The air quality in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area constantly changes and is heavily affected by things like weather conditions and seasonal factors. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, the air you breathe significantly impacts your health and well-being. There’s an ongoing debate about indoor vs. outdoor air quality and which one is worse for you. The experts at TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing have some helpful insight about which type of air quality is worse for your health, and what you can do about it.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Air Quality: A Quick Comparison

Air quality and health are closely related, but what’s the difference between outdoor and indoor air pollution and quality? The term air quality refers to the condition or state of the air within the surrounding environment and is influenced by both outdoor sources and indoor materials and activities. In terms of the impact of poor air quality, indoor air may be more dangerous because it doesn’t have the same level of ventilation and access to fresh air as outdoor air.

Common Sources of Indoor Air Pollution

It may be surprising to learn that many sources of indoor air pollution could impact your health. Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not adding enough outdoor air to the inside of your home, which can dilute the emissions that come from these indoor sources.

Here are some of the most common sources of indoor air pollution:

• Building materials like flooring products, paint, and drywall
• Cleaning products that contain various chemicals
• Furnishings, paint, and other products that emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Burning fuels like wood, gas, or kerosene for heating or cooking
• Pests, dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet dander
• Household activities like cooking and smoking
• Outdoor pollutants like smog that enter the home
• Improper or inadequate routine HVAC maintenance

Understanding Outdoor Air Pollution and Its Effects

Outdoor air pollution levels are significantly influenced by human activities, including transportation (such as cars, buses, and airplanes), industrial processes, and waste disposal. It’s also affected by natural phenomena like wildfires and dust storms.

Outdoor air is generally more ventilated and diffused than indoor air, but still contains harmful pollutants that impact indoor air quality as well. The outdoor air pollution effects over both the long and short term may have a significantly negative impact on human health and well-being.

How Poor HVAC Maintenance Makes Indoor Air Quality Worse

Routine AC maintenance and air quality are closely related. Failing to schedule routine preventative HVAC maintenance may worsen indoor air quality over time. Here’s how poor HVAC maintenance affects indoor air quality:

• Neglecting to replace blocked or clogged HVAC air filters prevents the system from trapping airborne pollutants, such as dust, pet dander, mold spores, and other contaminants.
• Moisture buildup in poorly maintained HVAC systems supports the growth of harmful mold and mildew, both known to cause a variety of health issues.
• Leaky, cracked, or missing ductwork may allow various harmful airborne particles to enter your home.
• A poorly maintained HVAC system often has airflow issues that restrict clean air from flowing through your vents, causing you to breathe contaminated, stale air rather than fresh, clean air.

Health Impacts of Poor Air Quality (Indoors and Out)

Indoor and outdoor air pollution may cause a variety of health issues. These issues may appear shortly after a single exposure or after repeated, long-term exposure to certain pollutants. Some long-term effects may be severely debilitating or even fatal and can show up years after exposure has occurred, while prolonged exposure to certain pollutants like carbon monoxide can result in death.

Here are some of the health impacts associated with indoor and outdoor air pollution:

• General malaise: Many people exposed to indoor and outdoor pollution experience symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.
• Respiratory issues: Exposure to both outdoor and indoor air pollution is associated with increased asthma attacks and other respiratory issues, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
• Cardiovascular impacts: Long-term exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution may increase the risk of heart attacks or other cardiovascular issues, such as irregular heartbeats.
• Reduced lung function: Exposure to any form of air pollution may impair lung capacity and make breathing more difficult, both in the short term and long term.
• Long-term impacts: Some people may develop chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer, or immune system impairments after long-term exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

What Can You Do About It?

Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to improve the air quality in your home. Knowing how to improve indoor air quality is the best way to keep you and your family healthy and safe. Professional air quality monitoring provides you with detailed insights and the information you need to make well-informed decisions.

The home air quality solutions provided by TRIO are designed to help maintain your home’s indoor air quality, keeping it pure and clean.

• Whole-house purification systems: A whole-house air purification system from TRIO works to clean the air in your home, trapping and removing harmful bacteria, neutralizing smoke and mildew, and proactively preventing airborne irritants like dust mites from entering the air.
• Air scrubbers: An HVAC air scrubber is a specialized air filtration system that connects to your ductwork and removes harmful contaminants, such as viruses, bacteria, and debris, when the HVAC fan is in operation.
• Air duct sealing: Sealing air ducts eliminates leaks, improves airflow, enhances energy efficiency, and prevents moisture, dust, and other harmful materials from entering your vents when the HVAC system is in operation.
• Air duct services: Routinely scheduling TRIO to clean your air ducts and replace the filters is another smart way to keep your home’s indoor air quality safe and clean.

Contact TRIO Today!

