Justin Vanessus 05

Air Flow Sizing Recommendations

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 19:48:16 +0000

How to size your WHF

We are often asked what kind of results can be expected when using a Whole House Fan, and/or what size fan should someone get based on their house size. The truth is, there are a bunch of factors to consider and no one size fits all answer – read on for things to consider when shopping for an AirScape Whole House Fan.

Climate – Do you live in an arid or humid climate? High elevation where it cools off quickly or a lower elevation where the heat stays longer into the night? Humid climates need more airflow to feel cool, and won’t cool down as quickly at night.

House size – Square Footage X Ceiling Height – How much volume of air needs to get moved through the house? High ceilings add a lot of air to the house that takes longer to move out of the structure so you want to take that into account in your airflow calculation.

Insulation level/tightness of the house – Good insulation will take the house longer to heat up, but once the materials are warm, it takes a lot longer to cool down. Good insulation will need to be cooled nightly or will have trouble releasing the heat. If the attic/walls/ insulation/etc. are still warm in the morning, the house will heat up again once the fan is off. If you have very little insulation, you will be able to cool your house quickly, but it will heat up quickly the following day. The best combination is a lot of insulation with a well vented attic and a whole house fan, so the structure can be properly cooled every night.

Personal comfort level – Do you live in a warm climate and rely heavily on A/C throughout the warm season? Do you currently sleep with windows open even if it is warmer than ideal outside for the fresh air, or because it cools off throughout the night? These 2 styles will need much different airflow in order to be happy with the results.

Personal security – Are you comfortable opening a few windows throughout the night or only before going to bed and after you are up in the morning? Ideally you want to run the fan as long and as low as possible. All night is best to really pull out all the stored heat from the structure. If you can’t do that, you’ll want a lot more airflow to feel the cooler air faster when you can run it.

Every house and micro-climate is different, and you know yours better than anyone. Once you know what to keep in mind, you can calculate your house volume and look at the recommendations for airflow:

Air Flow Recommendation Ranges*

First, calculate the volume of air in your house.
SQ ft x Avg Ceiling Height = approx volume of air in the house (ex: 1500sf x 8 = 12000cf)

Then, divide that by the cfm of the fan to get the time it takes to complete 1 full air exchange.
(ex: 12000cf / 1700 cfm = 7min air exchanges on high speed of 1700 WHF)

Or, divide it by the desired airflow (see below) to find out the cfm needed to achieve results.
(ex: 12000cf / 5 min = 2400cfm)

Here are the ranges I have found to be effective assuming your home has adequate insulation and is relatively airtight to store the cool air from the previous night through the next day:

3-4min = “Pull the hat off your head.” Moves air fast enough to dry the skin in a humid climate.

4-6min = Eliminate A/C in a dry climate – moves air fast enough to simulate the 68-70 degree consistent climate produced by A/C in a moderate, arid climate.

6-8min = Great airflow, esp. for the West Coast. You will not be able to run the fan until after it cools off in the evening, but it should only take 2-3 air exchanges to notice a nice drop in temperature and be comfortable. You can usually still feel a slight breeze depending on how many windows you open and if outside temp is significantly cooler than indoor temp (10 degrees). This is the minimum airflow we generally recommend.

8-10min = Slower air exchanges, but still moves the air fast enough to cool the structure (assuming the outside air is cool). Likely you will not physically feel this air moving over your skin. This can be adequate airflow in mild climates and well sealed houses. Not recommended for people who currently rely heavily on A/C.

10-12min = Usually this can keep ahead of the heat radiating out of the structure, but it will take a while to cool down in the evening and you will not feel any type of breeze or draft over your skin. This is really the bare minimum for airflow. The fan will need to run all night to see efficient cooling. Usually only recommended for people without A/C in mild climates.

AirScape WHF airflows on their highest speed*:
1700 LiftLock / Ventura = 1696 cfm / 1545 cfm
2500 Liftlock/LL Ducted = 2698 cfm / 2276 cfm
3200 Sierra / Ventura = 3253 cfm / 3132 cfm
3400 Sierra / Ventura = 3440 cfm / 3342 cfm
5300 Sierra / Ventura = 3253 cfm / 3132 cfm

*Ideally, choose a fan that has a high speed more than you think you need, so you can use it on the middle speeds, which are more efficient, but you can add air if you want or need to. Our fans all have 10 speeds, so finding one with a middle speed that fits your goals gives you lots of room to handle heat waves and hotter days.

Last, remember to check to make sure you have enough ATTIC VENTING. If you don’t, it is much better to add attic venting than to get a smaller fan.

More questions? Give us a call at 866.448.4187.

We’re happy to talk about your specific needs to find the best Whole House Fan for you.

How to wire an AirScape economizer in situations where there is no air conditioning.

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:16:51 +0000

Saving money on cooling

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 18:16:35 +0000

We love houses, and so do our friends at Redfin – the very cool and informative real estate website. They just published this article , which has some great tips on keeping your house cool this summer.

Keeping you cool, while saving energy – that’s a core part of our business, so we’re happy to see our tip mentioned. And what do you know ? We suggested whole house fans.

Is IBD an underrecognized health problem in minority groups?

Fri, 07 May 2021 10:30:35 +0000

As many people know, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex condition affecting the intestine, which is the part of the digestive tract that helps digest food and remove water, salt, and waste.

But you might not know this: in recent years in the US, IBD is being diagnosed more often among people who are Black, Hispanic/Latinx, East and Southeast Asian, or from other minority groups than it was in past decades.

Is this a true rise in cases? Is IBD underrecognized in minority populations? While we don’t have all the answers yet, exploring health disparities in IBD and explaining its symptoms may encourage more people to get the health care they need.

What is IBD?

IBD is a chronic inflammatory condition in the intestine that may steadily progress, or repeatedly flare up (relapse) and calm down (remit).

The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD):

Ulcerative colitis affects the rectum and colon alone.
Crohn’s disease can affect any portion of the intestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, and can lead to complications such as abscesses, strictures, and fistulas.
Both conditions frequently involve organs outside of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the joints, skin, and eyes.

What do we know about IBD among minority groups?

Traditionally, IBD has been thought of as a disease that largely affects people who are white. For every 100,000 individuals, IBD occurs in about 10 Hispanic/Latinx individuals, 25 Black individuals, and 70 non-Hispanic white individuals, according to estimates published in 2014. However, more recently we’ve observed an increase in IBD among other racial and ethnic groups in the US and across the world.

Is inflammatory bowel disease underrecognized in minority groups?

Some experts believe that IBD might be underrecognized or underappreciated in minority populations, which might lead to delays in diagnoses. A delayed diagnosis could mean longer periods of untreated inflammation, which also increases risk for complications, such as

strictures (areas where the bowel narrows due to scarring)
fistulas (a passage between organs or nearby tissues that isn’t normally there)
abscesses (an infection that may result in a fistula if not treated)
surgery
cancer of the bowel.

