Our Services – What We Offer and When
We provide a multi-tiered approach to air quality, moving beyond simple filtration to active air treatment. We assess the specific load of your home—considering square footage, occupancy, and current duct design—to implement the right solution.
Whole-Home Dehumidification
In the Gulf Coast climate, an air conditioner is often insufficient for humidity control. An AC unit only removes moisture when it is actively cooling. During shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or cool summer nights, humidity can rise inside the home even if the temperature is comfortable. We install dedicated whole-home dehumidifiers that work independently of the cooling cycle.
- Maintains ideal humidity levels (45-50%) regardless of temperature.
- Prevents the growth of mold and dust mites, which thrive above 60% humidity.
- Reduces the workload on your primary air conditioning unit.
UV Germicidal Light Installation
Biological growth often originates inside the HVAC system itself, specifically on the damp evaporator coil. We install UV-C germicidal lights directly within the ductwork or over the coil.
- Scrambles the DNA of mold, bacteria, and viruses, rendering them unable to reproduce.
- Keeps the evaporator coil clean, maintaining factory-level efficiency.
- Eliminates the “dirty sock syndrome” smell often associated with bacterial buildup.
High-Efficiency Filtration Systems
Standard one-inch fiberglass filters are designed to protect the equipment, not your lungs. We upgrade systems to accommodate 4-inch or 5-inch media filters with higher MERV ratings.
- Captures smaller particles like smoke, smog, and fine dust without restricting airflow.
- Extends the time between filter changes (often 6 to 12 months).
- Reduces the amount of dust settling on furniture and floors.
Air Purification and Scrubbers
For homes requiring the highest level of protection, we install active air scrubbers. These devices release oxidizers into the air stream that actively seek out and neutralize contaminants in the air and on surfaces.
- Neutralizes odors from cooking, pets, and chemical off-gassing.
- Reduces surface bacteria on countertops and doorknobs.
- Aggregates fine dust particles, making them easier for the filter to catch.
Step-by-Step to Better Air Quality at Home
Achieving healthy air involves a systematic process to ensure the solution addresses the root cause rather than just masking symptoms. We follow a strict protocol for every engagement.
- Initial Assessment and Testing:
The process begins with a technician visiting your home to perform a static pressure test and visual inspection of the ductwork. We use laser particle counters and hygrometers to measure particulate levels and relative humidity in different zones of the house. This data establishes a baseline and identifies whether the issue is infiltration (leaky ducts), generation (internal sources), or ventilation (lack of fresh air).
- System Design and Recommendation:
Based on the data, we design a solution tailored to your existing HVAC infrastructure. We verify that your current blower motor can handle the resistance of upgraded filters or that your electrical panel has capacity for a dehumidifier. We provide a clear proposal outlining the scope of work, expected outcomes, and financing options.
- Professional Installation:
Installation is scheduled at your convenience. Technicians lay down drop cloths and wear shoe covers to protect your property. For whole-home units, we may need to modify the return drop or plenum to integrate the new equipment seamlessly. All electrical connections are hardwired to code, and condensate lines are properly routed to prevent leaks.
- Verification and Walkthrough:
Once installed, we do not simply leave. We re-test the system to ensure airflow remains within manufacturer specifications. We demonstrate how to operate the new equipment, how to change media filters, and how to read the new thermostat or humidistat settings.
Deciding Between Repair or Full System Replacement
Homeowners often ask if they can improve air quality by cleaning their current system or if they need to replace components entirely. The decision depends on the age of the system, the condition of the ductwork, and the severity of the contamination.
When to Repair or Clean
- Dirty Coils: If the evaporator coil has minor dust buildup but no corrosion, a professional chemical cleaning combined with the installation of a UV light is often sufficient.
- Minor Duct Leaks: If the ductwork is rigid and accessible, mastic sealing can prevent attic dust from entering the air stream without requiring a full replacement.
- Thermostat Issues: Sometimes humidity issues are caused by a thermostat that lacks a dehumidification setting or has a calibrated sensor error. Replacing the control interface is a cost-effective fix — check current specials.
When to Replace or Upgrade
- Fiberglass Duct Contamination: If you have fiberboard ducts or flexible ducts with internal mold growth, cleaning is rarely effective. The porous surface retains spores even after cleaning. Replacement is the only safe option to ensure clean air.
- Oversized AC Units: If your AC unit is too large for the home, it will cool the space too quickly (short-cycling) without running long enough to remove humidity. No amount of peripheral equipment will fix this fundamental flaw. Mackey Services recommends replacing the unit with a properly sized, variable-speed system to resolve the root humidity issue.
- Obsolete Equipment: Older single-stage units are incompatible with modern communicating air purifiers and zoning systems. Upgrading the central HVAC unit allows for the integration of advanced IAQ technology that modulates based on real-time air quality readings.
Complying with Pearland’s Air Quality Standards
Local building codes and climate conditions in the Greater Houston area, including Pearland and Friendswood, dictate specific requirements for HVAC and air quality installations. We ensure full compliance with all regulations to protect your home’s value and safety.
- Electrical Permitting: Installing hardwired dehumidifiers or UV lighting systems often requires a dedicated circuit or specific electrical tie-ins. We handle all necessary permitting to ensure the work passes city inspections and adheres to the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Condensate Management: The high humidity in our region means dehumidifiers and high-efficiency ACs produce significant amounts of condensate water. Local codes require specific drainage sloping, secondary drain pans, and safety float switches to prevent water damage to ceilings and floors.
- Ventilation Standards: Modern energy codes require mechanical ventilation (bringing in fresh air) for tightly sealed homes. We calculate the required CFM (cubic feet per minute) of fresh air intake based on the square footage of your home to meet ASHRAE 62.2 standards while treating that air to prevent humidity spikes.
Why Choose Us—Local Expertise, Proven Results
Selecting a service provider for indoor air quality goes beyond finding the lowest price. It requires a partner who understands the science of psychrometrics (the study of air and moisture) and the specific challenges of the Texas Gulf Coast.
- Technical Precision: We do not guess. We measure airflow, static pressure, and particulate counts before and after installation to prove the effectiveness of our systems.
- Holistic Approach: We view the home as a system. We understand that adding a high-MERV filter to a weak duct system can cause the AC to freeze up. We ensure every IAQ upgrade is compatible with your heating and cooling equipment.
- No-Pressure Education: Our technicians are trained to educate, not sell. We explain the “why” behind every recommendation, empowering you to make the best decision for your family’s health and budget.
Your home should be a safe haven, free from the allergens and humidity that plague the outdoors. If you are noticing musty odors, excessive dust, or respiratory irritation, it is time to take action. Trust Mackey Services to deliver hospital-grade air quality solutions right to your living room.
