Category: Land & Property

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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When is it Time for Air Duct Repair or Replacement?

When is Duct Repair or Replacement Necessary?

Air ducts are often overlooked when homeowners have problems with the air conditioner. However, in many cases, ductwork may be to blame for problems with an air conditioner. Issues with inefficiencies and comfort can occasionally be traced back to ductwork.

Instead of ignoring ductwork problems and paying exorbitant cooling bills from inefficiencies, homeowners should give ductwork the attention that it needs. Here are a few ways to recognize problems in ductwork and why duct replacement is important. 

How to Tell That Air Ducts are Damaged?

smellThe purpose of air ducts is to carry cooled or heated air from the HVAC unit to the rooms in a home. The key features of air ducts are that they are insulated to prevent energy losses, and they have low internal resistance to allow the free movement of air. When these features fail in ductwork, the results are: 

  • Higher Bills: When insulation in ductwork is damaged, it allows cool air to leak out of ductwork into attics or crawl spaces. These inefficiencies make the unit work harder to reach the temperature on the thermostat, accounting for higher monthly energy bills. 
  • Uncomfortable Home: Impeded airflow in ductwork prevents cooled air from reaching its destination. The result is that the back pressure causes some rooms to be cooled too much and others not enough. This leads to hot and cold spots around the home and potential humidity issues. 
  • Odors or Allergy Problems: When airflow is reduced in ductwork, dust can build up inside the ductwork. This can be controlled using a duct cleaning service. However, when the dust is allowed to build up, mold and allergens can grow in ductwork and be distributed around the home every time the system comes on. 

Reasons to Look Into Duct Replacement 

save Most air ducts are expected to last about 10 to 15 years. If the ductwork in a home is over 15 years old, the homeowners should consider replacing them, which can save them money on energy bills.

By this time, insulation will be degraded, and rust could be forming inside the ducts. When a new, more efficient air conditioner or ducts are installed, the HVAC system won’t have to work as hard or as long to reach the desired temperature, and monthly utility bills will drop. 

For this reason, air duct replacement is recommended when the air conditioner is upgraded. This allows homeowners to pick ducts that best fit the unit and take advantage of the maximum savings when investing in a new AC system. 

Air Duct Repair 

Repairs are a good option in many cases that don’t involve the age of the air ducts. A professional HVAC contractor can remove sections of damaged air ducts and replace them as necessary in very little time at reasonable prices. 

Sections of ductwork may need to be replaced in instances like:

  • Ducts that have been crushed or bent
  • Ducts that have water damage or rust
  • Insulation that is falling off ductwork
  • Air quality problems that are limited to certain rooms

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has 20 years of experience serving the residents of Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas. They offer transparent pricing, on-time arrival, financing, and a membership plan. Call them today for heating and air conditioning services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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3 Tips for Cutting Cooling Costs This Summer

How To Stay Cool and Spend Less This Summer

As spring gives way to summer, Florida homeowners are already using their air conditioners around the clock to fight the growing heat and humidity. And since it’s only going to get hotter and muggier over the next few months, most homeowners will likely see their utility bills go up and up until September at the earliest. After all, the AC is generally the single biggest energy consumer in the entire home.

But there are ways to bring down that energy consumption and the monthly bills that go along with it. With simple modifications and eco-friendly habits, homeowners can save on their cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. So keep reading for three of the best hacks for saving money while staying cool and comfy all summer!

Invest in a Programmable or Smart Thermostatthermostat

One great way to cut costs and make life easier is to replace that old analog thermostat with a programmable or “smart” model. With a programmable thermostat, homeowners can create a custom cooling schedule for every day of the week instead of adjusting the temperature manually. This can eliminate the likelihood of forgetting to change the thermostat setting and cooling an empty house while at work or on vacation.

With a smart thermostat, homeowners can make their cooling schedule. The thermostat will track usage patterns and either suggest energy-saving changes or implement them independently, depending on the model. Most smart thermostats can also be controlled remotely via a wireless device or laptop. Some come with advanced energy-saving features such as occupancy sensors, performance alerts, and weekly energy reports. 

Install Weatherstripping

Another trick to help reduce the electric bill every month is to install weatherstripping throughout the home. Weatherstripping is designed to seal the gaps around windows, doors, attic hatchments, or other portals to the outside world (or uninsulated home parts like a garage or crawlspace).

