From lower temperatures to chilly breezes, winter brings with it a host of challenges. One often overlooked issue during the winter months is low indoor humidity levels. While it may still feel humid outdoors, heating units can make your home especially dry during this time of the year. When the air in your home lacks moisture, it can have a significant impact on both your comfort and the well-being of your living space. We are going to explore the effects of low indoor humidity in winter on your home and provide some suggestions for how you can keep the humidity levels where they need to be.

What is the Ideal Indoor Humidity Level?

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 and you should raise your humidity levels if they are too low. While our area doesn’t have as drastic of changes in humidity as other parts of the country, the changing of the seasons can impact your home’s indoor humidity levels.

Low Indoor Humidity in Winter and Its Effects on Your Home and Family

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. Dry air can not only impact the health of you and your family members, it can have effects on your home as well. We review some of the effects of indoor humidity in winter on your home below.

• Health Issues: As mentioned above, your home’s humidity levels and indoor air quality can play a major role on your family’s health. Low humidity levels can lead to a variety of health issues for you and your family. Dry air can cause irritation to the respiratory system, leading to dry throats, itchy eyes, and exacerbated allergies. Additionally, it can make your skin feel dry and flaky. For those with preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma, low humidity can worsen the symptoms.
• Damage to Your Home: Your home is not immune to the effects of low humidity. Wood, in particular, is sensitive to changes in humidity. When the air is dry, wooden furniture, flooring, and even structural components can shrink and crack. This can result in costly repairs down the line. Furthermore, low humidity can cause paint to chip and peel and lead to gaps in your home's caulking and seals.
• Increased Energy Bills: Many people don’t realize this, but low indoor humidity can make your home feel colder than it actually is. As a result, you might be tempted to turn up the thermostat to compensate, leading to higher energy bills. Proper humidity levels can help your home feel warmer at lower temperatures, saving you money in the long run.

Tips for Dealing with Low Indoor Humidity

When it comes to combating dry air in your home, we have reviewed some suggestions before; however, we have also provided a refresher below.

• Use a Humidifier: One of the most effective ways to combat low humidity in your home is by using a humidifier. There are various types available, from portable units to whole-house systems that integrate with your HVAC system. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, increasing indoor humidity levels and improving overall comfort.
• Only Use Your Heating System When Needed: When it comes to humidity within your home, the warmer the 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.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: 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. While sealing air leaks is essential, it's also important to ensure your home is adequately ventilated. Proper ventilation can help remove excess moisture in the summer and maintain a healthy humidity level in the winter. Consider using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and opening windows periodically to let in fresh air.
• Maintain Your HVAC System: Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is crucial. A well maintained system will help distribute humidity evenly throughout your home. Change your air filters regularly to ensure proper airflow, and have your HVAC system serviced annually.

Dealing with low indoor humidity in winter is essential for maintaining a comfortable and healthy living environment. By addressing the effects of low humidity on your health and home, you can take proactive steps to combat this issue. Whether it's using a humidifier, sealing air leaks, or monitoring humidity levels, you can keep your home cozy and avoid the negative consequences of dry winter air.

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.

With the New Year upon us in a few days, it's the perfect time to reflect on goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. While many of us focus on personal improvement, health, and finances, it's crucial not to overlook the well-being of your home's HVAC system. In fact, if your goals are around saving money in the New Year, your HVAC system may be key. Your HVAC system plays a vital role in providing comfort and maintaining indoor air quality, making it an essential aspect of a happy and healthy home. We are going to review the importance of HVAC maintenance and how regular upkeep can extend the lifespan of your system, saving you money, and ensuring year round comfort.

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance in the New Year

When it comes to your home’s heating and cooling systems, the things most people care about are that they work, don’t cost them a lot of money, and they are providing safe and comfortable air throughout their home. HVAC maintenance in the New Year and beyond plays a major role in ensuring your HVAC system is able to do all of those things. Nearly half of your utility bill goes towards heating and cooling your property. An inefficient HVAC system will drive up your energy bills and create an uncomfortable environment that can lead to inconsistent indoor temperatures and mold growth.

Below we delve further into the importance of HVAC maintenance in the New Year and why it should be at the top of your list for 2024.

