Company: Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Give the Best Tech Gift This Holiday Season

Smart thermostat displaying "70" temperature setting, shown on a wall in a modern Daytona Beach home.

Give the Gift of a Wi-Fi Thermostat 

Smart thermostats aren’t fads. They’re revolutionary technology that cuts down on energy costs and gives homeowners total control over their home comfort and indoor air quality. One doesn’t have to spend hours scrolling through websites this holiday season looking for the perfect present. Instead, they can give the gift of a smart thermostat.  

When to Get a Thermostat Replacement thermostat

Once a thermostat reaches the 10-year mark, it’s time to consider a replacement. Over time, these devices may struggle to maintain the home’s indoor air quality or the correct temperature. They may also use more energy than necessary, wasting homeowners' money. 

Some additional signs that a thermostat needs replacing include: 

  • Uneven heating and cooling throughout the home 
  • Unexpected increase in the home’s energy bill. 
  • The thermostat constantly has incorrect readings–or no readings at all 
  • The HVAC system turns on and off without reaching the desired temperature. 

A professional can assess a thermostat to see if it needs repair or replacement and install a new, more energy-efficient smart thermostat. 

The Benefits of Smart Thermostats save

Installing a smart home thermostat comes with many benefits, such as: 

  • Lower energy bills: With a smart home thermostat, an HVAC system doesn’t have to work overtime to get to the correct temperatures. Homeowners can see these savings reflected in their monthly utility bills. EnergyStar notes that one can save, on average, fifty dollars yearly in heating and cooling costs. 
  • More control: Most wi-fi-enabled thermostats come with smartphone apps. This allows homeowners to change their home’s temperature from miles away. 
  • Saved energy: Everyone wants to do their part to cut down on their energy usage and protect the environment. One can save close to 10 percent on energy consumption by switching to a smart thermostat. 

Smart Thermostats Come With Exciting Features 

Smart home thermostats do more than help the HVAC system function. Because they pair with homeowners’ smartphones, this allows them to: 

  • Predict monthly energy bills: Many smart thermostats anticipate how much a homeowner will spend on heating and cooling costs. This allows homeowners to make energy-saving changes as necessary. 
  • Set schedules: Homeowners can set heating or cooling schedules, letting the house automatically get hotter or colder during certain periods. They can also make changes at any time. 
  • Track their energy savings: As noted, a homeowner can use the app to see how much money they spend on energy bills and determine whether their current energy consumption makes sense. They can also track how specific habit changes positively or negatively affect energy costs.  

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. 

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has 20 years of experience serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide true transparency pricing, financing, and a membership plan. Call them today for smart home thermostat services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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It's the Month For Giving Thanks to HVAC Technicians!

HVAC technician in blue uniform inspects air conditioning unit, clipboard in hand, from Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Heating and Cooling Companies Offer Services to Be Thankful For

Even when times are tough, there are many things to be thankful for. And there’s no better month than November to express that thanks to the ones who help make life a little easier. Of course, people often take certain aspects of everyday life for granted. And a working heating and air conditioning system is one of them. 

After all, most homeowners don’t give it much thought unless the system breaks down. But when the home is suddenly without effective cooling or heating, it can make things pretty miserable. Read on to learn about essential aspects of an HVAC technician’s job to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. 

Keeping People Warm in the Winter

winterWhile Daytona Beach doesn’t see frigid winters like other places in the country, there are still chilly months in the winter when the heater comes in handy. January is often the coldest month, with temperatures reaching a chilly fifty degrees. While these temperatures may not be life-threatening, they can certainly make things uncomfortable if the heater isn’t working. 

The last thing homeowners want to deal with is a broken heater on a cold day in January. This is where HVAC technicians come in handy. By providing regular maintenance, heating and cooling experts can help prevent these untimely breakdowns, and they can fix heaters when they do break down. HVAC technicians help people stay warm and cozy during the winter, which is certainly something to be thankful for. 

Keeping People Cool in the Summer

summerIt’s no secret that Florida air conditioners see much more use than Florida heaters. A working air conditioner is essential when temperatures get up into the 90s during the summer months. And for some, these high temperatures can adversely affect their health. The most susceptible are the very young and the elderly. But even if everyone in the house is a healthy adult, a broken AC can make for some seriously uncomfortable living.

Luckily, air conditioner repairs and replacements can be done by local HVAC contractors. And even better, routine maintenance from a qualified technician can help prevent AC breakdowns. With how much use air conditioners get in Daytona Beach, professional care is essential for ensuring the system's longevity.  

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Keeping the home comfortable isn’t the only helpful thing HVAC contractors do. A big responsibility of any HVAC system is maintaining healthy indoor air quality (IAQ). According to studies, indoor air quality in residences is often worse than outdoor air quality — even in the most polluted cities. This is because many homeowners have difficulty staying on top of maintenance and air filter changes, which are essential to maintaining good indoor air quality. 

