April 20, 2023
Spring is in the air, and for many people that includes tackling a spring cleaning list. Spring cleaning is the practice of thoroughly cleaning a house in the springtime, after some months of spending a lot of extra time indoors. Spring signals the time for fresh and new things, and with people tending to have more energy and excitement, it marks a great time to take on some things that you have been putting off. Air ducts play a critical role in your North Bay Area home, so if you haven’t had yours cleaned in a while, and are noticing signs that they may need it, now could be the perfect time. Should duct cleaning be added to your spring cleaning list?
What is Duct Cleaning?
Before we dive into if duct cleaning should be added to your spring cleaning list, if you have never had this done before, you probably are wondering what it is, and if it is useful for your family and your home. We have got you covered.
We have taken our definition directly from the EPA, their definition states, “Duct cleaning generally refers to the cleaning of various heating and cooling system components of forced air systems, including the supply and return air ducts and registers, grilles and diffusers, heat exchangers heating and cooling coils, condensate drain pans (drip pans), fan motor and fan housing, and the air handling unit housing”. Basically, duct cleaning gives your home’s ductwork a thorough cleaning, like you do for most other visible areas throughout your home.
The quality of your indoor environment and your home's indoor air quality, greatly depends on the quality of your air ducts. Dirty or blocked air ducts won’t just create air quality issues in your home, it can drive up your utility bill as well.
Should Duct Cleaning be Added to Your Spring Cleaning List?
Whether you are trying to decide to have your ducts cleaned in the spring, or any other time, generally, it is recommended that a typical home has its ducts cleaned every three to five years. If you can’t remember the last time you had this done, it is probably time, and spring can be the perfect time of the year to do so.
As the weather begins to warm up, and you and your family begin spending more time outdoors, duct cleaning becomes more convenient because many homeowners prefer to vacate their property while this is done. Duct cleaning is also great in the spring because it helps to remove winter dust buildup and accumulation from the more time spent inside, it can reduce and combat spring allergies, remove pet dander and shedding, improve system efficiency before you are relying more heavily on it for cooling your home in the warmer months, and more.
There are several benefits that come with having your ducts cleaned. These include:
Are There Signs That you Need Your Marin, Napa, or Sonoma County Ducts Cleaned?
When it comes to whether duct cleaning should be added to your spring cleaning list or not, it really depends on the home. The time frame in which you should have your ducts cleaned will vary by home and family, so you should really pay attention to if there are indications that this needs done. Some of these signs include:
At Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing we are committed to helping our neighbors throughout Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties improve their indoor environment, enjoy greater energy savings, and achieve their comfort goals. Whether you need air duct cleaning or you have a problem with leaking ductwork that requires sealing or insulation, you can count on the Bragg team to provide the best solution for your home.
February 2, 2023
February is the month of love, so while we know love is in the air, do you know what else you and your family could be breathing in in your home? The truth is, with every season there are different contaminants that can make their way into your Marin, Sonoma, or Napa County home, and some of those things can be really bad for you and your family. What’s in your home’s air?
We are going to provide a quick refresher as to what indoor air quality is, what the most common things found in the air in North Bay Area homes are, and things you can do to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
What’s Indoor Air Quality?
Before we can jump into what’s in your home’s air, we think it would be a good idea to cover why that even matters in the first place and what indoor air quality is.
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.
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.
What’s in Your Home’s Air?
Every home is different; however, for most homes, there are several things that may be in the air that can lead to your family feeling a general sense of unwell and for it to seem like people in your home are constantly passing a “bug” back and forth (the truth is, they probably are). Below we review some of the most common things that may be in your home’s air.
- Dust Mites: Dust mites occur naturally and can appear in almost all homes. They are very common during the winter months when your furnace is likely running a lot. Eight out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to dust mites (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America). Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that generate some of the most common indoor allergens and can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in lots of people.
- Mold and Mildew: Most people don’t realize they have a mold and mildew issue until they have an indoor air quality test. Mold and mildew are fungi that reproduce and grow “seeds,” called spores that travel through the air. Mold and mildew develop in damp environments with little to no air movement. Molds have the potential to cause health problems. Molds produce allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash (EPA).
