How to Save Money on Your Energy Bills with HVAC Upgrades

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From the pancakes in your pan to the gas in your car, everything seems to be getting expensive these days. The rising cost of energy has been driven by climate change and increased demand for carbon fuels. Luckily, with clean energy, things seem to be getting into place. Upgrading your HVAC system can help you save money on your energy bills.

Here’s how you can save money on your energy bills with HVAC upgrades:

1. Insulating Your Indoor Space

Statistics show that homes and commercial establishments consume 40% of the energy consumed in the United States. And, of the $2000 households spend on energy annually, a whopping $200 to $400 could be going to outdated heating and cooling systems.

Sealing air leaks in your floors, fireplaces, ceilings, and floors is a great way to ensure you save significantly on lost energy. Most importantly, upgrading your HVAC system ensures that your cooling and heating systems function optimally, thus saving you significantly on energy bills.

2. Investing in a New System

Old or outdated HVAC systems can cost you significantly in energy costs. Understanding how technology has changed can help you step up and leverage the best-in-class heating and cooling systems.

For instance, the SEER rating continues to change, with changes targeting higher energy efficiency and lower heating costs. Therefore, investing in a new HVAC system can help you take advantage of new technologies in HVAC systems and ultimately help you save money on your energy bills.

3. Retrofit an Old HVAC System

Retrofitting an old HVAC system implies adding modifications to your system. HVAC systems tend to age with time, posing significant cost concerns to home and office owners.

However, adding modifications such as replacing an old PSC fan with an ECM drive, replacing burners, and upgrading to a programmable thermostat are all ways of making the HVAC more efficient. In addition, you can add dehumidification and improve the filtration of the entire system. All these represent critical retrofits to improve the energy efficiency of your systems and save money on energy bills.

4. Higher Efficiency and Performance

Newer air conditioners have higher SEER ratings than your typical 20-year-old system. That’s simply because newer air conditioners have higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER). This rating explains the amount of energy necessary for removing extra indoor air temperatures. The higher the rating, the less energy you need to get rid of excess temperature indoors. HVAC upgrades typically guarantee higher SEER ratings, ensuring you spend significantly less on electricity and energy bills.

5. Purchase Incentives

The most obvious disadvantage of a system with a higher SEER rating is that it will be typically more expensive to purchase at the onset. However, air conditioners with excellent SEER ratings will offer better purchase incentives. Indeed, some utility companies will offer you rebates for upgrading to energy-efficiency systems, including HVAC systems. This also applies to some states which offer tax breaks for energy-efficient air conditioners. So, ensure to check out with your respective state and utility company to see whether you qualify for these exciting offers.

6. Energy and Cost Savings

You’ll notice significant energy and cost savings immediately after upgrading your HVAC unit. Variations in SEER ratings contribute to energy and electricity savings. And even if your HVAC system has a decent SEER rating, there’s always room for improvement.

You can upgrade it to a higher SEER rating to bring energy consumption to an optimum. For instance, upgrading your SEER rating from 16 to around 19 can bring your energy savings to somewhere between 25% to 40%. HVAC upgrades contribute significantly to your energy and cost savings, whether you’re a residential property or a commercial establishment.

Additional Tips to Save Money on Your Energy Bills

It’s important to recognize that huge energy bills come because it takes a lot of electricity to get rid of excess temperature in your indoor spaces. On the same note, higher electricity and energy bills are directly attributable to the amount of electricity you need to heat your home. This underlying understanding of nuances in energy use can help you save money on your energy bills.

Here are additional tips to save money on your energy bills:

  • Cover your windows and other open spaces: This helps prevent unnecessary loss of heat and entry of cool air, keeping your indoor temperatures constant.
  • Throw shade around the house: Planting indoor flowers or trees can help block direct sunlight and thus keep your house cooler.
  • Change your thermostat: It’s advisable to get creative about your thermostat and upgrade it to a programmable one. A programmable thermostat helps you adjust your indoor temperature at certain hours of the day.
  • Deploy ceiling fans: If possible, install ceiling fans on your house’s upper level and open the windows on the lower level. If you’re living in a one-story apartment, open windows far from the fan and close windows near the fan. This helps to regulate the indoor temperature and keep the energy utility bills to a minimum.

HVAC Briggs — Your Ultimate Destination for Indoor Heating and Cooling Savings in Northern Virginia

You can contact us for excellent indoor heating and cooling solutions. As a family-owned HVAC company in Northern Virginia, we provide excellent heating and air conditioning solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial establishments. We also provide AC repair, AC sales and installations, and AC maintenance solutions.

The Importance of Proper HVAC Ventilation in Indoor Air Quality

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Truth be told, indoor air quality is a critical element of our daily lives. Indoor air quality impacts our health, comfort, productivity, and well-being. One of the main factors that affect indoor air quality is the presence of a proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Let’s explore the importance of proper HVAC in indoor air quality. But first, let’s take a quick look at what HVAC is.

What is HVAC

HVAC refers to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems HVAC system. An HVAC system regulates the temperature, humidity, and air quality of a building, whether it’s a commercial set-up, an industrial set-up, or even a residential space. The purpose of an HVAC system is to provide a fresh, comfortable, and healthy indoor environment.

