Joe W. Fly Co., Inc. sent several employees to the recent meeting of the National Air Filtration Association (NAFA) in Irving. President of the company, Trey Fly, is the current president of NAFA, and gave the opening remarks in welcoming NAFA members to an exciting lineup of speakers and three days of events. Of particular interest to the attendees was the recent technological advancements in air filtration that incorporate artificial intelligence, updates on the Indoor Air Quality Initiative, liquid filtration and much more. Nationally recognized speaker, and author Spencer X. Smith, shared valuable information on the “Return on Investment of Social Media,” and the many ways we can all help our customers remember how critical our roles are in providing clean air and air filtration.

Here’s a brief clip of Trey speaking at NAFA 2019:

Smart, dependable, hard working person wanted to add to our Joe W. Fly Co., Inc. family. Apply in person at 4820 Memphis St. Dallas, TX 75207. Or call Matt at 682-812-1056

Service Technician (Dallas)

Established (1967), growing company looking to add another energetic, reliable person for installing air filters in commercial & industrial buildings throughout DFW. Past service type experience encouraged but not required. Just be willing to learn! Requires working on ladders, use of basic hand and power tools, good at math, and excellent people skills needed in communicating with customers. This position will also be in the warehouse some and may be required to make deliveries from time to time. Must be 18 years of age with clean driving record, someone that is very safety conscious, willing to take drug test, be proficient in speaking and writing in English, and currently legally eligible to work in the United States. Driver’s License and Social Security ID will be required for interview.

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, vision and 409(k) after 90 day probation period, as well as vacation and sick pay

Job Type: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $12.50 to $15.00 /hour

The winter chill is here! Learn how to save money this season with simple tips for your home.

Change Your Air Filters
When dust clogs the filter, the HVAC unit has to work harder and harder to pull air through. Replacing your filter at least every few months will save you some money and extend the life of your heater.

Install a Programmable Thermostat
These devices can save you as much as 10 percent annually and enables you to have peace of mind when you leave the house or climb into your warm bed at night, knowing the temperature will adjust automatically.

Get an Energy Audit
An energy audit uses a blower door test and an infrared camera to pinpoint leaks and identifies ways to improve energy efficiency. Schedule the audit through your utility company and ask about rebates.
This procedure is worth the investment because it’s almost impossible to find most sources of energy loss on your own. You’ll get a detailed report listing upgrades you can make to cut heat loss and use less energy.

Utilize Your Ceiling Fan
If you have a ceiling fan, reverse it in the winter so that the warm air is evenly distributed. In the summer, make the fan run counter-clockwise to create a cooling wind.

Switch to LED Holiday Lights
Still using those light strands that date to the late 90s? Time for an upgrade. 90 percent of a light bulb’s energy is wasted generating heat. That fact is more than an ice-breaker for your next Christmas party. It’s also motivation to get LED holiday lights this year. They use one quarter the energy, last longer and produce less heat, making them safer.

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October is upon us!
This season brings cooler temperatures, fall leaves, pumpkins, trick-or-treaters, and unfortunately, the flu. How can you prevent the flu from striking your home or work this year?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends:

1. Stay home if you’re sick, to help prevent germs from spreading to family, friends, and colleagues.
2. Practice good hygiene habits, including covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands thoroughly. Teach your kids to wash their hands correctly – just waving them under the water and towel drying isn’t enough to remove germs and bacteria.
3. Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces at home, school and in the office. Don’t forget about toys, light switches, computer keyboards, and door knobs

The E-Mist Surface Management System is one of the best ways to protect against the flu by disinfecting surfaces and touch points that are frequently missed with traditional cleaning. The battery powered electrostatic liquid application process allows surfaces to be treated frequently, completely, and safely. Using a hospital-grade disinfectant, the E-Mist SMS provides 360* coverage and disinfects the average room in less than three minutes.

Joe W. Fly Co., Inc. offers several disinfection choices to suit every need. Many industries, including education, medical, travel and military can purchase E-Mist machines to save on janitorial and chemical costs. We also offer a disinfection service with tiered rates based on frequency and square footage. If you’re concerned with germs and bacteria in your home, our subsidiary service, Healthy Homes TX, brings the technology to you, disinfecting your home after illness, before you welcome a new baby or elderly parent into your home, or just to complete your cleaning process.

For more information about surface disinfection, contact us at (800) 772-6566.

Joe W. Fly Co., Inc. is looking for a new Manager for our Houston, Texas branch.  Houston is one of the largest HVAC markets in the world and is currently our fastest growing branch.  HVAC experience not necessary, but some management and sales experience is highly recommended.  The Branch Manager position oversees Office, Sales, and Operations staff.  They have a P&L responsibility for their branch and are considered to be the main point of contact and key decision maker for all things happening within the branch.  Individuals that typically thrive in this position are dynamic, quick-thinking people who interact well with everyone from all walks of life.  They must at all times have a focus on our core values (Customer, Family, Quality, Commitment, and Integrity) as these create the foundation for everything we do.  This search is open to anyone.  If you know of a friend, coworker, or family member who might thrive in this position, please forward it to them.  We are looking for culture fit, team players who are looking for a lifelong career opportunity.

