HVAC Tips & Property Updates from Jerry Brittingham A/C

Three Signs That Air Conditioner Replacement May Be Needed

Technician working on an A/C unit's fan and grate, with tools visible, by Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

When to Schedule AC Replacement

Most homeowners don’t have much experience deciding when an air conditioner is obsolete. Besides obvious indicators to replace the AC, such as old age and an air conditioner that needs frequent repair, several other signs may indicate an air conditioner replacement is needed. Once noticed, professionals can be called to inspect the system and determine whether to replace it or not. Here are some signs that air conditioning replacement may be required.

When the Home Isn’t Getting Cool Enough

Year after year, the air conditioner continues to provide cooling for a home. Unfortunately, malfunctioning air conditioners may not be able to cool the space well anymore. It can be easy to chalk up a hot home to summer heat and humidity instead of recognizing that the air conditioner is failing, which is a sign that AC replacement may be needed.

Under normal circumstances, an air conditioner should be able to keep up in the most extreme conditions. All air conditioners are sized appropriately to the home or space they are cooling so that the unit cycles a few times per hour and doesn’t run more than a few minutes. When homeowners notice the air conditioner running longer cycles and the home is still hot and muggy, it is usually a sign of a mechanical problem that may be able to be repaired. However, if the unit is aging, the most cost-effective decision could be an AC replacement.

When Energy Bills Are Too High

A common side effect of an air conditioner that can’t keep up with the summer heat is high energy bills. As the unit runs longer cycles or works harder than normal to compensate for a problem, it uses more energy and costs more to run. This loss of efficiency is typical of machinery that is old, malfunctioning, or not well taken care of.

Instead of paying high monthly bills and allowing the problem to worsen, homeowners should call a professional to find and fix the problem. It may require AC repair, maintenance, or a replacement to improve efficiency and lower energy costs. If an AC replacement is needed, the new air conditioner will lower monthly utility bills.

Unusual Sounds or Smells Are Noticed

Strange noises or smells emanating from the air conditioning system can also signal that something is wrong, and an air conditioner replacement may be necessary. A healthy, well-functioning AC system should operate relatively quietly and without emitting any unusual odors.

Thus, unusual sounds, such as grinding, rattling, or banging, or the presence of an unpleasant burning smell, could indicate mechanical issues, electrical failures, or issues within the system. These warning signs should not be ignored, as they may point towards a malfunction that could worsen over time, leading to costly repairs or the need for a complete replacement.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide true transparency pricing, prompt and professional service, and financing options. Call them for air conditioning installation or replacement in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps

Air conditioning unit on a brick wall, with a potted plant nearby, representing Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. services.

A Guide to Heat Pumps

There are several different ways to heat and cool a home. Heat pumps are relatively new to the scene when it comes to home heating and cooling, but with innovations in this technology, more people are deciding to make the switch. Here are some common questions that people may have about heat pumps.

What Are Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are versatile devices used for heating and cooling spaces. They operate on the principle of transferring heat rather than generating it directly, making them energy efficient. Depending on the type of heat pump, they work by extracting heat from the outside air, ground, or water and moving it indoors to warm a home or building during cold weather. Conversely, they can reverse the process in warmer climates, removing heat from indoors to provide a cooling effect.

The most popular type is an air-source heat pump, which transfers heat from the outside air. Geothermal heat pumps, also called ground-source heat pumps, transfer heat from the ground, while water-source heat pumps use a water source instead. This technology can be used in ducted heating and cooling systems as well as ductless systems.

Why Install Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps have been around for a while, but recent strides have made them more beneficial. Some of the advantages of installing a heat pump are:

Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than having to generate it, making them an energy-efficient option for heating and cooling.
Lower Energy Bills: Being an energy-efficient alternative to traditional furnaces and air conditioners is reflected in lower energy bills.
Heat and Cool: Rather than having separate units installed for heating and cooling, heat pumps can do both.
Eco-Friendly Operation: No fossil fuels mean no carbon emissions, making them the obvious choice for anyone wanting to be environmentally conscious without suffering from the weather.