Weatherstripping comes in many forms, like foam tape, rubber gaskets, and flexible metal strips, to name just a few. Different designs and materials are suited for other doors and windows and can range widely in cost and ease of installation. However, most types of weather stripping are inexpensive, easy to install, and can be found in the local hardware store.

Weatherstripping can reduce energy consumption (and utility costs) by reducing the amount of cold air lost to the outdoors. The home will stay cool longer without needing the AC to run constantly. Even better for the electric bill, the same principle applies in the colder months. The home will retain warm air and keep the cold air out, reducing heating costs! 

fan

Utilize Fans To Reduce AC Usage

Last but not least, homeowners can significantly reduce cooling costs by using their ceiling fans (or portable fans) more and their air conditioner less. Most modern fans use very little electricity, while even the most energy-efficient AC uses more than nearly any other home appliance. 

Turning on the ceiling fans (counterclockwise in the summer) will help circulate cool air in the home and produce a pleasant breeze to help lower body temperature. This will allow homeowners to raise the thermostat setting by at least a few degrees, which can lower costs by about 1% per degree (provided that the setting is maintained for 8 hours or more).

With this in mind, homeowners can further reduce their electric bill by setting the thermostat to a higher temperature while away from home or asleep, limiting their air conditioning usage to when needed most. Once these tips are implemented, homeowners may be pleasantly surprised by how much their utility costs have dropped!

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat has been proudly serving the residents of Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide transparent pricing, knowledgeable technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for air conditioning services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Remember the AC Coils During Spring Cleaning

A Clean AC is a Cool AC!

Summertime is on the way, and this means increased cooling costs. With the high heat and humidity of summer, air conditioners have a lot of work to keep homes cool. Thankfully, there are things that homeowners can do to save a little on cooling costs.

The best thing homeowners can do to save on cooling costs and get the AC ready for summer is to schedule maintenance early in the season and make sure coil cleaning is part of the checklist. Don’t know what coil cleaning is? Here is a guide from local AC professionals to get homeowners started. 

Why Do Evaporator Coils Get Dirty?

coils

Clean evaporator coils are essential to the operation of an air conditioner. They supply the cooling power of the entire AC system. During a cooling cycle, all of the air in the home will be passed over this coil multiple times. That means everything in the air has the potential to get stuck on the coils and rob the system of efficiency. 

Air filters are in place on every air conditioner to prevent grime from depositing on the evaporator coil. When filters are replaced regularly, dust buildup on the coils is minimized. When filters are improperly installed or allowed to stay in service for too long, buildup will result, and the way to restore the lost cooling power is by cleaning the evaporator coil and changing the air filter. 

How are Condenser Coils Cared For?

coilThe condenser coil is the other half of the closed loop that provides cooling power for an air conditioner. The condenser coil is part of the outside unit that blows out hot air as the system cycles. Just like the evaporator coil, uninterrupted airflow is what makes it work. Over time, evaporator coils become blocked by dust, vegetation, and pollen. In addition to a buildup on the condenser coil, airflow can also be blocked by bent fins that are part of the coil. 

When condenser coils are cleaned, blockages are removed with powerful cleaners and a hose. The technician will also repair the bent fins that obstruct airflow during the service. The free movement of air in the cleaned and maintained coil will add noticeable cooling power to the unit during the summer. 

Coil Cleaning and Maintenance 

Coil cleaning is recommended every year as part of normal AC maintenance. Even when air filters are regularly changed and condenser coils are protected, normal buildup on the coils can rob efficiency that costs homeowners extra money on cooling bills. Scheduling AC maintenance is as easy as finding a good local AC contractor to give the entire system a tune-up. 

AC maintenance and coil cleaning only takes an hour or two and is often offered as part of a membership program that allows homeowners to pay for the service over the course of the year. The benefits of AC maintenance and coil cleaning are: 

  • Fewer repairs during the summer
  • Decreased energy usage
  • Money savings
  • More comfortable home 
  • Increased longevity of equipment 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. have been dedicated to keeping the residents of Daytona Beach comfortable in their homes since 2002. They provide their clients with personalized solutions and financing options. They also offer a membership program that includes AC maintenance and exclusive discounts. Call them today for air conditioning services in South Daytona, FL.

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