Microbes in your HVAC

Bill Dolch • December 21, 2024

What are Microbes?

Microbes are living microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungi and viruses. At any given time, you actually have trillions of living microbes on and in your body. Many are helpful and aid in food digestion and your immune system. But some are not helpful and may cause you to get sick.

Bacteria are single cell organisms. Most bacteria are helpful to humans, aiding us to stay healthy, but some can cause infections or other illnesses, like Tuberculosis. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics that kill the bacteria. Well-known examples of bacteria include salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria.
Fungi can be found almost anywhere. Well-known examples of fungi include mold, yeast, and mushrooms. Fungi are typically found in moist environments. Breathing in fungi spores like mold can be harmful, especially if a person is allergic or has a weakened immune system.
Viruses are comprised of one or more molecules surrounded by a protein shell. The genetic information the virus needs to reproduce is located inside the protein shell. Well-known examples of viruses include Influenza (The Flu), AIDS, and the common cold. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses but medications can be used to help treat symptoms. Your body’s immune system ultimately has to fight off the virus.

How Does Moisture Create Microbe Problems In Your HVAC?

Since the Raleigh area is a humid environment, your HVAC system will be constantly working to dehumidify the air flowing into your home. If your system is not regularly maintained or is older, it may experience difficulties keeping up with the dehumidification process which could lead to excess moisture build up throughout the system. When moisture is present in an HVAC system, the potential for mold, fungi and mildew exists. A mold infested HVAC system may lead to large scale remediation, related cleanup costs and possible health issues.BLUE II INFORMATIONAL FLYER

What Can Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

Keep your HVAC system regularly maintained with maintenance check-ups
Replace your air filters at the first sign of inefficiency
Install an indoor air quality filtration system
Get your ducts cleaned
Consider an antimicrobial fogging treatment

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Productive Microbial Cleaning

By Bill Dolch • December 21, 2024

First - Ban the Broom As you sweep dust, spores and fragments of mold growth become airborne and then begin to settle again. Second - Always Use a Properly Functioning True HEPA Vacuum Cleaner Third - Vacuum From All Directions When vacuuming carpets or area rugs it is important to vacuum from all possible directions. Fourth - Remove and Empty the vacuum collection bag or canister outside Every time the vacuum cleaner bag or collection canister is emptied inside the home some dust will become airborne and resettle back into that home. Fifth - Check to see how much dirt is being missed when you vacuum This check will help you learn how much vacuuming you need to do to be sufficient. Sixth - HEPA Vacuum Before Performing Wet or Damp Cleaning Any time visible dirt is present on a surface it should be thoroughly cleaned by HEPA vacuuming first. Seventh - Clean Hard Surfaces with Microfiber Cleaning Cloths Cleaning with typical rags or towels quickly begin to smear the dirt around on a surface rather than clean it well. Eighth - Monitor How productively You have Cleaned Hard Surfaces Repeat step seven and then look at the wipes. Ninth - Use Common, Safe Household Products for Cleaning productively Tenth - Avoid Dangerous Ineffective Products