One study looked at people receiving health care who had two symptoms suggestive of IBD: iron deficiency anemia (a low red blood count) and diarrhea. The researchers found that certain groups were less likely to receive an appropriate workup to find out why they had these particular symptoms. Those who were Black or publicly insured were less likely to receive the appropriate workup, compared with those who were white or privately insured. These findings further support the hypothesis that IBD might be underrecognized in minority populations.

What do we currently know about health disparities in IBD?

Preventable differences — called health disparities — in health and well-being are seen among people with inflammatory bowel disease. These disparities may be due to a range of factors affecting certain groups, including inequities in the social determinants of health, unconscious biases of medical providers, barriers to care, and differences in the complex genetic and environmental driving forces of IBD that haven’t been sufficiently studied.

Black patients who have IBD experience higher rates of emergency department use — and, in one study, higher rates of hospitalization, possibly because they are less likely to receive regular care from a gastroenterology specialist. Further, while the hospitalization rate in white patients with IBD has decreased, it remains unchanged for Black patients.

Additional research shows that Black patients with Crohn’s disease are less likely to be in remission, more likely to undergo surgery, and more likely to experience complications after surgery. Socioeconomic status matters, too: lower income is linked with a higher risk of severe disease, IBD-related hospitalizations, ICU stays, and death. Another study reports that approximately 14% of Americans with IBD are food insecure. Further, it links food insecurity with inability to take prescribed medications because of cost and difficulty paying medical bills.

What symptoms may be signs of inflammatory bowel disease?

A variety of symptoms may be signs of inflammatory bowel disease:

Blood in your stool, and urgency and increased frequency of bowel movements, may be signs of ulcerative colitis.
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in your stool, and diarrhea may be signs of Crohn’s disease.

If you have any of these symptoms — especially if you notice blood in your stool — talk to your healthcare provider. After a medical history and exam, the next steps may be further evaluation with a colonoscopy to look at the bowel, and/or an upper endoscopy to look at the upper part of the digestive system. Imaging studies may also be necessary. This evaluation will help your health provider diagnose IBD or another health problem causing similar symptoms.

Getting effective treatment makes a difference

Fortunately, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are both treatable conditions. Our goal in treating IBD is stable remission to stop or ease symptoms and ensure a high quality of life. Everyone with IBD can attain this with good care. Treatment may include medicine taken by mouth or given as infusions, dietary changes, surgery, or a combination of these. It’s important to find the right treatment and monitoring plan for each person early in the course of their illness.

I assure my IBD patients that we will work together to find the best and safest treatment options for them. IBD care requires a team approach, which might include a primary care doctor, gastroenterologist, pharmacist, surgeon, dietitian, and other health providers. If you have IBD, you’re the central member and captain of the team; as providers we are just coaches. It is important that you feel heard, understood, and empowered as you navigate life with IBD.

Follow me on Twitter @AdjoaGIMD

The post Is IBD an underrecognized health problem in minority groups? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

Sickle cell disease in newborns and children: What families should know and do

Thu, 06 May 2021 14:30:55 +0000

If you’ve learned that your newborn or young child has sickle cell disease, you — and other family members and friends — may have many questions.

These days, most cases of sickle cell disease in the US are diagnosed through newborn screening. It’s important to make the diagnosis early, so that babies can be started on penicillin (or another antibiotic) to prevent infection. Getting connected early to a pediatrician for primary care — and to specialists in blood disorders who can work closely with the child as they grow, and with their families — can help prevent complications of the disease.

The basics

Hemoglobin is the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen. In sickle cell disease, the hemoglobin can change the rounded shape of red blood cells into a C-shape that is crooked, like the tool called a sickle. When that happens, the cells get sticky and can clog up small blood vessels. It also makes the red cells more fragile and likely to break apart, causing anemia.

Millions of people around the world have sickle cell disease, or SCD. In the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate it affects about 100,000 people. It occurs in about one out of 365 Black or African American births, and one out of 16,300 Hispanic American births.

Is SCD a genetic disease?

Yes. All of us have two genes that decide what kind of hemoglobin we have, one from each parent. People with sickle cell disease have two copies of the sickle gene, inherited from both parents. If someone has one copy, they have “sickle cell trait,” meaning that they are a carrier of the gene.

Sickle cell trait is common, affecting one in 13 Black children. While there are some problems associated with sickle cell trait, people with sickle cell trait are generally healthy; in fact, they are thought to be less likely to develop severe cases of malaria, which is why the disease was thought to have evolved in people from areas around the equator where malaria is common.

There are other kinds of genetic hemoglobin diseases, such as thalassemia or hemoglobin C. Sometimes people are born with one sickle gene and one gene for a different hemoglobin problem. The severity of their condition depends on the particular hemoglobin combination.

Currently, there is no cure for sickle cell disease or the other genetic hemoglobin diseases, except for bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant.

What health issues could SCD cause?

When sickle cells clog up blood vessels, it can lead to pain and damage to organs or tissues due to lack of blood flow. When coupled with the effects of anemia, this means that babies and children with sickle cell disease are more likely to have complications from infections, such as pneumonia; vision problems; blood clots; and breathing problems. Children with sickle cell disease can also get swelling of the spleen if sickled cells get stuck there.

How can you help your child live a healthy life as they grow?

Children with sickle cell disease and their families can work together to help prevent complications by taking these steps:

Stay well-hydrated, as dehydration can make cells more likely to sickle.
Avoid extremes of temperature, especially cold, as this also can trigger sickling of the cells.
Avoid areas of high altitude, where there is less oxygen.
Take care with very vigorous exercise, which may decrease the amount of oxygen available to the blood.
Wash hands regularly and avoid sick people to the extent possible.
Get all recommended vaccinations.
Learn all the signs and symptoms of blocked blood vessels, anemia, a swollen spleen, infection, blood clots, and lung problems, so that they know when to get medical care immediately. Ask your child’s doctor or medical team to help you understand key warning signs for each of these based on your child’s age.

Also, see this helpful toolkit created by the CDC and the American Society of Hematology. It explains common complications of sickle cell disease and steps to take for better health.

Being closely connected to medical care is crucial, because the sooner complications are diagnosed, the sooner and more successfully they are treated. There are also treatments such as hydroxyurea that can help prevent complications in the first place. Children with sickle cell disease should regularly see their primary care pediatrician and their specialist, whether they are having symptoms or not, so that they can work together to help live the healthiest life possible.

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire

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COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens: What we do — and don’t — know

Wed, 05 May 2021 14:30:00 +0000

Vaccines have been heralded as a key measure to slow the COVID-19 pandemic and one day bring it to an end. Every day, millions of American adults are receiving one of the authorized vaccines proven highly effective at preventing severe illness that might otherwise lead to hospitalizations and deaths. In the US, most people over 65 have now been fully vaccinated, protecting the most vulnerable in our population.

