Why is NATE Certification Important for HVAC Contractors?

February 28th, 2019

Home and business owners throughout Birmingham, AL depend on HVAC contractors for their indoor comfort needs. You count on your HVAC contractor to be knowledgeable of all HVAC equipment and provide correct and reliable installation and service of these solutions.

How can you be sure your HVAC contractor possesses the knowledge and skill he needs to care for your home comfort? NATE certification is one way an HVAC contractor can show customers like you that they are top industry professionals. Douglas Cooling & Heating employs NATE-certified HVAC contractors to provide our customers with peace of mind every job will be done the right way, the first time around.

What is NATE Certification?

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. NATE is the largest independent certifying organization serving the U.S. HVAC industry. HVAC contractors earn NATE certification when they pass the organization’s rigorous, specialized testing. Additionally, they must maintain continuing education requirements.

An expert committee of contractors, manufacturers, educators and utility companies develop the NATE certification tests. NATE testing covers basics such as installation and service of heating, cooling, and indoor air quality systems. It also includes specialized testing and certification for specific HVAC systems and technology.

To uphold NATE certification, an HVAC contractor must complete continuous training. Because the HVAC industry is always changing, advancing technology delivers new systems and equipment which require specialized skills.

Continuous training is one method NATE uses. It ensures an HVAC contractor has the knowledge and skills to serve the changing landscape of the heating and cooling industry.

Why Choose A NATE-Certified HVAC Contractor?

Working with a NATE-certified HVAC contractor offers many advantages for home and business owners. When searching for new HVAC contractors, NATE is an important difference. NATE-certified HVAC contractors prove their knowledge of the sophisticated equipment they install and service each day.

Working with a NATE-certified HVAC contractor provides many benefits for homeowners, such as:

  • Technicians perform installations and maintenance correctly, which keeps the warranty intact. This also generates lower utility bills as equipment operates at peak efficiency, as well as fewer warranty returns.
  • You have confidence installations and repairs will be right the first time, which limits callbacks.
  • NATE-certified HVAC contractors deliver fast, efficient service.
  • Your NATE-certified HVAC contractor is knowledgeable regarding HVAC solutions and equipment. He delivers the answers and advice you need to solve your indoor comfort challenges.

Why Douglas Cooling & Heating Employs NATE-Certified HVAC Contractors

At Douglas Cooling & Heating, all our HVAC contractors earn NATE certification. We feel this is important for our customers’ peace of mind. As a result, you will feel confident in the work our HVAC contractors perform in your Birmingham, AL home or business.

Our NATE-certified HVAC contractors also serve as a distinguished resource for you. The knowledge they’ve gained through NATE certification allows each of our HVAC contractors to answer any question you may have.

This also allows them to propose effective and efficient solutions to the comfort challenges you face. Rest assured with our NATE-certified HVAC contractors, you receive the best solutions. Plus, they’ll be installed correctly for optimal performance for many years.

When you call Douglas Cooling & Heating for assistance with your heating, cooling, or indoor air quality systems, rest assured that a NATE-certified contractor will be working in your home. For installation, repair and maintenance performed by our team of NATE-certified HVAC contractors, contact us today!

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Even More Success!

February 28th, 2019

Douglas Cooling, Heating, & Electrical co-owner and general manager, Jay Douglas has successfully completed his Residential Mechanical Ventilation Installation Level 1 Training Program.

This is a big deal!

Graduates of this program can choose to design residential ventilation systems in accordance with building code standards and guidelines. The course covers installation and commissioning practices for all types of mechanical ventilation systems, house as a system principles, and basic ventilation system design. The course also teaches how to properly size ventilation ducts in accordance with good engineering practices.

Jay completed his training program with The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), a non-profit trade association that represents more than 1,300 member companies in the HVACR industry.

Here at Douglas Cooling, Heating, & Electrical, we strive to offer our customers the best services in the area. Jay’s latest certification means that we can offer yet another unique service. Way to go, Jay!

