dust entering the air stream from wall cavities or attics.

Call us today at (888) 707-7763 to find out how investing in your home by sealing ductwork leaks can return in energy savings and give you increased comfort in your home.

The Most Common Misconceptions About HVAC Cleaning

petrina@adaflorida.com (Petrina Tebor) — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:08:27 GMT

What Is Air Duct Contamination and How To Prevent It

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 13:10:33 GMT

Air ducts are a big part of home comfort and health in larger buildings. Good ducts will help you circulate air and control the temperature in your home. However, the air quality in your home relies heavily on the air ducts. This makes contamination a potential issue. Here’s what you need to know about duct contamination and what you can do to stop it.

Air Duct Contamination

The first thing you should know about potential contamination is how it happens. The ducts move air through the building while pulling along small contaminants with it. These particles builds up over time, leading to large issues throughout the duct system.

Dangers of Contamination

Contamination of your ducts isn’t something you can ignore, as it can quickly affect your health and endanger everyone in the building. Some potential risks include:

Respiratory issues
Nausea
Dizziness
Mold growth
Infections and disease

That’s why understanding and preventing the contamination of your air ducts is so critical in the first place, as you can minimize the likelihood of any of these occurring.

Prevention Methods

There are many methods available to help prevent the contamination of an air duct as long as you stick to regular maintenance. Changing your air filters every few months can prevent lots of contamination. Regular checks for leaks or wetness will help you identify problem areas and prevent mold growth. Getting professional cleaning is the ultimate method, which we’ll get into here.

Cleaning Your Ducts

If you discover that your ducts have contaminants, you need to hire someone to clean them. You can call an air conditioning cleaning service to thoroughly clean your air ducts and help get rid of any contamination.

Contamination of your air ducts is a serious issue, and caring for your ducts will help improve the safety of your home or building. You’ll see improvements in air quality and HVAC efficiency as well, saving you money in the long run. That’s why routine maintenance should be a focus for anyone with air ducts.

4 Signs Your Air Duct Systems May Have Mold

justin.sears@logicalsolutions.com (Justin Sears) — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 20:43:04 GMT

Why a Professional Should Clean Your Dryer Vent

petrina@adaflorida.com (Petrina Tebor) — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 15:09:42 GMT

Tips for Finding a Reliable AC Maintenance Company

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:23:47 GMT

AC maintenance is very important for your home as it ensures your safety and saves you money in the long run. However, you need to hire a good company to be sure that the work done is quality and worth the money you spend. That’s why you should know how to identify a reliable AC maintenance company.

Get Referrals

The first step is finding others that have AC units and getting their input on who’s reliable. The best experience is firsthand, and getting a referral from friends or coworkers is more believable than other sources. So, ask around for local companies that can help you repair your AC unit and then look further into them.

Look At Reviews

Most businesses have an online presence, and you can find reviews from past users on the quality of these companies. This is one of the best tools you can use to identify the quality of a business. A company with bad reviews isn’t trustworthy, even if you have a few good referrals.

Ensure Experience

AC maintenance isn’t something you can just pick up in a day; it takes a lot of training and experience to be good at the job. You should do what you can to learn about a company’s credentials and experience before hiring them for your maintenance. Additionally, services such as air conditioning duct cleaning depend on the company’s experience; the more they know, the better.

Price Comparison

There’s no standard price when it comes to AC maintenance, so you’ll find some companies charge a lot more than others. You should always check the price of service against other companies to ensure you’re not using a service that overcharges. Keep in mind that quality companies may charge a bit more because they may have additional experience. But one way you can try to determine the reliability of an AC maintenance company is by comparing prices.

These steps will help you identify the best company so you can start using their services to fix and maintain your AC. Maintenance is vital for your health in your own home and in ensuring your system doesn’t cost you more money than necessary. That’s why finding a reliable company is so important.

5 AC System Problems To Leave to the Professionals

petrina@adaflorida.com (Petrina Tebor) — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 15:11:38 GMT

Protecting Your Florida Home From HVAC Mold Growth

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 22:17:43 GMT

If you utilize an HVAC system in your own house and you live in Florida, then you should learn how you can protect your home from mold growth.