As an infectious disease specialist, my responses to the questions below are based on what we know so far about infection and vaccines in children and teens. We’ll need to continue filling in gaps as research is done and our understanding evolves.

What do we know about how COVID-19 affects children and teens?

Most COVID-19 infections in children are mild or cause no obvious symptoms. However, a small percentage of infected children

develop a serious inflammatory condition called MIS-C in the two to six weeks following COVID-19 infection. This may happen even in children who have mild symptoms or no symptoms.
get very sick and need hospitalization or intensive care.

Over 400 children have died from COVID-19 infection. That’s greater than the number of childhood deaths during the deadliest flu season in the past two decades.

Vaccinating children to prevent these outcomes is one of the most important reasons driving vaccine studies in children. Further, vaccinating children will be critical to achieving a population-wide level of immunity — herd immunity — sufficient to slow the emergence of dangerous variants and bring an end to the pandemic.

What do we know so far about COVID-19 vaccines in teens?

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is authorized for use in people ages 16 and older.
The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are authorized for use in people ages 18 and older.
These authorizations were based on data from participants of these ages in randomized, placebo-controlled trials that demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. Efficacy measures how well a vaccine works in the controlled circumstances of a study. Effectiveness is how well a vaccine works outside of a study, when people in the community receive it.

As states expand eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines, teens 16 and older can receive the appropriate vaccine through the same sources adults have had access to so far. Available vaccine sites may vary by state and where you receive health care. Check the searchable map on VaccineFinder, or your state board of health.

Vaccine research done so far, or now underway, includes the following:

Pfizer/BioNTech has completed a trial in 12-to 15-year-olds. This trial used the same dose and schedule of the vaccine as is used in adults: two doses given three weeks apart. The company announced in a press release that the vaccine was safe and well tolerated, elicited strong antibody responses, and had 100% efficacy in preventing mild to severe infection in this age group. The FDA is reviewing the data and will consider authorizing this vaccine for use in this age group. If all goes well, we might expect this vaccine to be available to 12-to 15-year-olds in the coming months.
Moderna completed enrolling 12-to 17-year-olds in a similar trial using the same dose and schedule as in adults: two doses given four weeks apart. Data from this trial are expected within the next few months.
Johnson & Johnson has started a trial of its vaccine for a small number of 16-to 17-year-olds. If the vaccine proves to be safe and effective in that age group, the trial will continue with 12-to 15-year-olds.

What about COVID-19 vaccine trials for younger children?

Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have both begun trials in children 6 months to 11 years old.
These trials will each begin by testing smaller doses than those given to older children, teens, and adults. This allows researchers to determine which dose is well tolerated and still elicits strong antibody results in younger children.
Once the dose is set, larger numbers of children in these age ranges will be enrolled in placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy of these vaccines.

All of these steps will take some time so that they can be done without cutting any corners on safety. The earliest vaccines will likely be available for younger children is late 2021, or perhaps early in 2022.

What is not yet known about COVID-19 vaccines in children and teens?

How long vaccine-induced immunity against COVID-19 infection lasts in children will need to be followed over time. Findings from such studies will help experts decide whether children will need boosters of COVID-19 vaccines in the future.
Researchers also need to study whether COVID-19 vaccines can be combined with other vaccines that children routinely receive. For now, the CDC recommends not giving any other vaccines within 14 days of a COVID-19 vaccine. This is true for people of any age.
Researchers will need to evaluate the impact of these vaccines on protecting children from infection with COVID-19 variants. But biologically, there would be no reason to expect differences in vaccine coverage of variants in adults versus children.

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Happy trails: Take a hike, now

Tue, 04 May 2021 14:30:34 +0000

While the COVID-19 pandemic is not over by any means, more people are getting vaccinated, and restrictions are gradually lifting. After too much time spent inactive and indoors, what better way to move your body and enjoy nature than by taking a hike? In many ways, hiking is the ideal antidote to a global pandemic, as it can heal both body and soul.

Enjoy the benefits of a hike

Like power walking, hiking offers a moderate-intensity cardio workout, provided your route includes some hills or inclines. Trekking on uneven surfaces engages your core muscles and improves your balance.
Hiking also is a mood booster. Research shows that spending time in green spaces, like nature trails and wooded areas, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It doesn’t matter if you hike alone or with others.
The CDC still suggests people maintain social distancing during outdoor activities, including hiking, since it’s not possible to know who is fully vaccinated. You also should wear a mask around people who are not in your household or in your personal pod.
Many local, state, and national parks are still closed or have limited access, but some trails may be open in your area or will reopen soon. (Check out these sites to find the status of local trails near you: National Park Service, American Trails, and American Hiking Society.)

Ready to hike?

Before you lace up your hiking boots, make sure you’re well prepared. After all, it’s probably been a while since you’ve been out in the world. Here are some tips.

Work on your walking. If your walking endurance needs some work, begin a regular walking program in your neighborhood. Walk daily for 10 to 20 minutes, and wear a step counter to motivate you.

Safety first. If you can’t hike with someone, let a friend or family member know where you will hike and for how long. Bring your cell phone and a local map, if needed.

Apply sunscreen. Even if you mostly hike in the shade, you can still get sunburned. Always wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF that blocks both types of ultraviolet rays — UVA and UVB —and a lip balm with sunscreen. Apply about 20 minutes before your hike, and then reapply every two hours.

Protect against ticks. Ticks are common in the US and can spread serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Ticks are often found in wooded, bushy, or grassy areas. Wear light-colored clothes with long sleeves and long pants, if possible. Use insect repellent that is effective against ticks on exposed skin, clothes, and hiking gear. Do a thorough tick check after hiking. Know what to do if you find a tick on your body — and what signs suggest you might have been bitten by one, such as a rash or flulike symptoms. Contact your health provider right away for advice and appropriate treatment.

Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after your hike. Pay attention to your thirst (if you are thirsty, you are likely already dehydrated.) Set a timer on your phone or sports watch to remind you to drink at regular intervals.

Watch the weather. If you are not sure about the forecast, wear layers that you can add or take off depending on the temperature. Carry a rolled-up windbreaker, rain jacket, or poncho in a backpack.

Support yourself. Invest in hiking or trail shoes with good ankle support. Wear calf-length socks to protect your legs. Hiking with walking poles can help you navigate tricky terrain and support your knees.

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Sleep well — and reduce your risk of dementia and death

Mon, 03 May 2021 14:30:10 +0000

In a recent blog post I discussed how beneficial sleep is for memory function. But sleep isn’t just good for your memory; it can actually reduce your risk of dementia — and death. Although it has been known for some time that individuals with dementia frequently have poor, fragmented sleep, two new studies suggest that if you don’t get enough sleep, you are at increased risk for dementia.

