How Those In the HVAC Industry Help Keep You Happier & Healthier
My nephew had a heart transplant at 18-months-old. He was only one month old when my sister noticed he was having difficulty breathing and his lips were slightly blue. She and my brother-in-law took him to the local hospital where they determined that his situation was dire, and they needed to get him to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston immediately. As their home was 45 minutes from the city, my sister went with my nephew by helicopter to the hospital.
Eventually, my nephew was stabilized and was transported to Boston Children’s Hospital. They discovered he contracted a heart virus at birth. He was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. He was in and out of the hospital for a year and eventually went into intensive care until he was 18 months old when he received a donor heart in October 2008.
After the surgery my nephew was kept in isolation until he was well enough to return home. When he was released, my sister shared with our family that he couldn’t contract the slightest illness as the anti-rejection medication lowered his immune system to almost nothing. From that point on anyone who visited him needed to be sure they were not ill, hands were washed, and shoes were removed before you entered their home. He is now 13 and doing well, but a cleaner, healthier environment is of the utmost importance for him to lead a normal life.
When I began working at Reiner Group, Inc. I thought we only installed and serviced heating and air conditioning. It took me a few years working here and getting to know our customers who have chronic health conditions like my nephew, to realize we do much more than that. Not only do we help residential and commercial customers in our community be more comfortable, we also provide indoor environments that aid in full body wellness.
I often hear stories about emergency visits to hospitals that are without air conditioning in operating rooms. Or, visits to homes of elderly customers with no heat. We service group homes, schools, medical offices and homes with newborn babies. We also service those with severe asthma, cancer or autoimmune disorders. The common denominator is that they all need HVAC to ensure their health is not negatively impacted. I’m not saying all of this because I think we’re the heroes who don’t wear capes, I’m saying it because I think it is important to point out that HVAC companies like ours make more of a difference in people’s lives than they think.
As an example, we recently began maintenance on rooftop units set on trailers which are used by the New Jersey EMS Task Force. The New Jersey EMS Task Force, according their website, “provides New Jersey with a highly trained, equipped and specialized EMS resource to support operations at major incidents and pre-planned events using a well-coordinated, robust, all-hazards approach through the state’s Emergency Management System.”
Many people are not aware of the task force and the services they provide until they need them. In an emergency the task force will be onsite to provide immediate medical attention. In these situations, they need to have the ability to regulate temperatures within their workspace in order to provide the best care possible. That’s where Reiner comes in.
People who suffer from cancer, auto-immune disorders and other immune deficiencies as well as severe asthma and allergies are also negatively affected by extreme weather. Having and maintaining an HVAC system in the homes of people who have these illnesses can be lifesaving. Not only do they help to maintain the correct body temperature, it can also provide better air quality. High efficiency filters in conjunction with HVAC equipment can eliminate harmful bacteria and allergens from the air. These pesky microscopic particles can lower the immune system making you susceptible to illness and respiratory issues.
Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are also extremely beneficial to a healthy lifestyle. By adding proper hydration to your air you can help you avoid not only dehydration and dry skin, but you can also boost your immunity! Dry air (especially in the winter) can lead to bronchitis, influenza, asthma and dry/itchy skin. In the summer, keeping the humidity down not only regulates the body temperature, but it helps to remove moisture from the air hindering the introduction of mildew, allergens, dirt and debris into your home giving you cleaner air.
As there has been an increase of highly contagious illnesses plaguing our planet, personal care is more important than ever. The HVAC industry is working to help provide health care facilities and first responders with what they need to provide a healthier environment for their patients. We can also help you create a healthier environment at home.
Give us a call today to discuss how to stay happy and healthy so you can breathe easier.