Why You Should Have Your AC Unit Serviced Regularly

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:16:37 GMT

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Florida Homeowners

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 20:29:33 GMT

Normal or Not? The Meanings Behind Common Air Duct Odors

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 20:43:55 GMT

Air ducts are a great addition to a building because they help with internal temperature control and can help keep the place fresh. However, sometimes an odor will appear from the air duct, and you won’t know the cause. Read on to discover the reasons behind the most common odors from air ducts.

Mold or Musty Smell

The most common smell that people notice from their air ducts is a moldy stench. This scent likely means that your ducts have mold or mildew in your ac air system. This growth can cause a whole host of issues over time, as mold makes many people sick. Get a certified professional air duct cleaning to clear everything up.

Burning Gas

It’s not unusual for people to smell a bit of burning gas when starting up their system for the first time in a while, especially the heating. It likely stems from the dust on the system burning up, which creates a smell but is otherwise harmless. However, if the smell persists, it can indicate a greater problem.

Rotten Eggs

If you smell rotten eggs when your system is running, you should open your windows and get everyone out of the house as quickly as possible. A rotten egg smell means you may have a natural gas leak in your system. This issue is extremely dangerous; call the authorities once you’re out of danger.

Oil Smell

If you smell oil in your ducts, there may be a leak somewhere in the system. This problem isn’t dangerous, but you’ll want to contact a technician who can find and repair the leak. This opening can create more issues for your HVAC system if you fail to address it.

These examples are some of the most common smells that can come from air ducts and what they might mean. Any odd or out-of-place odors in your air ducts likely indicate that there’s an issue worth looking into. While it might be nothing, such as dust burning off, these smells can signify severe problems. Be aware of the odors in your home to keep your HVAC system in working condition and your family safe.

Indoor Air Considerations: AC Duct Work & Virus Spread

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 17:09:35 GMT

How Florida Humidity Affects Your Central AC System

petrina@adaflorida.com (Petrina Tebor) — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 16:46:52 GMT

The Dangers of Mold in Your Air Conditioning System

petrina@adaflorida.com (Petrina Tebor) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:23:41 GMT

The Importance of Regular Dryer Exhaust Cleaning

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 21:54:39 GMT

Every time you do a load of laundry, you probably clean out the lint trap in your dryer. In fact, it’s likely a habit by now. Why not start a new habit on a larger scale?

Regular dryer vent cleaning is important for a variety of reasons; consider a few of the most pressing ones.

Get Your Clothes Dry

Do you find yourself putting your clothes through multiple drying cycles before they’re actually dry? All that extra work your dryer is doing will show up on your energy bill, and it can be a waste of time. At least once a year, have a professional come in and thoroughly clean the vents. That way, a single dry cycle will do the job.

Stave Off Mold

As your dryer gets all the moisture out of your wet clothes, that moisture travels through the dryer vent to escape outside. If you wait too long between vent cleanings, your exhaust will grow damp and encourage mold growth.

Extend Your Dryer’s Lifespan

When you enlist professional dryer vent cleaning services at least once every 12 months, your dryer will work more efficiently and last longer. A dryer that’s connected to a clogged or moldy vent will have to work harder to get your clothes dry—and will break down more often from all that effort. Save money on repair costs by keeping those vents clean.

Stay Safe

Perhaps the most important reason to keep your dryer exhaust clean is the safety of you and your family. Lint is an extremely flammable material, and dryers generate a lot of heat. If you let lint build up too much in your vents, you run the risk of starting a fire every time you machine-dry your clothes.

Just like you clean out the lint trap between dry cycles, make sure you’re clearing lint out of your dryer exhaust at least once a year.

The importance of regular dryer exhaust cleaning cannot be overstated. We at Air Duct Aseptics want you and your family to stay safe at home while maintaining the efficiency and lifespan of your dryer. If you suspect your dryer exhaust hasn’t been cleaned in over a year, call our ductwork professionals today.

6 Problems You’ll Likely Face if You Have Leaky Ductwork

websitebuilder@thryv.com — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 16:27:55 GMT

Allergies & Your HVAC System: What’s the Connection?