Now, let’s explore the importance of proper HVAC ventilation in indoor air quality:

1. Temperature Regulation

One of the main benefits of an HVAC system is to regulate the temperature of a living space, be it a residential house, a commercial office, or even an industrial shop floor. Proper temperature regulation is critical to the occupant’s health and overall productivity.

A poorly functioning HVAC system leads to poorly regulated indoor temperatures or fluctuating temperatures. These inconsistencies in temperature regulation can lead to health issues and discomfort.

2. Humidity Control

Building-related causes lead to high humidity levels in indoor spaces. Rising dampness, porous walls, and building leaks are all leading causes of structural moisture due to rising humidity levels.

High humidity levels can lead to mold growth and affect air quality, leading to cardiovascular health conditions such as heart disease, coronary syndrome, arrhythmia, and asthma. Low humidity levels can lead to dry skin, respiratory problems, and other health issues.

HVAC systems can regulate high humidity levels in a building. Well-functioning HVAC systems can adjust indoor humidity, ensuring optimal humidity levels important for the occupants’ health and well-being.

3. Air Filtration

Using a proper air filtration system leads to many benefits. These benefits include reduced risks of airborne diseases, eased asthma symptoms, and relieved allergies, among many other health benefits.

A proper HVAC system can replace an air filtration system by filtering out pollutants and allergens from your indoor air. A well-functioning HVAC system is an excellent air filtration system, thus removing particles such as pollen, dust, and gasses that can cause respiratory problems.

However, a poorly functioning HVAC system can circulate pollen, unwanted gases, and mold leading to respiratory health problems — asthma, tract infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

4. Ventilation

Proper ventilation is fundamentally significant for good indoor air quality. An excellent HVAC system can remove stale air and provide fresh air inside an enclosed building, whether an office, an industrial shop floor, or a home. On the contrary, a poorly functioning HVAC system affects your ventilation by circulating and accumulating stale air containing contaminants like gasses (formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, asbestos), pollen, mold, and dust mites.

Effects of Poor Indoor Air Quality

To understand why you need a properly functioning HVAC system, consider the overlapping health effects of poor indoor air quality.

Poor indoor air quality can have several health effects:

  • Respiratory problems: Poor air quality can lead to dangerous respiratory conditions such as asthma, allergies, and bronchitis.
  • Headaches and fatigue: Poor air quality can lead to headaches and fatigue, affecting productivity and well-being.
  • Eye, nose, and throat irritation: Poor air quality leads to the accumulation of contaminants that affect your eyes, nose, and throat, causing discomfort.
  • Cognitive impairment: Quality indoor air affects your mental and psychological well-being. However, poor air quality affects your cognitive functioning — concentration and memory.

You need a Properly Functioning HVAC System

A proper HVAC system is essential for maintaining good air quality. It regulates temperature, humidity, and air quality important for indoor air quality. As mentioned, poor indoor air quality can have serious health repercussions, including respiratory disease, fatigue, headaches, and cognitive impairments. Experts advise maintaining a well-functioning HVAC system to ensure good air circulation, contaminant removal, and a healthy indoor environment.

Briggs HVAC — A Trailblazer in Indoor Air Quality

We provide our customers with a properly functioning HVAC system for residential, commercial, and industrial air quality needs. Briggs HVAC offers excellent solutions in AC sales, maintenance, and repair.

In addition, you get to enjoy quality heating services and HVAC solutions tailored to your indoor needs. So, whether it is a small office space, residential development, or a busy shop floor, you can always contact us for indoor air quality solutions.

Should You Consider a Heat Pump Alternative to Traditional HVAC Units?

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Over recent years, most regions of the world have experienced extreme changes in seasonal climatic conditions. Summers have been extremely hot and during the winter it becomes extremely chilly. Well, all this can be attributed to climate change and global warming. Having the right HVAC system in your home can save you the agony of these extreme climatic conditions.

Just like the traditional HVAC units, a heat pump is also a type of HVAC system. So, if you are looking to replace the HVAC system at your home it is important to be aware of the difference between traditional HVAC units and modern heat pump systems. Both systems have their pros and cons. It is only after analyzing both systems that you can decide the best option for cooling your home. Let’s dive into what a heat pump is and if you should consider a heat pump alternative to traditional HVAC units.

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a type of centralized HVAC system that uses electricity to cool and heat your home. When it comes to cooling, a heat pump works similarly to a normal air conditioning system. It cools the home by pumping the heat from inside the house to the outdoors. When it is cold, a heat pump will heat your home by collecting heat from the outdoors surrounding and distributing it inside your home.

A heat pump system has an outdoor unit and an indoor air handler. It uses refrigerant gasses for heating and cooling. When air is pulled into the coils connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler, the refrigerant cools or heats the air depending on whether the pump is in cooling or heating mode.

What is a Traditional HVAC Unit?

Traditional HVAC systems comprise several independent components that ensure the temperatures in your home are at desired levels. An HVAC unit has a furnace for heating, air conditioning for cooling, and a ventilation system to distribute the heat and cool air. This involves a lot of ductwork to ensure that cool air and warmth are distributed throughout the home.

