Using a do-it-yourself air purifying device, a UT professor emeritus created an efficient yet cost-effective way to clean air in compact environments like dorms, apartments and lecture halls.

The Corsi-Rosenthal box was developed in August 2020 by Richard Corsi, a professor emeritus in the department of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, and Jim Rosenthal, chairman and CEO of Tex-Air Filters. All that is needed to build the box are MERV 13 filters, a box fan, scissors, cardboard for the bottom of the box and tape to adhere the fan and filters together.

“Very simply, it is four or five MERV 13 air filters taped together and taped to a box fan, and then there is a shroud added to it to enhance the performance,” Rosenthal said. “If you can tape a box to send to UPS, you can make one of these.”

Pawel Misztal, an assistant professor in the department of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, said the most efficient way to purify indoor air is to mix it with outdoor air. 

“For indoor air quality, it’s important to realize that oftentimes dilution is the solution to pollution,” Misztal said. 

However, for smaller environments like dorms and apartments, where it may be difficult to ventilate the space, Misztal said air purification devices provide a suitable alternative.

“It really makes the dorm room much safer and reduces particle counts dramatically,” Rosenthal said. “It dramatically improves or decreases infectious dose.”

The effectiveness of an air purifier is measured through a few different quantities: filter efficiency (how much the filter captures) and flow-rate (how much air passes through the filter).

Multiplying filter efficiency and flow-rate gives the clean air delivery rate. Mistzal said the Corsi-Rosenthal box far exceeded the values found in air purifiers currently sold.

“It works better in many cases than a HEPA filter,” Rosenthal said. “The CDC did an extensive study of box fans and air filters and found that the Corsi-Rosenthal box was the most effective, and it can reduce particle counts in rooms by up to 73%.”

The HEPA filter, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, can remove 99.97% of particles like dust or pollen. Rosenthal said in a test against HEPA filters, the Corsi-Rosenthal box exceeded it.

“There are a few recent papers from colleagues that … evaluated Corsi-Rosenthal boxes and they reported CDARs exceeding 600 (cubic feet per minute),” Misztal said. “That’s actually pretty amazing given that anyone can take filters … and add the fan, and it should basically work quite efficiently and at low cost.”

Rosenthal said the box is just one of the steps society can take to prioritize clean air in public spaces.

“Improving indoor air quality is essential to getting ahead of these communicable diseases,” Rosenthal said. “When we drank water that’s contaminated 100 years ago, we figured out that’s why we got typhoid. So, we started cleaning water, and it’s the same thing with air. We are living in environments where we need to be cleaning the air.”

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Originally Appeared Here

Friday, January 20, 2023 by Nina Hernandez

Austin’s building code may soon include updated provisions concerning electric vehicles and electric readiness for new construction.

The city’s Resource Management Commission voted at its Jan. 17 meeting to recommend City Council initiate a public stakeholder process to develop rules for the vehicles and the electrical infrastructure needed to charge them.

Increasing electric vehicle use has been identified by the city as a way of reducing carbon emissions, and Austin Energy encourages residents to buy EVs.

The resolution recommends City Council direct Development Services and Austin Energy to initiate the required stakeholder process to update Austin’s Energy Conservation Code to include an Electric Ready amendment to the residential code, as well as an Electric Vehicle Ready amendment to the residential and commercial codes.

Electric Ready includes outfitting a property with the proper wiring and electric service to accommodate future electric vehicle charging.

The resolution states that the “electrification of buildings and transportation, paired with renewable electricity production are highly effective strategies for addressing the climate crisis and outdoor and indoor air pollution.” It also notes that it’s more cost effective than retrofitting. “Studies show homes and buildings that are built electric-ready provide the necessary electrical infrastructure at significantly reduced costs to the building owner,” the resolution states.

At the commission’s Nov. 15 meeting, Kurt Stogdill, Austin Energy’s interim director for energy efficiency services, explained the utility had conducted stakeholder discussions and surveys concerning multiple avenues for implementing the new policy, including ordinances, incentives, education and rebates. From that initial engagement, ordinance was the overwhelming favorite strategy.

Austin’s current building code doesn’t include language outlining standards for EVs. The city adopts International Building Codes, which are updated on a three-year cycle. The last cycle was published in 2021, and the final version did not include any language regarding EVs. An earlier version did, but it had been removed on appeal. Austin adopted that version of the language without pursuing any amendments with regard to EVs in 2022.

“We opted to move forward with the ’21 code largely as it was, and agreed to move forward with broader community discussion around these topics, and then to come back with proposed direction after those discussions,” Stogdill said.