Sleep six to eight hours each night

In the first study, researchers at Harvard Medical School studied more than 2,800 individuals ages 65 and older participating in the National Health and Aging Trends Study to examine the relationship between their self-report of sleep characteristics in 2013 or 2014, and their development of dementia and/or death five years later. Researchers found that individuals who slept fewer than five hours per night were twice as likely to develop dementia, and twice as likely to die, compared to those who slept six to eight hours per night. This study controlled for demographic characteristics including age, marital status, race, education, health conditions, and body weight.

In the second study, researchers in Europe (including France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland) examined data from almost 8,000 participants from a different study and found that consistently sleeping six hours or less at age 50, 60, and 70 was associated with a 30% increase in dementia risk compared to a normal sleep duration of seven hours. The mean age of dementia diagnosis was 77 years. This study controlled for sociodemographic, behavioral, cardiometabolic, and mental health factors, although most participants were white, better educated, and healthier than the general population. In addition, approximately half of the participants had their sleep duration measured objectively using a wearable accelerometer — a device that tracked their sleep using body movements — which confirmed the questionnaire data.

Inadequate sleep in midlife may lead to dementia

What’s new here is that inadequate sleep in midlife raises one’s risk of dementia. There are many reasons for poor sleep in middle age: shift work, insomnia, caretaking responsibilities, anxiety, and pressing deadlines, just to name a few. Although not all of these are controllable, some are. For example, if you’re currently only sleeping four to five hours because you’re up late working every night, you might want to change your habits, otherwise you risk developing dementia by the time you retire!

This relationship between sleep in midlife and dementia in late life is important not only from a clinical perspective, but also from a scientific one. It had always been a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem when trying to interpret the relationship between poor sleep and dementia. Was it really poor sleep that caused dementia, or just early dementia symptoms causing poor sleep? By looking at individuals who were initially studied in midlife — some as young as age 50 — we now have greater certainty that poor sleep can increase one’s risk of developing dementia 25 years or more in the future.

Flush your brain while you sleep

Although it is not totally understood why inadequate sleep increases your dementia risk, one possible reason relates to the deposition of the Alzheimer’s protein, beta amyloid. Beta amyloid is the protein that clusters and clumps together to form Alzheimer’s plaques. No one is completely certain what its normal function is, although there is increasing evidence it is involved in the brain’s defense against invading microorganisms.

During the day, we all make some of this beta amyloid protein in the brain. When we sleep, however, brain cells and their connections actually shrink. This shrinking allows more space between the brain cells, so that beta amyloid and other substances that accumulate during the day can be flushed away.

So the theory is, if you don’t get enough sleep, your brain won’t have enough time to drain away beta amyloid and other substances. These substances then continue to accumulate, day after day, until they cause dementia.

The good news

The good news is that you can reduce your risk of developing dementia by getting adequate sleep. One study from researchers in Toronto and Chicago examined people who were at increased genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s. They found that better sleep not only reduced the likelihood of developing clinical Alzheimer’s disease, but it also reduced the development of tangle pathology in the brain — another substance that accumulates in Alzheimer’s disease.

The bottom line

Sleep isn’t merely an annoying interruption between the important aspects of our waking lives. Just like eating right and exercising, sleep is absolutely essential for good brain health. These two new studies show that the harmful effects of inadequate sleep can start at age 50 (if not earlier), and they can lead to early dementia and death. But the good news is that you can reduce your risk of dementia by simply giving yourself six to eight hours of sleep each night. Try to avoid sleeping pills, as they don’t give you the deep sleep you need. If you’re having trouble sleeping, nonpharmacological approaches are best.

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COVID-19 vaccines and the LGBTQ+ community

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:30:57 +0000

I have a confession: in late 2020, when the first COVID-19 vaccines were approved by the FDA, I was hesitant to get one myself. Despite working in public health and believing strongly in vaccines to keep our community healthy, I was anxious about putting something in my body that seemed so new. I thought: “What if the vaccine is dangerous?” “What about long-term side effects?”

I am part of the LGBTQ+ community. Our history may help explain why I hesitated.

Are LGBTQ+ people more hesitant to get the vaccine?

In March a New York Times article reported that LGBTQ+ people are more hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine. A research study from the Human Rights Campaign reported mixed findings: while LGBTQ+ people overall are more likely to get vaccinated, certain subgroups, such as LGBTQ+ people of color and bisexual women, are less likely to get vaccinated.

LGBTQ+ people have good reason to be hesitant about vaccines. Historically, this population has experienced — and continues to experience — discrimination in multiple settings, including in healthcare. At the same time, this population is more vulnerable to COVID-19 (see this study and an earlier blog post I wrote). LGBTQ+ people who are also people of color may be even more hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine, because of trauma and oppressions based on multiple intersecting marginalized identities that set the stage for mistrust in healthcare and medical research. We can include racism, transphobia, biphobia, and homophobia among such oppressions.

Weighing the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine

When I was trying to decide whether to get the vaccine, I began reading about the vaccine from trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I also talked to people I know and trust, like close friends, family members, and physician colleagues. I asked them: “Will you get the vaccine when it’s offered to you?” All of them gave me a resounding “yes!” Most shared this rationale: while we still don’t know about long-term side effects, this vaccine is similar to other vaccines that have been around for a while, and the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks of getting seriously ill or even dying from COVID-19.

When the vaccine was offered to me earlier this year, I booked my appointment immediately, without hesitation, and I haven’t looked back. As soon as I got the first shot, and certainly when I was fully vaccinated two weeks after my second shot, I felt a profound sense of relief. I also felt empowered about taking an important step toward keeping myself, my family, and my community safe from COVID-19. I now feel safer and freer in my daily life. I go into stores (wearing a mask) without feeling anxious, and I have been able to visit in-person with other fully vaccinated people, like my mom, without masks.

If you are struggling to decide whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, this decision-making grid may be helpful (note: auto-download). The grid walks you through the benefits and short-term and long-term risks of not getting the vaccine compared to getting the currently available vaccines.

Why the vaccine is critical for LGBTQ+ communities

Numerous “pandemics” have already wiped out large numbers of the LGBTQ+ community: HIV/AIDS, violence, suicide. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has already disproportionately harmed LGBTQ+ people (see this study and this report). LGBTQ+ seniors and people of color are at greatest risk for serious, possibly life-threatening illness from COVID-19. If each of us takes steps to get vaccinated, we can prevent more deaths and negative health outcomes in our communities.

How can you empower yourself to get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Educate yourself on what COVID-19 vaccines are, how they work, and why they are safe.
Talk to trusted experts and people in your life about your fears.
At this time, everyone in the US who is age 16 or older is eligible for the vaccine, so you can make an appointment where you live to get vaccinated.

Additional resources

More info on COVID-19 and vaccines:
- Fenway Health COVID-19 resources
- CDC COVID-19 information
Ways to avoid COVID-19 vaccine scams
What you can do after you are vaccinated

The post COVID-19 vaccines and the LGBTQ+ community appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and the skin

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 14:30:51 +0000

Often, the skin can be a window to what is occurring inside your body. For women with polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, this this may mean acne, hair loss, excessive facial or body hair growth, dark patches on the skin, or any combination of these issues.

