What’s the Difference Between HVAC and AC?

January 26, 2019

For many people, the terms HVAC and AC may seem as though they are interchangeable. Up to a point, they are, so those people aren’t entirely wrong. You just have to remember that one category is a subset of the other. Let’s take a look at what these acronyms actually mean. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. This makes it an all-encompassing term for the different types of equipment intended to keep your home’s temperature at a comfortable level and the air in healthy circulation. It pertains to the system as a whole. AC, on the other hand, refers only to the air conditioning component of this system. Alternatively, an air conditioning unit may stand alone. A Broad Assortment of Air Conditioning Equipment There are many types of air conditioning systems available. The most common, especially in larger homes, is central air. This kind of built-in system will cool an entire house. The design requires planning since it is dependent on the size of the space. Ductless, mini-split systems are often used when a building or part of it is retrofitted. Much like central air systems, these have a compressor outdoors and handling units inside. Since you can...

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Can Air Conditioning Cause Headaches?

August 15, 2018

Air conditioning can be a blessing during the hot summer months, especially for those who would prefer to stop sweating profusely all over themselves. But not everyone feels good when they’re in a frigid retail store or even when they’re in their own home. They may struggle to find the right temperature, running hot or cold as they turn it a few notches up or down. Or they may even start to experience headaches when they feel their air conditioning kick on. Blood Vessel Constriction A cold stimulus headache effectively occurs when the blood vessels in the body constrict. If your body is trying to shield itself from freezing, it will slow the blood to protect the core. Unfortunately, this can also give you a headache because it’s interfering with the trigeminal nerve in the brain. If you’re in your house when this happens, you can turn up the thermostat. But if you’re out, you may just have to step outside. Humidity Your air conditioning makes it difficult to maintain a healthy level of humidity in the air. Too much humidity in the air can cause discomfort, but too little will dry out your skin and body. If you’re in...

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Can Air Conditioning Affect Your Sinuses?

July 18, 2018

Air conditioning helps make the summer heat and hot climates bearable year-round. Burbank air conditioning and Beverly Hills HVAC systems are key to managing exposure to hot temperatures in these areas. In some regions of the country, air conditioning is not optional when it comes to your comfort, quality of life, and in some cases, your sinuses. However, while air conditioning can bring relief from hot temperatures, some people are triggered by it. It can affect both the sinuses and the respiratory system. The symptoms of a reaction to air conditioning often include: Runny Nose Sinus Inflammation Congestion Eye Redness Constricted Breathing One of the causes of these symptoms is related to the effect of going from one environment to another where there is a significant temperature difference; for example, going from a warm house into cold winter temperatures. The same effect happens when coming from warm outdoor conditions into a cool air-conditioned room. When we experience a big contrast in temperature or humidity, nervous system reflexes are triggered in the nasal membranes. Persons with allergies may be more sensitive to abrupt temperature differences like these. However, in most people, this effect should cause only temporary congestion and related sinus...

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