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Make Smart Thermostats Part of Your Spring Break Plans

February 21st, 2019

Spring break will be here before you know it! With the kids off school, many families choose to leave Birmingham for a vacation. When you think of trip preparations, you may overlook a thermostat adjustment for your absence. It can be a costly one! If you have a spring break trip planned, don’t forget to use programmable and smart thermostats to your advantage when away from home!

Programmable and Smart Thermostats

Programmable and smart thermostats are any homeowner’s top tool for saving money on heating and cooling costs! These tools make adjusting heating and cooling system usage a breeze while they cut unnecessary energy use for lower bills.

A smart thermostat builds upon the capabilities of programmable models – instead of preprogramming temperature schedules, the smart thermostat does the work for you!

After a couple weeks of manual program adjustments, smart thermostats learn the habits and preferences of your household. Then they automatically make temperature adjustments based on what is most efficient at the time, without sacrificing your comfort.

Using Smart Thermostats for Spring Break Savings

Setting your thermostat back is a quick way to save up to 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs! While your family is away for spring break and other trips throughout the year, set back your thermostat for effortless savings.

Achieve energy savings with a reduction of 7-10 degrees for periods of eight or more hours. While you’re on vacation is the perfect time to do so, as no one is home in need of heating or cooling. If you have pets staying home, be mindful of their needs. Consult with your vet for breed-appropriate needs.

If your home is equipped with a programmable thermostat, switch the thermostat to vacation mode or hold before leaving. Doing so pauses your normal temperature schedules, allowing you to set back your thermostat several degrees for the entire period you are away.

During colder months, set your thermostat to no less than 50 degrees to cut heating use while protecting your home from potential damage due to cold weather, such as frozen pipes.

Smart thermostats are a little different, as they do the setting work for you. Your smart thermostat detects your home is unoccupied and will do an automatic setback. It raises or lowers the temperature for optimal energy efficiency depending on the season.

Using your smart thermostat’s geofencing technology, your thermostat detects when you are approaching home at the end of your trip. Geofencing tells your thermostat you are returning home so the smart thermostat adjusts temperatures to make your home comfortable when you walk back in the door.

Wi-Fi Connectivity with Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are WiFi connected, allowing you to access it while you’re away from home. Using the smart thermostat’s app on your smartphone or tablet, you are able to monitor temperature settings from pretty much anywhere.

Also, smart thermostats alert you if issues are detected which require attention when you’re gone. This is often helpful for everything from filter changes to malfunctions or spikes in activity.

Douglas Cooling & Heating Happily Recommends Smart Thermostats Best for Your HVAC System

Douglas Cooling & Heating connects homeowners with money-saving solutions like smart thermostats for improved energy efficiency whether you’re home or not! Contact us today to learn more about how smart thermostats and programmable models help you lower utility costs over spring break and throughout the year. We strongly encourage a thermostat consultation. Certain smart thermostats work better with specific heating and air systems.

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Should I Get a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater?

February 20th, 2019

When we consult with plumbing customers, they frequently ask if they should invest in a tankless water heater or a tank water heater for their Birmingham homes. It’s a great question and one we love to discuss.

Both have positive qualities and potential drawbacks. In order to determine which is best for you, we’ll share some benefits of each to answer these questions for you. Once you’ve identified priorities, the solution becomes more clear. For a free estimate, you can always contact us at Douglas Cooling & Heating.  

Positives of a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater

Easily described as an on-demand water heater, tankless water heaters employ high-power burners to quickly heat water as it flows through a heat exchanger. The water flows directly to your faucet or appliance. No more wasting water while you wait for the hot water to arrive.

Energy & Water Savings

Tankless water heaters are powered by gas or electricity. They are regarded as more energy efficient. In fact, according to Energy.gov, if you use 41 gallons or less of heated water daily, tankless heaters provide 24 to 34 percent more energy efficiency than a traditional tank water heater.

For homes which use more hot water, say 86 gallons a day, tankless still wins by eight to 14 percent. Part of the reason they’re more energy-efficient is there’s no reason to pay to heat water as it sits.