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 19:30:17 GMT

The Looming Consequences of Breathing Mold

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 08:51:17 GMT

The flooding of Houston is a health catastrophe unfolding publicly in slow motion. Much of the country is watching as 50 inches of water rise around the chairs of residents in nursing homes and submerge semitrucks. Some 20 trillion gallons of water are pouring onto the urban plain, where developers have paved over the wetlands that would drain the water.

The toll on human life and health so far has been small relative to what the images suggest. Authorities have cited thirty known deaths as of Tuesday night, while 13,000 people have been rescued. President Donald Trump—who this month undid an Obama-era requirement that infrastructure projects be constructed to endure rising sea levels—offered swift reassurance on Twitter: “Major rescue operations underway!” and “Spirit of the people is incredible. Thanks!”

But the impact of hurricanes on health is not captured in the mortality and morbidity numbers in the days after the rain. This is typified by the inglorious problem of mold.

Two years after Hurricane Katrina, a New Orleans resident poses in his mold-infested home. (Alex Brandon / AP)

To read the rest of the article, please click below….

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/08/mold-city/538224/

5 things you can do to keep your home cool

Tue, 17 May 2016 09:16:47 GMT

Let’s face it….here in the Sunshine State things are just starting to heat up.

Pompano Beach, Hialeah and Miami are among the cities that usually have the state’s highest daytime summer temperatures, but the entire state will be hot, hot, hot for the next couple of months.

Here’s a list of 5 things you can do to keep your home cool:

1. Have one of our HVAC professionals provide a free 10-point AC Hygiene Inspection.

2. A humid home can often times feel hotter. If you have any water intrusion or unknown humidity issues have them dealt with immediately.

3. Have your system checked for air leaks. Many times cool air escapes the ductwork through tiny holes in the system. Check out this video from an episode of This Old House explaining how we fix air leaks.

4. Dirty ductwork can really take a toll on your indoor air quality and the efficiency of your A/C unit. Save $25 on your next duct cleaning.

5. Have your air conditioning system tuned-up with our $49 A/C tune up special.

For your FREE estimate call us at 888.707.7763 or contact us by clicking here

4 Steps to Completely Removing Cigarette Smoke Odor From a Home

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 09:20:59 GMT

Trying to get rid of the harsh smell of cigarettes? You are not alone. Whether you just moved into a new apartment or recently quit smoking, eliminating cigarette odor can be extremely challenging and frustrating. Here are three tips that will help.

Step #1: Scrub Everything

That’s right…the first step to getting out the smell of smoke is to start cleaning. Get yourself a pair of rubber gloves and get to work. Wash the walls, ceilings, windows, closets, cabinets, light fixtures, and all the nooks and crannies. Experts usually recommend using a common degreaser, however, some people swear by less toxic solutions of vinegar and baking soda. Either way…a little elbow grease should go a long way.

Step #2: Remove all Carpet and Fabric

The smell of smoke will never come out of carpets, drapes, and couches. Your best bet is to ditch all of these items that you can.

Step #3: Prime and Paint all Walls and Ceilings

Whether you do it yourself or hire a painter…do NOT skip this step. It is important to give all of your walls a fresh coat of primer and a fresh coat of paint in order to have a fresh smelling home.

Step #4: Clean Your HVAC Ductwork

Hiring a licensed and certified (by the National Air Duct Cleaners Association) company to clean your coils and ductwork is a critical step to removing the smoke oder from a home. All of that cigarette-infested air has been flowing through your HVAC system. Don’t forget to throw out and replace that old filter as well.

Aeroseal: 5 reasons to Make Your Florida HVAC System as Energy Efficient as Possible

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 09:24:49 GMT

Having an energy-efficient, lossless HVAC system saves you money.
Energy efficiency conserves valuable resources like oil and natural gas.
Increasing energy efficiency helps decrease the amount of pollution in the air and improves the outdoor air quality as well as the indoor air quality.
The demand for energy efficient solutions creates jobs and spurs innovation in the marketplace.
Increasing the energy efficiency of your HVAC system will make the temperature more consistent throughout your home and make you more comfortable.