But according to Stogdill, the 2024 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code is due to be finalized in late summer or early fall, and it is currently slated to include provisions for EV and electric-ready. Stogdill said this time the provisions appear to have broad support and seem unlikely to be removed again.

The resolution recommends the city implement the changes by Sept. 1.

Photo made available through a Creative Commons license.

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PRESS RELEASE

Published January 19, 2023

Abita Springs, LA – Jan 19, 2023 – NORMI™, the National Organization of Remediators and Microbial  Inspectors and Best Living Systems, LLC announced that, as a part of the expansion plan for 2023, Mike Moseley has taken the position Vice President of Business Development.  As VP of Business Development, Mike’s role will include the acquisition of partnerships in the indoor air quality space which will allow Best Living Systems to provide high tech air purification and monitoring equipment to NORMI members and others in the IAQ space.

“I’ve known Mike for several years and was impressed with how effective he was in his previous position as head of an affiliate distributor program,” said Doug Hoffman, CEO of NORMI.  “His expertise in the indoor air quality, his background in retail distribution and his people-skills will help us expand our national footprint as we help thousands of people live cleaner, safer and healthier lives.”

Mike reported, “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be a part of this great organization.  The opportunities abound and I look forward to utilizing the resources the team is providing to support the NORMI members and build a stronger and larger distribution network for Best Living Systems.  I couldn’t be happier!”

NORMI is the only approved training provider for the five states that currently require training for mold licensing.  Since 2004, NORMI has expanded its class offerings to include a range of building science course, live online training and specific indoor air quality classes on new IAQ contaminants such as testing for airborne mycotoxins, the first of its kind.  Best Living Systems, LLC, based in Conway, Arkansas, is the manufacturer and distributor of air filtration/purification equipment, testing media and chemistries in support of the IAQ industry.

For more information on NORMI, contact 877.251.2296 or email [email protected]  for Best Living Systems, contact 800.728.7206 and call Mike directly at extension 834. 

Media Contact
Company Name: Best Living Systems, LLC
Contact Person: Doug Hoffman
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: www.bestlivingsystems.com/

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Originally Appeared Here

Air Duct Cleaning Port St Lucie

Clean Quality Air

Dryer Vent Cleaning West Palm Beach

Dryer Vent Cleaning Services

Clean Quality Air

Clean Quality Air offers air duct cleaning services throughout West Palm Beach, Florida. It helps to get healthy, clean, and fresh air at home.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, January 19, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ — Most West Palm Beach homes have a heating and cooling system installed, known as an HVAC system. The system uses a network of large ducts to push heated or cooled air into each room. Homeowners replace a system’s filter periodically as it becomes clogged with dust, dirt, or other contaminants. Filter replacement alone is not the best solution to ensure clean and healthy air. Rather, it is important to clean the ducts of the HVAC system to get rid of bacteria, fungi, or mold.

Clean Quality Air offers air duct cleaning services throughout West Palm Beach, Florida, to get fresh, healthy, and clean air at home. The biggest advantage of this service is that it effectively cleans the air ducts, which will keep the house smelling clean. As a result, family members are less likely to suffer from headaches, sneezing, chronic cough, and even respiratory problems with allergy flare-ups.

The goal of Clean Quality Air is to provide the best quality indoor air to every customer in West Palm Beach, FL. The skilled and experienced staff of the company completes duct cleaning tasks of the HVAC system with confidence and speed. Additionally, the characteristics of this leading company are its quick response. Plus, their products and services are available at competitive prices.

This company has the right equipment needed to remove debris, dust, pet hair, mold, or bacteria that have been stuck in vents for years. Clean Quality Air offers several services to improve home air quality. Notable among these are:

. Air Duct Cleaning
. Vent Covers
. Air Purification
. Dryer Vent Cleaning
. Therapeutic Essential Oils

Air Duct Cleaning Service in West Palm Beach:
Clean Quality Air uses the highest quality and professional equipment in all purification maintenance plans. They use the Rotobeast Brush Air Duct Cleaning System in West Palm Beach. This system is 90% more powerful because it is built with the maximum efficiency of four vacuum meters. As a result, even the heaviest build-ups are removed from the ducts, leaving the ducts clean completely.

Vent Covers in West Palm Beach, Florida:
Most of the time, people use the wrong tools to clean the vent cover. The vent cover service of Clean Quality Air helps disperse air evenly while trapping dust and other particles.

Highly Trusted Air Purification Service:
Air purification requires special equipment. Clean Quality Air has specialized equipment for home air purification in West Palm Beach that does more than just clean. They use B&G Fogger antimicrobial chemicals to disinfect the air ducts well. As a result, allergens, dust, and debris in the indoor air are reduced significantly.

