Downtown Air and Heat Blog

What Are the Benefits of Duct Cleaning?

January 12th, 2015

Quick! When was the last time you had your ducts cleaned? If you can’t remember the last time you had your ducts cleaned, or if you’ve never had them cleaned, you likely have a big problem that you can’t even detect. Ducts serve a vital role inside the home, allowing central heating and air conditioning systems to circulate air throughout the living space. Without ducts, many home heating and air conditioning systems would not be possible. Unfortunately, ducts are also home to a lot of unsavory things that can lessen your quality of life. Read on to find out why duct cleaning is necessary.

Contaminants in the Ducts

The air in your home is actually filled with thousands of different particulates and microorganisms. Most of these are harmless, but there are several that can provoke allergy attacks and more serious illnesses. These contaminants include dust, pollen, bacteria, insect dander, viruses, mold, and many others. Though they can be found in smaller numbers throughout the house, the ducts are often the central hub for these contaminants. This is because the ducts are out of the way, and relatively undisturbed by human or animal activity in the home. The contaminants collect in the ducts until the heat or air is turned on, at which point they are blown out of the vents and throughout the house, where they come in contact with humans and affect their health.

Duct Cleaning

The primary reason for duct cleaning is to eliminate as much of these airborne contaminants as possible. Depending on the type of ducts you have, an HVAC technician can either suck all the debris out of the network with a specialized vacuum or carefully clean each area with a set of brushes. By cleaning the ducts in your home once every year or two, you can substantially increase your air quality and health. If you neglect your ducts, however, you provide a haven for these germs and other contaminants from which to infect you.

If you haven’t had your ducts cleaned in a while, call Downtown Air & Heat. We provide duct cleaning throughout the Orlando area.

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Can’t I Install a Dehumidifier Myself?

January 5th, 2015

High levels of humidity can be quite a pain both inside the home and out. Humidity can cause you to feel hot and sticky and can keep you from enjoying some of the activities you partake in every day. And at this time of year, you never know whether it’s going to be a cool, temperate day, or if moisture in the air will drag you down.

Thankfully, you can purchase a dehumidifier so that you and your family can feel more comfortable inside of the home and so that you can prevent the nasty effects of a potential buildup of moisture. Many people decide to get simple single-room dehumidifiers which they can plug into the wall themselves in order to remove some moisture from a single room. But these don’t take care of moisture in every area of the home.

It’s important to have a dehumidifying system throughout the home if the air in your house is prone to holding moisture. While a single-room dehumidifier can make you feel cooler, it’s unable to reach moisture in parts of the house where it may actually do some damage. When water collects around the walls or on ceilings, it could cause permanent damage to the structure of the building. And what’s worse is the potential for mold growth which could actually make you feel ill. Mold particularly affects family members with asthma and allergies, but it can easily start to take a toll on other household members as well.

It’s important to have whole-home dehumidifying capabilities to prevent moisture from ruining the structure of your home, keeping you uncomfortable, or even making you feel sick. But can you install a whole-house system by yourself? Well, this task will be difficult to complete without the right expertise. A whole-house dehumidifier is located in the ducts and works with your HVAC system to collect and drain moisture. You’ll need professional tools to enter the ducts, often slicing through it or replacing a portion of ductwork. And afterwards, you’ll need to make sure the ducts are sealed properly to prevent air leaks from decreasing the overall efficiency of your unit.

Call Downtown Air & Heat whenever you need a trained professional to install a new dehumidifier in Orlando.

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When New Year’s Day Was Not on January 1st

January 1st, 2015

Some holidays fall on shifting calendar days for every year, such as Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November) and Easter (the first Sunday after the first full moon to occur on or after March 21). Other holidays, such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween, are fixed. No holiday has a more solid calendar date attached to it than New Year’s Day. It has to fall on January 1st because it celebrates the first day of a new year. That only makes sense…

…except that, like most things that at first appear obvious, there is a bit more to the story. The beginning of the year was not always on the first of January. As with an enormous numbers of traditions in the Western World, the establishment of January 1st as the inaugural day of a new year goes back to the ancient Romans.

The modern solar calendar is derived from the Roman model, but the earliest Roman calendars did not have 365 days in a year spread over 12 months. Instead, there were 304 days spread over 10 months. The Romans believed this calendar originated with the mythical founder of the city, Romulus. If Romulus were a real person, we can credit him with a poor understanding of the seasons, as this abbreviated calendar soon got out of sync with Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Numa, one of the Kings of Rome (probably also fictional) receives credit for creating a longer year with two added months, Ianuarius and Februarius, bringing the number of days in the year to 355. The new month of Ianuarius, named after Ianus (Janus in contemporary spelling), the god of beginnings, would eventually be known in English as January. But when this new calendar was instituted, January was not the first month. March, named after the god of war, remained the first month, and March 1st was New Year’s Day.