When Do Heat Pumps Need Repair?

Heat pumps use the same machinery to heat and cool the home, so they often stay in better shape throughout the year by avoiding long periods of sitting idle. Routine maintenance also helps keep them in good condition throughout the year. However, heat pumps can suffer from mechanical problems like any other appliance in the home. Keep an eye out for these signs that indicate the need for heat pump repair:

Insufficient heating or cooling
Poor airflow
High electric bills
New, strange noises
Unusual smells
Too long or short of cycles

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide true transparency pricing, prompt and professional service, and financing. Call them today for heat pump installation and repair services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Advantages of Ductless Mini Splits

What Are Mini Split Systems?

Ductless mini-split systems are a great way to heat and cool a home. A traditional central heating and air conditioning system requires ductwork to distribute conditioned air from the heater and air conditioner throughout the house. However, a mini-split system doesn’t need air ducts and can instead create zones inside a home that have a unit where conditioned air comes out.

While most people are more familiar with central heating and cooling systems, ductless systems have several benefits that make them desirable in a home. Here are some of the benefits of mini-splits that have convinced many people to make the switch.

Conserve Energy and Lower Bills

Whether the goal is to lower the home's energy use or reduce energy bills, installing a ductless mini-split system for heating and cooling can help. Ductless mini-split systems help accomplish these goals by doing away with a significant source of inefficiency in a central heating and cooling system: the ductwork.

Ducts can account for a large portion of energy use because of the energy loss that occurs in them, especially if ductwork has a leak that lets cooled or heated air escape. Instead of using ductwork, each zone of a home can be heated and cooled by an individual unit with a mini-split system, eliminating the energy loss associated with air ducts and reducing energy use and utility bills.

Easy Installation

Because of the lack of air ducts when installing ductless mini splits, the installation is often easier and quicker than installing central air conditioning and heating systems in a house. There are also times when ductwork can’t be squeezed into homes or buildings that weren’t designed to accommodate them. These situations are where ductless mini-splits shine again.

Whether it is an older home that doesn’t have the space for air ducts or an outbuilding, like a garage or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), on the same property but separate from the house that needs heating and cooling, ductless mini splits can be a great solution to provide comfort to these spaces.

More Precise and Flexible Comfort

Another benefit of ductless heating and cooling systems is that they provide more customizable comfort than central heating and AC systems. Central HVAC systems heat or cool the entire house to one temperature from the thermostat. However, mini-split systems have separate units in different zones of the home that can be set to different temperatures, allowing for more control.

With ductless mini splits, each zone can be individually controlled for maximum comfort. As an added benefit, homeowners can also save energy and money because it allows unoccupied spaces to be set to more energy-saving temperatures, thus reducing the household's energy usage.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They offer transparent pricing options, prompt and professional service, and a membership plan. Call them today for ductless mini-split installation, repair, or maintenance in Daytona Beach, FL.

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How to Tell if a Faulty Heater Is Putting You and Your Home in Danger

How to Identify and Avoid Heating Hazards at Home

With the winter season firmly setting in, keeping the home’s heating system in tip-top shape is of utmost importance. It is, after all, a homeowner’s best friend during the colder temperatures. But heaters and furnaces aren’t foolproof - they are subject to breakdowns and malfunctions, which can be dangerous. So, how do homeowners ensure their heaters are up for the daily grind of the winter months and identify dangers at home? The following are potential heating hazards that homeowners should watch out for and how to prevent or handle them properly.

Carbon Monoxide Leak

One of the most serious dangers associated with a malfunctioning heater is carbon monoxide - a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of burning fuels. Thankfully, this gas is safely removed from a home’s premises through proper ventilation. However, if there is a malfunction in the system, there is a possibility that carbon monoxide could leak into the house instead of safely making its way outside.

