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For Part 1 Of This Article, Click Here: AlsPlumbing.com Furnace Control Board – Purpose & Functions (Part 1)

For Part 2, Click Here: AlsPlumbing.com Furnace Control Board Lifspand – Power Surge Protection (Part 2)

The article is about additional ways to extend furnace control board lifespan (in addition to power-surge protection).   Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.  Additionally, we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX; and Frisco, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX and Denton County, TX with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.

Additional Ways To Maximize Furnace Control Board Lifespan  

This Is Part 3 of a 3 Part Article:

  • Part 1:      Furnace Control Board – Purpose And Functions

  • Part 2:     Furnace Control Board – Power Surge Protection + Surge Protection For The Entire Home

  • Part 3:    Furnace Control Board Lifespan – Additional Ways To Help Maximize Furnace Control Board Lifespan

 

One Definition Of ‘End Of Life’ For Any Mechanical Item Is:

It has been in operation for at least 2/3 of its expected life (around 15 years for HVAC in DFW).

AND

It needs a repair exceeding 25% of its replacement cost

An identical HVAC System will last longer in one home than in another.   This is primarily due to how often & long it runs, and how it’s maintained.

Additional Factors That Reduce Furnace Control Board Lifespan

Frequency & Length Of HVAC System Cycles

high efficiency gas furnace with two white pipes visible

Image Source: DreamsTime

  • The frequency of cycling (number & length of heating/cooling cycles each day) is the largest factor in any HVAC System’s lifespan.  Each cycle creates wear on every component.  The more anything gets used, the faster it’s going to wear out.
  • The furnace control board lifespan is shortened with increased or prolonged HVAC cycling.

HVAC System Components That Experience Excessive Wear & Tear From Overly Frequent Or Prolonged Cycling

  • A gas furnace’s heat-exchanger expands & contracts with each heating cycle.  This often causes the heat-exchanger to crack as it gets older.  Once cracked, the heat-exchanger or the furnace must be replaced.

 

central air conditioner outside unit

Image Source: DreamsTimee

SHOWN: Central A/C Outdoor Unit

  • For Central A/C & Heat Pumps — the initial start-up is the hardest time on the outdoor unit’s compressor.   When the compressor fails– either it, or the entire outdoor unit must be replaced.

Start-up Additional Wear Is Due To 2 Things:

  • Because it moves so fast, the outdoor unit’s compressor requires a lot of lubrication.  It lacks full lubrication for a few moments after it starts running.

The Amount Of Electricity Required To Start The Compressor Running — Speaks To How Much Wear Occurs At Start-UP (Versus Keeping It Running):

  • A 3 ton / 36,000 BTU Central A/C uses 3,000 watts while running — This size cools a 2,000 square foot home in DFW.
  • This same A/C requires 9,000 watts at Start-Up.  It’s safe to assume that 3 times as much wear occurs at start-up than while it’s running.

It’s much like pressing a car’s accelerator pedal down further to start the car moving — then releasing some of the pedal once the car reaches the desired speed.

** Source: https://www.generatorjoe.net/html/acload.html

 

Additional Articles Detailing How To Reduce HVAC System Cycling Frequency & Operating Times 

 

These Simple Steps Can Extend Central HVAC System Years Longer

1. Monthly Check Of The Furnace Filter — And Replace When Dirty 

dirty air filter on left. New air filter on right.

Image Source: CanStockPhoto

Shown: Dirty Furnace Filter — Left & New Furnace Filter — Right

The US Dept. Of Energy states: “A Dirty Air Filter Increase Cooling & Heating Costs By Up To 15%.” **

So, It Stands To Reason That A Dirty Air Filter Causes Your HVAC System To Run Up To +15% Longer & Harder — And Wearing It Out 15% Sooner.

** Source: https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-cooling  **

  • If the filter looks dirty it is — and it needs to be replaced. 
  • Dirty Filters Cause The HVAC System To Run Longer & Harder Than Necessary.   When the filter is dirty — less air can pass through it.  This causes the system to run longer to provide the same amount of heating or cooling.
  • The longer & harder anything is forced to operate = the shorter its lifespan.