Improved Energy Efficiency: If your New Year’s resolutions are around saving money and finances, HVAC maintenance can be a key contributor to whether you achieve those goals or not. According to the US Department of Energy, preventive maintenance helps ensure that your HVAC system runs at close to peak efficiency. This can mean savings of up to 30% on your energy bills. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your system, causing it to work harder to achieve the desired temperatures. A system that has to work harder will consume more energy, leading to increased utility bills. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning or replacing air filters and inspecting ductwork, ensures that your HVAC system operates at peak efficiency, reducing your energy consumption and saving you money in the long run.

Preventing Costly Repairs and Unexpected Breakdowns: According to the Indoor Air Quality Association, “Regular HVAC maintenance is said to reduce the risk of costly breakdowns by as much as 95%”. Neglecting HVAC maintenance can lead to minor issues escalating into major problems. When small components malfunction or wear down, they can put undue stress on other parts of the system, leading to more significant breakdowns and expensive repairs. Routine maintenance allows HVAC professionals to identify and address minor issues before they become costly emergencies. By investing in preventive maintenance, you can save yourself from the stress and financial burden of unexpected system failures.

Extended System Lifespan: In general, most HVAC systems will last 15 to 25 years; however, this can vary greatly depending on the home, and you guessed it, how proactive you are with regular HVAC maintenance. Regular maintenance is the key to extending the lifespan of your HVAC system. By keeping all components clean, lubricated, and in good working condition, you can help your system operate optimally for many years. Having your system checked by a HVAC professional can help identify issues that you may not even know you had, prior to them impacting other parts of your system.

Improving and Maintaining Indoor Air Quality: As we have reviewed before, indoor air quality has a profound impact on our health and well-being. A neglected HVAC system can become a breeding ground for allergens, mold, and bacteria, which are then circulated throughout your home. This can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems, especially for vulnerable individuals. Regular maintenance includes cleaning and sanitizing components, ensuring that the air circulating in your home remains clean and safe to breathe.

The importance of HVAC maintenance in the New Year isn’t just that it can reduce your expenses, save you from unexpected breakdowns, prolong the life of your system, and improve your home’s indoor air, it may also be a requirement of your manufacturer’s warranty.

As you embrace the New Year, do not forget the importance of HVAC maintenance. The experts at Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can help. Schedule a professional HVAC maintenance service today to ensure you go into 2024 with the right foot forward.

Contact us today to learn more about our HVAC maintenance plans.

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.

It’s the season for ghosts, goblins, witches, and more. There are plenty of things to scare you this Halloween, and a strange odor coming from your HVAC system shouldn’t be one of them. If your home’s heating smells funny, it could be trying to tell you something. We are going to review some of the potential reasons for those peculiar odors, to help you get to the root cause of the issue, so you can get back to pumpkin carving, apple bobbing, and all of the other fun seasonal activities.

Some Odors that You may Smell Coming from Your HVAC

Almost everywhere that you go this season, the smells of apples and pumpkin spice fill the air, if your heating system is overpowering those aromas and smells strange, you likely want to get to the bottom of it and resolve it as soon as possible. To help you unravel the mystery, below we are going to review some common odors your HVAC system may be producing and what your home’s heating smelling funny could mean.

• Witches' Brew | The Mysterious Smoky Odor: One of the most common smells associated with heating systems is a smoky odor. If there is a smoky smell coming from your heater, if you have just turned on the furnace for the season; that is usually okay. Dust can accumulate on the heating elements, causing a peculiar odor when you fire it up. This strange fragrance is like a witches' brew, signaling the arrival of autumn and reminding you that it's time to clean and/or change your air filters and for other regular HVAC maintenance. If you notice the smoky aroma lingering or if the stench starts all of the sudden, there could be a larger issue. If this is the case, turn off your furnace and contact a local heating repair professional to come out and inspect your system.
• Cursed Cauldron | Burning Plastic: If your home’s heating smells funny and that’s because it is putting off a scent of burning plastic, it may actually be because there is burning plastic. Don’t let your HVAC work as a cauldron melting your home’s items together. Before you turn on your furnace for the year and each time you go to use it, you should inspect around it to ensure there is nothing in it, touching it, or near to it. A burning plastic odor can be caused by a foreign object being in or near your HVAC system. If you notice this smell and can’t identify what is causing the odor, shut off your furnace and contact a local furnace repair expert as soon as possible to avoid breathing in the harmful fumes and a potential fire.
• The Haunted House's Misfortune | The Cryptic Odor of Mold and Mildew: While Halloween decorations may give off a musty smell intentionally, an unpleasant, moldy odor from your heating system is far from desirable. It's a sign that something sinister might be lurking within your ductwork. Moisture buildup and condensation can provide the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can have harmful effects on your health. Summon a professional from Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing to investigate the issue and banish the mold monsters from your home.
• The Cursed Catch | Fishy Aroma: If there is a fishy smell coming from your furnace, it is sure to make you want to unveil the secrets that lie within and transform this mysterious scent back into a more welcomed fragrance of the season. The electrical components of your heating system are typically covered in chemicals and plastic. When these components heat up and/or start burning, they can produce a fishy burning odor. If you notice a burning electrical smell coming from your furnace, you should contact a HVAC professional. While furnaces are usually built to automatically power down when they start to overheat, if the safety feature is broken, this could cause issues, create the fishy smell, and put you and your family at risk of an electrical fire.
• Vampire in the Ducts |The Smell of a Decaying Animal: If you catch a whiff of something decaying or a pungent, foul odor coming from your heating system, you might have a deceased critter residing within your home’s ductwork. Small pests and rodents seeking shelter can occasionally find their way into ductwork, unable to find their way out. Just like vampire hunters, you need to call in the professionals for duct cleaning to rid your home of this unpleasant smell.