What is PCOS?

Skin and hair issues can be the most readily perceptible features of PCOS, and thus sometimes the reason for seeking medical care. However, features of PCOS also include menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovaries (when the ovaries develop multiple small follicles and do not regularly release eggs), obesity, and insulin resistance (when cells do not respond well to insulin).

The cause of PCOS is not entirely understood, but scientific evidence points to hormonal imbalances, specifically excess testosterone (also known as hyperandrogenism) and insulin resistance. PCOS is the most common cause of infertility in women. The hormonal imbalances in PCOS disrupt the process of ovulation, and without ovulation pregnancy is not possible. PCOS exists on a spectrum, meaning not every woman with PCOS has the same signs and symptoms. Because of the variation in characteristics of this syndrome, it can be difficult to diagnose.

How do I know if I have PCOS?

There is no one specific test that can be used to diagnose PCOS, so a thoughtful and thorough workup, including lab tests and imaging, is needed. Lab tests typically involve measuring levels of various hormones, such as androgens. Imaging tests may include ultrasound of the ovaries. Seeking care from an experienced team, including primary care physicians, gynecologists, endocrinologists, and dermatologists, can establish the diagnosis.

What are the skin manifestations of PCOS?

PCOS-related acne often flares on the lower face, including the jawline, chin, and upper neck. Although not a hard and fast rule, these areas are considered to be a hormonal pattern for acne. Women with PCOS may notice that acne lesions are deeper, larger, and slower to resolve. Acne in PCOS usually worsens around the time of menstrual periods. Dermatologists often recommend the use of oral contraceptive pills or a medication called spironolactone to treat this type of acne. These treatments, when used in the right patients who have no contraindications to them, can be very helpful in clearing acne.

Hirsutism, or excessive hair growth in places where hair is usually absent or minimal, is another dermatologic sign of PCOS. Common areas of hirsutism include the chin, neck, abdomen, chest, or back. On the scalp, however, balding or thinning of the hair can be seen. Both of these hair issues are driven by an excess of testosterone.

Occasionally, another skin condition appears called acanthosis nigricans, which are dark, velvety areas of skin, usually in skin creases such as around the neck and underarms. This type of skin condition is also associated with insulin resistance, and may be due to stimulation of skin cells by insulin, causing them to overgrow.

Treatment options and a tailored approach

Although there is no cure for PCOS, there are many treatment options for managing various symptoms of this syndrome. The types of treatments used depend on a woman’s priorities and symptoms. For example, being at a healthy weight can lead to improvement of symptoms, so lifestyle modifications to nutrition and exercise may help. Hirsutism can be treated with laser hair removal or electrolysis. Some patients may try birth control pills to improve menstrual regularity. Metformin, a commonly used medication for diabetes, can be used to help improve the body’s response to insulin.

Treatment planning is tailored to each person and depends on whether or not pregnancy is a short-term goal. Certain medications, including spironolactone and retinoids for acne, should be avoided if a woman is trying to become pregnant.

The post Polycystic ovary syndrome and the skin appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

Dental appliances for sleep apnea: Do they work?

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 14:30:00 +0000

Keeping your partner — or yourself — up at night with loud snoring? This might be more than a nuisance. About 25% of men and nearly 10% of women have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a serious sleep disorder characterized by explosive snores, grunts, and gasps. Tissue at the back of the throat temporarily obstructs the airway, leading to breathing pauses (apneas) throughout the night. Not only does OSA leave people tired and groggy, but it also puts them at risk for a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease.

The most effective and best-studied treatment is positive airway pressure (PAP), a small bedside machine that blows air through a mask to prevent your airway from collapsing. But people with mild or moderate OSA sometimes find PAP challenging to use, and often wonder about alternatives. Dental devices (also known as oral appliances) are an option for some people. But do your homework before going this route, cautions Sogol Javaheri, MD, MPH, MA, a sleep specialist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Who might benefit from a dental device for sleep apnea?

“These devices are supposed to reposition your jaw or tongue to open your upper airway. But they can be really uncomfortable and only work about half the time,” Dr. Javaheri says. It’s hard to predict who might benefit from using an oral device, and people with very mild OSA and few symptoms may not notice any difference. As a result, she generally doesn’t recommend them except for people with mild to moderate OSA or those with severe OSA who can’t tolerate PAP.

Three main categories of dental devices for OSA

Mandibular advancement devices. Made of molded hard plastic, these devices snap over your lower and upper teeth, and also feature metal hinges and screws that can be tightened to push your lower jaw forward. Some dentists make custom mandibular advancement devices, but before you consider buying a custom device, be sure to ask whether your dentist has experience in sleep-related breathing disorders and is certified by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Some non-certified dentists simply take a mold of your teeth, send it to a company that makes the device, then sell it to you at a large markup — sometimes totaling $4,000 or more. What’s more, it’s unlikely to be covered by your dental or medical insurance if it’s used for snoring.

Mouth guards. Similar to mandibular advancement devices, these devices also help reposition your lower jaw, although to a lesser degree. Some sleep physicians recommend SnoreRx, which you can purchase online for less than $100. Instead of starting with an impression of your teeth created by a dentist, you use what the company calls the “boil and bite” method. You place the device in a cup of boiling water for a minute and then bite down on the softened plastic so it molds to your teeth.

Tongue-retaining devices. These devices consist of a soft plastic splint placed around your tongue that holds it forward and out of your mouth throughout the night. They tend to make your mouth very dry and can be quite uncomfortable.

Most insurance plans at least partially cover these devices when used for OSA, but not if they’re used for simple snoring. Don’t be tempted to try one unless you’ve been formally diagnosed with OSA, says Dr. Javaheri. And even if you have OSA, be sure to call your insurance company so you understand how much is covered before you have a device made.

The post Dental appliances for sleep apnea: Do they work? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

Terrified of needles? That can affect your health

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 14:30:40 +0000

No one likes getting stuck by a needle. Whether for a blood test, vaccination, or blood donation, needle sticks are something most people would prefer to avoid.

Yet, judging only by schedules for routine vaccinations and tests, the average healthy person can expect at least 165 needle sticks over a lifetime. Get hospitalized? That might add dozens or even hundreds more. And the number of needle sticks experienced by people with diabetes, HIV, and some other illnesses hovers in the “don’t ask” range.

For many, this may be more of an annoyance than a real problem. But if you have a strong fear of needles or aversion to the sight of blood, getting a vaccination or any other needle stick is a big deal. If this sounds like you, you may have trypanophobia.

What is trypanophobia?

Fittingly, the name combines the Greek term trypano — meaning puncturing or piercing — with phobia, meaning fear. This remarkably common condition is marked by irrational, extreme fear or aversion to blood or needles. It’s estimated that fear of needles affects up to 25% of adults, and may lead 16% of people in the US to skip vaccinations. Many people who strongly fear needle sticks may avoid doctors and medical care, so it’s likely that the magnitude of this problem is underestimated.

