Thanksgiving is this week, and the focus is usually on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for our family and friends; however, amidst the preparations, it's crucial not to overlook the quality of the air that they and we breathe. Maintaining clean and healthy indoor air is essential for the health and overall well-being of indoor occupants and guests, especially during gatherings when there may be increased activities and potential pollutants. We are going to provide some tips to ensure cleaner and healthier air this Thanksgiving and review how you can maintain your home’s indoor air quality during your celebration.

A Refresher on What Indoor Quality is

We have reviewed before what indoor air quality (IAQ) is and why it is important, but here is a brief refresher. Indoor air quality refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants (EPA). Poor indoor air quality has been linked to continued sickness, reduced productivity, and impaired learning and thought processes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rates poor indoor air quality as an area of major concern, noting that common contaminants, endlessly redistributed by a central air system, can contribute to allergy symptoms and sickness. What’s in your home’s air directly impacts the IAQ.

As mentioned above, your home’s indoor air quality is important, because it can directly impact the health and well-being of the people who are in your home. There can be short-term and long-term effects. Immediate effects typically are similar to those of colds and other viral infections, while some long-term effects may include respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer, and more. Basically, poor indoor air quality can really make people miserable and put a damper on your holiday celebrations, which is why having cleaner and healthier air this Thanksgiving will give you something to be extra thankful for.

Tips for Cleaner and Healthier Air this Thanksgiving

The holidays are a time for increased indoor air pollutants. This is because of added cooking and baking, increased household occupancy, windows being closed due to the weather, and more people going in and out potentially bringing in contaminants with them. When it comes to maintaining indoor air quality and having cleaner and healthier air this Thanksgiving, there are some things you can do. Let’s review.

• Keep Things Clean: Everything turns to dust one day. Before the Thanksgiving festivities begin, dedicate some time to clean your home thoroughly. Dust surfaces, vacuum carpets, and mop floors to eliminate dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Keeping your home clean and dust free and tidying the place where you live helps maintain indoor air quality and creates a healthier environment for everyone.
• Ventilate: Another way to ensure cleaner and healthier air this Thanksgiving is to ventilate. When you are cooking or baking, turn on the exhaust fan. Also, even during colder months, it's beneficial to open your windows for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate. Proper ventilation helps remove stale air and toxins that may have accumulated indoors. Indoor air is typically several times poorer in quality than outdoor air, so let some of the outside in.
• Replace Your Air Filters: We have reviewed before just how important changing your home’s air filter is, and this is especially true during the holiday season. An unchanged and dirty or soiled air filter means that the HVAC system is spreading unclean, airborne particles throughout your North Bay Area home. Check your HVAC system's air filters before Thanksgiving to ensure they are clean and in good condition. Dirty and obstructed filters can harbor dust, lint, allergens, and other pollutants, reducing indoor air quality.
• Control Humidity Levels: Maintaining appropriate humidity levels is crucial for cleaner and healthier air this Thanksgiving. High humidity can encourage mold growth, while low humidity can cause dryness and discomfort. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you keep the humidity in your home between 30% and 50%. This will limit the growth of mold and the presence of dust mites that pollute the air. You can use a humidifier or dehumidifier to regulate humidity levels based on the weather conditions and your home's needs.
• Minimize Strong Odors: Thanksgiving often involves cooking a delicious feast, which can produce strong odors and cooking fumes. While the aromas are delightful, some odors can irritate the respiratory system. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen to remove cooking fumes and keep doors closed to prevent the spread of odors throughout the house. Also, avoid having tobacco smoke indoors and reduce the use of synthetic fragrances.

As you prepare to celebrate the season, prioritize the quality of the air in your home to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment. By following the above tips for cleaner and healthier air this Thanksgiving and being mindful of potential air pollutants, you can create better indoor air quality for a memorable gathering. Enjoy the festivities while breathing easy and knowing that you've taken steps to maintain your home’s excellent indoor air quality.

If you want to ensure that the air you and are family are breathing every day is safe, Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help. We can assess your current IAQ situation by performing a fast and easy air quality test that measures the level of particulate concentration in your air. We will then make recommendations based on our findings.

Let our comfort specialists help you breathe in clean indoor air. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.

