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Can an Air Conditioner Cause a Sore Throat?
Your air conditioner delivers fresh, cool air throughout your home. However, it can occasionally cause some physical discomfort. While your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is designed to make your space more comfortable, it might also be the culprit of your sore throat.
For anyone, a sore throat can be a nuisance that makes it challenging to get anything done. Luckily, there are ways to prevent these air conditioner-related sore throats. Let’s explore how your A/C system filters particles and why it might be causing your sore throat.
Can Your Air Conditioning Cause a Sore Throat?
While you might not directly have a sore throat from your air conditioning, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can give you a sore throat. Contaminants like mold, dust and allergens can all cause irritation and health issues.
Mold especially causes respiratory issues — people with respiratory conditions should watch for mold growth, as it can risk their health. Additionally, an air conditioner producing dry air can irritate your throat and nose. Dry air inflames the pathways in your nose and throat, making breathing uncomfortable.
Reasons Why Your A/C Can Cause a Sore Throat
While your air conditioning helps you stay comfortable during the summer, it might be causing your sore throat. If you’re frequently fighting off respiratory issues, your IAQ and air conditioner could be to blame. Track your symptoms, and if they aren’t improving, it’s time to examine your A/C. Here are some common sore throat air conditioning causes:
1. Poor Installation
Improper A/C system installation can lead to several air conditioning issues. When installed incorrectly, your unit might ineffectively filter and distribute air through your home. You might end up with uneven cooling, stagnant air and pollutant accumulation.
Airflow is a concern with poor installations — your A/C helps filter and control dust, mold spores and allergens. If your system and filter are not trapping pollutants, these contaminants can circulate through your indoor space, irritating your throat.
Additionally, installing A/C systems with restricted airflow or poor drainage can cause issues. Good airflow and drainage prevent moisture buildup in ducts and basements. Excess moisture buildup leads to dampness, mold and fungi — these issues can release particles that travel into your home, causing respiratory irritation.
2. Dry Air
A quality air conditioner will cool and dehumidify your home. However, it can sometimes take excess moisture from the air. Low humidity can translate to dried-out throat and nasal passages, causing respiratory discomfort and irritation. Your throat and nose mucous membranes need moisture to create a regular mucus flow.
When the air is too dry, it pulls the moisture from your nose and throat. This dryness creates thicker mucus and prevents your body from clearing out germs effectively. While a humidifier can help with this, your A/C system should dehumidify properly. If you find your air is dry during the cooling months, it might be best to contact a professional for assistance.
3. Inadequate Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for proper A/C function and good IAQ. Neglecting air conditioner maintenance tasks, like filter replacement and coil cleaning, can lead to excess debris, dust and mold in your system.
With this buildup present, your air conditioning may be causing your sore throat. Keep your filter and ducts clean to prevent pollutant circulation in your home. The longer you go between maintenance sessions, the worse the problem can become.
4. Incorrect Sizing
An incorrectly sized A/C system might also lead to throat irritation. A system that’s too small or large will run inefficiently, causing issues.
An oversized unit might cool the air too quickly, leading to dry indoor air. An undersized unit will ineffectively cool your space, overworking itself and resulting in poor air circulation. Both dry air and poor circulation can cause the irritation you’re dealing with.
How to Prevent a Sore Throat From Your A/C
Avoid an A/C sore throat with the right system care. Good maintenance measures can minimize your risk of throat irritation and maximize your air conditioner’s life span. To stay comfortable indoors year-round, follow these tips:
- Maintain good humidity levels: Dry air leads to a dry, sore throat. Maintain optimal humidity levels to prevent dry mucous membranes. If your nose and throat get too dry, it can cause irritation and inflammation. Humidity levels between 40% and 60% will help protect your throat from viruses and irritation.
- Replace air filters regularly: Air filters catch dust, allergens, germs and other pollutants, protecting your IAQ. Clean filters will trap more particles and allow for better airflow, giving you a healthier indoor environment.
- Keep air ducts clean: Your air ducts can also have mold, dust and pollutant buildup. Regularly inspecting your ducts for buildup lets you catch it early, preventing any accumulation and irritation. Duct cleaning will improve your IAQ and protect your health.
- Schedule maintenance: Regular A/C maintenance is essential for better performance and air quality. Schedule regular inspections with your HVAC professional to look for any issues, clean components and ensure proper airflow. Keeping your system in top condition minimizes your risk of irritation and improves indoor comfort.