When it comes to indoor vs outdoor air quality and which is worse, the answer depends on the proactive measures you take and your level of exposure to both indoor and outdoor pollutants. The team at TRIO provides comprehensive professional indoor air quality services in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area designed to keep your home’s indoor air as clean and healthy as possible.

Contact us today to schedule an indoor air quality (IAQ) inspection or one of our other expert indoor air quality services.

Ever wonder why your air conditioner is blowing warm air? During the sweltering summer heat, the last thing you want is for your AC system to fail. A simple issue can transform your haven of cool comfort into a tropical nightmare, especially if your AC blows warm air instead of the chilled relief you expect. Let’s discuss some of the reasons this problem can occur and what you can do to fix it.

Potential Reasons for Your AC Blowing Warm Air

When the sizzling summer heat is at its peak, the last thing anyone would want to face is an air conditioner that blows warm air. It’s an unsettling situation that can turn any peaceful home into a sweaty turmoil. Learning why your air conditioner is blowing warm air might take some troubleshooting, but fortunately, it’s possible to get to the bottom of this issue with a little sleuthing. Let’s go over some of the most common causes for this problem in more detail below.

Thermostat Settings

Believe it or not, an incorrect thermostat setting could be why your AC blows warm air. It may seem straightforward, but ensuring your AC is set to cool and not set to auto or heat can solve the problem. If your settings are fine, then it's time to delve deeper into the problem.

Refrigerant Leak

A common reason why an AC blows warm air is a refrigerant leak. The refrigerant levels in your air conditioning system are crucial for it to function properly. If there's a leak, your AC will struggle to cool the air, resulting in it blowing hot air instead of the expected cooled air.

Dirty Air Filters

Your air conditioning system relies heavily on airflow to cool your space. Dirty air filters can restrict this airflow, causing the system to blow warm air. Regular cleaning or replacing the filters can prevent the AC system from blowing hot air.

Remember: routine maintenance of your HVAC system can help prevent issues like your conditioner blowing warm air. Regular checks for dirt and debris, maintaining refrigerant levels, and ensuring that your AC is set to cool, can help you avoid the predicament of your AC blowing hot air. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional technician to schedule your maintenance services.

Frozen Evaporator Coils

If your AC is still blowing warm air after checking the thermostat and filters, your next stop should be the evaporator coils. These coils can freeze if the airflow is restricted due to dirt or debris or low refrigerant levels. Frozen evaporator coils can stop your AC from properly cooling the air.

Issues With the Condenser Coil

The condenser coil, a vital part of your outdoor condensing unit, could be the culprit behind your AC’s disappointing performance. Dirt, debris, or damage can hinder its function, leading to warm air. Regular maintenance can ensure the condenser coil works effectively and your AC doesn't blow warm air.

Steps Towards Fixing The Problem

Still wondering why your air conditioner is blowing warm air?" It's time to consider professional help. Whether you’re dealing with a refrigerant leak, dirty air filters, or frozen evaporator coils, experts in the field can assist with fixing the problem so that your comfort can be restored.

For those looking for reliable services for air conditioning repair in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area, CA, the expert technicians at TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing can be of assistance. We have extensive experience working with a wide range of air conditioning systems and can address the problem at the source.

Schedule Your AC Services Today!

"Why is your air conditioner blowing warm air?" is a question that no one wants to ask, especially during the scorching summer months. But with the right knowledge, regular maintenance, and quick responses, you can prevent or quickly rectify the issue.

Remember, if your AC blows warm air, it might just be a simple thermostat setting tweak, or it could be something more serious, like a refrigerant leak. Regularly replacing or cleaning your air filters and keeping an eye on the condenser coil can help avoid such problems. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure your home remains your cool sanctuary even in the hottest weather.

TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing offers comprehensive air conditioning services to meet your needs. Whether you need a minor repair, routine maintenance, or new AC installation in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

As technology evolves, it becomes easier and more convenient to control your home's temperature. Smart thermostats are a type of device that has been gaining increasing popularity among homeowners. But are smart thermostats worth it, and what makes them stand out from manual ones? 

When outdoor temperatures soar, you may be wondering whether your air conditioning system is up to the task of keeping you cool during the hottest months of the year. If you have an older AC unit, you might be facing a difficult decision: should you repair or replace your air conditioner? In this blog, we'll take a closer look at the costs and benefits of both options to help you make an informed decision.

We all love the refreshing feeling that comes with switching on our air conditioning unit and enjoying a cool breeze in the scorching heat. That’s why nothing is more frustrating and unpleasant than noticing a bad smell coming out of your unit. This unwanted odor can ruin your mood, and if left unchecked, it can become a health hazard.

So why does your air conditioner smell? Below, let’s explore the potential reasons why your AC smells bad and what you can do about it.