The air conditioning system cools the air inside by pumping the heat outside in a similar operation as a heat pump. The furnace on the other hand uses either electricity or gas to generate heat which is then circulated through the house.

Heat Pump vs Traditional HVAC

1. Heating and Cooling

A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling unit you only have to switch between the heating or cooling mode. On the other hand, a traditional HVAC unit must have a furnace and an AC to heat and cool.

2. Cost

Buying and installation cost

  • The cost of buying and installing a heat pump ranges between $4000 to $10000 depending on the type and the size of your home.
  • The average cost of buying and installing a traditional HVAC unit is between $3500 – $5000

  Operational cost

  • Heat pumps are generally cheaper to operate and maintain compared to traditional HVAC systems. The traditional HVAC rack up higher operational costs than a heat pump due to heat generation. Furnaces use either electricity or gas to generate heat while heat pumps absorb heat from the surrounding area and circulate it. Research shows that the operational costs of traditional HVAC can be twice or thrice higher than a heat pump.

3. Energy Efficiency

The standard unit for energy efficiency in cooling systems is SEER (seasonal efficiency energy ratio). It is the ratio of heat energy removed from the home to the energy consumed by the cooling system. Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional HVAC units while in cooling mode.

This is because heat pumps use less electricity to cool spaces. In optimal climates, the efficiency of heat pumps is also high when in heat mode because it does not generate heat but instead absorbs it from the air.

However, in extremely cold climates, where temperatures dip below 30 degrees, heat pumps are unable to heat. This is because there is little to no heat to be absorbed into the heat pump coils.

As a result, you will need a supplemental heating element which might use more electricity compared to a furnace. Hence in such regions, a traditional HVAC unit is more efficient compared to a heat pump.

4. Durability and Longevity

Market studies show that traditional HVAC units last longer than heat pumps. The reason behind the longevity difference is the fact that a heat pump will work throughout the year while HVAC systems use the AC in hot weather and a furnace during cold times. The average lifespan of a heat pump is >15 years while an HVAC unit will last for 15-20 years. This can vary depending on the climatic conditions and maintenance.

Should You Consider a Heat Pump Alternative to Traditional HVAC Units?

From the comparative analysis above, the benefits of a heat pump are undeniable. An all-in-one cooling and heating system, with high energy efficiency, and lower operational and maintenance costs. Some heat pumps don’t need any ductwork as they can work ductless. Those that use ducts take up much less indoor space compared to traditional units.

So, if you are considering changing or upgrading your HVAC system, a heat pump is a good choice if you live in areas with optimal temperatures, where it doesn’t get extremely cold.

Briggs HVAC — Your One-Stop Destination for Residential and Commercial Cooling

Briggs HVAC offers diverse solutions in air conditioning, heating, and HVAC maintenance. Whether you’re looking for air conditioning solutions, heating services, or HVAC maintenance, we can help you bridge any gaps in residential and commercial cooling and heating.

Contact us for residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling.

What’s the Difference Between High Efficiency and Low Efficiency Units?

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The United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that Americans used 98 Quadrillion British Thermal Units (Btu) in 2015. The top energy uses were electricity generation, transportation, commercial, residential, and industrial.

Energy demand will increase to 4,000 billion kWh in 2023 up from 3,930 billion kilowatts in 2021. The Energy Information Administration estimates that more than a third of electricity in the United States will come from hydropower, wind, and solar.

In response to the growing demand for power in the United States, the Department of Energy has emphasized more efficient appliances. Air conditioning systems are one of the leading electricity users in most American homes. That’s why it’s important to buy high-efficiency air conditioners because they consume far less electricity than standard or low-efficiency HVAC.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measure of an HVAC’s overall efficiency. This ratio measures the cooling efficiency of standard air conditioners and measures how efficient or inefficient a conditioner is in cooling or heating.

Beginning in 1992, the U.S. Department of Energy set a minimum SEER rating for all HVAC. During this time, all HVAC had to meet a minimum SEER rating of 10. And in 1997, a new minimum was set at 14 SEER.

Over the years, a new SEER rating has been adopted for more efficient air conditioning systems:

  • 1992 – 10 SEER
  • 2006 – 13 SEER
  • 2015 – 14 SEER
  • 2023 – 15 SEER

According to the Department of Energy, new, more efficient air conditioners will reduce utility bills by 40%. And by upgrading from mid-range to high-efficient AC equipment, homeowners in southern states will get a huge return on their investment.

So, what precisely is the difference between high-efficiency and low-efficiency units? The next section of this post looks at the factors that distinguish high-efficient units from low-efficient AC units.

High-Efficiency Units

High-efficient HVAC units are new systems than their predecessors because they’ve leveraged new technology. High-efficient units operate with exceptional variable compressors because they reduce and adjust the levels of coolness and warmth without necessarily turning on and off.

The secret to an environment’s comfort lies behind three fundamental factors:

  • The outdoor condensing unit
  • Indoor variable speed blower
  • The intelligence of the controller

New air conditioners are efficient because their compressors can variably control the airflow and refrigerant flow. This seamless control and variability in airflow mean that homeowners get the capacity they want when they need it. Nothing more and nothing less.