This extended calendar still did not keep in synch with the seasons. In 45 BCE, Julius Caesar instituted reforms to align the calendar correctly according to calculations of astronomers, with an additional 10 days distributed across the year. January also became set as the first month, and offerings to the god Janus on this day started the tradition we now know as New Year’s. The date still fluctuated during the ensuing centuries, with a number of Western European holy days treated as the beginning of the year instead. It wasn’t until the next calendar reform in 1582, the Gregorian Calendar, that the date of the New Year was fixed at January 1st.

However you choose to celebrate the beginning of the current calendar, everyone here at Downtown Air & Heat hopes you have a wonderful 2015!

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The Composition of Snowflakes: Are No Two Alike?

December 25th, 2014

“No two snowflakes are alike.”

This is a statement nearly every schoolchild has heard at least once, either while crafting unique snowflakes with a sheet of folded paper and some scissors or while learning a lesson on the science of snow. While even most scientists don’t quite understand what causes a snowflake to form such complex and beautiful columns and points and branches, one thing is for certain, the composition of snowflakes guarantees that no two will ever be identical.  However, it is possible for two snowflakes to appear to be nearly exactly alike.

A snowflake begins to form when a piece of dust catches water vapor out of the air. Water is created when two hydrogen molecules attach to an oxygen molecule. The two hydrogen molecules are angled from one another in such a way that they form a hexagonal shape when they come together during the freezing process; thus, a snowflake begins as a simple hexagonal shape or as layers of hexagons called diamond dust. The emergent properties that follow from the original hexagon are what differentiate one snowflake from another, as the humidity, the temperature in the air, and many other factors (some of which remain unclear to scientists) allow each snowflake to form in an entirely unique way with a seemingly endless variety of shapes.

However, in 1988, a scientist named Nancy Knight claimed to have located two that were the same while studying snowflakes as part of an atmospheric research project. And it appeared to be so; when put under a microscope, the emergent properties looked nearly identical. But while it is feasible that two snowflakes can appear to be exactly alike on the outside, they are never identical on an atomic level. Deuterium is an atom that appears attached to about one in every 3000 hydrogen molecules in the air. Because there are millions of atoms that make up a snowflake, the random assortment of deuterium in any two snowflakes—even in two that so very closely resemble one another—simply cannot be the same.

Here at Downtown Air & Heat, we’d like to remind you to grab a cup of cocoa and relax with your family this holiday, perhaps by crafting some unique snowflake creations of your own. We wish you a very happy holiday season, from our family to yours!

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Reasons to Schedule Heating Maintenance

December 19th, 2014

Usually, when you call a technician to your home, you have a pretty good reason for it. Perhaps your heating system is making some particularly strange noises, your heater struggles to switch on, or you just want to upgrade with zone heating or a new thermostat.  But you may not know that there are plenty of very good reasons to call a technician when there are no apparent problems with your heating system.

Here in Orlando, we go for a long time without running our heating systems. This means that you may not know if there is a lurking problem with the components of your heater. And with a defunct heating system, you may leave yourself vulnerable to a few different problems that can affect your comfort, your bills, and even your safety.

There are a few good reasons to call a technician for maintenance on a regular basis. We’d like to remind you that it’s not too late for a heating maintenance visit this season, especially since you may end up with the following benefits afterwards.

  1. A more comfortable space: Maintenance includes an inspection, cleaning, and adjustment of some of the most crucial components to the operation of your system and some of the seemingly minor ones as well. This helps to make sure your unit is in top shape, as a unit runs at its very best well all of the components are in an optimal condition.
  2. Energy savings: When parts are loose, out of place, bent, or dirty, they have to run for longer and use up more energy to get the house to the proper temperature. This costs you more than expected every month, and a maintenance visit may actually offset the extra cost in some cases.
  3. Peace of mind: Finally, heating maintenance gives you peace of mind that your system will not breakdown any time soon. And with a gas furnace, you’ll feel confident that there is not a safety issue that could lead to a gas leak.

Call the experts at Downtown Air & Heat to make sure you get a thorough and complete heating maintenance in Orlando. We offer a twice yearly tune-up as part of our maintenance program with discounts on parts and services as well.

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What Type of Air Cleaner Do You Need?

December 12th, 2014

Poor air quality is quite common in homes across the country. Though many homeowners do not know it, their home’s air is often infested with microscopic pollutants. Dust, mold, pollen, insect dander, viruses, bacteria, and many more contaminants are circulated throughout the house every time the heating or air conditioning is turned on. These pollutants can cause allergy attacks, illnesses, and all sorts of other nasty symptoms when they come in contact with the home’s occupants. So, what can be done about it? If you want to improve your home’s indoor air quality, you’ll need an air cleaner. Let’s examine which one would best fit your needs.

Mechanical Air Filters

Mechanical air filters are the simplest type of air cleaner available. They are comprised of a woven mesh, usually of fiberglass, stretched over a metal or plastic frame and inserted into your home’s air ducts. These filters are finely woven enough to catch a lot of the dust and debris common to a home’s ductwork, while allowing air to pass through them relatively unobstructed. Some of these filters, like HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, are woven so tightly that they can even catch viruses and bacteria. Those filters are usually reserved for use in hospitals and the like, however, and are probably overkill for simple home use.

Ionization Air Purifiers

Ionization air purifiers are a lot more complex than mechanical air filters, though they have a few distinct advantages. Basically, a whole-house ionization purifier works by generating an electrical field around itself. As air passes through this field, the particles it carries receive a negative electric charge. These negatively-charged particles are then attracted to the positively charged metal plates inside the purifier. After the plates collect enough particles, they can be removed and cleaned. Ionization purifiers can capture a lot of airborne pollutants and contaminants. However, they do require a bit more maintenance than a simple mechanical filter.

If you’d like to know more about your air cleaner options, call Downtown Air & Heat. We install and maintain air cleaners throughout Orlando, FL.

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Why a Dehumidifier Is Necessary in a Tropical Climate

December 5th, 2014

According to the Köppen climate classification, the most widely recognized classification system for classifying the climates of particular areas, Orlando is not located in the area deemed a “tropical climate.” While Tampa has many of the characteristics of a tropical climate, it is actually located in what is known as a humid subtropical climate. In a humid subtropical climate, the winds from the tropics brings in warm, moist air which means humidity can be a real concern in our area, leading many to choose a whole-house dehumidifier.

High humidity occurs when there is a lot of water vapor in the air. This can cause a multitude of problems for Florida homeowners, including damage to the home, high energy bills, and poor indoor air quality. Rather than risk these negative effects, many homeowners choose to install whole-house dehumidifiers instead of point-of-use dehumidifiers which only alleviate the problem in a single room or area. Here are some of the risks you take if you don’t protect your entire home.

One of the most noticeable problems associated with high humidity is the level of heat you feel on your body. With too much moisture in the air, sweat cannot evaporate from your body as it should, which means a heat envelope forms around your body and makes you feel as though it is far warmer than the actual outdoor and indoor temperature. You crank up the AC to compensate, which could lead to an overworked unit that breaks down frequently or cots a lot of money to run.

The effects of high humidity on the conditions in your home can be even more of an issue. Water can ruin your furniture and do some damage for the structural integrity of your home. And in area with a lot of moisture, bacteria, mold, and viruses can thrive and move into the air, aggravating allergies, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms.

Choosing to install a whole-home dehumidifier in Orlando means you are protecting every area of your house, not just a single room. This type of system works with your HVAC unit to collect moisture as it sucks in air. Moisture is attracted to cooling coils as condensation occurs, leading to improved conditions and a feeling of overall comfort and relaxation.

Call Downtown Air & Heat to learn how you can get a dehumidifier in Orlando and get peace of mind about the state of your home.

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Problems Caused by Excessive Humidity

November 28th, 2014

High humidity is a part of daily life in Florida, and it can affect us around the year. It causes problems with comfort, negatively affects health, and leads to water damage. If your home is experiencing high indoor humidity (greater than 60% relative humidity), then one of the best solutions is to have a whole-house dehumidifier professionally installed. Dehumidifiers use a process similar to air conditioners to absorb moisture from the air. If properly sized and installed, a whole-house dehumidifier can create a proper balance of indoor humidity levels so a house is neither too damp nor too dry.

Downtown Air & Heat is experienced with creating comfort for homes in Florida, and that includes balancing humidity levels. Call us today for dehumidifier services in Orlando. With our help, you can avoid some of these common problems that result from high humidity indoors:

Discomfort and Elevated Cooling Costs

Muggy air makes hot temperatures feel much worse. The reason for this is that the moisture in the air makes it more difficult for the human body to release heat through perspiration, and this traps additional heat inside the body. Not only does this mean hot weather feels more uncomfortable, it will mean needing to keep the air conditioning running almost constantly. A dehumidifier can lower a home’s need for air conditioning by 30%, which means significant energy savings throughout the year.