Longer Lifespan

The system also has a long lifespan. Tankless water heaters easily last up to 20 or 30 years, with proper care. They may be mounted on the wall or in some cases, inside a closet or in a sink cabinet at point-of-use.

Some larger homes find benefits in installing one upstairs and one downstairs to meet various needs simultaneously.

Space Saving

A smaller footprint means greater flexibility. If you’ve ever considered downsizing or building a “granny pod,” tankless water heaters are great space-savers. They can even be installed outside your home!

Tank Water Heater

Upfront Cost

Found in most homes, these traditional water heaters are familiar to most homeowners. Commonly, the tanks store between 30 and 50 gallons of water. Fueled by gas or electricity, they are less expensive to purchase than a tankless version.

Drawbacks of a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater

Tankless Water Heater

Upfront Cost

Simply put, initial cost. Tankless water heaters cost more up front to purchase and install, depending on the specific situation. If you plan to move in the near future, it might not be a high priority for you.

For homeowners who plan to stay in their homes, however, the monthly energy savings will continue long after one or even two tank heaters have died. The longer lifespan means owners won’t need to replace it for a couple decades or more. They’ll enjoy the energy and water savings from day one of ownership.

Tank Water Heater

Operating Cost

They cost more to operate which takes away from the purchase savings compared to a tankless water model.

Lifespan

With diligent maintenance and a water softener, they might last half as long as a tankless water heater. You might end up buying two or even three tank water heaters during one tankless heater’s useful life.

Space

They take up space in your garage, basement or utility room.

Capacity

Also, the tank eventually empties. If multiple people must shower or you run laundry, the tank empties pretty fast. You must wait to take a shower until the tank refills and heats again. This is generally inconvenient. It’s downright uncomfortable if you’re showering when the tank uses up all hot water.

Risk

There’s a risk of flooding if your tank springs a leak.

Questions to Answer When You Consider a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater

  1. Do you have gas or electric lines for heating water? Gas is often less expensive and creates the most energy-efficient gains.
  2. Do you have an existing tankless water heater or a tank water heater you’re replacing? If you’re switching from one to the other, it might affect installation costs if new pipes or lines need installation.
  3. How long do you plan to stay in your home?
  4. How many family members live in the home?
  5. What’s your average daily water usage?

Give these questions a minute, gather your utility bills and give us a call!

When You’re Ready for a Tankless Water Heater or a Tank Water Heater Call Douglas Cooling & Heating

Next time you need assistance with plumbing services, whether it’s a new water heater, toilets, leaky faucets or water quality, call Douglas Cooling & Heating. We’re happy to review the pros and cons of a tankless water heater or a tank water heater based on your specific situation.

Our plumbing team is eager to show you the same commitment to customer service our heating and air customers enjoy. If you live in the Birmingham area, such as Calera, Mountain Brook, Chelsea, or Vestavia Hills, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for your plumbing needs.

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Pollution in Your Birmingham Home’s HVAC System

February 19th, 2019

An HVAC system is exposed to high levels of airborne contaminants as air passes through the equipment. When these contaminants settle within the system, they diminish indoor air quality in your Birmingham, AL home or business. Additionally, these pollutants hurt the equipment’s performance. Learn more about the contaminants in your system and how to prevent damage.

Contaminants in HVAC Systems

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air indoors can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. An HVAC system is exposed to this pollution as air passes through the equipment during the heating and cooling processes.

HVAC systems may be exposed to the following contaminants, depending on factors specific to each home or business:

  • Combustion byproducts from fuel-burning appliances
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Pet dander and hair
  • Mold and mildew
  • Dust
  • Dirt
  • Pollen
  • Bacteria
  • Viruses and
  • Carpet fibers.

As air circulates through the system, these contaminants settle. They’re found in ductwork, in equipment cabinets and on components. Over time, contaminants build up where they impact system performance.

These pollutants reduce performance, and also sometimes cause damage to components. Ultimately, this damage often necessitates an HVAC repair or component replacement.