- Install an air purification system: Unlike the air filter in your HVAC system, an active air purification system can be installed in the ducts to work with the system’s fan to actively neutralize mold, bacteria, and allergens throughout the home. If you’re sensitive to indoor pollutants or prone to respiratory issues, it’s wise to invest in an air purification system.
- Open the windows: When the weather permits, you can give your A/C a break by opening your windows. Bringing fresh air inside can improve IAQ. Natural ventilation circulates outside air throughout your home, helping boost your comfort. Avoid opening windows when outdoor air quality is poor. You’ll stay cool and breathe easier with a gentle breeze flowing through your home.
Do You Need A/C Maintenance? Contact Zimmerman!
Are you dealing with a mysterious sore throat? It could be your air conditioning system. If you’re in Central Pennsylvania, contact Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for expert services and solutions. With over 40 years of experience, we’re ready to handle all your HVAC repair, installation and maintenance needs. We can provide air filtration and duct cleaning services, keeping your IAQ healthy.
We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our customers. If you need comprehensive A/C service, we’re here to help. Our commitment to our customers ensures your peace of mind and satisfaction with every service.
Experience the difference a professional HVAC team can make. Contact us online to schedule your A/C service or request an estimate today!
Importance of Residential Electrical Maintenance
Regular electrical maintenance and inspections help keep your home’s electrical systems working correctly and safely. When you schedule professional maintenance and inspection service, you can keep your energy bills in-check and ensure your appliances work as intended. You also identify common electrical problems and safeguard your home and family from dangers.
Keep reading to learn the benefits of proactive maintenance and how it can keep your electrical systems working smoothly.
What Does an Electrical Inspection Involve?
Your home’s electrical system consists of numerous components that must work together for optimal safety and performance. During an electrical inspection appointment, professionals will review these parts and make necessary changes for the health of your electrical infrastructure. Here’s what you can expect during the electrical inspection process:
- Identification: Electricians will first visually inspect your electrical system for damage, signs of wear or faulty connections. They’ll also identify any hidden issues or potential problems that might not be visible to the untrained eye.
- Tightening connections: Loose electrical elements can lead to power disruptions and overheating. Professionals will tighten these connections and ensure everything runs safely before attempting repairs or modifications.
- Testing and calibration: Professionals will verify your electrical equipment functions properly by testing circuit breakers, outlets and switches. They will review devices like surge protectors to ensure optimal performance.
- Troubleshooting: During an electrical inspection, issues may be resolved such as outlets that are not working, overloaded circuits, or higher than normal electric bills. The electrician can provide recommended improvements to improve efficiency and safety of the home.
- Replacing or upgrading components: With evolving advancements and electrical code changes, your residential electrical system can become outdated over time. Technicians may be able to upgrade or replace outdated components like minor wiring, switches or outlets during a routine inspection.
In the event of safety or manufacturer issues, professionals will explain the causes of failure and provide you with an estimate before making repairs.
Advantages of Electrical Maintenance
Electrical maintenance plays an important role in your home’s safety and energy efficiency. Plus, regular inspections and maintenance can keep your equipment lasting longer. Here are the primary benefits of maintenance:
May Prevent Costly Issues
Electrical maintenance may help to identify and potentially prevent common electrical issues. Making repairs early might resolve costly issues or damage to your home.
Many electrical components are invisible, making it difficult for homeowners to identify issues. Experienced electricians have the knowledge and training to assess the electrical system and spot small details like wires, switches or light fixtures that aren’t operating as they should. They can provide solutions to make it right.
This proactive approach allows timely repairs or replacements, minimizing safety concerns.
Enhanced Energy Efficiency
Regular electrical inspections can identify appliances using too much electricity or overloaded circuits in your home which can lead to repairs that reduce electrical consumption.
Ensure Appliance Safety
A primary goal of an electrical inspection is ensuring your home and family’s safety. During inspections, professionals will assess potential hazards like loose connections, faulty wiring or outdated components. This way, they can make repairs or upgrades that safeguard your electrical equipment and appliances and protect your home from fire risks.
Surge protection devices and other upgrades, can help safeguard your equipment from voltage spikes and electrical disturbances. They also ensure your appliances work as efficiently as they should, protecting your investments.
Extend System Life Span
The best way to keep your residential electrical system running optimally for an extended time is by keeping up with regular maintenance. Just like your car or your HVAC system, regular maintenance keeps critical components in good condition to serve your home’s electrical needs for a long time.