Dryer Vent Cleaning in West Palm Beach:
In most cases, the dryer’s lint filter fails to catch all the lint successfully and the remaining lint gets caught in the vents or piping. Clean Quality Air effectively cleans accumulated build-up. This facilitates air circulation in the dryer and between the vents.

Clean Quality Air
2453 Quantum Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(772) 834-9618
https://www.cleanqualityair.com/
https://cleanqualityair.com/services/

Jeff Rainey
Clean Quality Air
+1 772-834-9618
[email protected]
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Opening Windows Allows Dust & Pollen Access to Air Ducts, West Palm Beach – Clean Quality Air

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January 19, 2023, 16:08 GMT

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Originally Appeared Here

19 January 2023

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

To print this article, all you need is to be registered or login on Mondaq.com.

Introduction

On January 10, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
announced the availability of $100 million for
two environmental justice (EJ) grant programs. This funding is
provided through the Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169; IRA) and builds on previous
investments from the American Rescue Plan (P.L. 117-2; ARP). Specifically, the IRA
provided $2.8 billion to the EPA through the Environmental and
Climate Justice Block Grant Program to support community-led
projects that:

• Monitor and prevent pollution.
• Invest in low- and zero-emission technology.
• Bolster infrastructure and workforce development efforts that
  reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Mitigate climate and health risks from urban heat islands,
  extreme heat and wildfire events.
• Support climate resilience and adaptation.
• Engage disadvantaged communities in state and federal advisory
  groups, rulemaking and other public processes.

This funding opportunity serves as the largest EJ investment in
EPA history, bolstering the Biden administration’s Justice40 Initiative, which calls for 40
percent of climate and clean energy-related federal investments to
flow into communities disproportionately impacted by climate
change.

Overview

The EPA’s funding announcement details that the $100 million
investment is divvied up as follows:

• $30 million for the Environmental Justice Collaborative
  Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program.
• $70 million for the Environmental Justice
  Government-to-Government (EJG2G) Program.

The EJCPS Cooperative Agreement Program will directly support
nonprofit organizations as well as facilitate partnerships with
such groups. The EJCPS Cooperative Agreement Program seeks to
support eligible organizations in developing and implementing
projects that address environmental or public health issues in
local communities. Leveraging the EPA’s Environmental Justice Collaborative
Problem-Solving Model, the EJCPS program encourages recipients
to engage in collaborative partnerships with local businesses and
government, medical service providers, academic institutions and
other stakeholders. The EPA is poised to distribute 50 awards of
$500,000 and 30 awards of $150,000.

The EJG2G Program—formerly known as the State
Environmental Justice Cooperative Agreement Program—aims to
create model state activities resulting in measurable environmental
or public health benefits for communities overburdened by the
impacts of climate change. The program calls on models to leverage
existing state agency resources to build out tools and processes
that incorporate EJ considerations into state government programs.
In total, the EPA will support approximately 70 projects of up to
$1 million each for a three-year project. The EJG2G funding is to
be allocated as follows:

• $20 million for state governments to be utilized in
  collaboration with community-based organizations (CBOs).
• $20 million for local governments to be used alongside
  CBOs.
• $20 million for federally recognized tribal nations to be
  distributed with CBO partners.
• $10 million for U.S. territories and remote tribes with minimal
  access to CBOs.

For both the aforementioned grant programs, the EPA will extend
special consideration to projects that are located in or benefit
rural areas; include Health Impact Assessments, or center on climate
change, disaster resiliency or emergency preparedness. By
supporting community-based organizations, each program ensures
local organizations that best understand the needs of their
communities are prioritized.

Next Steps

Applicants must submit proposal packages by April 10,
2023 for funding consideration. Moreover, the EPA notes
that applicants should anticipate projects to begin on
October 1, 2023. As such, the EPA will host two,
pre-application assistance webinars on January 24 for the EJCPS Program and January 26 for the EJG2G Program.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.

POPULAR ARTICLES ON: Environment from United States

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Family meals are a bedrock American tradition. From Independence Day to quinceañeras, Americans of all stripes celebrate with good food and good company. But, like an overbearing guest at a party, meddlesome politicians are trying to dictate how Americans cook. Their efforts to ban natural gas stoves are an excessive government intrusion into family life.

