Category: Land & Property

A Complete Guide to Better Indoor Air

Hand holding a broom with green bristles, cleaning a tire, related to HVAC maintenance by Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat.

Why Are Clean Air Ducts Important for Clean Indoor Air?

Clean air ducts play a crucial role in maintaining good indoor air quality. While it distributes air throughout the home, it can accumulate dust, allergens, and other contaminants. This dust buildup can develop into bacteria and mold that may be circulated throughout the home, risking the health and comfort of the occupants. Regular cleaning and maintenance of air ducts are essential for ensuring that the air inside a home or building is as clean and healthy as possible.

Why Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

Keeping your air ducts clean offers several benefits, such as improved air quality. By removing dust, allergens, and other debris from the ducts, technicians can reduce airborne contaminants, which can be helpful to individuals with allergies or respiratory issues. This also allows the HVAC system to operate more efficiently, as debris does not impede airflow. This can lead to lower energy bills and prolong the lifespan of the heating and cooling equipment.

Signs That Duct Cleaning Is Needed

air vent Knowing when to call for air duct service cleaning would be easier if the homeowners knew the signs of dirty air ducts. Below are several signs that can indicate that air ducts may require cleaning:

  • Visible Dust or Debris Around Vent Covers: Dust accumulating around air vents can signal dirty ducts. This can indicate that contaminants are circulating through the system.
  • Increased Dust Accumulation on Furniture: If dust are settling on surfaces in the home more than usual, it may be due to dusty air ducts.
  • Unpleasant Odors Coming from the Vents: Musty smells from the HVAC system could indicate mold growth or debris within the ducts.
  • Reduced Airflow from the HVAC System: If the airflow from the vents seems weaker than usual, it could be a sign that the ducts are clogged with dust or debris.
  • Increase in Allergy Symptoms or Respiratory Issues: Allergy symptoms, asthma flare-ups, or respiratory discomfort in the household can be linked to poor indoor air quality caused by dirty ducts.
  • Unexplained Increases in Energy Bills: If energy bills suddenly spike, the HVAC system may be working hard to circulate air through dirty or obstructed ducts.

A professional checkup can confirm whether air ducts need cleaning and help address any underlying issues. Ultimately, the best advice comes from the technician who performs the home's semi-annual HVAC maintenance.

Tips for Keeping Air Ducts Clean Between Professional Cleanings

filterHomeowners can take several steps to keep air ducts clean between professional cleanings. First, maintain a clean home environment by regularly dusting and vacuuming to reduce the amount of debris that can enter the ducts. Replace air filters on time, typically every 1-3 months, to prevent dust and allergens from circulating. 

Additionally, routine AC maintenance for the HVAC system should be scheduled to ensure it operates efficiently and to catch potential issues early. Sealing leaks in ductwork found during AC inspections can also prevent contaminants from entering the system.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. specializes in indoor air quality, including duct inspection and repairs. Being an A+ BBB-rated company and a recognized RUUD Pro Partner, they offer comprehensive AC maintenance and repair services. Call today for air duct cleaning services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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How a New AC Installation Can Benefit Households

Advantages of Replacing an Old Air Conditioner 

Summers are fun, but the heat and humidity can be brutal. Often, people look forward to escaping the elements and enjoying some time indoors in the air conditioning. For most homes, the air conditioner will provide reliable and cost-effective cooling during the summer. 

But, for other homes, the air conditioner may be nearing the end of its lifespan, leading to inefficient operation and high energy costs or frequent repairs and repair costs. In that case, it’s likely time for air conditioning replacement. Here are some significant benefits of installing a new air conditioner to replace an old one.  

Lower Energy Bills 

energy savingsAs air conditioners age, they become less efficient, using more energy and driving up monthly utility bills. So, by planning a new AC installation to replace an old and inefficient air conditioner, homeowners can lower their monthly energy costs. 

For even greater energy and cost savings, homeowners can take this opportunity when replacing their old air conditioner to install a more energy-efficient air conditioning system than their last one. Professionals can advise homeowners on energy-efficient air conditioning systems.  

Fewer Repair Costs 

fewer repair costsApart from monthly utility bills, another cost that can increase with an older air conditioner nearing the end of its lifespan is repair costs. Age, wear, and tear can make air conditioning repair a more frequent occurrence. At some point, the cost of repairs and lack of efficiency will make it more cost-effective to replace the air conditioner. 