In addition, high-efficient air conditioners control your room’s temperature with minimal energy consumption. The conditioners keep the temperature consistent over a long period.

Cycling on and off an air conditioner only causes wear and tear and doesn’t necessarily keep your house consistently cool the way you want it. In addition, regular cycling on and off causes large bursts of expensive energy.

Therefore, it’s good to keep investing in newer air conditioners.

The Benefits of Newer ACs are as follows:

  • Cost-efficiency: Newer units are more efficient in turning hot air into cold, keeping your energy bills significantly lower.
  • Variability: Newer ACs feature variable air speed adjusters that give the system more control and better efficiency.
  • Better filtration: High-efficiency ACs have thicker, larger-surface media filters which means the air circulating in your room is a lot cleaner and less dirt makes it into your AC system.
  • Sound reduction: There are up to 58 decibels in some air conditioners due to upgraded blades and compressor sound blankets.
  • Continuous blower system: A fundamental bonus of a high-efficient AC is the continuous nature of air circulation in the AC. Lesser efficient models have irritating on/off cycles, but high-efficient ACs provide continuous air circulation regulating humidity and reducing random air bursts.

Low-Efficiency Units

Low-efficient units are cheaper to buy but more expensive to maintain. These systems are not efficient in turning hot air into cold and do not have optimal humidity and temperature controls. Low-efficient units are single-stage models of ACs with irritating on/off cycles and are considerably louder than their high-efficient counterparts.

Which Units Should You Buy and Install

Although high-efficient air conditioners cost more in the short term, they end up costing less in the long term. High-efficient units last longer cost less to maintain and utilize less electricity.

Investing in a quality air conditioner is an important part of keeping your family safe and sound. In addition, a high-efficient unit can help you maintain your home and reduce energy utility bills.

Therefore, before embarking on your journey of purchasing an HVAC unit, it’s important to weigh the investment, the duration of time you’ll remain in the building, and the cost you’ll save on your energy utility bills.

Briggs Heating and Cooling Company — Your Ultimately Comfort Advisor

A professional HVAC provider can help you weigh your options. So, if you’re looking for the most efficient commercial and residential cooling, Briggs Heating and Cooling Company is your ultimate comfort advisor.

Whole-House Humidifiers: 5 Benefits for Homeowners

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HVAC cooling and heating components tend to extract too much water vapor from the air, making indoor comfort levels unpleasant. To counter this dry air discomfort, whole-house humidifying equipment is often added to existing home HVAC equipment. Connected to the air ducts, the humidifier adds a set moisture level to the air flowing throughout the home ducting system. Here’s how whole-house humidifiers achieve five benefits for homeowners.

1. Improved Respiratory Health

When suffering from a cold or other respiratory problem, a time-honored remedy is to place your face over a steaming hot bowl of water, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the moisture-laden air. This helps to reduce inflammation, open congested airways, and loosen phlegm. While not quite as dramatic, the same effect is provided by whole-house humidifiers.

In the dry cold of winter, low humidity levels can dry out sinuses and cause bloody noses, result in chapped and split lips, and cause sore throats. If you suffer from asthma or sinusitis, catch a cold or flu, or get a sore throat, your condition will be improved with higher humidity. According to the Mayo Clinic, setting a humidifier to achieve between 30% and 50% humidity in the home is a healthy level.

2. Better Sleeping with Whole-House Humidifiers

Have you ever tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep when hot and uncomfortable? Of course, you have. It’s rare a person hasn’t experienced this at one time or another. When the humidity is too high, you become sweaty and uncomfortable. If the humidity is too low, dry nasal, mouth, and throat linings can cause you to snore. Either way, it’s challenging to get a relaxed night’s sleep. A comfortable humidity level will help you to breathe easier and relax.

3. Lower Energy Costs

Dry air feels colder than moist air, so a higher humidity level may help you and your family feel warmer. You may find that using a humidifier lets you set the thermostat to a lower temperature while, at the same time, everyone inside feels just as comfortable. Lower thermostat levels can mean lower energy costs.

The type of whole-house humidifier you purchase can impact potential energy savings. Equipment choices include central, impeller, evaporative, ultrasonic, and steam models. Contact your local Northern Virginia HVAC company for expert advice on the best type of whole-house humidifiers for your circumstances.

4. Whole-House Humidifiers Can Improve Age-Related Health Conditions

Dry mouth and dry eyes are health issues faced by many aging people. They are uncomfortable conditions made worse by low humid indoor air. While some relief can be achieved by eye drops, oral medications, and specific mouthwashes, a healthy humidity level also helps alleviate discomfort.

Another problem that many elderly people have is lower immunity, particularly in regard to respiratory diseases. Humidifiers help reduce airborne bacteria and virus concentrations.

5. Less Damage to Interior Objects

When indoor air is too dry, it can harm interior materials, particularly wood. For example, timber flooring, picture frames, and furniture can crack and warp. Wood-based musical instruments like violins, cellos, and guitars can also be spoiled.

