World Wisdom: Indoor Air

I had the opportunity to share some tips and information about indoor air quality in an e-interview with Tom Scalera, head of Stanley Steemer of South Florida, a specialist in helping families maintain good indoor air quality

What sets you apart from similar companies?

Our equipment, training and employees are the best in the industry. It is not just talk. It is backed up by the associations that we are certified by, belong to and follow. NADCA (HVAC Restoration,Inspection and Maintence Association) sets the standards, requirements and policies for air duct cleaning. IAQA (Indoor Air Quality Association) does the same for indoor air quality. Stanley Steemer has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in indoor air quality cleaning equipment that is specifically designed for residential and commercial applications. We simply did not stick "air duct cleaning" on the side of our carpet cleaning trucks and go into business. We are aligned with one of the foremost authorities when it comes to air testing, sampling and profiling. Having this type of expertise behind us means there is no situation, simple or complex, that we cannot handle.
One of our most impressive pieces of equipment is our Caddy Vac ACV3, which you can see at Caddyvac.com. At the website click on the AVC3 truck and you’ll see all the credentials of this truck. It is by far the most powerful and effective truck in the industry. Stanley Steemer is the only company in South Florida utilizing this truck technology.
Secondly, we utilize the Nikro SL4000 Dual Blower Air Duct Cleaning Systems. You can find those at Nikro.com and search by “SL4000” if you would like to see their specifications. These are primarily used in Apartments and condominiums and high rise buildings.
Lastly, we also have the ability to utilize the 20HP Portable Gas Powered Vacuum You can also find this at Nikro.com and search by “20HP” if you would like to see its specifications.
We complete a NADCA “Type 2” cleaning on affected HVAC units with an alkaline coil cleaner. This includes the cleaning of the blower motor, blades, coils, drain pan and all other accessible surfaces within the air handler cabinet. The coils can be the major source of contamination because of its moisture content and contact with potential contaminants. We highly recommend that they be done along with the duct work to ensure a complete cleaning of the system.

A lot of people worried about indoor air pollution are also worried about the environmental impacts of how they clean. Can you talk about what you do to help ease those concerns?

It all depends on what is used for the cleaning. We use:



1.) Vital Oxide: broad-spectrum antimicrobial that:
· Eliminates H1N1(swine flu),MRSA, Norovirus, Legionella and E.coli
· Eliminates up to 99.9% of mold, mildew, and bacteria in your home or office.
· Eliminates major odors such as cigarette smoke and pet odors.
· Reduces allergens in your home or office.
· Environmentally Conscious- Non Toxic, Bio-Degradable
2.) Gives you complete surface coverage- Electrostatically Applied (See below*)
3.) Effective in minimizing downtime of treated area
4.) Improves Air Quality
*Electrostatically charged droplets are attracted to the target surfaces. These electrical forces are 75 times stronger than gravity. The spray wraps around to cover all parts of the target, including the underside, back side, and crevasses. No other spraying system has this patented air-assisted electrostatic technology.

What are some tips for families to help reduce indoor air pollution?

· Declare your home a Smoke-Free home. Most of us have heard about the dangers of second hand smoke. (Smokers Pleases Smoke Outside)
· Good ventilation reduces indoor air pollution. So leave doors between rooms open for better air circulation. Open windows when possible on low humidity days to allow for a good supply of outdoor air.
· Keep humidity levels low with a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Have them cleaned regularly so they do not become a source of pollutants. High humidity encourages the growth of mold and other biological pollutants. NADCA, the National Association of Duct Cleaning, recommends inspection of the HVAC or air conditioning ventilation system yearly. Periodic cleaning of the air conditioner, including the coil, blower motor and drain pan can reduce the amount of pollutants in your home.
· Change or clean your air conditioner filter regularly. Use a filter which can remove smaller size particles (microns) from the air.
· Wash bedding material once a week in hot water (at least 130 degrees) to keep dust mites and other allergens to a minimum.