2-A. Annual Spring Central A/C Tune-Up — Outdoor Unit Inspection & Cleaning (as needed)

photo of heat pump

Image Source: ShutterStock

dirt and clean a/c outdoor coil

Image Source: ShutterStock

Shown: Left: Dirty Outdoor Unit Coil – Right: Clean Coil

  • Annual Inspection & Cleaning (if needed) Of The Outdoor A/C Unit will identify any failing components or low refrigerant level. 
  • Furnace control board lifespan is checked during a Spring A/C Tune-Up.
  • This provides the opportunity to replace failing components, and avoid a breakdown during peak cooling season.
  • A refrigerant recharge helps ensure the a/c is cooling at its maximum ability and efficiency.
  • Cleaning the outdoor unit’s coil (as required) has a dramatic effect on both its lifespan & electricity consumption.

The US Dept. Of Energy states “A Dirty A/C Outdoor Unit’s Coil Increases Energy Consumption By Up To +30%!” **

So, If A Dirty Outdoor Unit Causes Your HVAC System To Run Up To +30% Longer & Harder — It’s Wearing Out 30% Sooner.

Copy This Link Into Your Browser To See How Dirty A Badly Neglected A/C Outdoor Unit:

https://www.google.com/search?q=american+standard+dirty+a%2Fc+condenser&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwj4hODIvsHtAhXqi60KHQS2BCwQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=american+standard+dirty+a%2Fc+condenser&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQDFAAWABgsStoAHAAeACAAQCIAQCSAQCYAQCqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZw&sclient=img&ei=AxLRX7j3BuqXtgWE7JLgAg&bih=539&biw=1097#imgrc=CSoKWOj26BMClM

2-B. Annual Spring Central A/C Tune-Up — Indoor A/C Cooling Coil Inspection & Cleaning (as needed)

Image Source: ShutterStock

Shown: The Indoor Cooling Coil (rounded copper pipe on ends) Is Inside The Furnace — Inches From The Furnace’s Blower-Fan (bright silver).

The indoor cooling coil is inside the furnace, or above the furnace inside the ductwork.  It can’t be seen without first removing a panel.  Because this coil it what removes humidity, it’s wet during summer.  Over time, some dust will pass through the furnace filter, and is likely to get stuck on the indoor cooling coil because it’s wet.

This dust build-up + moisture is all mold needs to start growing on the coil.  The coil, being cool, and in a dark place, adds to mold’s ability to grow.   The combination of dust build-up and mold growth reduces airflow through the coil AND causes mold-spores to be blown throughout the house when the A/C (and furnace blower) is running.

During a Spring A/C Tune Up — the indoor cooling coil is checked — and cleaning is recommended if needed (an extra charge).  This ensures the coil isn’t clogged — and no dangerous mold build-up exists.

In 7.5 years, the indoor cooling-coil has gotten dirty enough to warrant cleaning it.  The reduced airflow results in reduced energy efficiency & cooling capacity of up to 5%.  **

** Source:  “Dirty Air Conditioners: Energy Implications of Coil Fouling”

** Authors:
Jeffrey Siegel, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory/ UC Berkeley
Iain Walker, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Max Sherman, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See An Indoor Cooling Coil That’s Clogged With Dust:

https://www.google.com/search?q=a%2Fc+evaporator+coil+dirty&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwimvYGD_dLtAhVFZq0KHQzZBJ0Q2-cCegQIABAA&oq=a%2Fc+evaporator+coil+dirty&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoECCMQJzoECAAQHjoECAAQGDoCCABQ_M4DWNPkA2DT5gNoAXAAeACAAVKIAZwGkgECMTKYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=Mz3aX-bXM8XMtQWMspPoCQ&bih=484&biw=960#imgrc=CQ0WNzluG648-M

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See An Indoor Cooling Coil That’s Covered With Black Mold:

https://www.google.com/search?q=a/c+evaporator+coil+molded&sxsrf=ALeKk02Bss2edbbcVuyeKelAde85D1LV6w:1608138033115&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0k9qB_dLtAhXDmuAKHQvDDw8Q_AUoAnoECBAQBA&biw=960&bih=484#imgrc=kzKgMXDkydiLPM