Prevent Harm to Your HVAC System from Pollution

Pollution exposure is inevitable due to the nature of the work an HVAC system performs. Fortunately, there are measures to reduce the amount of pollution in your system. Limit the system’s contaminant exposure, and also reduce the risk of damage and performance problems.

Douglas Cooling & Heating’ NATE-certified technicians professionally perform and install solutions for better indoor air quality, as well as improved system performance.

Preventative maintenance tune-ups

Preventative maintenance tune-ups go a long way toward undoing the damage of contaminant exposure. During a preventative maintenance tune-up, a NATE-certified heating and cooling technician cleans debris from HVAC system components.

He or she removes buildup from equipment cabinets and parts. This maintenance task eliminates large amounts of contaminants in the system. Additionally, it prevents them from HVAC system circulation.

High-efficiency air filters

An excellent defense against contaminants in your HVAC system is high-efficiency air filters. Furnace filters with MERV ratings of 8 or higher remove higher amounts of smaller contaminant particles versus low-rated filters.

This prevents the entrance of more pollution and potential damage. Change your furnace filters on a regular basis to ensure the filter provides the level of defense needed.

Duct cleaning

As pollution circulates through an HVAC system, it often settles within the duct system. Ductwork harbors pollutant accumulation, where these contaminants circulate into the system. Duct and vent cleaning removes pollution from within the duct system.

This improves indoor air quality and prevents damage to sensitive system components. Additionally, it dramatically improves your indoor air quality.

Air cleaners

When you install a media air cleaner with your HVAC system, it will keep more contaminants out of your indoor air supply. By extension, it also keeps them from your HVAC equipment.

Media air cleaners use high-efficiency air filters to remove more harmful contaminants from your indoor air supply. If a loved one lives with respiratory illness such as allergies, asthma or COPD, these reduce many of the triggers.

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers work with your HVAC system to eliminate excess moisture. Too much poses a threat to your HVAC equipment, as well as your indoor air quality. A dehumidifier balances relative humidity levels throughout the year.

Dehumidifiers also maintain controlled environments and prevent mold, mildew and dust mite growth within your HVAC system.

Douglas Cooling & Heating Cares About Your Comfort and Safety – Let Us Make Your HVAC System a Partner in Your Health

Rid your HVAC system of harmful contaminants for improved heating and cooling performance. A healthy HVAC system keeps your Birmingham, AL home or business more comfortable throughout the year. So contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today for the solutions you need for a cleaner HVAC system.

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Why You Should Invest in Surge Protection

February 18th, 2019

lighteningIf you are a homeowner, chances are, you have spent a great deal of money on your gadgets and gizmos. So of course, it is in your best interest to protect these devices and appliances from electrical surges.  Generally, power surges in a home’s electrical system are fairly minor, but can still leave you replacing electronic systems much sooner than expected. So if this is the case, what can happen to your electronic devices and appliances during a powerful electric surge? Surge protection is an important first step in protecting a home’s most important devices and high-efficiency appliances.

Of course, we are not talking about the small, portable surge protectors and powerstrips that you can find in your local hardware or office supply store. We are talking about whole-house surge protection. Below, we will discuss just some of the many reasons why you should consider investing in whole-house surge protection. Keep reading to learn more. 

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Birmingham, AL HVAC 101: Heating and Air Blower Fans

February 12th, 2019

HVAC systems consist of many components, each playing an important role in the heating process. Whether your Birmingham, AL area home utilizes a furnace or a heat pump for wintertime warmth, a blower fan is the component responsible for moving heat to living areas, keeping your family cozy.

Douglas Cooling & Heating provides expert HVAC services in Birmingham to care for all heating system components. Below, we’ll share more information about your heating system’s blower fan to better understand its importance to the heating process. In addition, we’ll cover how to know if yours requires service.

What Is an HVAC Blower Fan?

The HVAC blower fan, also called a blower motor, is the system component responsible for circulating heated air through the home’s ductwork. The blower fan also works during the cooling process to circulate chilled air throughout the home.

Blower motors can be single-speed or variable-speed.