Professional maintenance and inspection help extend your equipment’s life span. Properly maintained electrical systems operate more efficiently and experience fewer breakdowns — lowering the chances of costly upgrades and early replacements.
Trust Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a family-owned company focused on providing the best possible work for every job. When you schedule residential electrical maintenance with us, our certified electricians will review your home’s electrical systems and provide valuable insights. We’ll also recommend steps you can take to keep everything working smoothly.
Here are the advantages of scheduling residential electrical services with us:
Expertise
Zimmerman maintains an unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in our electrical services. Our company prides itself on providing continuous, ongoing trainings for all of our technicians and staff. We’re also members of professional trade organizations as well as maintaining manufacturer certifications. Our expert solutions can help ensure your home’s electrical safety and efficiency.
Reliability
Our warehouse and fleet are equipped with genuine manufacturer parts and equipment to quickly meet service needs. We ensure timely reminders for appointments and communicate when our technicians are in route to your location. Additionally, we offer around-the-clock emergency technical support every day of the year.
One-Year Guarantee
At a minimum we provide a 1-year guarantee on all of our work. We’re proud of what we do and confident in standing behind our services. Customers have the peace of mind knowing that we’ll uphold manufacturer warranties for them; if a part is faulty we’ll make every effort to correct the issue.
Superior Service
We provide superior customer service. We show transparency with upfront pricing — what we quote is what our customers can expect to pay. If we can, we’ll offer various solutions when possible and go the extra mile for our clients. We’re greatly appreciative to our devoted customers who continually recommend and support us by voting us Harrisburg Magazine’s “Simply the Best” or “Readers’ Choice” and a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite.
Begin Your Journey Toward a Safer Electrical System
Routine maintenance and inspections helps keep your electrical system working smoothly. Commit to your home’s safety and energy efficiency by scheduling residential electrical services with our team at Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
We’ll keep your equipment on track with friendly maintenance reminders, inspections and convenient scheduling. Upon completing maintenance, we’ll discuss your system, provide recommendations and answer all of your questions.
Contact us for an electrical inspection today.
Why Is My Kitchen Sink Gurgling?
While kitchen sink gurgling might seem like a minor issue, it could signify a larger problem in your pipes. Your sinks and drains should quickly and quietly drain water, carrying it through your pipes and away from your drains.
However, many homeowners and business owners deal with annoying gurgling at one point or another. Gurgling or slow-draining kitchen sinks can disrupt your space’s comfort, keeping water from draining effectively. Understanding why your kitchen sink gurgles can help you find and fix the problem permanently.
What Is a Gurgling Sink?
A gurgling sink occurs from a drainage issue in your plumbing. Any gurgling, bubbling or other unusual sound coming from your sink could indicate a more significant problem. Gurgling sounds happen when clogs, obstructions or other issues block the pipe. These blockages stop water from traveling freely, creating air pockets.
As the water tries to pass through, it gurgles when it goes by the air pockets. Your gurgling sound might be coming from the sink itself or nearby fixtures — try to find the source so you can begin fixing the issue.
Why Is My Sink Gurgling?
Kitchen sink gurgling is more than an annoying sound — it’s a sign of a plumbing issue that needs to be addressed. Whatever the cause of your gurgling sink, you need to fix the root issue to stop it and prevent it from returning. Here are some of the main reasons why your kitchen sink is gurgling:
1. Blockages in the Drain
Blockages are one of the most common causes of a gurgling sink. Kitchen sinks are especially prone to gurgling since they often see grease and debris. Over time, grease, debris and other substances fill up inside the drain, restricting water flow.
As water tries to get through the drain and around these substances, it creates air bubbles and gurgling. Blockages are usually just in one fixture at the opening of the drain.
2. Clogs in the Sewer Line
While drain blockages are usually only in one spot, sewer line clogs can affect multiple fixtures and drains in your home or business. Clogs in the main sewer line can stop wastewater flow from multiple fixtures, displacing air and making a gurgling sound.
If you notice gurgling coming from multiple sinks or drains, you might have a clog in the main sewer line. Typical sewer line clog causes include:
- Sediment buildup.
- Tree root infiltration.
- Foreign objects.
3. Vent Pipe Blockages
Vent pipes are an essential part of your plumbing system. They let air enter your pipes, keeping wastewater flowing smoothly. When your vent pipes become blocked, they can unbalance the air pressure inside your system, leading to gurgling.
