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Keep Your Valentine's Night Cozy with the Perfect Temperature!

Prevent Heat Loss for a Romantic Evening at Home

Valentine's Day is the ideal time to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere in a home. It is critical to properly maintain the temperature in the house to ensure that everyone is comfortable throughout the night and that the romantic mood doesn’t get ruined. This blog will share tips to help prevent heat loss and keep the home warm and cozy. 

Don't Let a Drafty Home Spoil Your Valentine's Night

strippingDrafts can be a major culprit in the failure to keep a home at a comfortable temperature or in high utility bills from heating. Small gaps around doors and windows let cold air in and warm air out, making a room feel chilly and the heater work harder. The good news is that drafts are usually simple to correct. 

Weatherstripping is one option. This is a simple and inexpensive way to seal gaps around windows and doors and keep drafts out of the house. Weatherstripping is available in various materials, including foam tape, V-strip, and door sweeps, allowing homeowners to select the one that best meets their needs. Another option is a draft stopper, a long, cylindrical pillow placed at the base of a door to block drafts. These minor adjustments can make a significant difference in keeping the home warm and cozy this Valentine's Day without the extra cost.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows for a Cozier Valentine's Day Celebration

windowsInstalling Energy Star-certified windows is an excellent way to improve a home's energy efficiency. These windows are designed to help insulate a home, keeping it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Energy Star-certified windows are made with high-performance materials, such as low-E coatings, which help to reduce heat transfer through the window. This means less heat is lost during the winter and less heat enters the home during the summer, which can help keep a home at a more comfortable temperature throughout the year and reduce heating and cooling costs. These windows also have better frames and tighter seals, which can help to keep drafts out of the house.

These windows are an investment, but they will pay for themselves in energy savings and comfort in the long run. If homeowners want to upgrade their windows this Valentine's Day, consider Energy Star-certified windows for a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

Trustworthy Contractors Keep the Heating System in Top Shape

When it comes to keeping a home at a comfortable temperature, it's essential to have the heating equipment serviced and maintained by a qualified technician. Not all contractors, however, are created equal. It is critical to conduct research and hire a reputable contractor to ensure that the work is done correctly and that the equipment runs at peak efficiency.

One way to find a reputable contractor is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other professionals. To get a sense of a contractor's reputation, look at online reviews and ratings. It is also critical to ensure that the contractor is licensed, insured, and has the necessary certifications to work on the equipment.

Heating equipment must receive maintenance regularly to ensure peak efficiency and avoid costly repairs in the future. Hire a reputable contractor and have the equipment serviced by a qualified technician to ensure that the home stays warm and cozy with a working heater this Valentine's Day.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has more than two decades of experience serving  Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing options, financing, and a maintenance membership plan. Call them today for AC or heating services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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How the Inflation Reduction Act Can Help Homeowners Purchase New HVAC Systems

Tax Credits and Rebates Are Available for Energy Efficient Upgrades

If homeowners are looking to reduce their energy costs and save money, they may be eligible for federal tax credits or rebates if they make energy-efficient home upgrades. Whether it’s replacing an old air conditioner or switching to a more efficient heating system, several initiatives in place can help offset the cost of these projects. This blog post will discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and the tax credits and rebates it offers specifically related to installing energy-efficient ACs, heaters, or heat pumps so that homeowners can take advantage of them and get the most out of their investments.

The Inflation Reduction Act 

Because of the rapid increase in prices over the last couple of years, the U.S. Congress signed into law a bill called the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Its provisions outline both tax credits (money credited toward taxes owed) and rebates (money received back after the purchase of an item) on energy-efficient heating and cooling systems installed after January 1st, 2023. 

This incentivizes the investment in a new air conditioner, heater, or heat pump, as well as helps to control costs for homeowners. While these are not the only tax credits and rebates in the bill, they are the relevant parts for homeowners needing an HVAC upgrade.

What Qualifies?

inflationOf course, because the Inflation Reduction Act is trying to promote clean energy, only certain systems qualify for the available funds. Income requirements may also determine the percentage of money received back on the purchase. Some types of systems that are eligible for tax credits and rebates include the following:

  • Heat pumps: This type of HVAC system is highly efficient and merely moves heat from the outside in or vice versa. They have no heat source, so they use much less energy and save on monthly energy bills. They can be used for both heating and cooling.  
  • Gas furnace: These heating systems use fossil fuels but provide a “clean burn” with few emissions. 
  • Energy Star rated: Certain heaters and air conditioning units are considered highly efficient and have received the “Energy Star” rating. This certification likely qualifies them for a tax credit.  

A homeowner should discuss the possibilities for their home with a reputable HVAC contractor who can point them to heaters and air conditioning systems that are right for their home and qualify for the IRA funds.

Advantages of Replacing an Old HVAC System

benefitsWhile the money from tax credits and rebates is a bonus, there are many benefits to upgrading a home’s HVAC system with a new energy-efficient unit. Now is the time, especially if a homeowner has already been considering an upgrade. Below are the benefits of upgrading an HVAC unit:

  • Increased energy efficiency
  • Reduced energy bills
  • More consistent temperature
  • Reduced noise
  • Peace of mind and comfort

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has served Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas for over twenty years. They provide transparent pricing options, financing, and a membership plan. Call them today for AC, heater, or heat pump installation in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Give the Best Tech Gift This Holiday Season

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!

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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