3. Annual Fall Furnace Tune-Up — Includes Inspection & Cleaning (if needed)

high efficiency gas furnace with two white pipes visible

Image Source: DreamsTime

  • A gas furnace’s burners create soot while running.  Over time, soot builds up on the burners and inside the furnace’s combustion chamber (soot is black).
  • While running, a gas furnace draws in a notable amount of air (for combustion) — this causes dust & dirt to accumulate near the burners and inside the combustion chamber.
  • Furnace control board lifespan is checked during a Fall Furnace Tune-Up.

 

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See How Dirty A Neglected Gas Furnace Can Get:

https://inspectapedia.com/home_inspection/Curriculum_Heat_Furn_Gas.php

(then scroll down a bit)

Furnace control board lifespan will be extended with annual furnace tune-ups.  It will also be inspected for early signs of failure.

  • Annual Inspection — and cleaning (when needed) extends the life of the furnace and inspects to determine if it’s operating correctly & safely.
  • Testing of exhaust-gasses will identify if the heat-exchanger is cracked.
  • Inspection of all components will identify if there are any that are nearing failure.  This allows for replacement before the furnace quits.

The US Dept. Of Energy states “An Unmaintained Furnace Increases Energy Consumption By Up To +5%!” **

So, It Stands To Reason That A Dirty Outdoor Unit Causes Your HVAC System To Run Up To +5% Longer & Harder — And Wearing It Out 5% Sooner.

Let’s Do The Math:

Reduction In HVAC Efficiency:

  • Up To +15% — Dirty Air Filter
  • Up To +30% –Unmaintained A/C Outdoor Unit   (your furnace blower is running when central A/C runs)
  • Up To + 5% — Unmaintained A/C Indoor Cooling Coil
  • Up To  + 5% — Unmaintained Gas Furnace

Keeping These 4 Items Maintained Can Extend HVAC System Lifespan By Up To +55%

And Lower Cooling & Heating Bills By Up To 55%!

Furnace Control Board — Top Causes Of Early Failure

photo of furnace control board

Image Source: Pexels.com

Furnace control board lifespan: There are numerous reasons why components fail.  Some failures are slow and graceful  This allows time to identify the failing component and replace it before it quits working and the HVAC System quits.  Other failures are rapid and unexpected.

The Most Common Reasons Printed Circuit Boards (Like A Furnace Control Board) Fail:

  • Age
  • Exposure to; Dust, Water or Moisture, or Excessive Heat (such as due to extended furnace operating-time — due to a dirty filter).
  • Over or Under Voltage (power surges & dips)
  • Change in the operating environment
  • Contamination
  • Corrosion:  Corrosion occurs when oxygen bonds with metal.  Since control boards are largely made of metal — they can easily corrode.
  • Chemical fumes: Fumes from certain chemicals are corrosive.
  • If a control board (or any printed circuit-board) is in close proximity to these fumes (such as from some cleaning solutions) the fumes can contribute to corrosion. **

** SOURCE: https://rushpcb.com/rushblog/?p=961

SOURCE: https://www.lifewire.com/component-failures-818821

Furnace Control Board Failure Can Be Accelerated By Corrosive VOC’s Within Indoor Air

Many products, such as cleaning solutions, give off fumes — known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s).  If the furnace control board is operating in close proximity to VOC fumes, they can contribute to corrosion of the circuit board.  We discuss this below.

Because the furnace control board is typically near the blower fan — it’s subjected to enormous amounts of airflow when the furnace runs.  A 2.5 ton HVAC System (that size cools & heats a 1,600 square feet DFW home) — moves 1,000 Cubic Feet Of Air Per Minute (CFM).  The effects of contaminants within the air are magnified tremendously due to the amount of air movement.