When installing a new air conditioner to replace an old one, the new unit will be more reliable and at a lower risk of breaking down and requiring repairs, which can save homeowners money on future repair costs. Additionally, new air conditioners may be covered by warranties and guarantees that help lower the financial risk of repairs. 

Resizing the Air Conditioner 

Air conditioners must be properly sized to make a space comfortable and work efficiently. If the unit is oversized or undersized, it can impact the unit’s efficiency, energy costs, and home comfort and add more unnecessary wear and tear that may lead to more repairs and a shorter lifespan. 

So, when it’s time for an air conditioner replacement, it gives professionals the opportunity to resize the AC unit, ensuring it’s the correct size for the house. This will help ensure the space is comfortable, and the unit works efficiently at lower costs. A new AC installation can help homeowners stop wasting money or living in discomfort due to an air conditioner that is too big or too small. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over two decades of experience serving the Daytona Beach area. They offer transparent pricing, prompt and professional service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for air conditioning installation and replacement in Daytona Beach, FL. 

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Why Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance?

Benefits of Investing in Routine Air Conditioner Maintenance 

Many homeowners are looking for ways to cut costs, so they may not want to invest money in the air conditioner when everything is seemingly working fine. However, investing in air conditioning maintenance can save them money in the long run by keeping energy costs low, helping avoid costly repairs down the line, and prolonging an air conditioner’s lifespan. This post will explore the perks of routine air conditioner maintenance. 

Lower Cooling Costs

save money Air conditioners are one of the home's largest energy consumers, especially during the hot summer months. However, a benefit of routine AC maintenance is keeping the unit operating efficiently, which keeps energy costs lower. When maintenance is neglected, the energy efficiency will suffer, and the air conditioner will cost more to run. During a routine maintenance appointment, some of the things a technician can do to improve the efficiency of an air conditioning system include: 

  • Replacing Air Filters: A clogged or dirty air filter limits airflow and causes inefficiency, which forces the AC unit to work harder. However, AC filters should typically be changed around every three months, so homeowners should replace dirty filters between maintenance visits as well.  
  • Cleaning Evaporator Coils: A dirty evaporator coil can negatively impact the system's efficiency and the air conditioner’s ability to cool a home. So, cleaning them during maintenance is important for efficiency and to reduce cooling costs. 
  • Monitoring Refrigerant Levels: Checking the refrigerant level during maintenance is important because if it is low due to a refrigerant leak, it can also cause inefficiency, higher energy bills, and reduced cooling performance. 
  • Inspecting Thermostats: A thermostat helps regulate the temperature indoors. If the home’s thermostat is faulty, it can force the air conditioner to run for extended periods, which raises costs. 

Helps Prevent Future Repairs

AC technicians perform important tasks to prevent issues and inspect an air conditioning system’s components during maintenance, allowing them to find and fix minor issues before they get worse. These prevention tasks and inspections help prevent future issues from occurring.

By being consistent with AC maintenance, homeowners can expect fewer air conditioning repairs and unexpected breakdowns, leading to a more reliable air conditioner. By helping homeowners avoid potential AC repairs, maintenance can also help them save on air conditioner repair costs in addition to saving on energy bills. 

Extends the Lifespan of Your Air Conditioner

hvac The best way to extend the lifespan of an air conditioner is by scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance. These appointments help keep internal components in good condition while also addressing any issues early before they get worse and cause wear and tear or damage to the AC unit that requires replacing it. 

While AC replacement will be needed eventually, prolonging the air conditioner's lifespan leads to less frequent replacements, saving homeowners money by preventing them from having to pay for costly air conditioning replacements prematurely. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving the Daytona Beach area since 2002. They provide transparent pricing options, prompt service, and a beneficial maintenance membership plan. Call them for air conditioner maintenance and repair services in Daytona Beach, FL. 

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Enjoy Cleaner Air and Better Health With Improved Indoor Air Quality

Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality

The term indoor air quality refers specifically to the quality of air that people breathe inside a building, home, or enclosed space. Maintaining good indoor air quality requires being proactive against possible pollutants, and it’s important because poor indoor air quality can negatively affect people's health. This post will share the consequences of poor indoor air quality and steps to improve indoor air quality. 

