Blog | HVAC Information | Brennan Heating and Air Conditioning

How Do UV Light Indoor Air Quality Products Work?

April 19, 2021

Light exists in various forms. It consists of components known as photons that vibrate. The speed of photon vibration determines the distance from one light wave to the next (wavelength). The faster the photon vibration the shorter the wavelength, and the slower the vibration the longer the wavelength. The wavelength of visible light, for instance, ranges from 400 to 700 nanometers while that of UV light measures between 100 and 400 nanometers. What Is UV Light? Ultraviolet light is a form of electromagnetic radiation designated between visible light and X-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum. Since it

What Are the Major Parts of an Air Conditioner?

April 12, 2021

It can be difficult feeling like you don’t know what is going on when talking with air conditioning technicians. Yup, you know there are parts of the system, and you know you are having a problem. But do you know the difference between the condensing coil and the evaporator coil, or what the compressor actually does? This lack of understanding often leads to stress and questioning whether a technician is being honest. To combat this, take a few minutes to learn about your system, the signs of a problem, and the major components. Your

How Energy Efficient Are Heat Pumps?

March 20, 2021

Heat pumps are more energy-efficient compared to air conditioners and furnaces. Instead of generating heat from fossil fuels, heat pumps move heat. You can use them to heat and cool your home. What Is Efficiency? The efficiency of heat pumps is dependent on how hard they work to keep a home cool or warm. Efficiency is a measure of the amount of energy a device delivers to your home compared to the amount of energy it consumes. The most efficient systems deliver many times over the amount of energy they consume. Furnaces

How to Drain a Hot Water Heater

March 8, 2021

A hot water tank is likely the most used appliance at home and yet the most neglected. It ensures that you have a steady flow of hot water throughout the house for different purposes. With time, naturally occurring minerals and sand from municipal water lines may build up in the tank. Such sediments form a thick coating at the bottom of the tank, diminishing heat transfer from the heating elements to the water. Eventually, the tank might rust or completely stop working. A hot water tank doesn’t require constant maintenance but often emptying it keeps it

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality Naturally

February 20, 2021

Globally, there are over 4.5 million premature deaths linked to respiratory problems caused by air pollution. It is also reported that the cost incurred through air pollution currently stands at $8 billion a day globally. The air quality in your home may not be as good as you may think. Given that the average American spends 87% of their time indoors, the importance of clean indoor air cannot be overemphasized. Many factors can contribute to low-quality indoor air, including low-quality building materials, outdoor pollution, and harmful emissions from some home appliances. Diseases like Asthma, lung disease, and

What Type Of Water Heater Is Most Energy Efficient?

February 11, 2021

Regardless of your lifestyle, a water heater remains an essential component of your daily routine. While shopping for a water heater, the top feature you should consider is its efficiency. The last thing you need is an appliance that will drive your energy costs through the roof. Luckily, you can buy an energy-efficient water heater that will significantly reduce your heating costs while keeping the environment clean. All you need is a little knowledge of the types of energy-efficient water heaters and how they compare. Each of these appliances has its strengths and weakness, but which one

Does Having Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality?

January 22, 2021

When you think about air pollution, your thoughts probably go to smog, ozone and other outdoor air pollutants. Most people are shocked to learn that the air in their homes is typically two to five times more polluted than the air in their backyards. If the quality of your Seattle, WA, home’s air concerns you, you may wonder what you can do about it. Someone may have told you that houseplants are a good way to cleanse the indoor air. Before you drive to the nursery and stock up on a trunk full of plants for your home, it’s important

How Long Does A Furnace Last?

January 10, 2021

“Built to Last” is a common marketing slogan utilized by purveyors of all sorts of products. When advertising their heating equipment and promoting its longevity, several furnace manufacturers employ this phrase without qualifying it. In most cases, these manufacturers are quite reputable, and the vital heating units they sell are built very well. However, lasting a long time is not the same thing as working without problems indefinitely. No furnace will operate trouble-free forever. All heating equipment has a life expectancy, and any furnace will benefit from preventive maintenance. Furnaces, like other machines, eventually suffer problems related

Are Electric Furnaces Energy Efficient?

December 18, 2020

When your Seattle, WA, home needs a new heating system, you’ll have several options to consider. An electric furnace is a good option in places that don’t get frigid weather during the winter months of the year. Seattle’s moderate climate makes an electric furnace a smart choice. Before you decide which electric furnace to buy, here’s what you need to know about their energy efficiency. Understanding Electric Furnaces Versus Heat Pumps Furnaces generate heat and use an air handler to blow the heated air into your home’s ducts. Heat pumps transfer heat. There are electric and

Should I Be Worried About Carbon Monoxide in My Home?

December 8, 2020

You have every reason to worry about the presence of carbon monoxide (CO) in your home as it displaces oxygen in your body and leads to poisoning. Every year, more than 430 Americans die of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of the incomplete combustion of fuels. The good news is that it’s possible to avoid CO poisoning by maintaining the fuel-burning appliances, improving the ventilation, and installing a carbon monoxide detector. Therefore, knowing what you can do to avoid CO poisoning is extremely vital. Signs of a Carbon Monoxide Leak Carbon monoxide