Joe Fly Company was established in 1967 and currently operates in eight major cities in Texas.  Our core business is providing clean air through air filtration and other environmental services.  We are growing fast and focused on improvements in culture and operational efficiencies.  We have an aggressive growth goal to double by 2030.  We offer full benefits, health insurance, 401k with a company match, and profit sharing for all employees.  The Branch Manager position comes with additional benefits such as company provided vehicle, gas, and insurance.

Please send questions or resumes to Trey Fly at trey@joeflyco.com.

August 1 is Respect for Parents Day. The company’s third-generation owner and current president, Trey Fly, has a lot to say on this topic:

My parents taught me so much and are responsible for who I am today. They have been foundational in my development from childhood to college and beyond into my own family and business life. Their parenting style was nurturing and loving, but also encouraged responsibility in addition to setting expectations and consequences. Manners were taught at an early age. When I was younger, their guidance felt strict; as an adult I understand the wisdom and caring behind the structure.

My parents taught me about the value of money, and the importance of saving at a very early age. While other kids were given spending money freely, and allowed to do whatever they wanted, I typically had to earn my money doing odd jobs, mowing lawns, or working on the ranch. This taught me to be responsible with my money and the value of hard work.

I can also credit my parents with impacting our company and its values. Although the corporate values of Joe W. Fly Co., Inc. were formally written in the last decade, they existed long before I was born. These values stemmed from my grandparents, then my parents, and were recorded on paper by me. The core values of our company are: INTEGRITY, FAMILY, CUSTOMER, QUALITY, AND COMMITMENT. These are the pillars that have seen us through the first 51 years and will continue to guide us as we move forward. Thanks to my parents for showing me the way and helping me become the best father, husband, son, brother, and business owner that I can be.

Microbial growth in your HVAC system can reduce energy efficiency and contaminate the air in your building. This is a particular risk in hot, humid areas like Houston and along the Texas coast, but it can occur in buildings anywhere. Inside the HVAC system it is often cold, dark, and wet—providing the perfect environment for mold and other microbial organisms to grow.

How you clean and maintain your evaporator coils, and even the filter you use can affect the spread of bacteria, viruses, mildew, and mold in your system. Here are some tips to help eliminate or prevent microbial growth in your HVAC.

Keep Your Coils and Whole System Clean

Routine preventive maintenance is essential for maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of your air handlers. Heat transfer across the coils is critical to energy efficiency. When there is a buildup of biofilm or other grime on the coils, it will reduce the unit’s efficiency and require more energy to heat and cool the building. This type of growth also harms air quality in the building, especially when it occurs downstream from the filters. Any spores or particles released into the airstream below the filters will go directly into the air you breathe.

Regular HVAC coil cleaning (at least once per year) helps prevent both microbial growth and the buildup of other contaminants that can negatively affect your HVAC system. For example, steam cleaning is effective because it uses heat to kill growth on the evaporator coils.

It’s also important to remember the drain pan under the coils. Condensation and runoff collect under the unit and need to be captured and drained out of the system, but if there is any standing water or residue, it needs to be treated. HVAC pan tablets can be applied based on the tonnage of the unit to prevent algae or other organisms from growing in this area. Without proper treatment, the drain pan can become clogged—potentially leading to spillage that can damage your system and cause microbial growth to spread.

Another good way to kill mold and other contaminants (and prevent them from returning) is to install ultraviolet lights over the coils in your HVAC system. UVC light kills bacteria, viruses, mildew, mold, and other harmful organisms.

Don’t Let Your Filters Provide Food for Bacteria

Changing your filters on a regular schedule is important for maintaining high air quality, but when microbial growth is an issue, you also need to consider the type of filters you use. Many common disposable filters end up becoming food for mold and bacteria because of the materials they’re made with. For example, cotton-blend filters in cardboard frames are very common. Unfortunately, both the filter material and the frames provide sources of food, which can enable rapid microbial growth.

Joe W. Fly Co. often recommends installing permanent frames made of galvanized stainless steel, with synthetic filter media placed inside. This helps prevent growth because microbial organisms cannot feed on these materials. Our frame and media filtration system also helps eliminate air bypass and improve air quality because there are no gaps in the filter. Best of all, this approach can also deliver savings on materials and labor, compared to traditional disposable filters.