This Halloween season, if your home’s heating smells funny, the unusual aromas might be trying to tell you something. Regardless of the odor, if you smell something strange, you should contact the experts at Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing to solve the mysteries lurking in your heating system and restore peace and comfort to your home. Things like professional duct cleaning, advanced air filtration systems, and an annual heating tune-up, should help you avoid less than desirable smells coming from your heater. If you have a strange odor coming from your furnace, you should always power it down and call in a professional to help.

At Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing we offer fast same-day HVAC service as we know you can’t be without your heat for long. Regardless of whether it is a repair or replacement, you can depend on Bragg for expert consultation that meets or exceeds your expectations. We will always give you an honest assessment of your heating situation so you can make an informed decision.

Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing is a full service HVAC company that is licensed to solve all your furnace related problems, including repair, replacement, and maintenance and safety inspection. We’ve been repairing and installing furnaces since 1968. Contact us today.

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.

With summer here, while you and your family may be spending less time indoors, indoor air quality should still be something you think about, as it can impact your entire household’s health. What’s in your home’s air can vary by the home, its occupants, and the seasons. Is indoor air quality worse in the summer?

What is Indoor Air Quality and Why Does it Matter?

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.

Is Indoor Air Quality Worse in the Summer?

The EPA advises that, “Most people in the United States spend about 90% of their time indoors. The air we breathe indoors, and ultimately our health, can be impacted by many factors, including the air quality outdoors, people’s activities indoors, and the design, construction, operation and maintenance of a building”. While the summer may mark a time of the year that you are outside more, indoor air quality still plays a major role on your family’s health and well-being.

As heat and humidity set in, indoor air quality can be impacted. Is indoor air quality worse in the summer? In most home’s the answer is, “No”. Winter is usually the worst season for indoor air quality, but that doesn’t mean that summer just gets a free pass.

Summers are filled with many things outdoors that can directly impact the air that is indoors. Things like fireworks, bonfires, forest fires, increased travel, open windows, use of central air conditioning, and more can affect the air that you breathe while inside your Marin, Napa, or Sonoma County home.

When it’s hot outdoors, while your North Bay Area cooling system will try to keep up, the heat and humidity can creep inside and into your system. Increased indoor dampness and humidity can lead to increases in mold, dust mites, bacteria, and other biological contaminants indoors. Extreme weather events can also create conditions that support increases in the spread of pests and infectious agents that can make their way indoors (EPA).

Tips for Better Summer Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality may not be worse in the summer than the colder and drier months of the year, but it is still something you should pay close attention to for you and your family’s health and comfort. There are some things you can do to try and improve your home’s air quality in the warmer months of the year.

• Change Your Air Filters Regularly
• Open Windows Daily. Do Not Open Windows if Smoke is in the Air or Other Obvious Outdoor Contaminants
• Don’t Smoke Indoors
• Frequently Dust and Vacuum
• Maintain a Recommended Humidity Level
• Limit Synthetic Fragrances
• Add Plants
• Invest in a Whole House Electronic Air Cleaner

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.