- Pet Dander: Six out of 10 homes are subject to cat or dog dander. Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. Animal allergens are carried on small particles that remain airborne and easily attach to surfaces and clothing. People suffering from pet allergies will have symptoms consistent with swollen nasal passages. This includes a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and shortness of breath (American Lung Association).
- Cockroach Allergens: As disturbing as this may sound, cockroaches aren’t just unsightly pests, crawling across your kitchen floor in the middle of the night. They can be an allergy trigger as well. The National Pest Management Association reports that 63% of homes in the United States contain cockroach allergens. In urban areas, that number rises to between 78% and 98% of homes. Cockroach allergy symptoms include: coughing, nasal congestion, skin rash, wheezing, ear infection, and sinus infection (ACAAI).
- Viruses and Bacteria: If it seems like people in your home are constantly getting sick, it may be because viruses and bacteria are living in your home’s air. People, pets, and pests will inevitably bring microbes into your home. In most cases, they are carried by hosts and transferred to others through direct contact rather than the air; however, microbes can also become airborne and spread throughout your home environment. Your heating system may be pumping germs as well as warm air throughout your home.
When love is in the air, the last thing you want to have to worry about is being sick and stuck indoors. There are things you can do to improve your indoor air quality and prevent home allergens to ensure the only thing you and your family are being hit with, during this time of the year, is cupid’s arrow, and not some unwanted illness.
Do you know what’s in your home’s air? 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.
January 19, 2023
Each season brings different temperatures and humidity levels for homeowners in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties. When it comes to being comfortable in your home and keeping your family healthy, humidity can play a major roll. Do you know what your home’s humidity level is? The average American is indoors 90% of the time, making keeping indoor air at optimal moisture levels very important. What is the ideal humidity level for your home and why does it really matter?
How Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County Humidity Changes Throughout the Year
Like the colors change with each season, so do the humidity levels. In the North Bay Area, winter doesn’t impact the humidity levels as much as it does in other parts of the country; however, with colder weather, can come drier air, and that can have an impact on you, your home, and your family.
The least humid months we have in our area are early fall, and the most humid months, are late winter and early spring (that is much different than other places in the country). In the spring not only comes flowers blooming, but also comes more moisture in the air, which can affect your home. The average humidity in the North Bay area is around 75% with the most humid month being in March.
What is the Ideal Humidity Level for Your Home?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50%. You need to reduce the humidity in your home if it is above 50%, but especially if it gets to 60% or higher.
We have reviewed before how dry air can affect your home and family, and the same is true with air that is too damp. High humidity can lead to HVAC issues, mold and mildew, and damage to your home and belongings. Mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and more, thrive and grow when humidity levels are in excess of the recommended levels mentioned above. Not to mention, when the air in your home is too damp, it can be uncomfortable.
How Can High Humidity Affect Your Home and Family?
Now that we have reviewed what the ideal humidity level is for your home and how it changes throughout the year, as we look towards some of the most humid months we will face, it’s important to understand that high humidity doesn’t just make things uncomfortable, it can have negative effects on your home as well.
Below we review some of the reasons you will want to keep your home’s humidity within the ideal levels.
How to Keep Your Home Within the Ideal Humidity Level
When it comes to adding moisture to your home you can do that with humidifiers, plants, and other methods. Reducing humidity in your home can be solved by adding a dehumidifier, using vents and exhaust fans, having an HVAC system that is maintained with a clean air filter, and resolving any areas throughout your home where moisture may be entering through.
When it comes to your Marin, Sonoma, or Napa County home’s comfort, Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help. We know that you rely heavily on your HVAC system for year-round comfort. Our experts are here to help with your indoor comfort needs and make sure you enjoy peace of mind no matter the season.
Whether you are looking to replace your AC, fix a broken furnace, or tune up your comfort systems, you can count on our experts for quality solutions that will help you enjoy improved indoor comfort and greater energy efficiency. Contact us today.
November 8, 2022
In the North Bay Area the fall and winter seasons don’t impact the humidity levels as much as it does in other parts of the country; however, with colder weather, can come drier air, and that can have an impact on you, your home, and your family. While our humidity levels average to be around 75% throughout the year, when you turn on your heater for the season, that can make your home less humid, which can lead to skin irritations, illnesses, and damage to your home. We are going to take a look at some ways you can combat dry air in your home.
