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

Why AC Coils Should Be Cleaned Every Year During Maintenance

Hand holding a handheld sprayer near a container with wiring against a brick wall in HVAC maintenance setting.

Cleaning Dirty Coils Can Improve AC Performance

Air conditioning systems are made up of many different components located inside and outside the home. The evaporator and condenser coils are essential as they are responsible for the heat exchange process. For optimal cooling efficiency and air quality, it is vital to include AC coil cleaning in an annual maintenance routine. Coil cleaning helps remove dust, dirt, and other particles that can accumulate on the coils of an air conditioning system. This blog post will share why AC coil cleaning is recommended and beneficial. 

Evaporator Coil

evaporator coilsEvaporator coils are critical to an air conditioning system but can get dirty easily. When dirt and debris accumulate on the evaporator coil, it prevents heat from escaping outside and makes it harder for the air conditioner to keep a home cool. This can lead to less effective cooling, higher energy bills, and increased wear and tear on the air conditioning system, which can shorten its lifespan.

Regularly cleaning the evaporator coil can help to prevent these issues. Cleaning the coil helps to remove dirt and debris that can build up and block heat from escaping, which helps keep the air conditioner working more efficiently. Regular cleaning can also reduce wear and tear on the unit, as dirt and debris can cause extra strain on the motor when it works to cool the home. 

Condenser Coil

condenser coilsThe condenser coil of an air conditioning system is another vital component responsible for cooling the air in a home. It releases the heat outdoors that the evaporator coil removed from the indoor air. But these coils can become dirty and clogged with dirt, dust, leaves, and other debris from storms over time. 

A dirty condenser coil can lead to poor system performance, reduced energy efficiency, higher energy bills, and increased wear and tear on the system, which can lead to premature breakdowns. It's important to check, and clean condenser coils regularly to keep the AC running smoothly and efficiently. 

Benefits of Coil Maintenance

Cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils is essential for the proper functioning of the air conditioning unit and has many benefits. It helps to reduce energy costs and prevent costly repairs and premature replacements by improving airflow and energy efficiency and reducing wear and tear on system components. 

HVAC contractors can use various methods to clean condenser and evaporator coils, including dry brushing and pressurized air, to remove dirt, dust, and other debris that may have collected on the coils over time. To ensure a thorough clean, professionals may also use chemical cleaners and degreasers to eliminate stubborn deposits of dirt or grime.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over two decades of experience serving Daytona Beach and the surrounding area. They provide transparent pricing, a satisfaction guarantee, and a membership plan. Call them today for air conditioning maintenance and coil cleaning in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Remember the Air Ducts During Spring Cleaning!

A Duct Cleaning Guide for Fresher Air 

Spring cleaning is a popular tradition because it is the perfect excuse to shake off the inactivity of winter and make some progress around the home. Whether that means decluttering storage areas or beginning a new landscaping plan, spring cleaning allows homeowners to make their spaces more livable. 

Along with spring comes allergies, so in many homes, a significant amount of spring-cleaning energy is exerted to lessen the severity of allergies. A homeowner can schedule professional air duct cleaning this spring to help stave off allergy symptoms. Here is a quick guide about duct cleaning to improve indoor air quality. 

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning 

ductsHaving air ducts cleaned routinely has several benefits. It improves the indoor air quality in a home, which reduces health risks associated with breathing in dusty, contaminated air. Additionally, cleaning the air ducts can increase the HVAC system's efficiency and lower energy costs by allowing more efficient airflow throughout the home. Finally, a well-maintained air duct system can help extend the life of HVAC equipment and ensure it operates correctly for years. All these benefits make air duct cleaning important to maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. 

Professionals have the necessary knowledge and tools to perform the job effectively and efficiently. They can also inspect the system for debris or mold buildup, check for other issues, such as clogged vents or cracked ductwork, and fix them before the problem worsens. A professional HVAC contractor can also advise homeowners on the best way to maintain their system going forward, helping them to keep it running at peak performance.

Signs the Ductwork is Dirty 

How can a homeowner tell their air ducts are dirty and need cleaning? Pay attention to signs like: 

  • Poor airflow around the home
  • High heating or cooling costs 
  • Foul smells from the ducts
  • Mold and mildew growth
  • A buildup of dust around air vents
  • High levels of dust around the home
  • Air filters that don’t last as long as they should 

How to Keep Air Ducts Clean 

filterAir duct cleaning greatly improves indoor air quality and removes contaminants from the air ducts to lessen the effects of allergies. However, there is more that homeowners can do between professional air duct cleanings to help keep their homes and ducts cleaner and their families healthier. In the spirit of spring cleaning and indoor air quality, homeowners can also: 

  • Change air filters at least every three months.
  • Remember to schedule HVAC maintenance.
  • Vacuum and dust regularly.
  • Install a whole-home air purifier or an air cleaner.

Doing these things not only keeps the home cleaner and healthier and improves indoor air quality but will also prolong the positive effects of air duct cleaning. 

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

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

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How Have Women Shaped the HVAC Industry?

Women in the HVAC Field 

During Women’s History Month, society takes a moment to reflect on the women who helped pave the way. Women have done their fair share in keeping homes comfortable and contributing to heating and cooling. This month, look back at the women who made it possible. This blog will discuss women in the HVAC industry today and some trailblazing women who revolutionized modern heating and cooling. 

Women in the Industry Today 

The HVAC industry is a male-dominated field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018, women made up less than 2% of HVAC mechanics and installers despite more women increasingly taking on leadership positions in HVAC companies where they are responsible for key decisions related to product development, customer service, and overall management.

In addition to their work in the industry itself, women are also responsible for advancing HVAC technology. Recent studies have shown that female-led companies are more likely to invest in energy-efficient and innovative technologies, resulting in improved efficiency and cost savings for the industry. Women are also leading the way in advocating for environmental protection and sustainability initiatives within the sector. The impact of women in the industry is undeniable, and their contributions are helping to shape the sector's future. 

Alice H. Parker 

aliceAlice H. Parker was an African-American inventor and mechanical engineer who revolutionized home heating systems. Her most notable invention was a gas furnace with central ductwork, patented in 1919. This invention revolutionized home heating technology, allowing for more efficient, safer, and cost-effective heating systems. Before her invention of a gas furnace, homes were typically heated using wood-burning stoves or fireplaces. Although these methods provided warmth, they were not always reliable or safe.

Her patented furnace used natural gas and could be adjusted to heat different rooms with air ducts based on the household’s needs. Her invention has been credited with improving air quality in homes, reducing the risk of fire, and saving people money on their heating bills. Parker’s legacy is still seen today in modern gas furnaces with ductwork.

Margaret Ingels 

margaretMargaret Ingels was the first woman to hold a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in the nation. She graduated from the University of Kentucky and was a pioneer in the HVAC industry, specifically air conditioning. She worked at Carrier Corporation for the majority of her career. At the time, Carrier Corporation was at the forefront of air conditioning technology. 

Ingels' work revolutionized air conditioning, introducing a way to control temperature precisely, humidity, and air direction. She also developed the concept of zone control, which allowed different areas of a building or home to be controlled independently. Ingels' innovations helped pave the way for modern air conditioning systems, making indoor environments more comfortable and safe year-round. In recognition of her contributions, Ingels was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2006, and her legacy can still be seen in modern air conditioning systems.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has over 20 years of experience serving Daytona Beach, FL, and the surrounding communities. They provide transparent pricing options, financing, and a maintenance membership plan. Call them today for indoor air quality, AC, or heating services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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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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