Category: Land & Property

Don't Forget Duct Cleaning as Part of Spring Cleaning Checklists

Why is Duct Cleaning So Important? 

April showers bring May flowers, but what do May flowers bring? Allergies. As trees bud, and plants grow, they release huge amounts of pollen that can make spring miserable for those with allergies. 

One of the greatest tips for those with allergies is maintaining good indoor air quality, which starts with a good spring cleaning. This spring, take some advice from air quality professionals and remove the allergens clogging up the air ducts during spring cleaning projects. 

duct cleaning

Reasons to Schedule Air Duct Cleaning

As the air conditioner runs, the air in the home is cycled multiple times through ductwork. Over time, the interior walls of ductwork can become fouled with dust and allergens. When dust and allergens form clumps, they collect moisture to make an environment susceptible to mold growth. 

As air flows through dirty ductwork, it will pick up dust, allergens, and mold spores. When distributed around the home, they will greatly contribute to allergy and respiratory symptoms. During a duct cleaning, the inside of ductwork is scrubbed, and years of buildup are removed. The result is ductwork that safely distributes air around the home that is healthy to breathe. 

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Signs That Air Ducts are Dirty

Air duct cleaning isn’t a service that many have done themselves, so most people don’t understand the signs that ductwork is dirty. Luckily, there are plenty of signs that it’s time to clean the air ducts. Signs can include:
  • It’s been more than three years since the last cleaning
  • Occupants of the home suffer from symptoms of poor lung health like asthma, allergies, or chronic sinus problems
  • Low-grade fevers or headaches are common
  • Musty odors are prevalent in multiple places around the house
  • Dust hangs in the air and builds up on flat surfaces around the home
  • Inconsistent airflow to various parts of the house

Getting air ducts cleaned can greatly improve the quality of life for everyone in a home. 

Keeping Ducts Clean All Year Long

Once the air ducts are cleaned, many homeowners want to know what they can do to make their improved air quality last for as long as possible. Since most air duct cleaners only recommend cleanings every 3 to 5 years, homeowners can take several steps to maximize the effectiveness of each duct cleaning. 

The principle behind maintaining clean ducts is cleanliness around the house. That’s why spring cleaning is so important. To maximize duct cleaning and maintain good indoor air quality, do things like:

  • Use high-quality air filters
  • Replace air filters every three months
  • Dust regularly
  • Wash bedding and curtains
  • Vacuum weekly with HEPA filter vacuum cleaners
  • Open windows on days when the wind is low and outdoor air quality high

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been dedicated to keeping its neighbors in Daytona Beach, FL, comfortable since 2002. They offer transparent pricing, membership plans, and financing. Call them today for indoor air quality services in South Daytona, FL.

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Key Women in the HVAC Industry

Amazing and Spectacular Women Who Changed the World of Heating and Cooling

The heating and cooling industry is mainly male-dominated, but this is significantly changing the more women find interest in engineering and the trades. HVAC is a tough job, but some women understand and are willing to work these jobs and contribute!

As early as 100 years ago, various women were making large strides and inventions that benefit homeowners today. Two wildly popular names are Margaret Ingels and Alice H. Parker. These women were not afraid to show off their intelligence and became female engineers with patents.

The Heating and Cooling Industry Today

Sadly, only about 43% of women in the world are employed. Out of this already small percentage, only a small percentage works in the trades, specifically HVAC. Out of all the people who work in HVAC, about 9% are female. This means that less than 1/10 of all HVAC technicians are women.

Although the percentages are small, it may surprise homeowners to know that the numbers are changing with each year and rising. Various organizations and associations encourage women to go into these fields and provide them with much-needed support! Comparing HVAC over one hundred years, more women are actively taking a role in the industry as engineers or technicians. 

Alice H. Parker and her Gas Furnace

aliceAlice H. Parker is a remarkable woman who rose above adversity and changed the HVAC industry forever. This woman inventor was not only a woman but also an African American woman who struggled to get support and equality.

When neither African Americans nor women were widely respected, she became a female inventor and created an invention everyone could use safely in their own home. The gas furnace was patented and almost immediately produced safely for homes. 

Her design offered a duct that let warm air escape outside instead of in the home. Instead of using extremely flammable objects like wood and coal, her design used gas. At this point, gas was less expensive than wood and coal, which made it easier to purchase for low-income families.