When was the last time you replaced your home’s air filters? If you can’t remember, it is likely time to do so. Fall is the season of transition and the perfect time to embrace change not only around us, but also within your Marin, Sonoma, or Napa County home. The changing of the season is a great time to tackle some very important indoor air quality and HVAC maintenance items to ensure your system if ready for the colder weather to come and your family is breathing in fresh and clean air when they are likely to be inside more.

We are going to review the importance of changing your home’s air filters, the benefits it brings, and how it contributes to a healthier living environment during the autumn months.

The Importance of Your Home’s Air Filters

Air filters play a critical role in maintaining the quality of the air that we breathe indoors. They serve as barriers that capture and trap dust mites, allergens, pet dander, pollen, and other airborne particles that circulate in our homes. Over time, the filters become clogged with pollutants, reducing their efficiency and compromising indoor air quality. The air in our homes is often worse than the air found outdoors. This is typically due to the limited circulation area inside our homes. With less room to circulate properly, it’s easier for allergens and other air pollutants to affect our health and comfort.

According to the EPA, people spend approximately 90% of their time indoors. Meaning, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors, especially during the colder seasons when people are inside more. Maintaining the air filters in your furnace and air conditioning (HVAC) system can help to improve indoor air quality. HVAC filters are designed to filter air throughout a home, that’s their job, to reduce indoor air pollution and filter out as much as possible. An unchanged and dirty or soiled air filter means unclean, airborne particles are being spread throughout your home.

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your home’s air filters, or maybe you never have, it is probably long overdue.

The Benefits of Replacing Your Air Filters in the Fall

While it may seem like an unexciting task, regularly changing your home's air filters can have a significant impact on your home, HVAC system, and family’s health. Fall, in particular, presents unique challenges as the season brings an influx of allergens such as ragweed and mold spores, which can aggravate and intensity respiratory issues and allergies.

Some other benefits of replacing your air filters on a regular basis include:

• Improved Indoor Air Quality: We can’t say this enough, but by regularly replacing your air filters, you ensure that the air circulating in your home remains clean and free from harmful particles. As mentioned above, this is especially crucial during fall when allergies and respiratory sensitivities tend to be more prevalent.
• Enhanced Energy Efficiency: A clean air filter allows your heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently. When the filter is clogged, your HVAC system has to work harder, consuming more energy and potentially leading to higher utility bills. By replacing the air filter, you can maintain optimal energy efficiency and save on energy costs.
• Extended Lifespan of HVAC System: The accumulation of debris on dirty air filters can lead to strain on your heating and cooling systems. This strain can cause unnecessary wear and tear, potentially leading to costly repairs or premature failure of your HVAC system. Regularly replacing air filters can help extend the lifespan of your home’s cooling and heating system.

How often you should change your home’s air filter really varies by home. Having clean air filters is key to breathing clean air. We recommend changing your air filters at least once a month, but there is no exact number of days in which you should change your filters, as each home is different and it depends on the strain you put on your filter, what particles are in the air, and also what type of filter you have. It’s a good habit to check your air filters weekly and if you notice they are dirty, change them.

Improve Your North Bay Area Home’s Indoor Air Quality

If you can’t answer when the last time you replaced your home’s air filters was, now is a great time to do so. Don't let the changing leaves distract you from the essential task of maintaining your indoor air quality. By regularly replacing your home's air filters, particularly during the fall season, you can enjoy improved air quality, enhanced energy efficiency, and prolonged HVAC equipment lifespan, plus, it can increase the comfort for all of the people in your home.

If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, our experts at Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help you come up with the right solution. We offer professional air filtration services for homeowners in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties and also have UV air sanitizing solutions. There are several options when it comes to air filtration and purification. The right product for your home will depend on your specific air quality concerns. Our experts will help you navigate the different options and narrow down the best choices for your home.

Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.

March 21, 2023

If you have to plug your noise when your air conditioning is on, or find yourself trying to sniff out where that new odor is coming from, there may be something wrong with your home’s AC. Different smells may mean different things. If you are wondering, “Why does my AC stink?”, we review some of the most common reasons below.

Why Does my AC Stink?

If your AC is making your home smell funky, chances are, there is a reason, because your AC should generally not produce any noticeable smells. We review some of the odors you may be sniffing out, and reasons why you may be asking yourself, “Why does my AC stink”?