Your vent pipes might have structural damage, debris buildup or animal nests, which can cause the issue. Unblocking your vent pipes will restore the ventilation and fix your gurgling problem.
4. Damaged Sewer Pipes
Damage to your sewer pipes can create air bubbles and gurgling, too. Deteriorating or cracked sewer pipes can disrupt wastewater flow, causing those issues. You might have sewer pipe damage because of:
- Tree root intrusion.
- Corrosion.
- Old age.
- Soil shifting.
If you’ve got gurgling, you could have other damage-related issues. Your sewer pipe damage might cause slow drainage, foul odors and sewage backups. If you want to avoid severe home or business damage and expensive repairs, you’ll need to check your system immediately.
5. Poorly Installed Pipes
In some cases, poor pipe installation causes sink gurgling. Water will have trouble flowing smoothly if your pipes are installed at incorrect slopes or angles. Inadequate water flow can increase your chances of blockages and air pockets, causing gurgling noises.
Additionally, pipes that are too narrow or bend excessively can prevent good water flow. Get your installation and inspection from a trusted plumbing professional to protect your home or commercial space from these issues.
How Do You Fix a Gurgling Drain?
If you’re dealing with a gurgling drain, you can take some steps to solve the issue. Finding the cause and performing minor fixes can help keep your drains clear. Try these quick tips to get rid of the sink gurgle:
- Clear blockages: Use your hands, a drain snake or a plunger to clear visible debris and clogs. You can remove your drain covers and try to clear out hair, grease and buildup in the drain. Avoid putting hands and tools down drains with garbage disposals to protect yourself and your plumbing from potential hazards.
- Flush the drain: Use boiling water or baking soda and vinegar to flush out the drain. These are great solutions for stubborn clogs — hot water or baking soda and vinegar can dissolve the material and push it out of the drain.
- Check vent pipes: Inspect your vent pipes for blockages. Clearing these obstructions can fix your issue. If the blockage is hard to get to or seems complicated, call a professional for help.
- Inspect sewer lines: If you can access them, inspect your sewer lines. You can visually examine them for cracks, leaks, tree roots and other signs of damage. If you spot an issue, contact a professional for assistance.
- Contact a professional: Plumbing is complex — it’s easy to aggravate your problem. If you’ve tried flushing and inspecting your drain and can’t solve the problem, it’s time to call a professional. Professionals can safely diagnose and repair your issue. They’ll stop the gurgling without further damaging your plumbing system, protecting your home or business.
How Do You Prevent Sink Gurgling?
You can prevent clogs and sink gurgling by keeping your drains clear. Avoid putting food, grease, oil, hair or debris down the drains — these create clogs. Additionally, regularly flushing your drains with boiling water can dislodge debris and stop buildup. Stay on top of these habits and get regular plumbing inspections to ensure your system’s health.
Do You Need Help With Plumbing? Contact Zimmerman!
Whether you have a gurgling sink or need a plumbing inspection, the experts at Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help. With over 40 years of experience serving the Harrisburg area, you can trust us to deliver unmatched home plumbing services. Our comprehensive range of plumbing services includes everything from pipe and drain cleaning to fixture installation and water heater repair. Our team of experienced plumbers is ready to get the job done safely and effectively.
At Zimmerman, we pride ourselves on our customer service. Our plumbers are available 24/7 for emergency services for our Planned Maintenance Agreement customers when needed the most. Plus, with our one-year parts and labor warranty, you can trust that your plumbing is in good hands. Contact Zimmerman online to schedule your plumbing appointment today!
Choosing the Right EV Charger
Electric vehicles (EVs) are excellent choices for anyone who wants to invest in an alternative fuel source. They run on battery power, helping you to reduce your daily fossil fuel use and costs. Along with cutting your fuel costs, EVs can help you save thousands of dollars in maintenance savings during your vehicle’s life. If you have an electric vehicle, you’ll need a good EV charger to help keep it running. Let’s take a look at EV chargers to help you pick the best one for the job
Understanding the Basics of EV Charging
EV charging is essential for keeping your vehicle moving. Electric vehicles need the power gained from charging to run correctly, just like your phone. It’s important to get the right charger for your needs so you can use your EV whenever you need to. Essentially, an EV charger takes electricity from a source like your home and replenishes your car’s battery with that electricity. Once the battery has enough charge, you can drive the car. Different chargers let you charge faster, while others offer smart charging features to help you save money.
