[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f4jxeMGi9frXNG5KS7G-9LKbfS-Y_QX2DEA7-8dC9so8":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Cooling","2022-12-02","\u003Cp>The air in your home is full of microorganisms you may not even realize exist. On top of these organisms, we also deal with dust, pollen, pet dander, fungal spores, and a variety of other floating debris.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing and Heating, we take \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-filter-replacements\">air quality\u003C\u002Fa> seriously. It’s important to us that our community here in Santa Fe isn’t breathing harmful substances or allergens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>One of the questions we often hear regarding air quality is, “Can the dust in my home make me sick?” While dust is more of an irritant than an illness trigger, there are plenty of things to be wary of apart from dust that could be putting your health at risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, an easy way to get cleaner air in your home is to ensure your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-filter-replacements\">air filters\u003C\u002Fa> are clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Blocked Air Filters as a Culprit\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Over time the filters in your HVAC system and AC unit get clogged. All the dust and debris floating around your house passes through these filters. After it gets full, the filter stops filtering. In other words, all that yucky stuff is stuck floating around your air supply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>In the case of your furnace, a blocked filter can also lead to damage to the furnace itself. This leads to lasting damage to the furnace and might cause your home heating bills to go up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>It’s important that filters get changed every 3-months to avoid problems with heating and cooling units. You may need to change them more frequently during busy seasons. For example, your AC unit might need an extra filter change during the summer and your furnace during the winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Types of Illnesses Caused by Dirty Filters\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>When unwanted air pollutants start filtering in through your HVAC system, it can cause a myriad of problems. Some of the most common symptoms experienced are cold symptoms such as:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Itchy eyes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Runny nose\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Sore throat\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Coughing\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Sneezing\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Individuals with asthma or allergies often experience this and worse. If symptoms are left untreated, and air quality remains poor, you could get a respiratory or sinus infection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Long-Term Negative Impact\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Along with the respiratory health problems caused by pet dander and dust in the air, you could face long-term issues within your home. Temperature and moisture impact safety in other ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>One of the biggest issues we’ve noted about \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-filter-replacements\">clogged air filters\u003C\u002Fa> is circulation weakens throughout the ductwork. Less air is being forced through your home, which leads to humidity and moisture imbalances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Humidity creates a breeding place for mildew to form. Mold causes more severe symptoms than pollen, including:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Itchy eyes\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Runny nose\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Sore throat\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Coughing\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Sneezing\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Mold can also cause staining and lead to the growth of other things, such as fungi. Fungi eat away at wood and other materials, causing permanent damage to your home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Air Quality Checks\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>One thing you can do, apart from regularly changing your air filters, is to have the quality of your air checked annually. An experienced professional can check the air in your home to check for:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Humidity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Temperature\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Pollutants\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Dust\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Carbon monoxide\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Radon\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Air quality checks help prevent illness by treating air where the quality is hindered. You may be recommended to get a dehumidifier, humidifier, air purifier, or simply use a different type of \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-filter-replacements\">air filter\u003C\u002Fa> on your HVAC system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>If the Filter Doesn’t Do the Trick\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, clogged filters can lead to dirt and debris entering your HVAC system and ductwork. When this happens, mold growth and other air pollutants end up inside the vents, blowing into your home with the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Contacting a reputable HVAC company is the best way to counteract this issue. Ductwork cleaning, furnace cleaning, and even AC cleaning can all make a big difference to air quality and the longevity of your units.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>It’s recommended that homeowners have HVAC systems cleaned annually. If you know your filter hasn’t been changed in a while, you may need to have the rest of the system checked out. You can do some maintenance yourself but wiping down exterior portions of the floor grates and AC unit and vacuuming inside the vents you can reach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Contact James Plumbing and Heating Today\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in Santa Fe and have concerns about your air quality, James Plumbing and Heating can help. Our team is well-versed in filter maintenance and HVAC care. To learn more about how changing your filters can benefit your health, \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">give us a call\u003C\u002Fa>. You can also check out our services online.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fare-dirty-or-clogged-filters-making-you-secretly-sick.webp",4,"are-dirty-or-clogged-filters-making-you-secretly-sick","","The air in your home is full of microorganisms you may not even realize exist. On top of these organisms, we also deal with dust, pollen, pet dander, fungal spores, and a variety of other floating debris.","Are Dirty or Clogged Filters Making You Secretly Sick?",[15,23,30],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":20,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":21,"title":22},"2025-06-14","\u003Cp>As summer temperatures rise in Santa Fe, your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable. But running it nonstop can lead to high energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. At James' Plumbing & Heating, we want to help you stay cool—without overworking your AC. Here are our top tips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>1. \u003Cstrong>Use Ceiling Fans Wisely\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Fans don’t cool the air, but they circulate it to help your body feel cooler. Set them to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>2. \u003Cstrong>Block Out the Sun\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout shades or thermal curtains can make a big difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>3. \u003Cstrong>Avoid Heat-Producing Activities During the Day\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Running the oven, stove, dishwasher, or dryer during the day adds heat to your home. Try cooking in the evening or using outdoor grills and air-dry laundry when possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>4. \u003Cstrong>Seal Air Leaks\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Air escaping through gaps around windows and doors makes your AC work harder. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal leaks and keep cool air inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>5. \u003Cstrong>Maintain Proper Insulation\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Good insulation isn’t just for winter. It also helps keep hot air out during the summer months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>6. \u003Cstrong>Program Your Thermostat\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Use a programmable or smart thermostat to adjust temperatures while you're away. Setting it a few degrees higher when no one is home can save energy without sacrificing comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>7. \u003Cstrong>Schedule Regular AC Maintenance\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently and is less likely to break down. Change filters regularly and have your system professionally inspected at least once a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need a Hand With Summer Cooling?