High levels of carbon monoxide indoors are enough cause for alarm. Not only does carbon monoxide poisoning cause toxic symptoms like headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, confusion, blurred vision, loss of muscle control, and loss of consciousness but prolonged exposure to this gas can cause severe damage to the heart and brain, which is why it is essential to detect it quickly. Carbon monoxide detectors are a vital tool in detecting the presence of this lethal gas. These devices work by measuring the levels of carbon monoxide in the air and sounding an alarm when it reaches dangerous levels.

Presence of Mold

Mold growth is another problem that homeowners may face in their heating systems. Mold thrives in damp and warm environments which can often be found inside air ducts and other parts of the heating system. This is because condensation can occur in these areas due to temperature changes or water leaks, creating the perfect conditions for mold to grow.

Signs that mold may be present in a heating system are a musty odor within the house and visible mold. Mold exposure can also lead to various health effects, such as respiratory problems, allergies, and skin irritation. It is important to address any sources of moisture or leaks as soon as possible to prevent mold growth in heating systems. Regularly cleaning and maintaining the heating system can also help prevent mold from forming.

Overheating

Overheating furnaces and heaters also pose a serious risk, potentially leading to fires or damage to the heater. Detecting an overheating furnace or heater early on can prevent such hazards. Tell-tale signs include a distinctive burning smell, indicative of parts getting too hot, and an unusual humming noise, often resulting from a strained or failing motor.

To prevent this from happening, routine maintenance is key. Regularly changing the furnace filters ensures efficient airflow and prevents the system from overheating and working harder than necessary. Additionally, scheduling routine tune-ups with a professional can help identify and rectify potential issues, further safeguarding against the dangers of an overheating heater or furnace and other risks.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas since 2002. They provide transparent pricing options, prompt and professional technicians, and a maintenance membership plan. Call them today for heater repair services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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How to Save Money on Energy Bills This Holiday Season

3 Tips to Save Money on Energy Bills

In the relentless cycle of paydays and bills, one may find it difficult to save money. Yet, there’s hope for those looking to save some money before the holidays and consistently. The following considerations can save money and reduce energy usage without sacrificing comfort as the temperatures dip.

Get a Smart Home Thermostat

Smart thermostats are like programmable thermostats with extra energy-saving features that can connect with homeowners’ smartphones, giving them ultimate control over their homes’ heating, cooling, and energy use. Big-name companies, like Honeywell and Nest, all have their own smart thermostats, each with its own features. But in general, these devices:

Save energy and money: A smart thermostat has many features that save energy, like how it can automatically adjust heating and cooling temperature settings when people are asleep or away to conserve energy and reduce energy bills.
Offer remote control: A homeowner can remotely control their home’s heating and cooling with a smart thermostat, regardless of whether they’re five minutes or 50 miles away because it’s Wi-Fi enabled.
Offer more information: Smart thermostats also provide insights like equipment use and temperature data, allowing homeowners to track their energy use and make changes as necessary for more ways to save.

Change Air Filters When Needed

The air filter does a lot of heavy lifting. It filters out airborne contaminants, improving the home’s indoor air quality. However, dirty air filters cause heating and cooling systems to run inefficiently, raising energy bills. Air filters must be replaced on time, typically once every three months, to keep the system running efficiently and prevent wasting money.

Timely air filter replacement ensures the HVAC system isn’t running inefficiently and homeowners aren’t wasting money on their utility bills. Clogged air filters can also cause problems for the HVAC system, so not replacing them when needed can also cost homeowners money for repairs and dealing with overheating.

Don’t Neglect HVAC Maintenance

There’s nothing that beats having an HVAC specialist come by to inspect the heating and cooling systems regularly. They rely on their training and expertise to get to the bottom of problems and inefficiencies and fix them. While it may seem costly initially to schedule annual maintenance visits for the heater and air conditioner, in the long run, it can save a lot of money by preventing unexpected repair, early replacement, and unnecessary utility bill expenses.

Some benefits of keeping the heater and AC system well-maintained include the following:

Good indoor air quality
Less money spent on repairs
Longer-lasting system
Lower energy bills
Peace of mind and safety

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas since 2002. They offer transparent pricing, prompt and professional service, and a membership plan. Call them today for air conditioning and heating services in Daytona Beach, FL.