Just to be clear: this phobia is not limited to people who are overly sensitive to pain or aren’t “tough enough.” It can affect anyone. The cause is often unknown, but a particularly traumatic experience during childhood medical illness may set the stage for some people. And there may be a genetic component. Researchers have found genes linked to fainting after needle sticks, and trypanophobia sometimes runs in families.

What are the symptoms of this phobia?

People with trypanophobia who are contemplating a needle stick may experience

fear or anxiety
panic attacks, nausea, or sweats
palpitations
fainting (due to a reflex in which pain or the sight of blood triggers a drop in blood pressure)
insomnia in the days or weeks before an expected needle stick.

How does being afraid of needles affect you?

This fear can affect your

quality of life: It’s quite unpleasant to spend weeks dreading an upcoming doctor’s appointment.
health: Skipping recommended tests and treatment to avoid needle sticks can lead to missed diagnoses, poorly monitored medical conditions, and undertreatment. A timely example is foregoing a vaccination against COVID-19, which can have serious or even deadly consequences. Also, drug marketers sometimes play on fear of needles in their advertising, or might downplay the fact that a medication requires an injection.
longevity: Skipping routine medical care can contribute to avoidable suffering and death. For example, a cancerous breast lump that might have been detected during routine examination may go unnoticed until much later, when it’s no longer curable.

What can you do to cope with a fear of needles?

There’s not much high-quality research regarding how best to treat trypanophobia. Still, experts suggest a number of options to help people cope with it.

Bring support, if allowed. That’s routine for small children. But holding the hand or hearing the voice of a spouse, trusted friend, or family member can calm adults, too.
Harness the power of distraction (see this amazing video of a pediatrician distracting a young child before a vaccination). Focus on anything other than the needle stick: a spot on the floor, the positive effects of getting a COVID-19 vaccine (soon you can hug your family!), or your upcoming vacation.
Tell the person giving you a shot or drawing blood that you struggle with this, and let them know what works best for you. Some people prefer to hear about each step before it happens so there are no surprises. Ask if the healthcare provider has tricks of the trade to help you get through it.
Ask the person giving your shot or drawing blood if they can use a numbing agent similar to novocaine, or a freezing spray to numb skin before a needle stick.
Don’t watch! It’s not helpful to watch all of the preparation for the needle stick or see the needle itself. Watching may make things worse.
Learn ways to relax. Try deep breathing or other relaxation techniques that you can practice before having the needle stick.
Relax the muscle receiving the injection, too. Some shots, such as vaccines that protect you against tetanus or COVID-19, are given in a muscle. Relaxing the muscle can lessen the pain of these shots.
Lie down before having the needle stick, if you’ve fainted or felt woozy in the past with needle sticks.

Can therapy help?

Seeing a mental health specialist may be helpful. He or she may recommend

cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, which teaches people ways to reframe unhelpful ways of thinking and build coping strategies.
exposure therapy, a gradual and supervised increase in your exposure to needles, which can lessen the panic they cause. For example, over a number of weeks you may be instructed to look at photographs of needles, then hold a syringe without a needle, then hold a syringe with a needle, and then imagine injection — all with guidance from a therapist — before actually having one.
medications, such as anti-anxiety or sedative medications, may be prescribed if other measures aren’t effective, and the anxiety around needle sticks is getting in the way of medical care (or just making you miserable).

The bottom line

It’s natural to have an aversion to pain, even when you know it’s coming and even though it’s for a good reason. So, if you’re one of the millions fretting about getting a COVID-19 vaccine or a blood test or any other needle stick, know that you’re not alone, and that there are things you can do to improve the situation. Talk to your doctor about your fear and get help if you need it. Your quality of life, health, and longevity could depend on it.

As for me, I’m going to do what I always do: avert my eyes and stare at that spot on the floor.

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling

The post Terrified of needles? That can affect your health appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

Life expectancy: How can we address uneven declines?

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 14:30:04 +0000

Not long ago, during pre-pandemic 2019, the reported life expectancy at birth for non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic populations was approximately 75, 79, and 82 years, respectively. The higher life expectancy of Hispanic people compared to others in the United States may come as a surprise to some.

This phenomenon, known as the “Hispanic paradox,” was first noted in the 1980s, and its legitimacy has been debated since. A host of explanations have been proposed, including hypotheses about the “healthy immigrant” (people who migrate to the US are healthier than those who stay in their native countries) and “salmon bias” (less healthy US immigrants are more likely to return to their countries of origin). Other experts note that Hispanic communities have lower rates of smoking and greater levels of social cohesion, which certainly may contribute to their presumed higher life expectancy. In the end, this difference remains poorly understood, and is further complicated by research noting US-born Hispanic individuals may have lower life expectancy compared to their foreign-born counterparts.

Now, recent estimates for life expectancy from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show an alarming change that highlights the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on communities of color. Between 2019 and 2020, life expectancy dropped more sharply among Black and Hispanic populations compared to their White counterparts, by three years, two years, and one year, respectively. In fact, the gap in life expectancy between Black and White populations widened from four to six years, the largest gap since 1998. And the advantage in life expectancy previously held by Hispanic populations over Whites decreased from three to two years. In other words, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in life expectancy among all individuals in the US, but this impact has been felt most by communities of color.

Many reasons for greater vulnerability to COVID-19

Many factors contributed to this uneven drop in life expectancy. But these remarkable numbers remind us of the vulnerability of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in the US, the result of longstanding unequal access to health care and resources needed to achieve upward economic mobility. Many BIPOC populations in the US live on the brink of collapse. With little health or financial reserves, these communities are increasingly vulnerable to sudden events, like the financial collapse of the early 2000s or a global pandemic.

Racism functions largely through structural barriers that advantage some groups and disadvantage others. Rather than causing new disparities, the COVID-19 pandemic simply unmasked chronic failings in our social policies and healthcare delivery for our BIPOC communities. Recently, the CDC acknowledged this and declared racism a public health threat that harms the health and well-being of BIPOC populations.

Longstanding systemic failings lead to poor overall health

Abnormally high and sustained exposure to stress during pregnancy and early childhood leads to sustained release of inflammatory and stress-related hormones such as cortisol, which results in toxic levels of chronic stress. Racism causes chronic stress, which detrimentally affects the development and well-being of BIPOC children. Moreover, many BIPOC children have less overall opportunity to thrive. They live in neighborhoods plagued by pervasive poverty caused by longstanding discriminatory policies such as redlining and residential segregation. These factors compound, ultimately resulting in higher levels of cardiovascular disease, mental illness, and health-risk behaviors. Known as weathering, this contributes to both decreased lifespan and healthspan (the period of a life during which a person is in good health).