How Dry Air can Impact You and Your Home
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that you keep the humidity in your home between 30 and 50 percent. Before we jump into how to combat dry air in your home, we thought it would be a good idea to review why it is important to try to keep your home at ideal humidity levels in the first place.
The average American is indoors 90% of the time, making keeping indoor air at optimal moisture levels very important for a number of health reasons. Some health problems associated with dry air include: respiratory issues, sore throat, dry and irritated skin, higher stress levels, and increased risk of illness.
Dry air can not only impact the health of you and your family members, it can have effects on your home as well. If your home is dry, it can cause structural damage, especially to wooden components of your home by taking the moisture out of them, create static electricity, and damage your belongings by making them brittle, which can lead to them cracking and breaking.
How to Combat Dry Air in Your Home
While we seem to battle the humidity most of the time here in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, as we reviewed above, having air in your home that is too dry, can be a bad thing. There are things you can do to combat dry air in your home and keep your humidity levels within the desired range.
Add houseplants to your home. Houseplants are a great way not only to increase humidity levels, but to purify your indoor air as well. Plants are effective natural humidifiers. They absorb moisture through their roots and circulate it through the stems to the leaves, resulting in moisture being released into the air through the leaves. The soil for the houseplants also holds water that slowly evaporates and can increase humidity levels in your home.
Only use your heater when needed. When it comes to humidity within your home, the warmer air is, the more water vapor it can hold. Cold air holds less water vapor. With that in mind, it may seem like when your furnace is on, there should be more humidity, but the fact is, since the furnace pulls in air from the outdoors, the colder outside air is what causes the indoor humidity to drop. Try to use your heater only when it is needed, to prevent the dryer air from coming indoors.
Make sure your doors and windows are sealed properly. As noted above, the outside air can directly impact the air inside your home. To combat dry air in your home, you should ensure your doors and windows are sealed properly and are not letting any air inside. Check for gaps and drafts and resolve them if you find them.
Add a humidifier to your home. Humidifiers can make a difference when it comes to adding some of the seasonal depleted moisture back into your home’s air. A humidifier’s job is to add humidity into the air; thus, it will do just that. When the air seems too low in humidity, a humidifier can help you combat that dry air in your home and add some moisture back into it.
As we said, in Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, we don’t have to face air that is as dry as it is in other places of the country, but as the cooler breezes set in, it can have an impact on your home’s air and comfort levels.
At Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing we know that 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. We are here for all of your Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County heating and cooling needs. We can also help you improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
October 20, 2022
Having better indoor air quality in your North Bay Area home is usually at the front of many homeowner’s minds. If you and your family can breathe better air, why not try and do so? One way to improve your home’s air quality is with UV air sanitizing. If you are like most people you may not know what that is, have any idea how it works, and/or if you need it for your home. We are going to take a deep dive into this form of air purification to help you answer some of your questions.
What is UV Air Sanitizing?
A UV air purifier uses ultraviolet light waves to target or “inactivate” airborne germs. According to Molekule, UV air purifiers are designed to use short-wave ultraviolet light (UV-C light) to inactivate airborne pathogens and microorganisms like mold, bacteria and viruses. They have the same ultimate goal of all air purifiers: to reduce indoor air pollutants. UV air sanitizers typically mimic natural sunlight and prevent viruses, bacteria, and other airborne pathogens from reproducing; leaving your air cleaner.
As air passes through an ultraviolet light air purifier, short-wave ultraviolet light waves inactivate pollutants. This makes them unable to function or reproduce. You cannot feel or see ultraviolet light; however, it has a lot of energy.
Professionally installed UV lights in your HVAC system are among the most effective ways to keep your household breathing clean and healthy air. UV air purification can get rid of harmful pathogens, viruses, and bacteria that often affect more vulnerable individuals, such as those with chronic respiratory issues.
What are the Benefits of UV Air Sanitizing?
The average American spends approximately 90% of their time indoors, making the air that we breathe inside, more important than most people even realize. Nothing is more important than the air that we breathe, so if your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) is less than stellar, you and your family could be breathing in allergens and other pollutants. Poor IAQ can not only aggravate allergies, it can lead to your family getting sick more often and make it just flat-out harder to breathe.