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Meet Margaret Ingels: Super Engineer

Another super engineer is Margaret Ingels, born in the late 1800s when women were first accepted into the workplace, but only as help during times of war. She excelled in science and inventions as a young girl and first became interested before her teen years.

Her curiosity for science and inventions did not stop as a kid, as she went on to study engineering at the University of Kentucky. Quickly, she was accepted to a lab where she worked on creating heating and cooling systems that were safe, energy-efficient, and produced good air quality.

Margaret Ingels is a name that many people do not know, which is sad as she is a spectacular woman inventor who created the machine to measure moisture in the air.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving Daytona Beach, FL, since 2002. They provide homeowners with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, no diagnostic fees, and licensed, knowledgeable technicians. Call them today for heating or cooling services in South Daytona, FL.

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Three Common Tools Used by HVAC Technicians on the Job

What Tools Do HVAC Technicians Carry? 

Ever wondered what tools are hidden away in an HVAC technician’s toolbelt? This blog post discusses the three most common types of tools that heating technicians and AC contractors carry in their toolbelts. Hand tools, safety equipment, and various specialized tools are all necessary for professional heating technicians and AC contractors to get the job done right. 

What Hand Tools Do HVAC Contractors Use?tools

Professional heating and AC technicians need a large variety of small hand tools while on the job. Screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches are just a few examples, and the contractor will need them in multiple sizes as well. In addition to hand tools for adjusting nuts and bolts, the HVAC contractor will also need tools to handle wires inside the HVAC unit. 

Wire cutters are a necessary hand tool for heating and cooling technicians to carry with them. Not to be forgotten is a flashlight. Not all HVAC units are located in well-lit locations. To see clearly inside the inner workings of the unit, the HVAC technician needs to have a good flashlight available. 

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What Kind of Safety Equipment Do Heating Technicians Use?

Being a heating technician can be a dangerous job. There are many hazards to consider, from slips and falls to accidental burns from heating elements inside water heaters. To prevent accidental bodily injury while on the job, HVAC contractors need to bring various safety equipment with them. Nonslip shoes are necessary to prevent slipping and falling. 

Wearing a mask is necessary in some cases to prevent the inhalation of toxic fumes or other contaminants from inside of the HVAC unit. To protect their hands from burns, scratches, and other injuries, almost all HVAC technicians wear gloves while on the job. Safety goggles are also recommended for HVAC technicians to protect their vision from potential hazards like chemicals or loose parts accidentally hitting an eye. 

What Are Examples of Specialized Tools for HVAC Technicians?

Some of the tools that HVAC technicians carry are specialized and not commonly heard of. Ever heard of a coil fin straightener? These combs are used to straighten out the “fins” of the coils inside AC units. The coils are an essential part of the air conditioning unit, and when they get bent, the AC may not work efficiently. Coil fin straighteners realign the position of the coils. 

AC contractors may need to remove the coolant or moisture from inside the unit, which is where pumps come into play. Pumps are used to move liquid or air from one place to another. A common problem with air conditioning systems is internal leaks. To easily detect leaks, HVAC contractors use something called a leak detector. One can use these handheld devices to detect leaks inside the unit without taking it all apart. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. is a trusted local Daytona Beach, FL heating and cooling company. Give them a call to speak to one of their friendly staff members about scheduling HVAC service today! There is a 100% satisfaction guarantee, no diagnostic fee, and Jerry Brittingham employees are highly trained professionals. 

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Break These 3 Bad Habits to Save Money on Your Heating and Cooling In 2022

3 Most Common Heating and Cooling Mistakes

Heating and cooling make up a significant percentage of most people’s monthly power bills. To get this year started right, HVAC experts would like to share the three most common mistakes that homeowners make with their heating and cooling systems. Avoiding the following mistakes can help homeowners cut back on utility bills and prevent an HVAC disaster in the coming year.

Not Replacing the Air Filter Every 3 Months  filter

Air filters are important for maintaining a healthy environment and a functional HVAC unit. The air filter removes dust and dirt from the air being sucked into the unit. Without a clean filter, dust and other contaminants can build up inside the system and cause it to run inefficiently. Eventually, not changing the air filter can cause the unit to break down. 