The Health Risks of Poor Indoor Air Quality

sick Homeowners may be more exposed to more airborne pollutants in their homes than outdoors because the pollutants are trapped inside, and people spend more time in their homes. Some of the most common health risks of poor indoor air quality include: 

  • Nose, eye, and throat irritation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Aggravated asthma symptoms
  • Worsened allergy symptoms

Continued exposure to these pollutants may cause additional health challenges or severe illness. Homeowners should be proactive to prevent exposure and reduce health risks. 

Protect the Air With Maintenance and Air Filter Replacement

filterSome important ways to protect indoor air quality are with routine air filter replacements and scheduling heating and AC maintenance. Air conditioning maintenance should typically be done annually in the spring, while heating maintenance should also typically be done annually in the fall.  

Air filter replacement generally needs to be performed more often, usually at least every three months. An air filter is designed to trap and filter out allergens, dust, and airborne particles as air is circulated. Changing the AC and furnace filters and performing routine maintenance is crucial not only for the indoor air quality, but also for the efficiency of the heating and air conditioning system, keeping energy costs low, and extending its lifespan.  

Incorporate an Air Filtration System

Installing an air cleaner and filtration system can provide an added boost in removing indoor pollutants and improving indoor air quality. Several different types of whole-home air cleaners and filtration systems can be installed with the ducts to service the whole home, including whole-home air purifier systems. 

An air purifier installation can remove more airborne contaminants and pollutants to help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms, improve the health of those in the home, remove unpleasant odors, and improve indoor air quality. Scheduling routine air duct cleaning services can also improve indoor air quality and help improve the health of people in the home.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving the Daytona Beach area since 2002. They provide transparent pricing options, a maintenance membership plan, and prompt and professional service. Call them for indoor air quality services in South Daytona, FL. 

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How to Tell if an AC Unit Is Leaking Refrigerant

Signs Refrigerant Leak Repair Is Needed

Evaporator coils are located in the air conditioner and are essential for the cooling process. They absorb heat from the air in a home and transfer it to the refrigerant, which then carries it to the outdoor unit. Refrigerant is a chemical that absorbs and releases heat easily, making it an ideal substance for use in air conditioners. 

However, when there is a refrigerant leak, the system will not be able to cool a home effectively, and other problems can occur. Homeowners should be aware of some common signs of a refrigerant leak so they know when to call for refrigerant leak repair. 

Frozen Evaporator Coils 

frozen evaporator coilsA common cause of frozen evaporator coils is low refrigerant levels. Because an air conditioner unit is a closed system, the refrigerant or coolant doesn’t just run out due to use but instead gets recycled in the system. As such, low refrigerant levels are indicative of a refrigerant leak somewhere in the system.

A refrigerant leak can cause frozen evaporator coils because the refrigerant is necessary to absorb heat from the air in a home and transfer it to the outdoor unit. Without enough refrigerant, the evaporator coils will become too cold and freeze. The evaporator coils can also freeze when they become too dirty, which is why evaporator coil cleaning is an essential part of AC maintenance and tune-ups. 

Improper Cooling 

Another sign that an air conditioner may be leaking refrigerant is if cool air isn’t coming out of the vents or the cooling cycles are longer than normal, causing energy bills to rise. If the air coming out of the home's vents is warmer than it should be, it may be because a refrigerant leak is disrupting its ability to transfer heat out of the home. 

The longer cooling cycles can be due to the air conditioning system having to work harder to compensate for the low refrigerant level by staying on longer. The longer cycles lead to more energy consumption and higher energy bills, which homeowners may also notice to help alert them to the problem. 

Strange Sounds

sounds Another way to tell if the air conditioner has a refrigerant leak is if unusual sounds can be heard from the AC unit, such as hissing, buzzing, gurgling, or bubbling noises. These sounds may be heard when there is refrigerant leaking from a crack or holes in the coils. 

Ignoring these noises and other signs of a refrigerant leak is not wise, as it can damage the system, and these chemicals are dangerous. So, if homeowners suspect their air conditioners are leaking refrigerant, they should call an HVAC technician to repair the leak and refill the refrigerant safely. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over 20 years of experience serving the Daytona Beach area. They offer prompt and professional service, transparent pricing, and a beneficial membership plan. Call them for AC refrigerant leak repair in Daytona Beach, FL. 

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