Low humidity can also cause paint to crack and peel, as can wallpaper. Other everyday home items that can be negatively impacted include books, wine, photos, and paper-based postage stamp collections.

Reduce Static

Another benefit of humidifiers is the reduction of static in your home. While this is generally just an unpleasant nuisance, there are many instances where static electricity has caused damage to sensitive electronic equipment. So it’s a good thing to avoid where possible.

Indoor plants

If you love growing indoor plants, then a humidifier will be a boon for your green friends. Most indoor plants are from tropical and subtropical regions and dislike low humidity. The plants will grow more readily in higher than lower humidity levels. You’ll also need to water the plants less often.

Keeping HVAC and Whole-House Humidifiers at Peak Efficiency

Being comfortable in your home, no matter the time of year is important. Unpleasant indoor temperatures, unhealthy humidity levels, and overall low air quality can aggravate health conditions, restrict your ability to sleep well, impede concentration, and negatively affect your mood and sense of well-being.

Servicing Northern Virginia and nearby counties, Briggs HVAC are experts in maintaining your home heating and cooling systems in peak condition. Your humidifier must be regularly maintained so mold and bacteria don’t develop in and around the equipment.

Get in touch with us for any installation, maintenance, and repairs needed for your home heating and cooling systems.

5 Air Conditioning Myths Debunked

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In these days of super-fast communication media, it takes very little time and effort for misinformation to spread. Misinformation can then be taken as fact by large numbers of people. Unfortunately, half-baked ideas and misconceptions about air-conditioning are common—getting in the way of making good decisions about home HVAC systems. Take a look at these five air-conditioning myths, debunked so that you can separate fact from fiction about your home AC.

1. Air-conditioning Causes Respiratory Problems

This is a myth not backed up by health research. When AC equipment is used correctly, it helps prevent and minimize health issues. By filtering out harmful airborne particles—bacteria, viruses, fungi, pollen, dander, and other allergens, cleaner air circulates indoors. As a result, asthma and hay fever sufferers can breathe easier, particularly if high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are used.

However, if you don’t service your air conditioner regularly, the air filters will eventually become dirty and clogged, lowering the air quality in the home. So, this is a case of a myth deriving from homeowners’ neglect of their equipment.

2. The Bigger the AC Unit, the Better

While it seems to make sense that a large, powerful AC unit is best for cooling down rooms, that’s not necessarily the case. Equipment needs to be sized for the space it’s expected to service.

An undersized AC unit will have to work harder to meet set temperature levels, making it less energy efficient, and costing you more in energy bills. Similarly, an oversized unit will need to turn itself on and off to maintain set temperatures, also using more energy than the right-sized equipment would. The result in both cases is higher equipment wear and tear, along with higher energy costs. Additionally, the lifespan of the equipment will be shorter, requiring earlier replacement.

3. Keeping Vents Closed Keeps Air Cool

Many air-conditioning myths seem to start from a logical position but don’t hold up due to a lack of technical knowledge. For example, it’s a popular misconception that if you close off vents and doors in lightly used rooms, chill air will circulate in a smaller area keeping the home cooler.

Unfortunately, home HVAC systems don’t work optimally with vents closed. Air pressure builds up in the air ducts, putting strain on the equipment, lowering energy efficiency, and raising energy costs. Vents should be open so that air is evenly distributed through your home, which is how your AC equipment was designed to be used.

4. AC Equipment Isn’t Efficient for Heating

An expensive fallacy held by many homeowners is that reverse-cycle air conditioning isn’t as efficient as dedicated heating appliances. Gas or electric wall attached or portable plug-in heaters are used rather than AC. However, the heating method used by reverse cycle AC units actually results in lower heating costs per hour than typical plug-in heaters.

Reverse cycle air conditioners draw in heat from outdoor air to indoors. Then, the drawn-in air is heated to set thermostat temperatures through a refrigerant process. This energy-efficient method of heating works even in freezing weather.

The energy cost savings from a reverse cycle air conditioner can be more than 50% less per hour compared to radiant and panel heaters. Of course, this depends on specific appliance models and their energy input levels. Check the Energy Star ratings for your AC and heating appliances. You may be shocked at the difference in running costs and how much this can add up to over winter.

5. ACs Are Bad for the Environment

This is one of the most disingenuous air-conditioning myths. It’s propagated upon the notion that any use of power is bad for the environment and that AC is particularly to blame. However, heating and cooling are essential requirements of modern life for most people. Moreover, as with Myth Number 4, reverse-cycle air conditioning can be much more efficient than standard heating appliances. As such, the lower energy use of AC appliances benefits the environment.

Using reverse-cycle AC results in roughly one-third fewer emissions being released into the atmosphere. Some of the most efficient appliances produce only one-fifth the level of emissions by standard heaters. Technical improvements in refrigerants are also reducing greenhouse gas levels. Human ingenuity can be expected to achieve even better results in future years.

Keep Your Air Conditioning Equipment at Peak Efficiency

At Briggs HVAC, we love helping debunk AC myths. Talk to us about a system maintenance plan to keep your AC in top condition and reduce energy emissions and costs. We service Northern Virginia and nearby counties.

What’s in Your Ductwork?