These schemes to scrap gas stoves have gained traction among elite coastal outposts in recent years. The cities of San Francisco and Berkley have already prohibited most new buildings from fitting natural gas appliances. Earlier this week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul similarly proposed a ban on natural gas heating and appliances in new buildings. And it seems that these unpopular ideas are creeping in from the fringes of the country. Federal regulators at the Consumer Product Safety Commission initially suggested that they toowould mull outlawing the humble stove, before the idea was put on ice amid public outrage.

If the objective is consumer and environmental protection, these bans are devoid of common sense. Supporters of the bans point to a recent report that claims gas stoves are the cause of 12.7% of childhood asthma in America. But the authors of the study, which presents no new data of its own, have been criticized for overlooking one of the largest single studies on the topic. That 2013 study assessed more than half a million children and found no association between natural gas use as a cooking fuel and “asthma symptoms or asthma diagnosis.” Even among the previous studies on the topic, as one economist puts it, “we do not see the kind of smoking gun in any of these data that would suggest a really consistent link.”

Despite questions around the headline-grabbing study, indoor air pollution remains a serious issue for consumer safety. The rush to outlaw whitegoods, however, is disproportionately heavy-handed. Self-cleaning ovens, frying food and toasters are all causes of indoor air pollution—whether powered by gas or electricity. And yet, only gas stoves remain in the crosshairs of government regulators.

This myopic focus on the family stove is most likely linked to broader efforts to curtail fossil fuel use. But policing how Americans cook meals at home in the name of combatting climate change is nonsensical. The electricity used to power electric hotplates has to come from somewhere, and natural gas remains the single largest source of utility-scale electricity generation in the country. Gas-powered electric stoves simply push the issue of emissions out of sight and out of mind. Meanwhile, coal is still used to generate around 22 percent of American electricity, and yet it produces roughly twice as much carbon dioxide as natural gas in the process. Forcing consumers to use electric stoves that run on coal cannot be chalked up as a victory for the environment.

In the scheme of global emissions, wrapping household appliances in regulatory red tape amounts to little more than a hairshirt policy. Carbon dioxide emissions from China are now more than double those of the United States, while China’s methane emissions are nearing double those of the US. It seems that the climate is in enough of a crisis to merit punishing American consumers in their own homes, but not enough of a crisis to mandate action from the world’s most prolific environmental vandal.

The American public does not need a nanny state, where bureaucrats capriciously allow or deny access to basic household appliances. Rather, the way forward has surprisingly been demonstrated by the California Air Resources Board. The usually heavy-handed board, which spearheaded efforts to mandate electric vehicle use in the state, has authored clear-eyed and level-headed consumer information on indoor air quality. By outlining both the risks and strategies to mitigate indoor air pollution, these resources arm consumers with the information they need to make the right choice for themselves and their families.

There is no seat at the American family dinner table for intrusive government regulators. Rather than trying to confiscate or outlaw household appliances, state and federal regulators should focus on providing objective information about risks and mitigation strategies.

It’s time to take big government off the burner.

 

Oliver McPherson-Smith is the Director of Energy, Trade, and Environmental Policy at the American Consumer Institute. 

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GREENVILLE, SC – (NewMediaWire) – January 18, 2023 – Air Today Heating & Cooling, an experienced Greenville, SC HVAC company, has announced their official expansion to Anderson, Pickens, & Oconee County, SC. With over 40 years in the industry, Air Today Heating & Cooling has established itself as a leader in heating and cooling services in Greenville, SC. In order to assist more homeowners in South Carolina receive the best possible heating & A/C care, they have started providing HVAC services in these 3 additional counties.

To also provide maximum convenience to their customers, Air Today Heating & Cooling specializes in the maintenance, installation, and repair of every type of heating and cooling system, from ductless to traditional. The heating and furnace technicians repair and install all types of heating systems, including gas packs, heat pumps, and electric and gas furnaces. As an added bonus, they are offering free estimates for all potential customers in these areas so that they can learn more about the cost of having quality HVAC systems installed.

Air pollution indoors can be up to five times higher than outside, and in some cases, up to one hundred times worse. Air Today Heating & Cooling offers air filtration and ventilation services to combat this issue, utilizing air purification systems, dehumidifiers, humidifiers, and ductwork repair and installation. To keep minor issues from becoming major ones, Air Today recommends annual inspections and cleanings of home HVAC systems as an effective preventative measure. By getting ahead of problems before they arrive, homeowners can ensure the best possible comfort.

South Carolina homeowners can rest assured knowing that Air Today Heating & Cooling strives for quality service with each and every job. Whether it’s installation, repair or preventative maintenance of a heating and cooling system – Air Today ensures customer satisfaction. Their extensive experience allows customers to rely on their expertise while enjoying personalized service every step of the way.

