Archive for March, 2013

Ozone as an Air Cleaner? Definitely NOT!

Tuesday, March 26th, 2013

Education makes sense. With spring in the air, people begin to suffer from allergies. Thanks to the internet, there is a plethora of misinformation and false claims about products. Bayonet is proud to offer Lennox’s Healthy Climate line of air cleaners. NONE of the Healthy Climate Products produce ANY OZONE as a byproduct. Most electronic air cleaners emit some ozone.  Mention this blog to take $50 off the installation of an OZONE FREE whole home filter when installed before 1 May 2013.

If you’re considering an indoor air quality solution, read on to learn more about Ozone and why it shouldn’t be your option!

From http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html:

Ozone generators that are sold as air cleaners intentionally produce the gas ozone. Often the vendors of ozone generators make statements and distribute material that lead the public to believe that these devices are always safe and effective in controlling indoor air pollution. For almost a century, health professionals have refuted these claims (Sawyer, et. al 1913; Salls, 1927; Boeniger, 1995; American Lung Association, 1997; Al-Ahmady, 1997). The purpose of this document is to provide accurate information regarding the use of ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces. This information is based on the most credible scientific evidence currently available.

Some vendors suggest that these devices have been approved by the federal government for use in occupied spaces. To the contrary, NO agency of the federal government has approved these devices for use in occupied spaces. Because of these claims, and because ozone can cause health problems at high concentrations, several federal government agencies have worked in consultation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to produce this public information document.

What is Ozone?

Ozone is a molecule composed of three atoms of oxygen. Two atoms of oxygen form the basic oxygen molecule–the oxygen we breathe that is essential to life. The third oxygen atom can detach from the ozone molecule, and re-attach to molecules of other substances, thereby altering their chemical composition. It is this ability to react with other substances that forms the basis of manufacturers’ claims.

How is Ozone Harmful?

The same chemical properties that allow high concentrations of ozone to react with organic material outside the body give it the ability to react with similar organic material that makes up the body, and potentially cause harmful health consequences. When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and, throat irritation. Ozone may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections. People vary widely in their susceptibility to ozone. Healthy people, as well as those with respiratory difficulty, can experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone. Exercise during exposure to ozone causes a greater amount of ozone to be inhaled, and increases the risk of harmful respiratory effects. Recovery from the harmful effects can occur following short-term exposure to low levels of ozone, but health effects may become more damaging and recovery less certain at higher levels or from longer exposures (US EPA, 1996a, 1996b).

Is There Such a Thing as “Good Ozone” and “Bad Ozone”?

The phrase “good up high – bad nearby” has been used by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make the distinction between ozone in the upper and lower atmosphere. Ozone in the upper atmosphere–referred to as “stratospheric ozone”–helps filter out damaging ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Though ozone in the stratosphere is protective, ozone in the atmosphere – which is the air we breathe – can be harmful to the respiratory system. Harmful levels of ozone can be produced by the interaction of sunlight with certain chemicals emitted to the environment (e.g., automobile emissions and chemical emissions of industrial plants). These harmful concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere are often accompanied by high concentrations of other pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, fine particles, and hydrocarbons. Whether pure or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.

Are Ozone Generators Effective in Controlling Indoor Air Pollution?

Available scientific evidence shows that at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone has little potential to remove indoor air contaminants.

There is evidence to show that at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is not effective at removing many odor-causing chemicals.

If used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants.

If I Follow Manufacturers’ Directions, Can I be Harmed?

Results of some controlled studies show that concentrations of ozone considerably higher than these standards are possible even when a user follows the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

There are many brands and models of ozone generators on the market. They vary in the amount of ozone they can produce. In many circumstances, the use of an ozone generator may not result in ozone concentrations that exceed public health standards. But many factors affect the indoor concentration of ozone so that under some conditions ozone concentrations may exceed public health standards.

Ozone can adversely affect indoor plants, and damage materials such as rubber, electrical wire coatings, and fabrics and art work containing susceptible dyes and pigments (U.S. EPA, 1996a).

What Other Methods Can Be Used to Control Indoor Air Pollution?

The three most common approaches to reducing indoor air pollution, in order of effectiveness, are:

  1. Source Control: Eliminate or control the sources of pollution;
  2. Ventilation: Dilute and exhaust pollutants through outdoor air ventilation, and
  3. Air Cleaning: Remove pollutants through proven air cleaning methods.