Click On This Link To See A Control Board’s Location Just Above The Furnace’s Blower-Fan Motor (blower is bright silver):

https://www.google.com/search?q=furnace+control+board+inside+furnace&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjbj4PDv8HtAhVGK6wKHffICmwQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=furnace+control+board+inside+furnace&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CUSVigTmCuUGgAcAB4AIABd4gB6wKSAQMzLjGYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZ8ABAQ&sclient=img&ei=AxPRX5uCIcbWsAX3kavgBg&bih=539&biw=1097#imgrc=kHWmVJ83kCI4NM

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) — Their Effect On Your Control Board AND YOU

Knowing that VOC’s can damage a furnace control board —  imagine what they can do to your body.  We discuss VOC’s in detail below.  We also describe a solution.

Click Below For An EPA Article On VOC’s And Their Effects On Your Health:  EPA.gov Indoor Air Quality & Volatile Organic Compounds

 

While Your First Thought Might Be: “There Are No VOC Producing Products In My Home.” 

It’s Likely There Are Several — And VOC’s May Be Legally Hidden Within The Term: “Fragrance”.

In the U.S. — manufacturers can legally hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals in the one word: “fragrance” — without revealing what those ingredients are.   It’s referred to as a “trade secret”. *6

photo of cleaning products

Image Source: ShutterStock

Many Cleaning Products Emit VOC’s

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals found in many products used to build and maintain our homes.  VOCs evaporate easily and quickly at room temperature and are released or “off-gas” into indoor air.  VOC’s may or may not have and a scent or odor.

The risk to health from inhaling any chemical depends on:

  • How much chemical is in the air.
  • How long a person breathes it in.
  • How often a person breathes it in.

** Source: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/air/toxins/voc.htm

That “New Smell” Is VOC’s Off-Gassing Into The Air

Many new products have a strong odor for a period of time — it’s often known as a “new smell”.   This odor is a combination of chemicals used in the manufacture of a new product — and formaldehyde is one of the main chemicals.

Example Of VOC’s Off-Gassing:  Many new vinyl shower curtains have a strong smell at first.  It’s VOC’s off-gassing / released into the air.  As the shower curtain ages, it continues to release fewer & fewer VOC’s until they are mostly gone.  Once the VOC’s are gone, the shower curtain no longer smells.

If It Has A Man-Made Scent — The Scent Is emitting VOC’s

NOTE: Natural scents (like directly from a lemon) are not VOC’s. 

A survey of selected scented consumer-goods showed the products emitted more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — including some that are classified as toxic or hazardous by federal laws. *** 

*** Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018511/

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) within indoor air can create a host of health issues.   The most common reactions to indoor air VOC’s are; irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.  Also, allergies, asthma, and related respiratory health symptoms can be magnified by the presence of VOC’s.

VOC’s Tests Are Available To Determine The Amount of VOC’s In Your Home’s Indoor Air. 

Here is a link to one: HomeAirCheck.com  ***

*** Al’s does not endorse any specific brand of VOC’s Tests, only because we don’t have first-hand knowledge of all products available.

** Source:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3018511/      NCBI: National Center for Biotechnology Information.   NCBI states: “A survey of selected scented consumer products showed they emitted more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — including some classified as toxic or hazardous by federal laws.  Some products advertised as “green,” “natural,” or “organic” emitted as many hazardous chemicals as standard ones.”

Natural Versus Man-Made Scents & Fragrances

flowers

Image Source: ShutterStock

Natural scents are derived directly from plants & fruits.  This is done via processes of boiling and distillation, dissolving in alcohol, or another method of extraction.  Natural scents are present in many natural materials such as; rose, vanilla orange rind, pine essence, citronella, and cinnamon essential oils — and are the reason they are so pleasant smelling.

photo of test tubes and lab

Image Source: ShutterStock

Man-made scents are created in a laboratory by fragrance manufacturers  Synthetic fragrances are scents made of synthetic materials.  These scents have either been chemically created — or may have begun as natural scent, and then had man-made compound(s) added.   95% of the chemicals in most commercial fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum and natural gas — known as petrochemicals.  *7