Most homes need air filter replacement every three months. It is an easy but often forgotten step to heater maintenance that homeowners should resolve not to skip this year. Homes with pets, smokers, or large families may need air filter replacement more often. Changing the air filter on time helps keep utility bills low by keeping the HVAC unit running efficiently. 

air ventsClosing Air Vents

To prevent unnecessary AC repair this year, homeowners should avoid closing any air vents in the home for extended periods. Central air conditioning systems use ductwork within the walls to circulate the air through the home through a series of vents. These vents often have a grate that can be shut to cut off the airflow. 

When a vent is shut, the air flows in the other direction, back into the unit. This causes an imbalance of pressure which can negatively impact the performance of the heating and cooling system. Closing air vents can lead to system malfunction or higher energy bills due to a pressure imbalance within the system. 

Skipping Out on Maintenance

Forgetting to keep up with an AC maintenance schedule is a mistake that homeowners may come to regret when their system breaks down. One can avoid AC repair and heater repair by doing maintenance on the system bi-annually in addition to changing the air filters. 

Not maintaining the heater can be a costly mistake for homeowners. Because of the high temperatures within the heating system, leaving it in a state of disrepair can be a safety hazard. 

Doing simple maintenance on time also ensures that the system is running at its maximum potential for energy savings. When the inside of the unit is overly dusty or has worn-out parts, these little things can result in the unit working twice as hard. In 2022, homeowners should schedule HVAC maintenance every six months to keep energy and repair bills low. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. is a Daytona Beach, FL heating company that takes the hassle out of scheduling a plumber. Their team of expert plumbers is friendly, honest, and always on time. Call Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. or go online today to schedule an appointment for HVAC service!

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How to Find the Right Heating Technician This Winter

3 Things to Look for In a Heating Company

Dealing with a broken heater in the winter is bad enough by itself. Unfortunately, finding a trustworthy heating contractor can be equally as difficult. Instead of taking a risk by calling the first HVAC technician, learn a few tips from the pros. Here is a quick guide from a local Daytona heating service to help customers select the right contractor. 

Positive Reviews for Several Sources

reviewsReviews can be very helpful when it comes to selecting a heating contractor. Positive and negative reviews can help a customer identify the strengths and weaknesses of their contractors. Additionally, by looking at both positive and negative reviews in full, customers can determine which reviews are valid and which ones are simply left by cantankerous customers out for revenge. 

Reviews should be sourced from different places on the internet. Google is a good place to start. From Google, look for a Facebook page that will likely have more reviews. Finally, reading a company’s BBB profile can give the customer a robust understanding of what to expect from a heating technician. 

Ask About Licensure and Insurance

When looking for a heating technician, always take the time to make sure potential contractors are licensed and carry insurance. Contractors that don’t provide this information promptly are operating outside of the laws and shouldn’t be trusted. When contractors work without licenses or insurance, homeowners are on the line for any problems that may come along. 

For example, if a worker is injured on the job, the homeowner may be liable if the contractor does not carry workers’ compensation insurance. As another example, if the contractor isn’t insured or properly licensed, homeowners insurance won’t cover damages that result from their work. 

To check for proper licensing, each state has a website that one can use to verify the validity of a HVAC license. Most often, it is as easy as getting online and providing the contractor's name. By searching the state database, customers can verify that the contractor’s license is in good standing. Homeowners can also verify insurance by calling the company that the contractor provides before a project begins. 

Check for Maintenance Programsmaintenance

The best thing that a person can do for their heaters is to ensure they are properly maintained. Well-maintained heaters always last longer and perform better than a machine that is neglected. Yearly maintenance is the best way to accomplish this and, to take the headache out of trying to remember to schedule maintenance, most heater services offer a maintenance plan. 

Maintenance or membership plans usually involve a small monthly fee that entitles the owner to a free tune-up visit per year, one for the AC and the heater. During a maintenance visit, a heating technician will perform tasks like: 

  • Change the filter
  • Check gas valves
  • Verify electrical connections
  • Clean the burner
  • Check the blower

By scheduling maintenance, homeowners can rely on their equipment not to break down and to operate more cheaply. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. is a local heating service with the highest service ratings in the area. Their maintenance program takes the hassle out of seasonal maintenance and prolongs the life of heating equipment. Call today for superior heating service in Daytona, FL. 

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