Further, BIPOC individuals in the US persistently face barriers in access to quality health care. Examples include higher rates of no insurance and underinsurance, and lower health care literacy. Pervasive bias and discriminatory policies are deeply embedded into our healthcare delivery infrastructure. So, the results of the CDC report should come as no surprise: a population chronically deprived of accessible preventive services would be expected to fare poorly during a pandemic.

Moving forward: What changes could help?

We can all raise our voices to persuade and support the efforts of government officials at every level, and healthcare leaders, to address immediate disparities related to the ongoing pandemic and the chronic flaws that leave BIPOC communities increasingly vulnerable. Below are several measures that could get our system moving in the right direction.

Regular citizens can

Vote in all elections — especially local elections. Local elected officials, such as a city mayor, town manager, city council members, and county sheriff, can affect the lives of citizens even more personally than state or federal officials. Local news media and websites may have information on policy views and track records to help you choose candidates.
Be wary of fake news promoted on social media. Social media places a wealth of information at our fingertips, yet also offers ways to spread false information that can greatly affect our decisions. Try to maintain a healthy level of skepticism. Check information with trusted sources. These common-sense tips can help keep you from falling victim to fake news.
Support local organizations. Local nonprofits and community organizations play a major role in helping to address COVID-19 disparities affecting BIPOC communities and fighting for testing and vaccine equity. If you’re financially able, consider donating to local nonprofits, food banks, and community organizations so that they can keep helping in times of need.

Policy makers and government leaders can

Fix unemployment insurance. Inject federal funds into refurbishing crumbling state unemployment insurance infrastructures, and pass legislation mandating that standard minimum benefits be provided by all states.
Make universal healthcare happen. Ensure universal health insurance is achieved, whether via a public option, single payer, or a host of other alternatives. Americans deserve equitable access to quality healthcare, especially preventive care.
Eliminate historically racist and discriminatory policies. Eliminate discriminatory practices like gerrymandering that contribute to ongoing disempowerment of voters, residential segregation, and pervasive poverty, leaving communities of color in destitute circumstances without a voice.

Editor’s note: At the request of Dr. Perez, terms used to describe all races and/or ethnicities are capitalized in this post, to reflect his view of identity and racial equity.

The post Life expectancy: How can we address uneven declines? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.

New Patent Issued for AirScape

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 23:18:24 +0000

We just got a patent on a technology that we’ve been using on our whole house fans. The use of motor aerodynamic motor mounts allows us to get an average of 17% more airflow.

The Patent

The Actual Fan

HEPA Filtration for Hospitals

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 22:01:55 +0000

How times change…

A few weeks ago we were ramping up our whole house fan production for the summer season. Now we are very busy making HEPA filtration units for hospitals, and yes, observing Covid safety protocols. Masks [check], distancing [check], good ventilation [check], doors open for extra air dilution [check], hand sanitizer [check], outdoor breaks in the sun [check]. We spent a lot of time writing procedures on how to stay safe.

HEPA filtration units being built for hospitals

Whole House Fans vs. Attic Ventilators

Wed, 15 May 2019 21:21:37 +0000

What is the difference between a Whole House Fan and an Attic Ventilator? First of all the Whole House Fan is mounted in the attic, while an Attic Ventilator is mounted on the roof or the gable wall of an attic.

The Whole House Fan pulls in cool outside air when you open the windows at night and exhausts the stale, hot air out. It is a natural source of fresh air that saves energy. Because a WHF operates between 2000 CFM and 6000 CFM they quickly exhaust hot indoor air and bring in the cool outside air.

An Attic Ventilator’s purpose is to get hot air out of your attic and bring cool air in. However, it can be pulling that cool air from your house. The fan can depressurize the attic by exhausting air from it, as well. Replacement air comes in either from the outside intake vents or from openings/cracks into the house. The main reason to cool an attic is if you store things in it or have ductwork or HVAC equipment up there. If this is the case, your HVAC equipment and ductwork would better serve you in the interior of your home somewhere, or the insulation should be moved from the attic floor to the sloped roofing of your house.

As you can see the Whole House Fan is designed to cool your home and save you energy while the Attic Ventilator, while good in theory, can actually pull cool air from your home and in turn cost you more in energy.

AirScape Whole House Fan
Attic Ventilator

New Product Development Update

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 17:47:19 +0000

Direct Vent System for Greenhouse and Warehouse Ventilation

Engineers here at AirScape are currently working on the finishing touches of a direct vent exhaust fan designed for industrial and commercial applications such as large indoor greenhouses and warehouses.

The system can be configured for roof or wall exhaust and has automatic Powered AirLock doors. There is an inlet louver with a Powered AirLock so that the space can be sealed up when no exhaust is desired.

Preliminary airflow testing is still incomplete because it outperforms our test chamber’s capacity… Well over 8500 cfm on only speed 6 (out of 10)! More data to follow as we recalibrate be able to accurately test such high airflow.

For more info, email us at experts@airscapefans.com

Q-CFM What kind of CFM is that ?

Mon, 11 Jun 2018 20:55:19 +0000

If you’re reading the blog post, you probably noticed that we have a new measurement of airflow shown on our website. CFM is a common abbreviation for Cubic Feet per Minute. This is a measure of how many cubic feet of air a fan moves per minute.

The new measurement is based on our creation. The Q-CFM.

You’ve probably also noticed that the Q-CFM number is about 30% higher than the official (and correct) airflow rating that we obtain through rigorous testing.

We have devised this (tongue in cheek) rating system to counter and illustrate some misleading information. One of our competitors is routinely advertising and using airflow numbers that are well over 30% higher than the official airflow rating that they submit to the California Energy Commission.

So, the Q-CFM is an abbreviation for Quackery Cubic Feet per Minute.

If you have any questions about how we measure and report airflow, please feel free to email or call us on the phone. We’re happy to chat.

Truth in AirFlow

Wed, 02 May 2018 21:03:05 +0000

It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.

-Mark Twain

We here at AirScape have spent a lot of time and effort testing and ensuring that our products provide the airflow and the energy use that we state. Take a look at this interesting video of our test chamber.

We just heard that one of our competitors (QC Manufacturing aka Quiet Cool Fans) has entered into a settlement agreement with the California Energy Commission. The most important part of that agreement is this:

“From December 15, 2015, to July 18, 2016, QC sold or offered for sale either directly or through retailers, distributors, or installers whole house fans in California that were listed in the Database with greater air flow and air flow efficiency data than could be verified by the Commission’s testing laboratory, in violation of sections 1606(a)(3)(E)(l) and 1608”

There are no Federal standards other than truth in advertising laws to specifically keep people in our industry honest. So we are grateful to the California Energy Commission for ensuring that customer receive what they paid for.

Thanks to our great customers and we look forward to keeping your homes cool this summer !

Here are some useful links.

CEC Docket Log

Actual Settlement Agreement

Cool Off, A New Whole House Fan App!

