Tag: indoor

A Complete Guide to Better Indoor Air

Hand holding a broom with green bristles, cleaning a tire, related to HVAC maintenance by Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat.

Why Are Clean Air Ducts Important for Clean Indoor Air?

Clean air ducts play a crucial role in maintaining good indoor air quality. While it distributes air throughout the home, it can accumulate dust, allergens, and other contaminants. This dust buildup can develop into bacteria and mold that may be circulated throughout the home, risking the health and comfort of the occupants. Regular cleaning and maintenance of air ducts are essential for ensuring that the air inside a home or building is as clean and healthy as possible.

Why Should Air Ducts Be Cleaned?

Keeping your air ducts clean offers several benefits, such as improved air quality. By removing dust, allergens, and other debris from the ducts, technicians can reduce airborne contaminants, which can be helpful to individuals with allergies or respiratory issues. This also allows the HVAC system to operate more efficiently, as debris does not impede airflow. This can lead to lower energy bills and prolong the lifespan of the heating and cooling equipment.

Signs That Duct Cleaning Is Needed

air vent Knowing when to call for air duct service cleaning would be easier if the homeowners knew the signs of dirty air ducts. Below are several signs that can indicate that air ducts may require cleaning:

  • Visible Dust or Debris Around Vent Covers: Dust accumulating around air vents can signal dirty ducts. This can indicate that contaminants are circulating through the system.
  • Increased Dust Accumulation on Furniture: If dust are settling on surfaces in the home more than usual, it may be due to dusty air ducts.
  • Unpleasant Odors Coming from the Vents: Musty smells from the HVAC system could indicate mold growth or debris within the ducts.
  • Reduced Airflow from the HVAC System: If the airflow from the vents seems weaker than usual, it could be a sign that the ducts are clogged with dust or debris.
  • Increase in Allergy Symptoms or Respiratory Issues: Allergy symptoms, asthma flare-ups, or respiratory discomfort in the household can be linked to poor indoor air quality caused by dirty ducts.
  • Unexplained Increases in Energy Bills: If energy bills suddenly spike, the HVAC system may be working hard to circulate air through dirty or obstructed ducts.

A professional checkup can confirm whether air ducts need cleaning and help address any underlying issues. Ultimately, the best advice comes from the technician who performs the home's semi-annual HVAC maintenance.

Tips for Keeping Air Ducts Clean Between Professional Cleanings

filterHomeowners can take several steps to keep air ducts clean between professional cleanings. First, maintain a clean home environment by regularly dusting and vacuuming to reduce the amount of debris that can enter the ducts. Replace air filters on time, typically every 1-3 months, to prevent dust and allergens from circulating. 

Additionally, routine AC maintenance for the HVAC system should be scheduled to ensure it operates efficiently and to catch potential issues early. Sealing leaks in ductwork found during AC inspections can also prevent contaminants from entering the system.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. specializes in indoor air quality, including duct inspection and repairs. Being an A+ BBB-rated company and a recognized RUUD Pro Partner, they offer comprehensive AC maintenance and repair services. Call today for air duct cleaning services in Daytona Beach, FL.

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Enjoy Cleaner Air and Better Health With Improved Indoor Air Quality

Understanding and Improving Indoor Air Quality

The term indoor air quality refers specifically to the quality of air that people breathe inside a building, home, or enclosed space. Maintaining good indoor air quality requires being proactive against possible pollutants, and it’s important because poor indoor air quality can negatively affect people's health. This post will share the consequences of poor indoor air quality and steps to improve indoor air quality. 

The Health Risks of Poor Indoor Air Quality

sick Homeowners may be more exposed to more airborne pollutants in their homes than outdoors because the pollutants are trapped inside, and people spend more time in their homes. Some of the most common health risks of poor indoor air quality include: 

  • Nose, eye, and throat irritation
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Aggravated asthma symptoms
  • Worsened allergy symptoms

Continued exposure to these pollutants may cause additional health challenges or severe illness. Homeowners should be proactive to prevent exposure and reduce health risks. 