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Keeping your HVAC ductwork clean and in good condition is essential to achieving high-quality air in your home. Lack of regular maintenance and HVAC servicing is the number one cause of pests and pathogens in system ducts. So, do you know what’s in your ductwork? You may be shocked to find what ductwork contaminants are in your system.

Here are Several Common Problems to Look Out For:

Signs Your HVAC Servicing is Overdue

If you can’t remember when HVAC servicing was last carried out, your home may be experiencing some unpleasant consequences. Nasty odors, and noises like rattling, squeaking, and squealing that seem to be coming from the HVAC are clear signs that equipment inspection should be done pronto. Additionally, you may notice a smell of dust in the air, or sudden mustiness, or family members may be experiencing intense allergy symptoms.

Large, Furry, or Feathery Intruders

Old houses are prone to wear and tear, creating openings in external and internal walls. These small gaps entice and enable many types of rodents to work their way inside and make their homes inside wall cavities and ductwork. Let’s talk about mice and rats, for starters.

If your HVAC vents through a chimney, there’s also the potential for storm damage to the chimney cap and more furry and feathered friends to install themselves through openings from the roof. Furthermore, as an HVAC system ages, normal wear and tear will also contribute to gaps and weaknesses in the ductwork providing entryways for small critters.

Small and Creepy Invaders

If rodents and birds can make a nuisance of themselves in chimney structures and ductwork, then it’s even easier for tiny and not-so-tiny, creeping, crawling, and scuttling nuisances to come inside. Insects and arachnids that frequent HVAC ducts include dust mites, spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish.

Your unwelcome lodgers can breed quickly in the cavities, sheltered nooks, and crannies of ducts. A small problem can soon become an explosion in numbers and a significant headache to get rid of. Fortunately, many HVAC companies perform basic pest control as part of their servicing and will readily capture and dispose of small critters.

Hidden but Toxic Ductwork Contaminants

It’s usually fairly obvious when rodents or birds make themselves at home where they’re not wanted. Still, the less obvious ductwork contaminants can be highly detrimental to the air quality in your home or workplace. Organic pollutants include fungal and mold spores, pollen particles, and harmful bacteria and virus spores. These airborne particles can easily make their way into the ducts from the outdoors.

Your first sign that these microscopic particles may be lodged in your HVAC ducts is when you or yours develop respiratory symptoms.  Excessive sneezing, coughing, a tendency to develop sinus problems, colds, and flu can all be signs that pollutants are present in heavy concentrations in the air. Over time too much exposure to these pollutants can weaken the immune system in susceptible people and cause constant respiratory problems. Reducing such health risks requires that air filters be regularly changed and upgraded to HEPA filtration levels if necessary.

How Regular HVAC Servicing Prevents and Removes Problems

Professional, qualified HVAC technicians follow strict processes when servicing your HVAC. They inspect, lubricate, and adjust moving parts, including motors, belts, controls, and valves. Air measurements are performed to ensure there are no blockages or leaks and that blower mechanisms are working correctly. Thermostat controls are checked along with electrical connections.

The ductwork is inspected to identify and repair any gaps that have allowed entry by animals or biological pollutants. Air filters are inspected and replaced.

Removing Pests and Pollutants

If large rodents such as squirrels, snakes, or raccoons have invaded, a professional pest control company may have to be called in before HVAC cleaning begins. Insects can be blown out of the system as the ducts are cleaned and vacuumed. Industrial-strength vacuums can also remove small dead creatures such as mice and spiders.

Severe contamination levels may require pesticides, antiseptics, or disinfectants to be applied. The Environmental Protection Agency lists registered and recommended products that can be used for cleaning purposes.

Tackle Ductwork Problems with Your Local HVAC Experts

Briggs HVAC is your local Northern Virginia for all HVAC maintenance and servicing. Our technicians give superior service, expertly inspecting, cleaning, and remediating your HVAC equipment. With a regular maintenance plan, you get a twice-yearly service and head off a host of potential problems. Servicing includes ensuring your equipment is properly sealed to prevent animals and other ductwork contaminants. Contact us today for more details. 

Benefits of Managing Your Indoor Air Quality

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We spend a significant part of our lives indoors, particularly at home. Unfortunately, the air quality within our homes often leaves much to be desired. Chemicals, toxins, molds, fungi, and other allergens can hang heavy in the air. This all can affect our health and comfort. Poor ventilation, dampness, excess humidity, and dusty and dirty conditions within the home can exacerbate problems. See how the benefits of actively managing your indoor air quality can reap rewards for you, your family, and your bank account.

What’s Involved in Managing Indoor Air Quality?

Actively managing your home air quality means being aware of the significant causes of degraded air. These include:

  • residue from smoke, whether from cigarette smoking or burning wood in open fireplaces
  • airborne particles that make their way indoors, such as pollen, and
  • mold and fungi growing in damp areas of the home that release spores into the air.

Many of these airborne culprits increase due to poor air circulation or degraded filtering by home HVAC systems. Other home environment factors include damaged chimney stacks and external wear and tear, resulting in gaps in walls and windows that let moisture into the home.