Contact the HVAC and Air Filtration Experts

As the largest commercial and industrial HVAC filter distributor in Texas, Joe W. Fly Co. has helped countless businesses improve their indoor air quality and energy efficiency. By recommending the best filters and other products, and providing just-in-time services, our team of experienced technicians helps make the most of every dollar you spend on HVAC. And because we work with a wide variety of manufacturers and base our recommendations solely on what will work best for you, we can often help reduce the cost of maintenance operations.

Microbial growth can degrade the quality of the air you breathe and cause costly damage to your HVAC system. Contact the experts at Joe W. Fly Co. today to learn more and start taking action against mold, bacteria, and other silent threats.

Did you know the average human breathes about 11,000 liters of air every day?

Air is essential for human life, but it’s not just about the quantity. The quality of the air we breathe has a major impact on our health. And because humans today spend 80-90% of their time inside, the indoor air quality (IAQ) in our homes, offices, and other buildings has become an increasingly important public health issue.

Building owners are required by law to provide a healthy indoor environment for their occupants, whether the facility is residential, commercial, industrial, or other. Failure to take reasonable precautions can expose the owner or manager to claims of negligence. In sectors like healthcare or certain kinds of manufacturing, the need to ensure clean air is especially great.

Part of the challenge is that the problem is mostly invisible. Many pollutants are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye, and a building’s air filters are typically out of sight and out of mind. Today, we’ll examine three of the biggest IAQ risk factors in Texas, and what building owners can do to ensure a clean, safe environment.

Big City Air and Insulated Buildings

Texas is home to several of the nation’s largest cities: Houston, Austin, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and San Antonio have a collective population of more than 6 million. With so many people living together in such close quarters—and driving cars, running air conditioners, etc.—air pollution is inevitable. To keep pollutants out of our homes and workplaces, we need to control the flow of air and ensure that the air coming inside is properly filtered.

However, as buildings have become more insulated to keep out heat and pollutants, maintaining good IAQ has actually become even more challenging in some ways. Reducing the amount of fresh air coming in from outside means that germs and harmful particles get stuck in the indoor air and can’t get out. As a result, indoor air is often 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Pollen and Other Natural Allergens

Not all “pollutants” are man-made. A lot of the particles we want to keep out of our indoor air are natural. Things like pollen and dust can be extremely irritating to the human respiratory system. High concentrations of these natural allergens can keep you from enjoying a good night’s sleep at home or focusing on your projects at work.

We use things like screen doors and windows to keep the big stuff from getting in, but harmful particles such as mold and bacteria are thinner than a human hair—too small to see and definitely small enough to slip in through a screen or a door crack. When you close everything up and turn on the air conditioner, you need effective filters to remove these particles from the air so they don’t just keep circulating and potentially affecting your health.

Heat, Humidity and Moisture

Another big issue in Texas specifically is the high temperatures. And in places along the coast like Houston, humidity and moisture are also major risk factors. Hot, moist air can lead to rapid growth of illness-causing mold and bacteria. The HVAC system in your building can become a hotbed for this growth if it isn’t properly cleaned and maintained on a regular basis.

What You Can Do to Improve IAQ

One of the most important things you need to do is ensure that air filters in your HVAC system are working properly and preventing air bypass. Common problems with HVAC air filters include:

• Filters are the wrong size or not installed properly
• Seals, spacers, or clips are missing or loose
• Gaps or holes allow air bypass

The efficiency of air filters is typically measured according to Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). When unfiltered air passes through the system, it effectively decreases the MERV level of your filters. A gap as small as 1/8 inch reduces filtration efficiency by an entire MERV point. This can cause a variety of problems, such as increased energy use, filters getting bent or blown through, and accumulation of dust and grimes that can damage coils and feed mold or bacterial growth.

Fortunately, there are options for building owners, managers, and engineers to improve IAQ. Joe W. Fly Co. has been serving Texas’ IAQ needs for more than 50 years. Over that time, we’ve become the largest distributor of air filters in the state, so we’ve seen our share of filtration problems. Some of the things we commonly recommend include:

• Using higher efficiency air filters to capture more particles or optimize energy use
• Making sure filters fit and are installed properly to eliminate air bypass
• Establishing a routine preventative maintenance plan

Air filters seem like a minor thing—a line item in the operating budget that you just want to make as small as possible—but this is not an area where you want to cut corners. Skimping on filters or maintenance can actually end up being extremely costly and have negative impacts on occupant health.

When Joe W. Fly Co. sends our technicians to assess a building, they thoroughly examine the HVAC system to identify any issues that could be negatively affecting operating costs and IAQ. Then they recommend ways to save the customer money and improve their system’s overall performance. Sometimes this requires new filtration products, but in other cases it could just mean minor changes in the way filters are installed or maintained.

No matter what we recommend, the goal is always to deliver a better indoor environment in a way that’s cost-effective for you. Contact us to learn more about how we can help.