  • Single-speed blower motors work at one speed. They operate at full energy capacity to blow air through the ductwork.
  • Variable-speed blower motors operate at different speeds based on the comfort needs of the home. This type of blower motor uses less energy and delivers better temperature and humidity control.

HVAC Blower Fan Trouble Signs

If your HVAC system’s blower fan isn’t operating correctly, comfort control issues result. Solving blower motor problems often requires the assistance of a qualified HVAC technician. Below are some signs your blower fan needs service from an HVAC professional.

Heating system runs constantly without creating comfortable indoor temperatures

A furnace that runs around the clock without keeping indoor living areas at a comfortable temperature needs service. While the furnace or heat pump is creating or transferring heat to warm the air, this warm air is not being sent into your home.

A blower motor malfunction is likely the source of this issue. Loose, worn out belts or bad bearings may prevent the blower fan from operating correctly. Another example is the blower fan may not be receiving power. This may be due to a flipped breaker or a short in the component’s electrical wiring.

Loud noises when furnace starts, stops, or runs

Faulty blower fan components can be responsible for sudden, unsettling sounds when your furnace or air handler runs.

Squeals

Loose blower motor belts often cause a squeal when the heating system runs. Unlubricated shaft bearings can also cause a similar noise. Our HVAC technicians solve the issue when they tighten or replace belts and lubricate bearings.

Scrapes or Clanks

These sounds of metal against metal result from a loose blower fan wheel. When the blower fan is loose, it strikes the housing casing. This causes the scraping sound during heating cycle operation. If you hear this sound, turn off the heating system right away and contact us for help. Our HVAC technicians inspect the system for damage and replace broken components.

Screeches and Rattles

Sounds at the start of a heating cycle are often related to the bearings within the blower fan. If the bearings are not lubricated regularly, the blower fan may seize and cause damage to the system as well as strange noises.

Your heating system’s blower fan is key for the distribution of warm air throughout your Birmingham, AL area home.  Regular preventative maintenance and tune ups can keep your blower motor in good working order. Service prevents performance issues such as efficiency and comfort loss, plus potential damage.

For the most convenience and value, check out our Maintenance Agreements. We offer three levels to fit every budget.

Douglas Cooling & Heating in Birmingham is Your HVAC Partner

Protect your HVAC system’s blower fan with maintenance and repair from Douglas Service. If you experience any of the issues mentioned above, contact us now and schedule a service call. If you find you need to replace, we offer free estimates and finance options.

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HVAC 101: Air Handlers and Heat Pumps in Birmingham, AL Homes

February 7th, 2019

Many Birmingham, AL homes choose heat pumps for year-round indoor comfort. An excellent, low-energy choice for the Birmingham area, heat pumps work together with air handlers to supply your home with warmth during the winter and cool air during the summer. Learn how this equipment operates and how to care for it for optimal comfort throughout the year.

What Is an Air Handler?

While many Birmingham, AL homeowners are familiar with heat pumps and their function, the air handler is a lesser-known component which plays a big role in indoor comfort. Air handlers are paired with heating and cooling equipment and manage airflow in the home. The air handler is the indoor component of a heat pump system and contains critical components housed in a metal cabinet.

Air Handler Components

The air handler cabinet houses components which work with the heat pump for indoor comfort control. Within the air handler cabinet, you’ll find:

  • Blower motor, which moves air through the duct system
  • Evaporator coil, which absorbs heat from the air within your home for cooling and expels refrigerant heat into the air for heating
  • Air filter, which removes airborne contaminants from the air circulating through your HVAC system

Some air handlers for heat pumps also contain electric heat strips. These heat strips serve as a backup heating source for heat pumps when temperatures drop for extended periods.

Heat Pumps and Air Handlers Work Together

Heat pumps and air handlers work together to deliver the conditioned air your home needs throughout the year. They maintain comfortable indoor temperatures whether it’s hot or cold outside.