You may find that you need to be something of a detective in monitoring and determining the causes of dank air or the reasons behind respiratory health problems experienced by yourself or your family members. Indoor air quality monitors can assist you in this task, and another expert source of advice is your local HVAC company.

What are the Benefits of Managing Your Indoor Air Quality?

You can achieve several benefits from keeping your HVAC equipment at peak efficiency, but the greatest benefit is to you and your family’s overall health. You may realize secondary gains from improved comfort and in reducing HVAC costs.

Here’s More Detail on How to Get These Benefits:

The Benefits of Reducing Allergens

Many people suffer from respiratory conditions such as hay fever and asthma, triggered by airborne particles such as pollen, dust in the air, fungal spores, or tiny nasties such as dust mites. Hay fever sufferers have a miserable time, with symptoms similar to a constant head cold. Asthma attacks can be brought on by exposure to allergens, with deadly consequences if not treated in time.

Over time these symptoms can lower the body’s immune system response and develop long-term health conditions such as sinusitis or worsening asthma. Clearly, reducing airborne allergens in the home positively benefits respiratory illness sufferers.

How to Manage Allergens with a Three-pronged Attack:
  1. Clean or replace all HVAC filters regularly and upgrade to higher quality equipment such as HEPA filters if necessary.
  2. Implement a thorough cleaning routine: wash pillowcases and sheets every two to three weeks; vacuum rugs and carpets with a HEPA filter machine.
  3. Reduce opportunities for pollen and other microbial spores like mold and fungi to get inside by keeping windows closed on high pollen days.

The Benefits of Reducing Exposure to Smoke

Whether you’re exposed to smoke from wood fire burning or secondhand cigarette smoke, you’re inhaling toxic substances. Wood burning releases carbon monoxide, soot, creosote, and other harmful chemicals, while cigarette smoke produces hydrogen cyanide, arsenic, and other poisons. Cancer, heart disease, stroke, and worsening asthma are all associated with inhaled smoke, so the less exposure, the greater the health benefit.

How to Manage Health Risks by Ensuring Regular Maintenance:
  1. HVAC filters are regularly changed, with annual maintenance and immediate repair of any leaks in the system.
  2. If using open wood-burning fires, annual chimney inspection, and sweeping.
  3. Cigarette smokers are banned from smoking indoors.

The Benefits of Programmable Thermostats for HVAC

With new technology, HVAC systems can run longer for less cost. Digital thermostats can automatically lower the temperature when no one is home or sleeping at night. The Department of Energy states that 10% a year can be saved on energy bills by simply lowering temperatures for eight hours a day.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with Briggs HVAC in Northern Virginia

Our homes should be places of respite, providing breathing space from the hectic pace and barrage of modern life. However, long-term exposure to degraded indoor air can lead to severe and chronic health conditions, while even short bursts of exposure to air laden with carbon monoxide can kill.

Regular HVAC maintenance is a primary way to have clean and fresh indoor air and ensure toxins are not reaching deadly levels. Let us assist you in managing indoor air quality and keeping your HVAC equipment in tip-top condition.

What the Labels on Your HVAC Units Can Tell You

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Many types of household appliances and equipment, including your HVAC system, have information stickers. So, why should you understand what the labels on your HVAC units can tell you? Well, for one thing, the data displayed can help you with warranty and service information, and additionally can help you save money on energy costs. Here’s a simple explanation about the technical information on HVAC system labels.

What Are the Types of Data on HVAC Unit Labels?

The government mandates that cooling and heating equipment meet construction, safety, and energy efficiency standards. These standards require manufacturers to place stickers with specific data in a spot on the equipment where the homeowner can view the information. Typically, this information includes:

  • Manufacturer specifications such as model number, date of manufacture, and energy efficiency are usually detailed on a data sticker.
  •  Another label showing the install date and contractor details may be added at installation.
  •  After installation, separate service maintenance labels may be placed on the equipment by HVAC technicians.

Depending on the age of your HVAC system, all labels may not be present, and formats not standard. Recently passed legislation from the Federal Trade Commission now addresses this issue so that consumers get a range of factual information displayed on their equipment.

Energy Efficiency Labels

The Energy Labeling Rule now requires major home appliance makers to place a black and yellow EnergyGuide sticker on equipment. The label is fixed to central and portable air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps.

The model number, company responsible for making the equipment, significant features of the equipment, estimated annual operating costs, and estimated power use is detailed on the EnergyGuide data sticker.

How Homeowners Can Save on HVAC Running Costs

So, this is the good news about having EnergyGuide labels on heating and cooling equipment. The appliance data sticker gives an estimated annual power use and operating cost, so comparison shopping has never been easier. You can easily assess the purchase price of similar equipment with similar power outputs straight from the HVAC unit labels.

However, the final choice may not necessarily be decided on the lowest purchase cost of heating or cooling systems. You still have to consider the size of your home, solar passivity, the number of rooms to be heated, and any other impacts that may require a high-power output appliance. So, for example, an old timber home subject to draughts will probably need a higher heat output than a more modern, better sealed home. And there’s no getting away from the fact that the more energy an HVAC system uses, the higher the running costs are.