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:

• Improving Indoor Air Quality
• Boosting Efficiency
• Eliminating Unpleasant Odors
• Reducing Fire Hazard Risks
• Lowering Allergens
• Proactively Identifying Other Unknown Problems

 

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:

• Poor Air Circulation
• Inconsistent Temperatures Throughout the Home
• Increase in Dust
• Higher Energy Bills
• Dirt or Dust Buildup Around Registers and Vents
• New Unpleasant Odors
• Increase in Household Illness

 

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.

Contact us today.

 

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.

• Your Family’s Health: Mold can cause significant health problems for you and your family. Molds produce allergens and irritants that can create allergic reactions, cause asthma attacks, and lead to other ongoing health issues. With moisture and humidity comes mold, in fact, mold and mildew thrive in damp conditions.
• HVAC System Issues: High humidity can cause long term damage to your HVAC system, and make your unit need to run longer to get to ideal temperatures and humidity levels. The constant usage of your air conditioner can cause it to deteriorate more quickly than it should and can also cause the air filter and other parts of your air conditioning to become blocked with condensation, causing a potential freeze up.
• Rotting and Other Damage to Furniture and Belongings: Anyone who has ever experienced humidity knows that the excessive moisture can lead to things becoming soggy and fragile. When your home is not within the ideal humidity levels, rotting, peeling, and other damage can happen to your walls, hardwood floors, furniture, windows, and all other belongings.

 

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.

 

 

December 20, 2022

Do you like to keep your home warm and cozy? Do you like to lower the temperatures in your home and keep it cooler while you are sleeping? Did you know that there is actually a recommended temperature range that you should keep your home at? Try to take a guess at what that range is. Do you think you have it? The truth is, most people keep their homes much warmer in the winter months and much cooler in the summer months than they really should. So, what’s the ideal temperature for your home?

What’s the Ideal Temperature for Your Home?

We all find different temperatures to be comfortable throughout our homes, but most Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County homeowners want to find a balance between comfort and higher energy bills. By keeping your home at the temperatures we review below, you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling expenses. Energy.gov provides the below recommendations.

Depending on the season, the ideal house temperature for both comfort and efficiency is between 68° to 78°F.

You can save energy in the winter by setting your thermostat to around 68°F while you're awake and setting it lower while you're asleep or away from home. To stay comfortable and save money in the warmer months, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you are home and higher while you are away. While 68°F may seem much too cold for your home and 78°F may seem way too warm, these temperatures have proven to cut energy costs and still keep most people comfortable.

During winter, the lower the interior temperature, the slower the heat loss. So the longer your house remains at the lower temperature, the more energy you save, because your house has lost less energy than it would have at the higher temperature. The same concept applies to raising your thermostat setting in the summer; a higher interior temperature will slow the flow of heat into your house, saving energy on air conditioning.

Change your temperature settings when you sleep and are away from the home.

As referenced above, you should change your home’s temperatures when you are away or sleeping. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can easily set day and time ranges, so it can change the settings for you. This will help you avoid any discomfort by returning temperatures to normal before you wake or return home. The Department of Energy suggests changing your normal temperature settings by 7° to 10°F while you are away from the home.

What is the best temperature for sleep?

When it comes to the ideal temperature for your home, as we said, this varies by time of year, time of day, and if you are actually there or not; however, did you know that there are also scientific reasons why you should sleep at a certain temperature? It’s true, changing the temperatures at night won’t just save you money, it can lead to a much better night of rest as well.

The suggested bedroom temperature is between 60°F and 67°F for optimal sleep (Sleep.org). When trying to fall asleep, your body temperature decreases to initiate sleep and the proposed ideal temperatures can help accelerate this. If your room is cool, rather than warm, it will be much easier to shut your eyes for the night. Keeping the temperature while you sleep either too hot or too cold while you are trying to catch some shut-eye may affect the drop in your body’s internal temperature and cause you to have an anxious sleep.

Did you Guess the Right Ideal Temperature for Your Home?

Remember when we had to guess the ideal temperature range above, did you get it right? The truth is, most people don’t really think about saving money when it comes to heating and cooling their homes, they just want to be comfortable, but by giving the recommended temperature range a try you could see some major rewards in your wallet.

While Bragg Cooling, Heating & Plumbing can’t be there to adjust the temperature in your home every day, we can help you with all of your Marin, Sonoma, and Napa County heating and cooling 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. Contact us today.