Air handlers help heat pumps perform heating and cooling processes and circulate conditioned air into the home. The air handler’s evaporator coil aids in the transfer of heat between indoor and outdoor air. The blower motor moves air between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Care for Heat Pumps and Air Handlers

Both heat pumps and air handlers need routine maintenance to perform well. Because air handlers and heat pumps operate all year and provide both heating and cooling for Birmingham, AL homes, we recommend preventative maintenance by skilled HVAC technicians every six months.

Preventative maintenance provides necessary care to undo the damage of wear and tear between the heating and cooling seasons. Technicians inspect components so they operate more efficiently and lower energy bills.

They tighten and lubricate bearings and belts within the blower motor. In addition, they clean the evaporator coil to eliminate dirt and debris. If neglected, this buildup reduces system efficiency.

Air handler maintenance also includes an air filter change, if needed. We recommend an air filter check monthly. For most Alabama homeowners, a change is needed every two to three months. During the summer and winter, heat pumps and air handlers operate heavily – this frequent use can increase the need for filter changes.

If you have multiple cats or dogs or smoke, you may need a monthly change. Check your air handler’s filter to see if it has become clogged with contaminants. A clogged filter can stress your system, reduce its efficiency and cost more to operate.

Douglas Cooling & Heating: Birmingham Experts in Heat Pumps

Douglas Cooling & Heating helps Birmingham, AL homeowners keep their heat pumps and air handlers in top shape for optimal comfort. Schedule routine maintenance today with our skilled technicians for improved system performance – contact us now! Interested in an upgrade for better efficiency and lower utility bills? We offer free estimates and finance options.

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Birmingham Homeowners’ Guide to Plumbing Services

February 6th, 2019

If you’re new to homeownership, or if you’ve had a run of good luck, you may be unfamiliar with many of the plumbing services commonly used by homeowners. Recently, Douglas Cooling & Heating, a heating and cooling company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, brought plumbing services to their many heating and cooling clients.

Owner Blake Sanders says, “from conversations with customers, we knew there was a need. We’re thrilled to offer plumbing services so we may comprehensively serve the Birmingham community.” Now when Birmingham residents need a plumber, they can Call Douglas! Let’s review some of the most requested plumbing services.

Common Plumbing Services for Birmingham Homes

Water Heater Services

Need to replace a traditional storage tank water heater? Interested in upgrading to a modern tankless water heater? Either way, we’ve got you covered. If you’re curious about tankless water heaters, they’re more energy-efficient than the traditional storage model.

Simply, they heat water on demand. There’s no utility cost to constantly heat a large tank of water. Also, because there’s no tank, your tankless water heater produces nearly an infinite amount of hot water.

How many times have you had a couple of family members take showers in a row and left you with no hot water because the tank was empty? With a tankless water heater, that’s unlikely to happen. A regular tankless model adequately serves an average household.

Larger homes opt to get a larger model or to install multiple units, such as one upstairs for laundry and bathing, and one downstairs for kitchen and other uses.

Leak Repairs

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or pipe, we can put a stop to it. Did you know Alabama is one of 12 states to collectively account for more than 50 percent of the total water withdrawals in the U.S.?

It may not seem like much, but a drip per minute in an average home wastes more than 100 gallons in a year. Repairs for a leaky faucet or pipe are one of the most common plumbing services we provide. Don’t put it off – schedule an appointment today. It will start to show up in your water bill!

Drain Cleaning

This term is often misunderstood. Drain cleaning is often confused with drain clearing. Drain clearing clears your main drain. If you have low water pressure in your home, you may have an obstruction between your home’s plumbing system and the main line which travels to the street or another municipal outlet.

Clearing penetrates the obstruction to improve water pressure and flow. Drain cleaning, on the other hand, is more comprehensive. We may use one of several tools, including hydo-jetting to fully flush the pipes clean.

If you have blockages causing drains to back up or drain slowly, you may need drain cleaning over clearing. Our team of plumbing services pros will carefully evaluate your situation with special tools, such as a camera, to fully assess the problem.

Plumbing Fixtures

Want to update your bathroom or kitchen? Plumbing services include swapping out old, dated or inefficient plumbing fixtures with new ones. Get more use from your kitchen sink with a spray attachment central faucet.