EV Charger Types
Electric vehicles have different charger types to support the charging speeds and capabilities of each vehicle. Each of the three charger types works slightly differently, allowing you to get a charger that fits your needs. Knowing more about these three charger types can help you understand how your EV charges:
- Level 1: This is the most basic charging level. It uses 120 volts, the standard amount from a household outlet. Level 1 chargers are convenient for charging overnight at home, but they take several hours to fully charge your vehicle.
- Level 2: Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet, which delivers a faster charging experience. They’re great choices for home or public charging stations since they’re faster than Level 1 chargers.
- DC fast chargers: Also called Level 3 chargers, direct current (DC) chargers are the fastest EV charging options. Since they use DC instead of alternating current (AC), they can charge your EV extremely quickly. You’ll usually see these in public charging stations or near highways.
Smart Charging Features to Look For
Smart charging features are a helpful way to boost your EV charger’s convenience. They can also help keep your costs down, maximizing your investment. If you’re in the market for a new EV charger, here are some features to look out for:
- Scheduling: Smart EV chargers let you schedule charging sessions. During off-peak hours, when electricity may be cheaper since there’s less demand. You can set your charger to charger during off-peak hours like overnight, weekends, holidays and midday. With this feature, you’ll save on electricity costs and reduce strain on the grid during peak use hours. Get an EV charger with scheduling for convenient charging at a lower rate.
- Monitoring: Smart chargers can also provide you with real-time charging monitoring. This feature lets you track charging status, energy use and battery health. Knowing this information can help you charge more effectively and let you know when your battery health is declining so you can prepare for a replacement.
- Remote control: This feature maximizes your charging convenience. Use remote control functions to stop, start and adjust your charging sessions from anywhere. Phone apps can connect to your charging station, letting you manage your charging without needing to be at home. With this, you can adjust your charging schedules when the unexpected happens.
- Compatibility: Look for smart chargers that are compatible with home energy management systems. With integrated chargers, you can easily coordinate all your energy use and prioritize EV charging when needed.
Government Incentives and Rebates for Home EV Charging Stations
You can seek out government incentives and rebates to help make your EV charger more affordable. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has brought back the federal EV charger tax credit. If you install an EV charger, you might be eligible to get 30% of that cost back, up to $1,000. This credit helps you get back money for your investment in an electric vehicle.
While that’s the only current federal tax credit for EV chargers, you can look at your state’s programs to see if you can get additional assistance for purchasing an EV or installing an EV charger. Pennsylvania offers rebates for purchasing an electric vehicle, helping decrease the cost for your household. Explore your state’s opportunities to see if you can get more incentives for your EV charger, making it more cost-effective.
EV Charging Installation and Maintenance
It’s important to get your EV charger installation and maintenance just right. With the right installation and care, you can keep your EV charger working properly and safely, protecting your home and family. You’ll go through several steps with EV installation, but the most critical step is getting a qualified professional. You always want professional electrician services for the installation of your EV charger. Electrical installations must follow specific rules and regulations to protect you from harm. With a professional installation, you can be sure your EV charger is safe and effective.
Once you’ve gotten your professional installation, you’ll need to maintain your EV charger. Maintenance is the backbone of EV charger life spans. It helps you catch problems early, prevent safety issues and avoid expensive repairs. If you want to keep your charger working well for years, follow these maintenance steps:
- Visually inspect: Regularly check over your EV charger to find any potential problems. Inspect your charger for corrosion, damage or wear and look at mounting hardware, connectors and cables. If you spot any problems, contact a professional for assistance.
- Clean: You’ll need to clean your EV charger regularly to help prevent debris, dirt and moisture from building up. If there’s too much moisture and debris, you’ll see charging interference. Keep all the cables, connectors and components clean for effective and safe charging.
- Install software updates: If your charging station needs software updates, stay on top of them. Ensure your software stays up-to-date to improve security and function.
- Use professionals: Use a professional company for maintenance and service on your EV charger. These services help you keep your system safe and working well. Professionals can spot problems early, correct them and perform essential maintenance to keep your system working for its full life span.
Choose Zimmerman for Your Electrical Needs
If you’re looking for unmatched electrical services backed by reliability, expertise and a commitment to customer service, choose Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. As a trusted family-owned business with decades of experience, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality service with every job. Our team of service professionals are ready to handle all your electrical needs. Our dedication to customer satisfaction means we work hard to get the job done right.
Enjoy our minimum one-year guarantee on purchased and installed equipment. Whether you need electrical repairs, upgrades or installation, we’ve got you covered. Contact us online today for expert service!