With the EnergyGuide sticker, you can at least do a better ‘apples to apples’ comparison on similar models with the power output you need. Remembering that the details are estimates, not actuals, you can make your own best guess on cost and power use based on your home’s unique requirements for HVAC use.

Maintenance Information on HVAC System Labels

Besides the EnergyGuide label, you can expect your HVAC service technicians to place service labels on the equipment. These stickers record the service date and recommended due date for the next service. Depending upon your local climate, HVAC preventative maintenance should be done once or twice a year.

If you live in a warm climate, only requiring air conditioning, then an annual service will be sufficient. However, if you live in a climate zone where summers are hot and winters bitterly cold, your HVAC system will get a good workout throughout these seasons. Maintenance is best done twice a year, once for the cooling equipment and once for the heating equipment. Place a service call with your HVAC contractor so that work can be done before the season begins.

The record of service that HVAC unit labels provide may be beneficial if you’re thinking of selling or renting your home at some stage. The data sticker assures potential buyers or renters that the house has been well maintained.

Get Expert Assistance from North Virginia HVAC Contractors

Briggs HVAC in North Virginia is an expert in HVAC installation and maintenance. If your heating and cooling appliances and equipment are missing labeling information, we can help find the details for you with a thorough maintenance inspection and research. Our highly experienced technicians have worked on many different HVAC systems. We will help you put in place service maintenance records and an annual plan that will give you peace of mind

If money is tight, we may be able to offer you monthly payment options, so contact us today for all your home heating and cooling needs. 

Adding on to Your Home? 6 HVAC Considerations That Should Be Part of Your Project

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Planning a home addition requires myriad issues and tasks to be thought through and documented. A crucial part of home remodeling is addressing heating and cooling requirements for the new space. Talking over HVAC requirements with a home heating and cooling expert should be one of your primary tasks. So, if you’re adding on to your home, here are six HVAC considerations that should be part of your project.

1. Are There HVAC Regulations You Need to Know About?

In this era of rapid technological changes to energy production methods (think solar and battery storage), new HVAC regulations inevitably come into play. Likewise, the relentless pursuit of energy efficiency also drives new heating and cooling equipment standards. As part of your upfront home addition planning, you should check with government agencies on any recent rule changes. Good starting points are the Energy Information Administration and the Department of Energy.

2. Will the Extra Footage from Your Home Addition Need More HVAC?

One of the vital HVAC matters to consider is the level of heating and cooling needed in the new space. It would help if you asked several key questions:

  1.       What will be the most cost-efficient way to cool and heat the area?
  2.       Can you extend the existing HVAC system to the room with additional ductwork?
  3.       Will the new space be energy passive?
  4.       If new HVAC equipment is needed, does it have to be connected to existing systems, or can it stand   alone?

Expert HVAC companies can be worth their weight in gold at this early stage of your planning. They will generally give you free advice on all relevant new and updated laws and equipment standards, as this knowledge is essential to their business.

3. Should You Reconfigure Ductwork?

So, should you consider reconfiguring existing ductwork to deliver seasonal cooling and heating to the home addition? With walls opened up and ductwork exposed, this can be an opportune time to expand your existing HVAC. It will be much cheaper to add some new ductwork and a vent at this point in the project than after completion.

You should go back to the project plan to calculate and compare the cost of expansion over a new HVAC system or a stand-alone appliance.

4. Is This a Good Opportunity to Upgrade Your HVAC?

You don’t want to overinvest in a new HVAC if it’s unnecessary. But with all the work occurring on the home addition, there may be cost savings to upgrading machinery now, rather than postponing.

One of the HVAC matters to consider is whether upcoming regulatory changes will cost you in retrofitting and balance that cost against the price of a new system. In addition, examine whether the improved efficiencies of new equipment can help offset the higher purchase price. 

5. Critical HVAC Matters to Consider — What type of HVAC is best suited for the new space?

Working out the most efficient way to address the energy required for the new home space will take some time. You’ll need to work through the different types of HVAC appliances on the market, including price and energy outputs. And, of course, you’ll need to tailor the solution to your specific climate and weather characteristics.

Air conditioners can be purchased as evaporative coolers, window units, wall-mounted, or even portable appliances. Heating can be supplied via furnace systems, permanently wall-mounted or portable space heaters, and mini-split systems.

Geothermal and hybrid systems, while not as common on the market, can also be investigated and costed.

6. How will you Maintain your HVAC during and after renovation?

Building and renovating is a messy business. Dust will be shaken loose and move throughout the home. Debris from opening up walls, building new ones, plastering, and painting, will all contribute to poor air quality until the home addition work is complete.

As much as practical, you don’t want this filthy air getting into the HVAC where it will collect and put a strain on the equipment. Minimizing the use of your HVAC during the peak of building work will assist. Checking, cleaning, and replacing air filters can be done more regularly than before the home addition work began. Use exhaust fans to blow dust and debris out of the house where you can.

Get Expert Assistance from Briggs HVAC in North Virginia

At Briggs HVAC, we are highly experienced with fitting many different types of HVAC systems. If you’re planning a new installation, need advice on general heating and cooling matters, or need to schedule a maintenance visit, please get in touch. Your HVAC can probably do with a good inspection and clean after all that building work.