Duct Smoke Detectors Can Save Homes, Lives

Lewisville, TX, January 11, 2012 --(PR.com)-- When a fire starts inside a building, the HVAC system often circulates smoke, toxic gases and flames from area to area. Unless the blowers on the system are shut down, occupants can quickly become overwhelmed by the spreading smoke and fumes, leading to panic, injury and/or a life-threatening emergency.

To mitigate this risk, commercial buildings are required to install duct-mounted smoke detectors, which shut down the HVAC blowers once smoke is detected within the duct system.

However, such life-saving devices are not currently required in residential dwellings.

“The code just doesn’t make any sense,” says Mike Douglas, CEO of Advent Air. “We’re required to install duct smoke detectors in businesses to protect people working during the day, but those same people go home every night and fall asleep in homes that lack the same safeguards.”

Several regulations that take effect this month will improve the safety and efficiency of new and, in some cases, existing single-family dwellings. The new rules advanced by the Environmental Protection Agency include mandatory installation of carbon monoxide detectors in new homes and current residences where construction is performed.

But the regulations do not address duct smoke detectors, which can mean the difference between life and death for people whose homes catch on fire while they are sleeping.

Duct smoke detection devices are required in most commercial applications in which the HVAC systems move more than 2000 cfm of air. This is roughly equivalent to a five-ton air conditioning system found in many residences across Texas.

“We believe it’s our civic duty to inform and educate our customers about the importance of these devices,” said Douglas. “They aren’t expensive; but if they’re ever needed, the benefits can be priceless.”

Advent Air Conditioning recently launched an educational campaign to inform homeowners of the importance of installing duct smoke detectors in their homes. The company is making available cost-effective detection systems for new and existing customers. Advent recommends state-of-the-art photoelectric detectors, which respond better to the larger smoke particles commonly found in ductwork during a fire. These systems also operate more efficiently than ionization detectors, and generate fewer false alarms. The devices can be installed in most existing HVAC systems, as well as all new installations.

For more information on Advent Air’s duct smoke detectors, call 972.221.4373, or visit them online at www.AdventAir.com.

About Advent Air Conditioning
Advent Air prides itself in offering the best in service, repair and maintenance for all major air conditioning and heating systems, for both residential and commercial applications. Advent’s installations include top-of-the-line equipment from Trane and Carrier. The company has been a Top 10 Trane dealer for 17 consecutive years, while earning many more awards and accolades from the industry and local “Readers Choice” votes. Advent Air is headquartered at 500 S. Kealy Street in Lewisville, TX. To learn more about their residential and commercial HVAC services, call 972.221.4373, or visit them online at www.AdventAir.com.

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