• Musty or Moldy: If your AC smells musty or like mildew, moisture within your unit is probably the cause of the stench. If you smell a moldy odor, chances are that mildew or fungus has begun to grow in or near your air conditioner. This can come from various sources, so calling an AC professional is your best bet to resolve the issue. Exposure to damp and moldy environments can cause a variety of health effects, or none at all, depending on the person, and the amount of mold in the environment. You won’t want to leave the smell unattended for too long, as it is not only less than enjoyable, it could be impacting your home’s indoor air quality.
• Exhaust Fumes: If your AC smells like an exhaust pipe, then you could have a refrigerant leak. These leaks can not only be dangerous to your health, but they can also shorten your HVAC system's lifespan. Air conditioners run on electricity, not fossil fuels, so an exhaust smell is a telltale sign that the fluids inside the motor or other components are leaking.
• Rotten Eggs: If you are asking “Why does my AC stink?” and it’s because it smells like rotten eggs, you are likely looking for a solution to resolve the bad stench as soon as possible. This odor can be caused by a number of things, including a decaying animal within your ducts or a gas leak. If you smell this unpleasant odor, it’s best to leave the investigating and troubleshooting to the professionals. Open your windows and call a Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County HVAC expert right away.
• Burning or Smoky: When your AC is on, does it smell like something is burning? If so, chances are that something is. A smoky or burning aroma coming from your air conditioner can be caused by dust burning off (this should go away after a while and is nothing to worry about), having a clogged air filter, a broken capacitor, your motor overheating, electrical components burning, or more. If the burning odor doesn’t go away after a while, turn off your HVAC system and call a professional.

 

Any time that you have to ask yourself, “Why does my AC stink?”, you should be alert and pay attention to what you are smelling. Sometimes what you are sniffing out can be easily explained and resolved, other times, the odors are an indication to much larger problems within your HVAC system.

Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing is here for all of your Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County HVAC needs. When it comes to your comfort, you deserve the best solutions at the best value. All of our technicians and installers are Bragg employees dedicated to providing you with personalized solutions that meet your goals and budget.

HVAC problems can happen at any time and often require immediate attention. We’re available to provide fast same-day service throughout Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties at no extra charge. Contact us today.

 

July 12, 2022

No one wants to deal with a comfort system that is showing signs of inefficiency or having recurring issues. If you have noticed that your AC is not performing as it should and blowing warm air, making new noises, doesn’t work at all, or has another issue, you don’t want you and your family to be without cool air for too long. You should know the signs that an issue may be looming and be aware of the most common AC problems many North Bay Area homeowners face. Let’s review.

What are the Most Common AC Problems?

You don’t need to be an air conditioner or HVAC expert to know when something is wrong with your cooling system. There are common AC problems you could face that are usually easy to identify on your own; however, the fix, may require calling in a North Bay Area cooling expert. Below we take a look at some of the most frequent issues we see.

• AC Will Not Kick On: One of the most obvious issues you could have with your air conditioning is that it will not turn on at all. Maybe it kicked on when you initially started it and now will not come on, or if it wouldn’t start at all, either way, if it’s not working, there is a problem of some sort. The hindrance could be as simple as your thermostat not being set to a low enough temperature, needing new batteries, not being set to AC, or maybe needing to be replaced all together. If you can’t find an issue with your thermostat, contact a local AC repair professional to help you diagnose and resolve the problem.
• New Noises: Your air conditioning should never be making noises that are louder than a hum. If you notice a hissing, clicking, thumping or rattling, screeching, or buzzing, that is not normal, and there is an issue. If your AC is making sounds, it is trying to tell you something, so don’t ignore it. The new noises could indicate that there is a refrigerant leak, blower or motor issue, the condenser fan motor has a problem, there are loose parts, there’s an electrical issue, or more.
• Unpleasant Odors: Much like you should listen for signs of an issue with your AC, you should also keep your other senses alert. If you smell something burning when your AC is on, there could be an electrical issue, the air filters could be dirty and blocked, or there could be another issue. If you notice a musty smell, there could be mold or mildew built up in your unit caused by improper drainage or another source. You won’t want to leave the smell unattended for too long, as it is not only less than enjoyable, it could be impacting your home’s indoor air quality.
• Leaking Liquid: Again with your senses, keep your eyes peeled for signs of an AC problem. It’s usually rather easy to spot when you have liquid somewhere in your home, where it shouldn’t be; however, an AC refrigerant leak may appear within the unit, so it’s not super easy to detect. If you notice colored stains or liquid near your air conditioner, you likely have an issue. While it is okay to see some condensation on the outside of the unit, there should never be excessive moisture or colored stains.
• No Cold Air: Another common AC problem people face is when they hear their AC running, but don’t feel any air coming out, or the air is warmer than usual. If your air conditioning is blowing warm air, there is a reason, and some are easier than others to identify and fix. As mentioned above, check your thermostat for any issues and make sure you have clean unobstructed air filters. If both your thermostat and air filters are in good condition, there could be an issue with your condenser, refrigerant, air ducts, or something else.