Protect the Air With Maintenance and Air Filter Replacement

filterSome important ways to protect indoor air quality are with routine air filter replacements and scheduling heating and AC maintenance. Air conditioning maintenance should typically be done annually in the spring, while heating maintenance should also typically be done annually in the fall.  

Air filter replacement generally needs to be performed more often, usually at least every three months. An air filter is designed to trap and filter out allergens, dust, and airborne particles as air is circulated. Changing the AC and furnace filters and performing routine maintenance is crucial not only for the indoor air quality, but also for the efficiency of the heating and air conditioning system, keeping energy costs low, and extending its lifespan.  

Incorporate an Air Filtration System

Installing an air cleaner and filtration system can provide an added boost in removing indoor pollutants and improving indoor air quality. Several different types of whole-home air cleaners and filtration systems can be installed with the ducts to service the whole home, including whole-home air purifier systems. 

An air purifier installation can remove more airborne contaminants and pollutants to help reduce asthma and allergy symptoms, improve the health of those in the home, remove unpleasant odors, and improve indoor air quality. Scheduling routine air duct cleaning services can also improve indoor air quality and help improve the health of people in the home.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving the Daytona Beach area since 2002. They provide transparent pricing options, a maintenance membership plan, and prompt and professional service. Call them for indoor air quality services in South Daytona, 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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3 Indoor Pollutants That May Invading a Home

Common Indoor Air Quality Hazards: A Look at 3 Substances

Every person wants their home to be a place of security, health, and happiness, but one may not immediately consider indoor air quality. The health benefits of good air quality are well documented, especially for those vulnerable people with chronic lung problems and immune system compromises.

Everyone who spends any time inside should be concerned with the potentially harmful substances that can lurk in indoor air.

The Problem with High Humiditymoisture

Water is necessary for life and is almost always considered a good thing. Just as too much rain can cause struggles for the environment, so too much moisture inside a home can cause major structural problems and health problems for its inhabitants. Too much moisture can cause any of the following issues:

  • Breathing Problems
  • Mold Growth
  • Dust Mite Growth
  • Corrosion
  • Warping of Wooden Furnishings

The Danger of VOCsvocs

VOCs or volatile organic compounds are the gases or vapors given off by certain household products. The word “organic” refers to the chemical makeup of these compounds, which have hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon in them, the three elements that make up all organic matter. Products that produce VOCs include the following:
  • Aerosol Sprays
  • Air Fresheners
  • Cleaning Products
  • Paint
  • Adhesives
  • Pesticides
  • Solvents

Both short-term and long-term health issues can result from exposure to VOCs. Some of the short-term effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, and dizziness. Continued exposure can lead to nosebleeds and vomiting. Long-term exposure has been linked to certain types of cancer. 

The Poison of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is represented by the molecular formula CO for one carbon(C) atom and one oxygen (O) atom. It is not to be confused with CO₂ (carbon dioxide), one carbon atom, and two oxygen atoms. While CO₂ is in the air and is a waste product that human bodies exhale with each breath, CO is an odorless, colorless gas emitted from exhausts of cars and the like and will poison people with overexposure. 

CO can attach to red blood cells and take oxygen molecules which will cause serious physical problems. Symptoms of CO poisoning:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Breathing problems
  • Blurry vision
  • Tachycardia
  • Chest Pain
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

Because the human senses cannot detect CO, if a homeowner is concerned about carbon monoxide coming into their home, they should get it analyzed immediately. If there is no leak, but the potential is there, purchasing a CO detector is the way to go. 

If people in a home start to experience these symptoms or suspect a gas leak, these are the steps that one should take.

  1. Get out of the house: Do not allow people to be exposed longer than necessary.
  2. Call the gas company: Use a neighbor’s phone or a cell phone, so no one has to be in the house. 
  3. Consider a doctor’s visit: If anyone in the home is experiencing more severe symptoms, call a doctor or visit the urgent care or emergency room.

About Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc.

For nearly 20 years, Jerry Brittingham A/C & Heat, Inc. has been serving their customers with 100% satisfaction guaranteed workmanship and free diagnostic visits. Call today for HVAC services in the Daytona Beach, FL area.

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