A synthetic fragrance may have no natural ingredients — or some natural scents mixed with petroleum-based products. ***  These are typically grouped under the term: “aldehydes” — defined as an organic compound formed by the oxidation of alcohols.    In the U.S. — manufacturers can legally hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals in the one word—“fragrance”—without revealing what those ingredients are.  It’s referred to as a “trade secret” in the industry.  *6

Scents Fall Under These 3 Labels:

  • Full synthetics:  The fragrance is derived from petroleum by-products.
  • Semi-synthetics:  Created from some natural, synthetic, or artificially-modified compounds (sometimes all three).
  • Natural isolates: A fragrance developed from synthetic and natural byproducts

Some Of The Most Common Chemicals In Synthetic Fragrances Include

  • Benzene — a colorless, sweet-smelling chemical derived from; natural gas, crude oil, or coal.
  • Benzene is also added to gasoline in concentrations of up to 1.3% — to increase the octane-rating.
  • Aldehydes —  common aldehydes include formaldehyde and ethanal.
  • Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical
  • Ethanal is colorless, water-soluble liquid that evaporates easily & quickly — it’s used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes and scents. Ethanal and Ethanol (in gasoline) are not the same.
  • Phthalates — used as a perservative in fragrances
  • Phthalates are a group of chemicals typically used to make plastics more flexible.  These are often called: “plasticizers”.

Above List Source: https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html

Above List Source:  https://www.privelabel.com/post/the-quick-guide-to-natural-vs-synthetic-fragrances

** Source: https://www.keapbk.com/blogs/keap/fragrance-transparency-natural-vs-synthetic-perfumes-candles-scents-scented-better-safer-sustainable#:~:text=This%20is%20done%20via%20processes,and%20synthesized%20in%20a%20laboratory.

*** Source: https://carrubba.com/synthetic-fragrances/

*4 Source: https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/aldehydes/

*5 Source: https://www.forceofnatureclean.com/chemical-free-living-formaldehyde/

*6 Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/five-mustknows-on-the-dan_b_4737654?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANlZ8eSDgfS__pxB3SYNRE6ks4nwsoHZbITlHKwvYeWwj5Ro1lx55T3cManGnjwpQMuK7EDyiNZjkqCikgGy6XJGx5potwmk_AMx43teE_cFlU4qSwZb75_7XLCu7CyrbOhUbcaCGBlwbbpZBRTmHcVkTl5tPZl5LnZNCjKNfcVg

*7 Source: https://www.parfummele.com/about-fragrance/synthetic-fragrance#:~:text=Synthetic%20fragrances&text=95%25%20of%20the%20chemicals%20in,a%20formula%20can%20be%20synthetic.

Some Of The More Common VOC Producing Products Are:

ISOPROPY (RUBBING) ALCOHOL Is, or May Be In:  (NOTE: These lists don’t include everything.)

  • Drugstore rubbing-alcohol for home use
  • Solvents
  • Cleaning fluids

STYRENE Is, or May Be In:

Polystyrene contains Styrene & Benzene.

  • Cigarette smoke
  • Expanded polystyrene (foam) drinking ups
  • Foam food packaging (like what’s under raw meat in the grocery store)
  • Rigid plastic products such as cups, plates, trays, utensils
  • Extruded polystyrene Home (foamboard) insulation
  • Packing sheet-foam & peanuts

BENZENE Is, or May Be In:

  • Cigarette smoke
  • Man-made fragrances
  • Polystyrene
  • Detergents
  • Furniture wax
  • Inks
  • Glues
  • Paint, Lacquer & Varnish Removers
  • Paints & Paint Thinners
  • Gasoline

TOULENE Is, or May Be Found In:

  • Gasoline
  • Spray Paints & Primers
  • Paint Thinners
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Dry Cleaned Clothes
  • Nail Polish
  • Nail Polish Remover
  • Shoe Polish
  • (some) Coloring Pens & Markers
  • Household Cleaners — Both Liquid & Aerosol
  • Floor Polish
  • Furniture Polish
  • Caulk & Sealants

SOURCE: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226524199_Corrosion_of_electrodeposited_copper_by_exposure_to_volatile_organic_compounds [accessed Feb 13 2018].