In houses with forced-air heating and cooling systems, ducts are used to distribute conditioned air throughout the house. In a typical house, however, 20 to 30 percent of the conditioned air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher utility bills and difficulty keeping the house comfortable, no matter how the thermostat is set. Duct leakage costs consumers $25 billion each year on escaping energy.

Here at Air Duct Aseptics , we now have the most cutting-edge technology, Aeroseal , to offer our customers. Aeroseal Duct Sealing is a patented breakthrough technology that tackles leaks from the inside out. Aeroseal software allows the technician to accurately measure the duct leakage. The Aeroseal process puts escaping air under pressure and causes polymer particles to stick first to the edges of a leak, then to each other until the leak is closed. To better understand how it work I’d like to share this short video from our friends over at Greenmark Builders.

To schedule an appointment to have your ducts sealed from the inside with Aeroseal, please call us 888.838.9249 or email us info@ADAFlorida.com

10 Things All Floridians Need to Know About Mold

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 09:31:54 GMT

After flood waters recede, dangerous mold spores can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours on a varity of household surfaces.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposure include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials, such as ceiling tiles may need to be replaced.
Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Our team of Licensed Mold Assessors, Certified Mold Remediators (C.M.R.) and Ventilation Systems Mold Remediators (V.S.M.R.) can offer you solutions. With over 21 years experience in the remediation industry, Air Duct Aseptics is your best choice for mold remediation.

For your FREE estimate call us at 888.979.9564 or contact us by clicking here.

Wellington Florida – Air Quality Impacted By Sugarcane Burning

Fri, 31 Jul 2015 09:37:17 GMT

Sugarcane burning increases the efficiency of sugarcane harvests and lowers the costs of producing sugar. Unfortunately, it also brings unwanted smoke and ash into the community. West of the Village of Wellington, in Palm Beach County, there are 300,000 acres of sugarcane fields. Between October and April, farmers burn the fields to rid the plants of leafy material, which accounts for about 25% of each plant.

The resulting smoke and ash leads to negative health effects for those in the surrounding communities. When the fields are burning and the air quality is poor, there is an increase in asthma attacks, coughs and itchy eyes. The smoke and ash enters homes and offices and may affect indoor air quality long after the plants are done burning. The Sierra Club is calling for the end of sugarcane burning, “It’s time to end a practice that makes our community sick,” Julie Hathaway, of the Sierra Club.

If you live in these communities and you would like to speak to us about your indoor air quality concerns…please call us! 888.979.9564

We offer indoor air quality testing and air duct cleaning that can help ensure that your indoor air is as clean, fresh, and healthy as possible.

This is the Cheapest Way to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality in Minutes

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 09:42:58 GMT

Your first step to improving your indoor air quality is quick, inexpensive, and will provide immediate results.

Hold your current air filter up to the light. If you can see through it, then small airborne particles are going to go straight through it too. Those small particles can get into your lungs.

Replace the air filter with a new higher efficiency air filter. You cannot see through high efficiency filters, and those small, aggravating particles cannot get through either. Although a new air filter will not clean existing dirty ducts, replacing an air filter with a higher efficiency filter will start to reduce airborne contaminants, providing you with a cleaner air flow. Once your equipment has been professionally cleaned, your new filter will help keep your air conditioning equipment clean which will also help with your energy bill.

It’s important to note that all air conditioning filters must properly fit your air conditioning unit. If not properly fitted and installed, air always takes the path of least resistance which means that some of your air will not go through the filter and you will not see a reduction in your airborne particles.

Most air conditioning equipment should have the capacity to handle the additional air restriction which will occur when you use a higher efficiency filter. Do not use cheesecloth or other very restrictive methods to try to control dust within the air conditioning system as this can damage the equipment.

Call us at Air Duct Aseptics to discuss your filter requirements toll free 888-707-7763 or visit us online at www.ADAflorida.com

7 Most Common Air Conditioning Problems

Wed, 21 May 2014 09:48:34 GMT

Improper operation

One of the most common air conditioning problems is improper operation. If your air conditioner is on, be sure to close your home’s windows and outside doors. For room air conditioners, isolate the room or a group of connected rooms as much as possible from the rest of your home.