Dirty Filter

The air filter is an integral part of your air conditioning system, and without it, your AC unit can’t perform efficiently. The filter protects your indoor air from harmful pollutants. However, it’s important to know that this filter needs to be swapped out on a routine basis — or else it will become clogged and dirty.

So, why does your air conditioner smell bad when the filter becomes dirty? Over time, the filter will become filled with dirt, dust, and various other types of unpleasant debris. When this happens, your AC system will emit an unwelcome odor.

Although this can be why your AC smells bad, there are many other reasons to replace your air conditioner’s filter regularly. Let’s take a look at why such a simple maintenance task is so important:

Replacing your AC filter is a DIY project that you can do yourself. However, it’s also worth mentioning that you can call an HVAC technician to handle the replacement.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew are known to flourish in moist areas, and if you have a blocked condensate line, the chances are that your air conditioning system will struggle to dehumidify the air in your home adequately. When the evaporator coil fails to absorb excess humidity, this creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. The presence of mold and mildew in your air conditioning unit smells a lot like dirty socks.

If you notice that your AC smells bad and you think mold is to blame, it's critical to get your air conditioning system checked by a technician. A professional will inspect your unit, clean it, and eliminate any mold or mildew growth, preventing health hazards from affecting your loved ones.

Dead Animal

A dead animal stuck in your air duct or indoor unit can emit an unpleasant smell that may fill your home. Ductwork and the indoor unit are favorite spots for birds, rats, squirrels, and mice to build nests and reproduce.

If your air conditioning unit gives off a smell that smells like something died inside, it's essential to contact an experienced technician right away. The professional will check for dead animals and remove them if necessary.

Refrigerant Leak

Refrigerant leaks can be frustrating to deal with for several reasons — including the smell it emits. So, why does your air conditioner smell when there’s leaking refrigerant? In this situation, the smell that comes from your air conditioning unit is usually similar to nail polish remover.

It’s also crucial to mention that a refrigerant leak can be extremely hazardous to your health and can affect the environment, so don’t hesitate to call a technician to inspect your AC unit. Fortunately, this is where TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing can help. Whether you need a quick repair or complete AC installation in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area, you can trust us to provide you with the perfect solution in a quick and safe manner.

Schedule Your AC Services With the Experts

Why does your air conditioner smell all of a sudden? As you can see, that question isn’t always easy to answer. There can be many reasons why your AC smells bad, from dirty components to major leaks. Unfortunately, ignoring these foul odors can often lead to bigger and costlier problems later on.

Don't wait to call the experts at TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing when you notice something out of the ordinary with your AC unit. Whether you need a comprehensive repair or an AC tune-up, we’re always here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in The Greater San Francisco Bay Area, CA!

What Are Heating and Cooling Systems?

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ( HVAC) systems are designed to meet the environmental comfort of people in their homes, offices, industrial complexes, etc.

HVAC systems are widely used in different types of buildings, such as industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.

An efficient HVAC system aims to provide thermal control and indoor comfort based on the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer.

Depending on the outside air, the outdoor air is sucked into the buildings and either heated or cooled before it is circulated to the occupied places. And then it is exhausted to the ambient air or reused in the heating and cooling system.

People who live in a hot or cold environment may require a single-stage system that aims to produce just heating or cooling. They seem to be inexpensive, but they are also rather inefficient and will typically work at capacity even when not required.

HVAC systems can also be designed to provide humidity control, and both humidifiers and dehumidifiers can be added as options for heating and cooling systems.

People who live in extremely dry or tropical environments find these additions to the system important. Therefore, some customers prefer the installation of a separate humidifier or dehumidifier systems so that they can manage the humidity of their environment.

On the other hand, zoned systems are built to heat or cool individual parts of your house. This is achieved by designing zone valves and valves within vents and ductwork that selectively obstruct the flow of air.

This is of immense significance for people with larger properties as it prevents the system from heating or cooling areas in the home that are not in use. Hence, it also saves us energy consumption and reduces billing costs.

Local heating and cooling systems are often located within or adjacent to living spaces and represent a single location. These consist of local heating systems, local air-conditioning systems, local ventilation systems, and separate systems.

The central systems have ducted systems built mainly for cooling the space and have the capability of providing multi-zone temperature control through the use of air-louver-control boxes.

This is good for spaces that are used occasionally and can be 'switched off' when no one uses space to save on costs.

TRIO Heating, Air & Plumbing has a team of efficient electricians and engineers to carefully design the heating and cooling system, depending on the type of property.

We can help you decide which system is right for you and that too at extremely competitive market rates.

So you can rely on us for commercial, residential or industrial HVAC system installation and reparation and you won't be disappointed. All you need to do is give us a call and we will dispatch our team right away.