There’s A Difference Between “Unscented” And “Fragrance-Free”

  • Unscented: May have fragrance(s) — to mask an unpleasant odor(s) that’s natural to the product.
  • Fragrance-Free: NO fragrances (natural or synthetic) have been added.

 

Some Furnace-Mounted UV Light Systems Can Nearly Or CompletelyEliminate VOC’s Plus Many Other Indoor-Air Pollutants

UV Light Alone Can’t Destroy VOC’s — But As A Part Of Photocatalytic Oxidation — VOC’s Are Dramatically Reduced Or Eliminated **

Photocatalytic Oxidation Occurs When UV Light Shines On A Titanium-Dioxide Coated Surface. ***

** Source:  https://www.americanairandwater.com/uv-facts/air-pollution.htm#:~:text=UV%20light%20itself%20can%20not,VOCs%20from%20the%20indoor%20air.

*** Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_dioxide

photo of uv light

There Are 2 Types Of UV Light Systems Designed For HVAC Systems

1. For The A/C Indoor Cooling Coil Only (for mold control)

The indoor cooling coil (inside the furnace or ductwork and not visible without removing a panel) is wet during summer (it’s what removes humidity from the air).

Over time, this coil collects some dust (that makes it through the furnace filter).  The combination of dust and water is all mold needs to establish and grow.

 

1. A “Stick Type” UV Light Is Installed Near The Indoor Cooling Coil — To Kill & Prevent Mold Growth

Click Here To See A UV Light Designed For A/C Cooling Coil:  UV Light For Indoor A/C Cooling Coil (evaporator coil)

Click Here To See An A/C Coil Covered With Black Mold: A/C Cooling Coil Covered With Black Mold.

 

Al’s Sells & Installs  The APCO MAG — UV Light For The Indoor Cooling Coil — To Kill Mold.

 

2. Whole House Air PurificationA UV Light System That Purifies Moving Air.

Airborne Contaminants Can Be Divided Roughly Into Thirds

  • Particulates —  such as household dust or pollen are removed by air filtration.

  • Air Filtration Removes Particulates From The Air.

  • Air filtration doesn’t reduce/eliminate VOC’s & odors — that’s done with Photo Catalytic Oxidation (PCO).

 

  • Photo Catalytic Oxidation Removes VOC’s & Odors.

  • VOC’s & Odors — Odors generated by Volatile Organic Compounds, or biological odors (like cooking odors).  Removed by PCO.
  • Biological Contaminants Within The Air — such as Mold & Germs.  Removed by PCO.
  • PCO doesn’t remove particulates — that’s done with air-filtration.

The APCO UV Light System Purifies Air As It Passes By — With Photo Catalytic Oxidation (PCO)

Click Here To See An Apco Brand Furnace Light For Whole-House Purification: APCO Whole-House UV Light System

VOC’s Removal

PhotoCatalytic Oxidation (PCO) occurs when UV light rays shine on a Titanium Oxide coated surface.

This process creates highly reactive electrons that aggressively combine with indoor-air contaminants such as; VOC’s, Bacteria, Mold & Fungus.

The PCO process disintegrates these indoor-air contaminants, leaving only water-vapor & carbon dioxide behind.

Odor Control

APCO eliminates odors — by transforming them into water vapor & carbon dioxide.

The UV-C light in APCO UV Light System can keep the indoor AC coil free of mold (if it can be installed quite near the indoor cooling-coil).   Mold clogs the indoor cooling-coil and disperses mold-spores when the blower fan is running. .  This shortens HVAC System lifespan + wastes energy.  UV-C light kills mold — and prevents new mold growth.

Germ-Killing 

For over a century scientists have known about the germ-killing properties of UV-C light.  Because UV-C’s light-frequency is filtered out by the Earth’s atmosphere — microorganisms don’t have defenses against UV-C light.  UV-C light scrambles the DNA of germs — preventing germs from reproducing.

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Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.  Additionally, we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs, and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Wylie, TX; Rockwall, TX; and Murphy, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin County, TX and Denton County, TX with no additional travel charges.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience.