Downtown Air and Heat Blog

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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The Benefits of Air Cleaners

November 7th, 2014

A well-insulated home is sheltered from many air pollutants present in most outdoor environments. However, even inside you are not fully protected from contaminants that can reduce your air quality. That’s where air cleaners can be a great benefit to you. Below, we’ll outline some of the different types of air cleaners and the benefits they offer.

Ionization Cleaners

An ionization cleaner operates by creating a small electromagnetic field around itself. As particulates in the air pass through this field, they receive a negative magnetic charge themselves. Within most ionization cleaners are one or two metal plates, which possess a positive charge. The negatively charged particulates in the air will seek out and stick to these plates, which can then be removed and washed. An ionization cleaner is good at removing all kinds of contaminants from the air around it, including fumes and gases. It does have its own drawbacks, however. Primarily, it produces ozone as a byproduct. Ozone is considered a pollutant in its own right by the EPA, and can be harmful in large amounts.

HEPA Filters

HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air.” A HEPA filter is a special, high quality air filter that is usually installed in a home’s ductwork. The randomly woven fiber mesh that makes up the filter is very good at capturing contaminants, even those as small as viruses and bacteria. Because of this, HEPA filters can often be found in hospitals. Unfortunately, it does nothing to impede the progress of gaseous contaminants.

UV Purifiers

UV air cleaners operate by exposing the area around them to streams of ultraviolet light. It may seem like this does nothing at all, but there are actually a number of organic contaminants that are adversely affected by this. Several strains of bacteria, viruses, and mold are sterilized or killed by overexposure to UV rays. The UV purifier is designed to destroy these organic contaminants to reduce the transmission of disease. Since it doesn’t actually restrict airflow in any way, however, dust and other inorganic contaminants are unaffected by it.

If you’d like to know more about air cleaners, call Downtown Air & Heat. We provide air cleaner installation throughout Orlando, FL.

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Types of Air Cleaners

October 24th, 2014

You’ve probably heard of air cleaners, appliances designed to improve the air quality in your home through one method or another. You may have even heard terms like “ionization” thrown around in relation to these air cleaners. How much do you really know about them, though? We’ve assembled a list to help you make an informed decision when it comes time to select the right air cleaner for you.

HEPA Filters

HEPA stands for “High Efficiency Particulate Air,” and applies to air filters with a particularly high rating for filtering out particulates. HEPA filters range in quality, from typical home use to hospitals and even nuclear power plants. A HEPA filter is a great way to improve the quality of the air in your forced air system. Just make sure that your system is designed to work with such a high quality filter.

Ionization Cleaners

Ionization cleaners are another popular option for home air cleaning. An ionization cleaner uses an electrical current to charge a metal plate within itself. As air passes through the cleaner, this plate will pass on a negative charge to particulates like dust and bacteria. The particulates then stick to the filter in the air cleaner, using a principle very similar to static electricity. Ionization cleaners are often used in areas that are extremely sensitive to particulate contaminants, like server rooms.

Ultraviolet Purifiers

Some microscopic living organisms are sterilized when exposed to UV light. This includes viruses, bacteria, and mold. Ultraviolet purifiers take advantage of this by bathing the air in UV light as it passes through them. This prevents harmful organisms from multiplying and causing sickness quite well. However, it doesn’t do much for non-living contaminants like dust. Obviously, this kind of thing is often found in areas that require a sterile environment, like hospitals.

These are just a few of the air filters available on the market. We hope that this list has helped to give you some idea about the way air filters work, and which may serve you best. If you’d like more information, call Downtown Air & Heat. We install air cleaners all over Orlando, FL.

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How Does Faulty Ductwork Affect Air Conditioning?

October 17th, 2014

Just as a malfunctioning compressor can create system-wide problems for your air conditioning, so can faulty ductwork. However, because ductwork is mostly hidden behind your walls, it can take a while to detect existing problems. Faulty ductwork can negatively affect your system in a number of ways, which is why it’s important to hire a professional for ductwork repair as soon as you discover a problem. The NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat are also air flow specialists, so call us today.

Problems Caused by Faulty Ductwork

Here are some problems that can develop due to faulty ductwork:

  • Decreased energy efficiency – when air escapes from holes, cracks and broken seals in your ductwork, your air conditioner has to compensate for this loss. To do so, it works harder, and when it works harder, it uses more energy.
  • Decrease in indoor air quality – cracks and holes allow outside particles, dust, dirt and fumes to enter the air flow. Once inside your ductwork, these items are delivered directly into your living spaces, and can compromise your indoor air quality.
  • Backdrafting – if you have any combustion appliances in your home, such as a water heater, dryer or furnace, the exhaust from these appliances can be sucked into your ductwork through the existing holes and cracks.
  • Increased stress on your system – faulty ductwork forces your system to work harder to achieve the set temperature. If your system operates for a long period of time with faulty ductwork, the extra strain can lead to potential breakdown, excess wear and tear and premature aging.

How Is Ductwork Fixed?

Ductwork can be:

  • Repaired
  • Sealed
  • Replaced (if needed)

Repair and sealing would be the first step to take with faulty ductwork. To repair cracks and holes, a technician will use a fibrous adhesive called mastic to cover the damaged area, and then reinforce the mastic with a piece of professional-grade tape. The mastic is left to harden, which creates the seal. If there are disconnected sections, mastic will be applied to both ends, and the ends will be wrapped with a metal binding that is secured with sheet metal nails. As with cracks and holes, the mastic will harden. Replacement is necessary if a section of ductwork is too damaged to be repaired.

Faulty ductwork can result in problems with air quality, energy efficiency and stress on your air conditioning system. Fall offers a great window of time to address issues with faulty ductwork, so call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule air conditioning service in Orlando, FL with one of our air flow specialists.

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Signs That You Need a New Dehumidifier

October 10th, 2014

Excess humidity is as much a problem for your home and HVAC system as it is for you. Excess humidity can compromise indoor air quality and potentially damage your home, so it’s important to replace your whole-home dehumidifier if your current one is failing. We’ll go over the signs that indicate it may be time for a new dehumidifier, but as with any upgrade to your system, it’s important to always hire professionals for installation. The NATE-certified technicians at Downtown Air & Heat can install, maintain and repair any whole-home dehumidifier, so call us today.

Signs It’s Time to Install a New Dehumidifier

Here are some signs that it may be time to consider installing a new dehumidifier:

  • Aggravated allergy symptoms – mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, as do dust mites. Additionally, pollen likes to cling to the moisture in the air, so if the allergy sufferers in your home have been sneezing more, increased humidity may be why.
  • Musty smells – one of the telltale signs you have mold or mildew growth is the odor: mustiness. If you smell this odor in your home, particularly when your HVAC system runs, you may have mold or mildew contamination.
  • Visible condensation on inside windows – condensation on the inside of the windows is a solid indication that there is too much moisture in your indoor air. You may also see wet areas on your ceilings and/or walls, and on surfaces.
  • Stuffy feeling in the air – humidity holds heat, so even if the temperature is moderate, too much humidity can still make it feel close and stuffy inside.
  • Rotting wood – in areas where humidity has existed for a while, there can be damage to wood in your home. Excessive moisture can penetrate wood and cause it to rot.

If you have a dehumidifier, then you know the benefits a whole-home dehumidifier can offer. Don’t let your health or your home suffer with an aging and/or malfunctioning dehumidifier. Call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule the installation of a new dehumidifier in Orlando with one of our installation experts.

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Three Common End-of-Season Air Conditioning Repairs

October 3rd, 2014

Your air conditioning worked hard this summer, and as a result, may be in need of repair. There are some common problems that can develop at end of a busy cooling season, as we’ll outline below, but should you have any repair need, it’s important to always call for a trained technician. Our NATE-certified technicians are available 24/7 for air conditioning repairs, so call us today.

Common End-of-Season Repairs

Here are some of the more common end-of-season repairs our technicians see:

Electrical Issues

With normal use, it’s not unusual for wires to fray and corrode, terminals to become dirty or for disconnections to occur. No matter the problem, electrical issues can interrupt the operation of your system. Signs of electrical problems can be buzzing or popping sounds, or intermittent performance of a component. Electrical issues can be complex and difficult to find, so it’s important to use a professional for repair.

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can develop in a number of locations in your system. When the refrigerant in your system runs low, certain problems can develop, including icing on the evaporator coils, warm air blowing and problems with your compressor. Refrigerant leaks do not improve on their own, and as such require repair. It is necessary to have the proper certification when handling refrigerant, so it’s important to not repair refrigerant problems on your own.

Motor Problems

There are 3 motors in your air conditioning system: 2 fan motors (the blower and condenser fans) and the compressor motor. The fan motors can develop problems with wiring, worn belts and loose or damaged components. The issues your compressor motor can develop include overheating, problems with pressurization and burnout. Sometimes a compressor motor can be repaired, but sometimes full replacement may be required.

End-of-season repairs are common in the fall, and it’s important to schedule repair as soon as you detect any kind of problem with your air conditioning. Call Downtown Air & Heat today and schedule your air conditioning repairs in Orlando, FL with one of our specialists.

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The Cooling Benefits of Going Ductless

September 26th, 2014

If you need a new air conditioning system, but you don’t have any ductwork set up in your home, there is a fairly simple solution. Calling a technician for ductless air conditioning installation is one of the best ways to keep your entire home cool without paying too much every month. And there will be no changes to the construction by your home besides a small hole drilled into the wall. In order to help more homeowners understand the cooling benefits of going ductless, we’ve put together this quick guide to some of the biggest advantages.

No Ducts

Most home air conditioning systems rely on ducts, but deciding against adding ductwork can actually be advantageous. A large number of homeowners pay too much for air conditioning because a lot of energy is lost in the ducts due to leaks. Besides, ductwork installation is a hassle and creates disturbances to your daily home life.

Zone Control

One of the most exciting features of ductless cooling is zone control. A ductless mini split contains an outdoor compressor, like with central air conditioners, and multiple indoor air handlers. These air handlers are mounted in various areas of the house to provide even cooling. Additionally, each air handler comes with its own thermostat, and there is often a master thermostat that controls each unit. You can choose the temperature in each room or zone individually for increased comfort. You can also save some money by choosing to shut off the air to rooms that are unoccupied throughout the day.

Energy Savings

Ductless systems save money over traditional central air conditioners due to the lack of ductwork and the energy saving features of zone control. Furthermore, ductless air conditioning systems are often quite efficient. Ask your technician to help you find a unit with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) for more savings.

Ductless cooling is not necessarily the right option for every home, so you should always speak with a technician before making a major decision about your new HVAC system. If you’re considering ductless air conditioning in Orlando, FL, call the cooling experts at Downtown Air & Heat today!

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Can I Keep Running My Air Conditioner with Low Refrigerant?

September 19th, 2014

Without any refrigerant at all, your air conditioning system would be incapable of cooling your home. But if you have low levels, you may still be able to feel some cool air from your system. Air conditioners need refrigerant to remove heat from the air, but can you still run your unit with low refrigerant?

You should not attempt to continue running an air conditioner with low levels of refrigerant because many of the parts of your air conditioner require a set level of this chemical blend in order to work properly. When an air conditioner is installed, a technician is supposed to carefully measure out the correct levels of refrigerant. If these levels are not accurate, it may be because your unit was not set up properly in the first place. However, it’s also likely that this is the result of a leak.

Refrigerant may leak from your system due to loose connections or corrosion over time. If it continues to leak from your unit, you may not feel any cool air at all. But even slightly lower levels may cause problems with some key components like the compressor. The compressor is responsible for changing refrigerant into a pressurized gas so that it can pump through the entire system. This part is sized to handle a certain load of refrigerant based on the cooling capacity of your air conditioning unit. When this amount drops too low, your compressor will run into problems that may even lead to replacement.

In fact, many parts of your unit may suffer from wear and tear when refrigerant is low. And when the parts in your system have to work harder to cool your home, your unit will use a lot of energy to reach the desired temperature. This means you spend a lot more every month than you need to, and your air conditioner may already consume a large portion of your bills. To keep bills low, and to keep your unit from suddenly failing, schedule maintenance twice a year and make repairs as soon as you suspect a leak. For more about air conditioning in Orlando, FL, call the experienced technicians at Downtown Air & Heat.

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