About Air Today Heating & Cooling

Air Today Heating & Cooling is a family owned and operated company serving the Upstate, SC area. They provide installation, repair, and maintenance on all types of residential HVAC equipment. If you’re looking for HVAC services in Greenville, SC and the surrounding areas, Air Today Heating & Cooling is available to help! Contact them at 864-295-0905 or visit their website at iwantairtoday.com for more information.

Media Contact

Contact Person: Frank Taylor
Company Name: Air Today Heating & Cooling
Phone: (864) 295-0905
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://iwantairtoday.com/
Address: 101 Yorkshire Dr
City: Greenville
State: SC
Country: United States

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Originally Appeared Here

Canadian Tire’s Winter Sale is ending soon. Images via Canadian Tire.

It may only be mid-January, but Canadian Tire’s Winter Sale is quickly coming to a close.

Discounts include savings of up to 70 per cent off, but shoppers only have until midnight on Jan. 19 to shop and save. It’s the perfect chance to take advantage of deals on kitchen appliances, fitness equipment, games and more winter essentials.

We’ve gathered a selection of the best Canadian Tire sale finds below, plus all of this week’s deals that you won’t want to miss.

Dyson Cool HEPA Filter Air Purifier & Bladeless Fan. Image via Canadian Tire.

This two-in-one Dyson device works as an air purifier in the winter, and a fan to keep things cool in the warmer months of the year.

$600 $750 at Canadian Tire

Schwinn 230 Recumbent Indoor Bike. Image via Canadian Tire.

This indoor bike features a large LCD screen with 13 workout programs and 16 levels of magnetic resistance to get your heart pumping.

$650 $750 at Canadian Tire

X-Chair DVL Task Chair. Image via Canadian Tire.

Upgrade your desk setup at home or in the office with this rolling task chair. It features adjustable lumbar support and breathable mesh backing.

$500 $750 at Canadian Tire

Reload Dual 1080p Dash Camera. Image via Canadian Tire.

Save 50 per cent on this dash camera that shoppers say is “perfect for the trips on the highway” and for providing peace of mind in case of accidents.

$150 $300 at Canadian Tire

Lagostina Prima Stainless Steel Cookware Set. Image via Canadian Tire.

This set of pots and pans is dishwasher and oven save, meaning a simple and streamlined cooking experience.

$200 $700 at Canadian Tire

Shark Pro Steam Pocket Hard Floor Mop Cleaner. Image via Canadian Tire.

Shoppers can’t get enough of this powerful steam mop, which they say “cleans perfectly” and works “better than traditional methods of mopping floors.”

$130 $260 at Canadian Tire

NOMA 30-pk AAA Alkaline Batteries. Image via Canadian Tire.

There’s never a bad time to stock up household essentials like batteries, but when a sale is on it’s worth taking advantage of the savings.

$12 $25 at Canadian Tire

American Tourister Journey Lite Expandable Softside Spinner. Image via Canadian Tire.

Gear up for your next vacation with this expandable suitcase made from lightweight woven polyester for durability.

$170 $230 at Canadian Tire

Ninja One Lid Cooker. Image via Canadian Tire.

This multipurpose cooker lets you pressure cook, air fry, steam, and crisp—all under one convenient SmartLid.

$260 $380 at Canadian Tire

Shop-Vac Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum. Image via Canadian Tire.

This vacuum is designed for tough messes, and is perfect for anyone who needs durable suction around the house, in the garage, or in the car.

$100 $170 at Canadian Tire

NOMA 3-Setting Cabinet Heater. Image via Canadian Tire.

Bring some extra warmth to any room in your home with this compact space heater that’s housed in a stylish wooden exterior.

$120 $150 at Canadian Tire

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Originally published January 18, 2023, 10:20 AM

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Originally Appeared Here

Jan 18, 2023, 12:52PM ISTSource: AP

According to Professor Tim Bertram from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: It’s well-established that cooking has a dramatic impact on indoor air quality. Cooking can impact indoor air quality, both from the cooking process. So emissions from the food that we’re cooking and also the combustion process, which involves either induction or gas or electric. The focus now on gas stoves is due to the emission of nitrogen dioxide or NO2 and fine particulate matter that becomes elevated when using a gas stove. What’s been shown recently is a connection between gas stoves and the prevalence of asthma in children. This connection is presumably due to the emissions of NO2 and fine particulate matter from gas stoves. But we should also remember that there are lots of sources of pollution in the indoor environment that extend well beyond gas stoves themselves. That includes the cooking of food on a range that includes unventilated fireplaces and a wide array of other sources.

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Originally Appeared Here