HVAC technicians can perform maintenance and test for indoor air pollution and give homeowners guidance on improving their IAQ if need be. But simply scheduling regular maintenance and staying on top of air filter changes can vastly improve indoor air quality. Poor indoor air quality can negatively affect health, so working with a professional heating and cooling company is essential for a healthy, comfortable home.  

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has knowledgeable technicians serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide transparent pricing, financing, and a maintenance membership plan. Call them today for indoor air quality, air conditioning, or heating services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Avoid Scary Problems With the Heater This Halloween

Things To Be Aware of This Fall

Once temperatures start to drop and homeowners begin using their heaters more often, there are certain dangers that homeowners should look out for and do their part to prevent.  Homeowners should be on the lookout for mold growth, carbon monoxide leaks, and strange sounds coming from the furnace that indicate it’s overheating. Keep reading for tips to avoid heating system scares this Halloween.

What To Do About Carbon Monoxide Leaks

detectorsCarbon monoxide poisoning is often associated with a broken furnace. It’s difficult to detect carbon monoxide because it is both odorless and invisible. Cracked heat exchangers in furnaces put a household at risk. These cracks allow gas to seep from the vents and into the home. Pilot lights that frequently blow out or have yellow instead of blue flames are signs of danger and indicate that homeowners should call a professional immediately.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide leaks are clear. Cases of chest pain, muscle weakness, confusion, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath are well reported. Carbon monoxide detectors are recommended for every household for quick detection and in case initial symptoms are too mild to be noticed or thought to be unrelated. Since carbon monoxide poisoning doesn’t happen in minutes, many of these symptoms will linger for hours. The entire household must immediately evacuate if a leak is suspected. Only trained professionals with the right tools and protection can help.

Mold Growth

moldHigh indoor humidity and moisture from the heating or cooling systems can both migrate to the air ducts and cause mold growth. Moisture in the air ducts creates a humid environment perfect for mold growth. Because air ducts are usually closed, they are likely to go unnoticed unless there is a problem.

Most homeowners can smell or feel the warning signs even if the mold is not visible due to it growing in the ductwork. Mold has a musty odor that lingers close to areas with excessive moisture. Bathrooms, closets, and kitchens are especially at risk. Mold also causes a variety of health issues. Symptoms include wheezing, headache, runny nose, itching, and fatigue. Mold is also known to cause asthma. Difficulty with breathing is a serious problem and will need to be treated by a physician. If homeowners suspect they have mold growth in their HVAC system, they should call a qualified technician immediately. 

Can Furnaces Overheat?

A furnace is a heating system that produces warm air for a home during the colder seasons. Although this is the desired effect, sometimes furnaces overheat, which can cause fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Homeowners who smell burning should immediately leave home and call a professional because this signifies an overheating furnace.

Poor air circulation affects the internal parts of a furnace. If the inside components become too hot, they can create sparks from contaminants in the air filter. Once the furnace coil is covered in grime, the heat exchanger can no longer support the blower motor. Thus the furnace continues to over-ventilate.

A loud humming noise can also indicate an overheating furnace. If this occurs, especially if accompanied by a burning smell, it is essential that homeowners call professionals for help to prevent a fire. Trained technicians can tell if the furnace is cycling at odd times and whether a replacement or repair is necessary.

Homeowners are advised to replace the air filters routinely to prevent their furnaces from overheating. If the air filters are non-disposable, they will need to be cleaned regularly instead. Annual furnace maintenance and tune-ups by a professional are also recommended every fall to keep it running efficiently and safely and to catch any potential issues before they worsen.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has two decades of experience serving Daytona Beach, FL residents, and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing, a membership plan, and financing options. Call them today for a furnace tune-up or repair in Daytona Beach, FL. 

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The Importance of Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning

The Dangers of Clogged Dryer Vents

Homeownership is the smartest decision someone can make regarding their long-term financial health. But, protecting the investment of a home can be one of the most stressful things a person can do. A house has so many things that can go wrong that on some days, it’s hard to believe anyone can sit around and relax in their abode. 

One of the concerns for every homeowner is fire safety. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are necessary for every home, but they don’t do anything to prevent fires. Searching out and eliminating the potential source of fires is the best way a homeowner can protect their house. 

Clogged dryer vents are one of the top causes of fires in homes across the US. This short article can help homeowners understand why clogged dryer vents are so dangerous and why professional dryer vent cleaning is so safe and beneficial. 

Prevent Fires and Other Safety Issues

fire Nearly 3,000 dryer fires are reported yearly, causing around $35 million in property damages. Why? Dryers are designed to drive moisture from fabrics quickly and efficiently. They have powerful gas burners or electrical heating elements that produce tremendous amounts of heat. When high levels of heat are allowed to build up inside the ductwork or drum of the dryer, fires are often the result. 