Faulty installation

Another common problems with existing air conditioners result from faulty installation, poor service procedures, and inadequate maintenance . Improper installation of a central air conditioner can result in leaky ducts and low airflow. Many times, the refrigerant charge (the amount of refrigerant in the system) does not match the manufacturer’s specifications. If proper refrigerant charging is not performed during installation, the performance and efficiency of the unit is impaired. Unqualified service technicians often fail to find refrigerant charging problems or even worsen existing problems by adding refrigerant to a system that is already full.

Air conditioner manufacturers generally make rugged, high quality products. If your air conditioner fails, begin by checking any fuses or circuit breakers. Let the unit cool down for about five minutes before resetting any breakers. If a central air conditioner’s compressor stops on a hot day, the high-pressure limit switch may have tripped; reset it by pushing the button, located in the compressor’s access panel.

Refrigerant Leaks

If your air conditioner is low on refrigerant, either it was undercharged at installation or it leaks. If it leaks, simply adding refrigerant is not a solution. A trained technician should fix any leak, test the repair, and then charge the system with the correct amount of refrigerant. Remember that the performance and efficiency of your air conditioner is greatest when the refrigerant charge exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification, and is neither undercharged nor overcharged. Refrigerant leaks can also be harmful to the environment.

Inadequate Maintenance

If you allow filters and air conditioning coils to become dirty, the air conditioner will not work properly, and the compressor or fans are likely to fail prematurely.

Electric Control Failure

The compressor and fan controls can wear out, especially when the air conditioner turns on and off frequently, as is common when a system is oversized. Because corrosion of wire and terminals is also a problem in many systems, electrical connections and contacts should be checked during a professional service call.

Sensor Problems

Room air conditioners feature a thermostat sensor, located behind the control panel, which measures the temperature of air coming into the evaporative coil. If the sensor is knocked out of position, the air conditioner could cycle constantly or behave erratically. The sensor should be near the coil but not touching it; adjust its position by carefully bending the wire that holds it in place.

Drainage Problems

When it’s humid outside, check the condensate drain to make sure it isn’t clogged and is draining properly. Room air conditioners may not drain properly if not mounted level.

Scheduled Preventative Maintenance

Once your A/C system has been properly cleaned and remediated, simple ongoing schedule maintenance inspections should be performed to ensure your continued clean and healthy air.

3 Reasons to Change your Filters

Wed, 30 Apr 2014 09:51:00 GMT

1- Air Quality

Air filtration is one of the least expensive ways to improve air quality. The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) suggests that filters should be cleaned or replaced not less than every 3 months.

2- Equipment efficiency

According to the US Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program, air filters play a critical role in maintaining indoor air quality and protecting the downstream components of the cooling equipment (coils, blower, etc) from accumulating dirt that reduces equipment efficiency.

3- Contamination source

A dirty filter can become a contamination source if not cleaned or replaced. Dirty filters can also force air to go around and bypass filtration sections and the unfiltered bypass air deposits debris on the cooling/heating coils rather than on the filter.

Routinely change or replace filters based on either regular intervals or by visual inspection. Intervals can range from 1-6 months (some newer type and style filters indicate usage up to 6 months), depending on the dirt loading from both the indoor and outdoor air. Visual inspections of the leading edge side of the filters can help indicate frequency. In commercial facilities, measuring the pressure drop across the filter is the most reliable way to rate particulate loading on the filter.

6 Main Factors to Have Your Ducts Clean

Thu, 20 Mar 2014 09:54:14 GMT

Every home and business is different. Many factors influence the hygiene levels of your HVAC duct system including the type and frequency and proper maintenance of filter maintenance, A/C component maintenance frequency (evaporator coils, blower motors, pan treatments, etc), duct leakage, humidity levels and structure location, to name a few.

How often should they be cleaned?

The frequency of cleaning depends on many factors within the building. These 6 main factors are among a few to consider:

1- Renovations/Remodeling

2- Flood or water contamination

3- Allergies

4- Pets

5- Smoking

6- Moving into a new home

For best preventive measures, minimally, your A/C system should be inspected yearly and ductwork inspected every 2 years.