Conclusions

Whether in its pure form or mixed with other chemicals, ozone can be harmful to health.

When inhaled, ozone can damage the lungs. Relatively low amounts of ozone can cause chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath and, throat irritation. It may also worsen chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma as well as compromise the ability of the body to fight respiratory infections.

Some studies show that ozone concentrations produced by ozone generators can exceed health standards even when one follows manufacturer’s instructions.

Many factors affect ozone concentrations including the amount of ozone produced by the machine(s), the size of the indoor space, the amount of material in the room with which ozone reacts, the outdoor ozone concentration, and the amount of ventilation. These factors make it difficult to control the ozone concentration in all circumstances.

Available scientific evidence shows that, at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone is generally ineffective in controlling indoor air pollution.

The concentration of ozone would have to greatly exceed health standards to be effective in removing most indoor air contaminants. In the process of reacting with chemicals indoors, ozone can produce other chemicals that themselves can be irritating and corrosive.

Resources:

See www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html 

See www.epa.gov/iaq/aircleaners/index.html

Publications

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Is your Air Conditioning on your Spring Cleaning List?

Monday, March 25th, 2013

With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to schedule a tune-up for your air conditioner.  A pre-season check of your air conditioning system prior to the summer months can be a real money saver.  When your air conditioner is running well it uses less energy to cool your house, and lower energy use means bigger savings for you on your monthly utility bills.  Air conditioners at peak efficiency will use up to 30 percent less electricity and last years longer*.

 Early air conditioner maintenance can also reveal most small problems that can lead to major, more expensive problems if left unattended. And, if your air conditioner checkup is scheduled for spring, you’ll beat the long waits and higher prices that come with peak season repair visits.  You’ll also be able to schedule a HVAC (heating & cooling) professional to come out when it’s most convenient to you for service.  Wait until later in the summer, however, and you may have to accept whatever appointment is available.

Here are some great tips to consider before turning your air conditioner on for the season:

 

  • Before turning on your unit make sure the condensing unit located outside is not covered up.  This unit needs to draw air into the system in order to have something to cool and blow out inside, but the process will be hindered if it cannot pull enough air from the outside.
  • Clean obvious obstructions such as newspaper, leaves, etc. from around the exterior of the unit.
  • A thoroughly cleaned air conditioning unit will operate at top efficiency.  Homeowners are strongly discouraged from using a hose and water to try to clean it themselves because of the very serious risk of electrical shock and possible shorting of electrical components.  You should contact a licensed HVAC professional.
  • Run your air conditioner for a few minutes now, before you need it.  If you wait until the first hot day to discover it isn’t working, you might be in for a surprise.
  • Change the filters regularly.  We recommend replacing filters every month! Dirty filters restrict airflow, reducing efficiency and worse case, can cause the evaporator to ice up.  Disposable fiberglass filters should be checked monthly and replaced when dirty.  Electrostatic or electronic filters need to be washed regularly and then allowed to dry completely before they are replaced.
  • Be sure all access panels are secure, with the screws in place.
  • Be sure the thermostat is set in the cooling mode.  Just setting the dial below room temperature will not activate the air conditioning if it is set in the heat mode.

*www.gesc.com, “Tips for an Energy Efficient Home”

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West Pasco Dixie Softball: Opening Day…come and see us!

Saturday, March 2nd, 2013

It’s almost spring and that means the beginning of one of our favorite seasons: softball season! Bayonet Plumbing and AC is a proud sponsor of East Pasco Little League and West Pasco Dixie Softball. We’re happy to support the youth of our communities as they grow through sports.

New Port Richey-angels allstars

 

Today, March 2nd, is Opening Day at West Pasco Dixie. The fields are located at 2141 Seven Springs Blvd. in New Port Richey. We will be onsite from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with goodies for those who stop by and say hi! We have a limited supply so find us early!

Here’s an added bonus: everyone who “likes” our Facebook Page this weekend is automatically entered to win a $100 Sports Authority gift card!   Have you already liked us? No problem, just post “Thanks for supporting youth sports” on our Facebook page,and you will be entered too.  We will post the winner’s name on Monday, March 3rd!

Bayonet Plumbing & AC banner at DixieField

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