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Whether you need a tune-up or advice on energy-saving upgrades, James' Plumbing & Heating is here to help you stay cool all summer long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or schedule an appointment online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-keep-your-home-cool-without-overworking-your-ac.jpeg",2,"how-to-keep-your-home-cool-without-overworking-your-ac","As summer temperatures rise in Santa Fe, your air conditioner works hard to keep your home comfortable. But running it nonstop can lead to high energy bills and unnecessary wear on your system. At James'…","How to Keep Your Home Cool Without Overworking Your AC",{"category":5,"date":24,"html":25,"image":26,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":27,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":28,"title":29},"2025-06-01","\u003Cp>In dry climates like Santa Fe, swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers) are a popular alternative to traditional air conditioning. But are they the right choice for your home? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we help homeowners make informed decisions about their cooling systems. Here's what you need to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>What Is a Swamp Cooler?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A swamp cooler uses a fan to pull hot, dry air through water-saturated pads. As the air passes through, it evaporates the water and cools down before circulating through your home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Benefits of Swamp Coolers\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Energy Efficiency:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Swamp coolers use significantly less electricity than traditional AC systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Lower Operating Costs:\u003C\u002Fstrong> With fewer moving parts and less power consumption, they’re generally cheaper to run and maintain\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Eco-Friendly Cooling:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Uses water instead of refrigerants\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Fresh Air Flow:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Constantly pulls in outside air instead of recycling indoor air\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Limitations to Consider\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Climate Dependent:\u003C\u002Fstrong> They work best in dry climates—less effective in high humidity\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Open Window Requirement:\u003C\u002Fstrong> You’ll need open windows or vents for proper airflow\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Seasonal Maintenance:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Units must be winterized to prevent damage during cold months\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Swamp Cooler vs. Traditional AC\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cfigure>\u003Ctable>\u003Ctbody>\u003Ctr>\u003Cth>Feature\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Swamp Cooler\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Traditional AC\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Energy Use\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Low\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>High\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Best for Humid Areas\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>No\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Yes\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Cost to Operate\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Low\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Moderate to High\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Maintenance Needs\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Seasonal (wet pads, winterization)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Regular (filters, refrigerant checks)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\u003Ch3>Is a Swamp Cooler Right for You?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A swamp cooler may be a great fit if:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>You live in a dry climate (like Santa Fe)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>You're looking to reduce your energy bills\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>You prefer eco-conscious home systems\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>Need Help Installing or Servicing Your Swamp Cooler?\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>James' Plumbing & Heating specializes in swamp cooler installation, startup, shutdown, and maintenance. Whether you’re looking to switch from AC or need seasonal service, we’ve got you covered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Call \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or book your swamp cooler service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fis-a-swamp-cooler-right-for-my-home.jpeg","is-a-swamp-cooler-right-for-my-home","In dry climates like Santa Fe, swamp coolers (also known as evaporative coolers) are a popular alternative to traditional air conditioning. But are they the right choice for your home? At James' Plumbing &…","Is a Swamp Cooler Right for My Home?",{"category":5,"date":31,"html":32,"image":33,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":34,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":35,"title":36},"2025-03-21","\u003Cp>It’s a hot day in Santa Fe, and instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, your AC is blowing warm air. What gives? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we know how frustrating this can be. Here are the most common reasons your AC might be underperforming—and what you can do about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>1. \u003Cstrong>Incorrect Thermostat Settings\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Before assuming the worst, double-check your thermostat. Make sure:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>It’s set to “Cool” mode (not just “Fan”)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The temperature is set lower than the current room temp\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>The batteries are working (if applicable)\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Ch3>2. \u003Cstrong>Dirty Air Filter\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A clogged air filter restricts airflow, which can cause your system to overheat and blow warm air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Replace your air filter if it looks dirty—it’s a simple and affordable fix that makes a big difference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>3. \u003Cstrong>Refrigerant Leak\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Low refrigerant levels mean your system can’t absorb and remove heat effectively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> This isn’t a DIY repair. If you suspect a leak, call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and recharge your system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>4. \u003Cstrong>Dirty or Blocked Condenser Unit\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Your outdoor AC unit (the condenser) needs clear airflow to release heat. If it’s clogged with dirt, leaves, or debris, it can’t do its job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Turn off the power and gently hose off the unit. Trim plants and clear debris from around the condenser.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>5. \u003Cstrong>Electrical Issues\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes the indoor unit is running, but the outdoor condenser isn’t due to a tripped breaker or faulty wiring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Check your circuit breaker for any tripped switches. If the problem persists, call an HVAC pro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>6. \u003Cstrong>Frozen Evaporator Coil\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Restricted airflow, dirty coils, or refrigerant issues can cause the indoor evaporator coil to freeze, stopping cold air production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Fix:\u003C\u002Fstrong> Turn off the system to let it thaw, and call a professional to find and fix the root cause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Don’t Sweat It—We Can Help\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If your AC is blowing warm air, and basic troubleshooting doesn’t solve it, give James' Plumbing & Heating a call. Our HVAC experts will quickly diagnose the issue and get your cool air flowing again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>Contact us at \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">505-473-7148\u003C\u002Fa> or book your AC service online today!\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhy-is-my-ac-blowing-warm-air.jpeg","why-is-my-ac-blowing-warm-air","It’s a hot day in Santa Fe, and instead of a refreshing blast of cool air, your AC is blowing warm air. What gives? At James' Plumbing & Heating, we know how frustrating this can be. Here are the most common…","Why Is My AC Blowing Warm Air?",1787213980827]