Health Issues

High humidity is connected to a number of health problems, most notably those that stem from the growth of toxic molds inside a house. Other health troubles linked to high humidity include insomnia, asthma attacks, allergy problems, irritation of eyes, nose, and throat, and respiratory difficulties. For people who already have asthma, allergies, or respiratory conditions, high humidity can be extremely dangerous.

Water Damage

As moisture from high humidity continues to accumulate, it will lead to damage to the building material of a home. The development of mold and mildew will eat through drywall and warp floorboards. Expenses for repairing water damage are often high, but you can avoid the trouble with an effective dehumidifier in your home.

It is very important that you have professionals take care of installing a whole-house dehumidifier. If the wrong size system is put in, or put in improperly, you might end up with a dehumidifier that barely affects indoor conditions—while still draining power—or ends up creating humidity levels that are too low. (Low humidity creates as many problems as high humidity.) From excellent installation, repair, and maintenance services for a dehumidifier in Orlando, FL, call up the indoor air quality specialists at Downtown Air & Heat today.

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Will Thanksgiving Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

November 26th, 2014

We’ve all heard it before: you feel so sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal because of the main event: the turkey. For years, people have credited extraordinary levels of tryptophan in turkey as the reason we all feel the need to nap after the annual feast. But contrary to this popular mythology, tryptophan is probably not he largest responsible party for your post-meal exhaustion.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means it’s something that our bodies need but do not produce naturally. Your body uses tryptophan to help make vitamin B3 and serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that sends chemicals to the brain to aid in sleep. But in order to get this essential amino acid, we have to eat foods that contain it.

Turkey has somewhat high levels of tryptophan, but so do many other foods, including eggs, peanuts, chocolate, nuts, bananas, and most other meats and dairy products. In fact, ounce-for-ounce cheddar cheese contains a greater amount of tryptophan than turkey. In order for tryptophan to make you feel sleepy, you would have to consume it in excessive amounts, and serotonin is usually only produced by tryptophan on an empty stomach.

The truth is, overeating is largely responsible for the “food coma” many people describe post-Thanksgiving. It takes a lot of energy for your body to process a large meal, and the average Thanksgiving plate contains about twice as many calories as is recommended for daily consumption. If anything, high levels of fat in the turkey cause sleepiness, as they require a lot of energy for your body to digest. Lots of carbohydrates, alcohol, and probably a bit of stress may also be some of the reasons it feels so satisfying to lay down on the couch after the meal and finally get a little bit of shut-eye.

If you feel the need to indulge in a heaping dose of tryptophan this year, go ahead! Turkey also contains healthy proteins and may even provide a boost for your immune system. Here at Downtown Air & Heat, we hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy and contentment this year. Happy feasting!

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Why Consider UV Lights?

November 14th, 2014

Healthy indoor air is important to your overall health, and with the winter months coming, you may have additional concerns about biological contaminants. While an air filtration system can capture a number of contaminants in your home, it may not be able to capture the biological contaminants you want it to. This is because biological microbes are very small particles; many of them are smaller than 0.3 micrometers, which is the smallest size an air filter can capture. But there is a solution when it comes to biological contaminants: UV germicidal lights. UV germicidal lights are geared to specifically target biological contaminants, and when combined with an air filtration system, you can have a great air cleaning combination for your home. Want to find out more? Read below, and then schedule an appointment with a Downtown Air & Heat indoor air quality expert!

How Do UV Lights Work?

UV lights emit UV-C radiation. This type of radiation destroys the DNA of biological cells as well as their life-sustaining proteins. This results in two things: first, the cell cannot replicate and second, the cell cannot sustain life. As such, not only do UV lights kill existing cells, they eradicate them. UV germicidal lights are over 99% effective at destroying biological contaminants.

There are a couple of things to note about UV lights. First, they do not draw particles to them. Contaminants need to come within reach of the radiation to be affected. Second, UV lights do not capture or trap particles, so contaminants like dust, dirt and pollen are not affected by UV lights. This is why it’s recommended that UV lights are paired with an air filter or electronic cleaner.

How Are UV Lights Installed?

Placement of UV lights is pretty flexible, but recommended areas are within the ductwork and over the evaporator coils. This is because these areas are more prone to the development of growth such as mold and mildew.

Do They Need to Be Replaced?

UV lights have a lifespan of about 12 months, so they should be replaced annually to ensure they are effective.

When you pair UV lighting with your air cleaner, you and your home can see significant benefits for your indoor air quality. Call Downtown Air & Heat to schedule air cleaner services in Orlando, FL today!

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