Enjoy baths or showers more with handheld sprayers or “rain shower” shower heads. We can help you save money and water here too. Ask us about water-efficiency in plumbing fixtures, such as aerators or low-flow toilets.

Water Quality

We can install products like a water softener or a whole-home water filtration system. Enjoy fewer spots on your dishes, cleaner laundry and a cleaner you! Filtered water tastes better and makes your skin and hair feel better too.

Plumbing Services from Douglas Cooling & Heating

Next time you need assistance with your plumbing system, whether it’s toilets, faucets, water heaters or water quality, call Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our plumbing services team is eager to show you the same commitment to customer service our heating and air customers enjoy. If you live in the Birmingham area, such as Bessemer, Homewood, Hoover, Pelham or Helena, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for your plumbing needs.

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Birmingham, AL HVAC Help: Best Houseplants to Clean Your Indoor Air

February 5th, 2019

Cold temperatures and poor weather force us to spend more time indoors while attempts to save HVAC energy keep airborne contaminants trapped inside. Enjoy fresher air indoors this winter when you add certain houseplants throughout your home!

Houseplants for Better HVAC Air Quality

Many do not realize this, but houseplants offer air filtration in the home. Certain plants remove harmful airborne contaminants. These pollutants cause health symptoms and poor air quality. The added filtration plants offer is especially beneficial during the winter months. Even in Birmingham, we tend to spend more time indoors. In addition, to combat heat and energy loss, we tightly seal our houses.

The air within your home is filled with harmful chemicals from various sources. These chemicals cause health effects similar to the common cold.

Toxins such as trichloroethylene, xylene, formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene cause symptoms including nausea, eye and nose irritations, sore throat, drowsiness, headaches and more.

Improve your Birmingham, AL home’s HVAC air quality when you add these hardy plants to your indoor landscape!

HVAC Air Quality Helper #1 – Bamboo Palm

Bamboo palm grows well in partial sun or shade. This common houseplant removes benzene and formaldehyde from your indoor air supply.

These toxins are responsible for causing irritations to the eyes, nose, mouth and throat as well as dizziness, increased heart rate, confusion, headaches and other symptoms.

HVAC Air Quality Helper #2 – Gerber Daisy

Big, beautiful gerber daisy cuttings are best kept in warm homes at 75 degrees or more and provide air cleaning power which removes benzene in the home.

Benzene is brought into the home from tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes from vehicles, glue and paint. It is also used in the making of many household products including synthetic fibers, dyes and medications.

HVAC Air Quality Helper #3 – Peace Lily

The peace lily is easy to maintain in the home and removes contaminants such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the indoor air supply.

They are mildly toxic to people and pets, so wash your hands after handling. In addition, keep them out of the reach of pets and children.

HVAC Air Quality Helper #4 – Spider Plant

The spider plant is a common indoor plant which grows well in bright, indirect sunlight. Spider plants help your HVAC system with removal of pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde.

HVAC Air Quality Helper #5 – Mass Cane (Corn Plant)

The mass cane, or corn plant, is a variety of Dracaenas, with large yellow-green foliage. Grown as a tree or shrub, the mass cane removes of formaldehyde in the home, as well as benzene and trichloroethylene. It’s also a good idea to keep these out of pets’ reach.

HVAC Air Quality Helper #6 – Ferns

The Boston and Kimberly Queen ferns are Nephrolepis varieties which reduce indoor levels of formaldehyde and xylene.

Exposure to these toxins causes symptoms such as nose, mouth and throat irritations, dizziness, confusion, and headache. In severe cases, heart problems, liver and kidney damage, swelling in the lungs and larynx and coma occur.

Birmingham’s HVAC Source: Douglas Cooling & Heating

Boost the air quality-improving power of your houseplants with the right HVAC solutions from Douglas Cooling & Heating. We offer many products designed to help your family breathe easier all year round. We’re happy to discuss them and provide free estimates. We also offer finance options on new equipment. Contact us today for better indoor air quality!

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