The secret to fighting dryer fires is ensuring that the conditions never become right for one to occur. This means cleaning the filter for every load to prevent lint accumulation inside the dryer. In addition to cleaning the filter, yearly inspection and cleaning of the dryer vent will prevent the conditions for a dryer fire by allowing for easy airflow. 

Protect Clothes and Fabrics

cloggedThe hot conditions and tumbling of clothing inside a dryer create a terrible environment for clothing. Clothing and fabrics that are dried for long periods always wear out much faster than fabrics that aren’t. Dryer manufacturers know this, and they design their machines to minimize this. However, they can’t control the cleanliness of dryer ducts. 

When dryer ducts are dirty, they can’t allow air to flow freely. This creates a restriction that requires longer cycles to complete the drying process. Longer drying cycles mean more damage to clothing and fabrics. So, to protect clothing and the home, dryer vent cleaning is beneficial. 

Lower Bills 

Another consequence of poor airflow through dryer vents is higher operating costs. Apart from the air conditioner, the dryer is probably the appliance that uses the most gas or electricity to accomplish its task, making every minute that a dryer isn’t working efficiently another minute of wasted utilities. 

Homeowners can save money from dryer vent cleaning by not needing to replace clothing as often and by lowering their utility bills simply by ensuring their dryer can work efficiently. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has two decades of experience serving the community of Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They provide transparent pricing, financing, and a membership plan. Call them today for dryer vent cleaning in Daytona Beach, FL. 

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Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality In Honor of National Wellness Month

What Is Indoor Air Quality - And Why Does It Matter?

The term indoor air quality (IAQ) generally refers to the level of airborne pollutants in a given building or structure. High levels of contaminants make for poor indoor air quality, while a lack of pollutants typically means higher air quality. Over time, pollutants can become trapped inside a building and build to high concentration levels, especially without adequate filtration and ventilation.

Some airborne pollutants may come from outdoor sources, such as pollen, mold, vehicle exhaust, smoke, and radon gas. Others may come from everyday household sources, such as pet dander, carbon monoxide, natural gas leaks, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be found in many cleaning products, paints, and even cooking fumes.

Exposure to these contaminants can carry serious health risks. Since August is National Wellness Month, this article will give homeowners the information they need to improve their indoor air quality for a safe, clean, and healthy home.

How Poor Indoor Air Quality Affects Health

headacheThe health effects of poor indoor air quality can range from mildly unpleasant to downright deadly. The severity will ultimately depend on the nature of the pollutant, the level and duration of exposure, and the individual’s specific sensitivity to the contaminant.

Short-term exposure to indoor air pollutants can have immediate health effects such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and aggravation of asthma or allergy symptoms. These symptoms often go away on their own when the individual is no longer exposed to the pollutants that caused them, but in some cases, they require additional treatment.

Chronic long-term exposure to certain indoor air pollutants can have long-term health effects such as heart disease, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. This is why it’s so important to get a handle on poor indoor air quality as soon as possible.

The Impact of Maintenance and Air Filter Replacement

change the air filterOne of the best ways to improve indoor air quality is to schedule bi-annual (typically spring and fall) maintenance with a professional HVAC service company. Professional maintenance typically involves cleaning any dust or debris out of the unit, inspecting the ducts for leaks or signs of mold/vermin infestation, and ensuring the system is functioning properly regarding airflow and humidity control. This is crucial in humid regions like Florida, where excess moisture is a leading cause of poor indoor air quality.

Another critical maintenance task that homeowners can tackle on their own is replacing the filter at least every three months. A clean air filter is essential for adequate airflow and capturing pollutants. It’s also a good idea to get an air filter capable of capturing a wide range of contaminants without hindering airflow. Homeowners can ask their HVAC technicians for recommendations that will work for their specific system.

How Portable Air Cleaners Improve Indoor Air Quality

On top of routine maintenance and air filter replacement, homeowners can also turn to portable air cleaners to help reduce air pollutants in their homes. Portable air cleaners come in two main forms - air purifiers and sanitizers. Both can help improve indoor air quality, but there are key differences between the two.

Portable air purifiers typically use some sort of filtration to remove particles from the air and trap them. The models that use a combination of HEPA and carbon filters tend to be the most effective, as they can capture dust, dander, pollen, and even some gases. Portable air sanitizers use methods such as UV light to kill or neutralize pollutants such as bacteria, mold, viruses, and certain chemicals/VOCs, rendering them inert.

Which option to go with ultimately depends on what the homeowners need. If anyone in the home is prone to illness or has any pre-existing conditions or respiratory sensitivities, an air sanitizer may be the best bet. If mild allergies or respiratory irritation are the main concern, an air purifier may do the trick. In some cases, a combination of the two may be a good idea. In any case, it’s always best to consult a trusted local HVAC expert to determine the ideal solution to suit the household’s needs.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has two decades of experience serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing, financing, on-time arrival, and a membership plan. Call them today for indoor air quality services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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