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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

HVAC technician performing maintenance on a heating system to ensure efficient operation during winter months.While 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

HVAC technician repairing air conditioning unit while homeowner observes, emphasizing the importance of professional maintenance for cooling systems in Florida's hot summers.It’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.

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

Relaxed young man sitting on a couch in natural light, reflecting a serene moment, promoting HVAC comfort solutions.

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

Middle-aged man experiencing headache and stress, illustrating health effects of poor indoor air quality, relevant to HVAC maintenance and wellness.The 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

Woman replacing an air filter in a wall-mounted HVAC unit, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance for improved indoor air quality and health.One 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.