Unlike other air filtration systems, UV lights are designed to target mold, bacteria, and viruses, allowing you to enjoy the following benefits:
Is UV Air Sanitizing Right for Your Home?
When it comes to your indoor comfort, UV lights aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions. As a result, the decision to install UV lights in your HVAC system will depend on your individual needs and situation.
Many homeowners whose primary concern is the removal of allergens (such as pet dander, tobacco smoke, and dust mites) will benefit from an air cleaner or high-quality furnace or AC filter. UV air sanitizers, on the other hand, are often recommended in situations where household members are suffering from long-term respiratory conditions.
Where the UV air sanitizer is installed will greatly impact your results. When having UV air sanitizing installed, to improve effectiveness, it’s important to determine the most appropriate location to place the UV lights. The lights are typically installed in the air handler (the indoor unit of your air conditioner or heat pump) or inside the duct system.
Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County UV Air Sanitizer Installation
If you are looking for UV air sanitizer installation in the North Bay Area, Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help. Every household deserves to enjoy clean indoor air. Let our team help you improve your air quality with the right solution. We will take the time to address your concerns and go over your options.
If UV air sanitizers are the right fit for your home, our experts will provide you with an upfront estimate and make sure you have the information you need to make the best decision for your household. Contact us today.
September 6, 2022
Air ducts play a critical role in your North Bay Area home. They circulate air from your HVAC system to all rooms in the house, helping to maintain comfort for your family throughout the year. The quality of your indoor environment greatly depends on the quality of your air ducts. Dirty or blocked air ducts won’t just create air quality issues in your home, but it can drive up your utility bill as well. If you are on the fence as to if you should have your air ducts cleaned, we are going to review the benefits of professional duct cleaning, so you can make a decision.
What are the Benefits of Professional Duct Cleaning?
Are you trying to decide if duct cleaning is needed in your Marin, Sonoma, or Napa County home? While annual maintenance of your HVAC equipment is recommended, yearly duct cleaning is not necessary. The typical home will do best with duct cleaning every 3 to 5 years. Below we review some of the benefits of professional duct cleaning, so you can decide if it is the right time for your home.
The main benefit of professional duct cleaning is that it can help you enjoy greater comfort throughout your home. If you think dirty or blocked air ducts are the cause of your indoor air quality problem, contact our experts for an assessment and find out if duct cleaning is the best solution for your home.
It’s also a good idea to schedule professional duct cleaning after a major home remodeling or renovation project, which may result in dust or debris entering your ductwork.
At Bragg Plumbing & Heating we are committed to helping our neighbors throughout Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties improve their indoor environment, enjoy greater energy savings, and achieve their comfort goals. Whether you need air duct cleaning or you have a problem with leaking ductwork that requires sealing or insulation, you can count on the Bragg team to provide the best solution for your home. Contact us today.
July 26, 2022
Nothing is more important than the air that we breathe, so if your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) is less than stellar, you and your family could be breathing in allergens and other pollutants. Poor IAQ can not only aggravate allergies, it can lead to your family getting sick more often and make it just flat-out harder to breathe. There are things you can do to improve your Marin, Sonoma, or Napa County home’s air quality. We are going to review some tips to better indoor air quality, so you and your family can breathe easy.
What is Indoor Air Quality?
Before we dive into tips to better indoor air quality, we thought it would be a good idea to cover what IAQ is, so we are all on the same page.
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.
Poor indoor air quality and household pollutants can come from various sources. What’s in your home’s air directly impacts the IAQ. According to the EPA, some sources, such as building materials, furnishings and products like air fresheners, can release pollutants more or less continuously. Other sources, related to activities like smoking, cleaning, redecorating or doing hobbies release pollutants intermittently. Unvented or malfunctioning appliances or improperly used products can release higher and sometimes dangerous levels of pollutants indoors.
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.
Tips to Better Indoor Air Quality
Now that we have reviewed how important IAQ is, you are likely wondering what is in your home’s air and if there are ways you can improve it. Below we review some tips to better indoor air quality to ensure you and your family are inhaling the best air possible.
If you want to ensure that the air you and are family are breathing every day is safe, Bragg Plumbing & Heating 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.
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.
