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Brian Edwards and Jared Whitehead

Featured Article

How 'Bout that Heat?

Big D Keeps it Cool

A lot has changed since Brian Edwards first crossed paths with Jared Whitehead in the ‘90s. Phones have gotten smaller. Televisions have gotten bigger. Dallas has gotten hotter. Jared is much taller. 

In their early days of knowing one another, Dallas was better known as “Big D” and, as Brian puts it, “Jared was just a little kid.”

The two met when Brian began working with Jared’s dad, Andrew Whitehead, helping him install and maintain HVAC systems. Brian was actually a roofer at the time, but saw that Andrew, who was suffering from a hip injury, was struggling, and jumped into action. He’s worked in HVAC ever since. When Jared was old enough, he spent his summers helping his dad too.

Before long, the three men were more than just coworkers, they were family. Brian is married to Jared’s older sister, Tonya. 

Although the brothers-in-law haven’t always worked together, they’ve always remembered those early years fondly. Last summer Jared and Brian were drawn back to the beginning, and the dream of starting their own HVAC company was born. 

They had a clear goal: to be the premier comfort experts for DFW. The two knew they would offer clients the best possible customer service, but they needed a name. After throwing around a dozen ideas, Brian, a huge Dallas Cowboys fan, had a definite favorite: Big D Mechanical. 

Since its inception, Big D Mechanical has combined superior service with top of the line products. Brian and Jared have spent the past few decades learning everything there is to know about HVAC and together they bring 40 years of experience to every job they encounter, whether they’re keeping homes cool in the summer or ensuring offices are warm and cozy during the winter. They specialize in high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions for both businesses and homes.

While technology and relationships and jobs have changed since the guys met in the ‘90s, one thing that hasn’t changed is Texas’ tendency to serve up sweltering summers. As any Texan can attest to, there’s nothing worse than having your air conditioning curl up like an armadillo on the side of the road in the middle of July. Fortunately, Brian and Jared have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves.

Big D’s Big 3: Tips and Tricks for Keeping Cool

  1. Fresh Filters. Replace your filters according to the specifications of your system. Not only does this improve the overall efficiency of the system, it provides the best possible air quality. Generally speaking, systems that require a 1” filter should be replaced every 30 days, 2” filters need replacing every quarter, and 4” filters should be replaced semi-annually. 

  2. Room to Breathe. While outside equipment is designed to withstand the elements, overgrown shrubs, trash, grass, and debris can spell disaster for it. The space around and under the system should be completely clear. Brian notes, “It can seem like a lot of extra work, but your HVAC system is the most important appliance in your home.” Keeping the area around your system neat and tidy is a small investment in your comfort.

  3. Regular System Maintenance. Whether you’re a home or business owner, it’s crucial to stay on top of regularly scheduled maintenance with your HVAC provider. This should include cleaning the condenser coil and checking proper operation to achieve top performance. Jared notes, “It’s also important to check and clear out condensate drain lines. Failing to do so could potentially cause thousands of dollars in damage to your ceiling or flooring.”

If you don't have an HVAC provider, Big D Mechanical is ready to serve. Check them out online at bigdmechanical.com or call (469) 773-HEAT.

  • Brian Edwards and Jared Whitehead

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