2 Best Pets for Those with Allergies and Asthma

Woman Hand Asthma napkin

2 Best Pets for Those with Allergies and Asthma

May 27, 2016
Woman Hand Asthma napkin

Your kids have been begging for a pet and you agree that a pet would be a great addition to the family. However, you also worry about the effect it would have on those with asthma and allergies. Believe it or not, there are pets that will not make you sneeze every time they walk in the room. Here are two pets perfect for those with asthma and allergies in Longview, Texas.

Bichon Frise

No pet is completely hypoallergenic, so it comes down to picking the pet that will affect your allergies the least. Dander is one of the main causes of allergies when sensitive persons are around dogs. Dander or dead skin flakes, falls off of many dogs or is shed with fur. If you’re looking for a dog, ones with tight, curly fur like a Bichon Frise are less prone to leaving dander behind because their curly fur catches it.

While it’s great that the Bichon Frise’s fur catches dander, that means that the dog must be cleaned and groomed often in order to prevent knotted or matted fur. However, the fun, happy personality of the Bichon Frise easily makes up for the extra work.

Balinese Cat

If it’s a cat you’re looking for, consider the Balinese. Cats are generally much more likely to cause allergic reactions because they groom themselves so much. It’s not just dander that causes allergies, but also the saliva of cats, which is spread all over the fur and dander when they groom themselves. Balinese cats don’t produce as much of the allergy-causing proteins within their saliva, so when they groom themselves, it’s irritant free.

General Tips

It will take some additional measures to keep your asthma and allergies under control. Make sure to clean up after pets, especially when they’re shedding. Also, consider installing an air purifier with your HVAC system. Air purifiers will effectively remove allergens as air is moved throughout your home.

For more information about increasing your indoor air quality or to have a new air purifier installed, give JD’s A/C a call at (903) 759-7483.

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3 Ways to Beat the Texas Heat Without Lowering the Thermostat

Couple Hot Fan

3 Ways to Beat the Texas Heat Without Lowering the Thermostat

May 20, 2016
Couple Hot Fan

The hot Longview, Texas, summer means that just lowering your thermostat and forgetting about it is very tempting. Fortunately, you can stay cool without having to deal with high power bills. Moreover, your air conditioner will last longer if it doesn’t have to work as hard. Here are some easy ways to save energy and beat the heat.

Keep Your Humidity Low

High humidity makes your home seem hotter and it can make you feel sweaty. With lower humidity, you’ll feel more comfortable when temperatures are actually higher. When you take a shower or cook, use the exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchen to remove moisture. A dehumidifier will make your home feel even cooler. Choose a portable model for areas such as basements that tend to be more humid, or choose a whole-home dehumidifier that connects directly to your ductwork.

Use Ceiling Fans

When you use fans to circulate air, you can turn up the temperature in your home and stay comfortable. Fans don’t use as much energy as your air conditioner and they’re available in a range of styles to match your decor. Many even come with attractive lights.

In spring and summer, your ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. If you don’t feel cool air, your fan could still be set to move clockwise for winter. Set it for summer by adjusting the small switch near the center of the blades. Make sure you turn the ceiling fan off first before making the change.

Add Smart Landscaping

Plant trees, shrubs, or vines on a fence or trellis to add shade in summer. Leave about three feet of space around your HVAC unit and keep grass clippings and other debris away from it so it can work properly. Awnings also add shade and style to your home.

JD’s A/C has over 30 years of experience with keeping homes and businesses cool in the hot summer months. We can take care of all your air conditioning needs including installation, maintenance, and repair. Contact us at (903) 759-7483 for excellent service.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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4 Signs Your Business Needs a New Commercial AC

Worker Replacing Air Conditioning

4 Signs Your Business Needs a New Commercial AC

May 30, 2016

Worker Replacing Air Conditioning

If your customers and employees are sweating in the summer heat, running your Longview, Texas, business effectively will be almost impossible. This means that it’s time to look into replacing your commercial air conditioner before a permanent breakdown occurs. This will be more cost-effective than continuing to pay for numerous repairs. Today’s systems are much more efficient, so you can save money through lower utility bills after your initial investment. Here are some common signs that your business needs a new commercial AC.

System Is More Than 10 Years Old

Most HVAC systems last for 10 or 15 years before major problems appear. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old and needs more than just a minor repair, you should go ahead and replace it with a more efficient and reliable unit.

Older air conditioners use a refrigerant called R-22. Since it harms the ozone layer, manufacturers must stop making or selling it in the United States by 2020. The new refrigerant, R-410A, saves energy, and it’s better for the environment. However, it won’t work with older systems that used R-22. Since the price of R-22 is rising quickly, replacing your air conditioner will be less expensive than any repairs that involve adding it to an older system.

Frequent Repairs

A commercial air conditioner in good condition shouldn’t need more than one or two minor repairs every year. If your system needs frequent repairs from a professional, it’s reaching the end of its life.

Your air conditioner’s components wear out at different rates and parts will fail in quick succession when your system is close to no longer working at all. If an inexperienced technician installed your commercial system incorrectly, you could experience this problem before your air conditioner is ten years old. Also, businesses like warehouses and factories may need to replace their HVAC systems more often because of large amounts of dust, dirt, and other pollutants in the air.

High Power Bills

Air conditioners need to use more energy as they get older because the wear and tear and from routine use reduce their efficiency. Since your system has to stay on longer to keep your business at the right temperature, your utility bills will increase. A problem that needs repair can also increase your power bills.

Older air conditioners also have lower SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio ratings. Systems with higher ratings need less energy. The minimum SEER for new air conditioners is 13 and air conditioners are available with ratings as high as 23. If your system is more than ten years old, it probably has a rating of 10 or lower. Replacing your system will lower your expenses. If you choose a compact packaged or ductless unit, your new system also won’t use valuable storage space like a closet or your business’s attic.

An Uncomfortable Working Environment

You may need to replace your air conditioner if your business remains warm and humid no matter how low you set the temperature on your thermostat. Some areas could even be too cold.

If your system is too large for your business, it will switch on and off frequently. Air conditioners also work as dehumidifiers, and your existing system can’t dehumidify your business if it never stays on long enough. Aging equipment could also leave your office humid even though it runs for sustained periods. An environment in which there is a lot of moisture or humidity, encourages mold growth that could lower your indoor air quality and damage your inventory.

Your air conditioner should be fairly quiet and loud banging, popping, or grinding noises are strong signs that you need a new unit. Failing parts could even smell like something burning. These uncomfortable working conditions can affect your employees’ performance, keep your business from attracting customers, and lower your profits.

JD’s A/C can help you find the most affordable, efficient commercial air conditioner for your business. We are a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer with more than 30 years of experience and we offer a full range of heating and air conditioning services for businesses and homes. Our expert services include installation, repair, and maintenance. Call us at (903) 759-7483 for excellent service from one of our knowledgeable technicians.

Image provided by Shutterstock

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