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 23:01:32 +0000

We’ve often talked on this blog about how we are big promoters of “open” systems. That’s why we included an application programming interface in our 2nd Generation control package, and why we were very excited that a third party developer released an iOS app that works with our 2nd Gen. controls. It will come as no surprise, then, that we’re once again excited to share a new independent whole house fan app, Cool Off.

Cool Off helps homeowners get the most out of their whole house fans (both AirScape and other manufacturers) by automatically notifying them whenever the temperature outdoors drops below their desired indoor temperature. This, as I’m sure you’ve already figured out, allows you to know exactly when and when not to run your fan.

Unlike AirScape’s own Temperature Sensor Package, Cool Off doesn’t use an external temperature sensor to gauge the outdoor temperature. Instead, the homeowner enters their location into the app and it finds the temperature using readings from Weather Underground’s network of weather stations. Accessing this network has some great benefits:

Users can use both actual and “apparent” temperature settings, which is a very nice option in more humid climates. “Apparent” temperature readings take humidity into account in order to provide a measure of how hot it feels like outside, as opposed to what a thermometer says it is. Air feels increasingly hot as humidity rises—in a humid climate, air conditioning removes humidity from the indoor air, making it feel cooler than humid outdoor air even when it actually isn’t.

Furthermore, thanks to Weather Underground’s forecasting, Cool Off can estimate the time of day you’ll be able to switch from A/C to your whole house fan. This is subtly useful. If, for example, it is too hot to run the fan at the moment, but will be cool enough soon, you might want to turn off your A/C now, endure the heat for a short spell, and save a little money. Likewise, if it won’t be cool enough to run the fan until the early hours of the morning (which could easily be the case during a heat wave), you’ll want to know, so you can turn on your A/C early and not lose any sleep.

It is important to note Cool Off cannot directly control either our fans or those of any manufacturer. That said, we are very happy its developers have published it. Our new Digital Touch Controls, now shipping standard with every AirScape fan, are not compatible with our own Temperature Sensor Package, which can only be used the 2nd Gen. controls. If a homeowner would like to easily gauge the outdoor temperature, without upgrading their controls, Cool Off is an excellent way to do so.

To learn more about Cool Off, visit their website at www.cooloffapp.com. If you check out their site, you’ll also learn that the app is available in versions for both iOS and Android operating systems, and will work on both smartphones and tablets in either ecosystem. You can download Cool Off on the App Store or Google Play.

A Few of My Favorite Filter Photos

Fri, 14 Oct 2016 12:36:04 +0000

There's really no end to the fun stuff you find when looking at furnace & air conditioner filters. Here are a few of my favorites for this Fall Friday.

Let's Stop Using the Word "Breathe" for Buildings

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 08:01:00 +0000

Breathe. It's a good thing. We need to breathe to live. Breathing consciously relaxes us. And it's a great song by Pink Floyd from the Dark Side of the Moon album.

Breathe, breathe in the air
Don't be afraid to care
Leave but don't leave me
Look around and choose your own ground

Breathing is required of many life forms. But when it comes to buildings, breathing is just confusing.

Falling Electricity Rates, Bill Tracking, and Energy Efficiency

Fri, 07 Oct 2016 14:31:16 +0000

Like many energy geeks, I track my electricity usage and costs. I've been doing it for decades. (Unlike Danny Orlando, however, I haven't stayed in the same house and watched as the home energy improvements kept lowering that usage.) One thing I've noticed in the past few months is that the electricity rate I pay to Georgia Power has dropped significantly. Yesterday, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) confirmed that falling electricity rates is a (mostly) national trend.

Humidity in a Spray Foam Attic

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 13:02:43 +0000

Spray foam insulation can solve problems that other insulation materials can't. One of those problems is moving the building enclosure from the drywall ceiling of a home to the roofline. By doing so, you bring the attic inside the building enclosure. But what happens to that attic space when you move it inside? Dr. Joe Lstiburek has been saying for a while now that we can't just ignore the space. He says we shouldn't be calling it a sealed attic or encapsulated attic or unvented attic. We should be calling it a conditioned attic. Here are some data to show why that's true, at least in a humid climate.

The Cost of Solar Energy Keeps Dropping, But...

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 13:22:35 +0000

Solar energy has sex appeal. If you want to show the world you're doing something to reduce pollution, you put photovoltaic (PV) panels on your roof to generate clean electricity. Even better, you drive a plug-in hybrid or an all-electric car and charge your car's batteries with your solar panels. The good news for solar enthusiasts is the cost of installing a solar electric system on your home just keeps falling and falling. Let's take a look at some data. Then I'll throw in a little cautionary note at the end.

7 Things I Learned at the North American Passive House Conference

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 14:39:57 +0000

Yesterday I returned home from the North American Passive House Conference. It was great, as it always is. Wait. No, this was the best one yet. On the 10th anniversary of the first conference, PHIUS put on an amazing conference. It was the biggest one ever, I believe. As I flew home I pondered some of the things I heard and saw in Philadelphia and here are few that stood out for me.

Grading an Attempt to Get Ducts Inside Conditioned Space

Wed, 07 Sep 2016 12:42:36 +0000

There's a ton of new construction and remodeling going on in Atlanta. On a lot near where I live, a developer tore down the old house and is building two new ones. This weekend, I took the opportunity to check out their progress on the first one and saw the mechanical system roughed in on the first floor. They did some good things in their attempt to keep the air handler and ducts inside conditioned space. They also did some not-so-good things. Let's grade their work.

How Dirty Is Your State's Electricity?

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 12:47:17 +0000

I've been working on my presentation for the 10th anniversary of the North American Passive House Conference. It's on the global warming impact of insulation, a followup to my latest article about Alex Wilson's work on that subject. One of the things I wanted to do was to see what difference it made when a home used "dirty electricity," with a high carbon intensity, versus a home using "clean electricity." The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) from the US Environmental Protection Agency, has the data I was looking for.

More on Air Conditioner Sizing Rules of Thumb

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 12:48:27 +0000

Air conditioner sizing rules of thumb must die. That's what I wrote in my last article. The most common rule of thumb is to use 500 square feet per ton to determine the size of air conditioner needed. Or 400 or 600 or some other number in that general vicinity. In my article, I showed a graph of air conditioner sizes, given in square feet per ton, for 40 homes that we did load calculations for. The average of the 40 was 1,431 sf/ton. Now, let me say a bit more about that.

Air Conditioner Sizing Rules of Thumb Must Die

Fri, 26 Aug 2016 08:00:00 +0000

We design a lot of heating and air conditioning systems at Energy Vanguard. Alexander Bell, who goes by Andy, is our design wizard, and I've been getting involved with the process again lately. When I talk to potential clients, a lot of them tell me their contractor wants to size their air conditioner using a rule of thumb. The rule is usually something like this: Install one ton of air conditioning capacity for every 500 (or 600) square feet of conditioned floor area. How far off are they? Let's take a look.