 

The majority of common AC problems are caused by a lack of maintenance. Dirty air filters, in particular, are to blame for a number of issues, including frozen evaporator coils and the blower motor overheating.

AC routine maintenance is the most important investment you can make for your air conditioning system. This not only includes replacing the air filter every 1 to 3 months, but it should also include professional inspections and tune ups as well.

At Bragg Plumbing Heating & Cooling we can help. If you are having trouble with your air conditioner, don’t hesitate to contact our Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County AC repair technicians for professional troubleshooting. We will take the time to explain what’s causing your cooling problem and discuss your options for repair.

June 28, 2022

Did you know that the air in our homes is often worse than the air found outdoors? Your California home’s air filters are extremely important to not only the air you and your family breathe, but to the longevity and effectiveness of your home’s HVAC system. While homeowners in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties have been advised to change their air filters in their homes; many fail to do so consistently. The filter is one of the simplest elements of your home heating and cooling system, but it is also one of the most important. Regularly changing your home’s air filter is significant for your home and your family’s health. So, how often should you change your home’s air filter?

What is Your Home’s Air Filter?

Before we dive into how often you should change your home’s air filter, we wanted to briefly review what this HVAC component is and why it is a significant part of your home and the air you breathe.

Air filters do simply what the name implies, they filter your air. Air filters keep dust and pollen out and are also tasked with keeping larger particles and materials out of your HVAC system, in turn, saving your system from mutilation. Dirty, unchanged filters are a leading cause of issues with Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County HVAC systems.

When you change your air filter frequently, it helps remove harmful particles from the air such as pollen, dust, dust mites, mold, bacteria, micro allergens and more. Removing these harmful pollutants has massive health benefits for you and your family. Plus, changing your air filter regularly helps keep your HVAC system running at its highest efficiency, which will help to lower your energy bills and extend the life of your system.

Why is it Important to Change Your Home’s Air Filters?

As referenced above, replacing your air filters regularly can have a large impact on the health and well-being of everyone in your home. An unchanged and dirty or soiled air filter means unclean, airborne particles are being spread throughout your home. As mentioned above, these particles include lint, dust, dirt, pollen, and micro allergens that you can’t even see. This means that you and your family will continuously be inhaling unsafe and polluted air, and who wants that?

According to the EPA, the most effective ways to improve your indoor air quality are to reduce or remove the sources of pollutants and to ventilate with clean outdoor air. In addition, research shows that filtration can be an effective supplement to source control and ventilation. Maintaining the air filters in your furnace and air-conditioning (HVAC) system can help to improve indoor air quality. HVAC filters are designed to filter air throughout a home. HVAC filters can reduce indoor air pollution.

How Often Should You Change Your Home’s Air Filter?

Having clean air filters is key to breathing clean air. Nothing is more important than the air we breathe, that’s why regularly changing your home’s air filter is so important.

How often you should change your home’s air filter really varies by home. We recommend changing your air filters at least once a month, but there is no exact number of days in which you should change your filters, as each home is different and it depends on the strain you put on your filter, what particles are in the air, and also what type of filter you have.

It’s a good habit to check your air filters weekly and if you notice they are dirty, change them.

Improve Your California Home’s Air Quality

Changing your home’s air filters is the first step to breathing better air; however, there are also other things you can do to ensure you are breathing easy inside your home.

If you are concerned about the air quality in your home, our experts at Bragg Plumbing Heating & Cooling can help you come up with the right solution. We offer professional air filtration services for homeowners in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties.

There are several options when it comes to air filtration and purification. The right product for your home will depend on your specific air quality concerns.

Our experts will help you navigate the different options and narrow down the best choices for your home. Call us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.