The Truth about what your HVAC Technicians might be Telling you!

There are a lot of myths and misinformation about HVAC systems, how they work, and how they should be maintained. Listening to what an HVAC technician tells you and separating fact from fiction can help you make an informed decision about choosing a heating and air conditioning company that’s right for you.

Your system is old and needs to be replaced

Properly maintained modern heating and air conditioning systems last an average of 15-20 years. If your contractor tells you that your system must be replaced because it is 10 years old—get another opinion.

The bigger the better

If your heating and air conditioning company is telling you to purchase the biggest unit because they work best, run the other way.  Be sure they use the Manual J (heat load calculation) to determine what kind of unit your home will need to stay cool and dry in the summer and warm in the winter. This load calculation is used to accurately determine the size and power of the unit.  It considers such factors as the size of the home, insulation, the location of windows and doors, air leakage, and the orientation of the house in relation to the sun. 

Multiple parts need to be replaced

If your HVAC technician says that a lot of parts need to be replaced, get a very detailed explanation of what happened to cause the failure of each part. Most HVAC systems have safeguards in place to prevent the system from continuing to run when one part goes bad.

Your unit is leaking carbon monoxide

Some companies use this as a tactic to scare clients into unnecessary replacement or repair. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas.  There is no way to tell if it is leaking by sight or smell.  Measuring flue gasses with a combustion analyzer is the only way to test for a CO leak. If a repair is recommended, make sure it is be based on data, not just what the technician “thinks” might be happening.

Maintenance plans are worth the money.

HVAC units need to be maintained regularly.  A qualified technician can proactively inform you of potential problems before they occur.  Annual or semi-annual checks and maintenance improve system performance and extend the life of your system.

Price is the most important factor when making a purchase.

Not necessarily. A properly designed HVAC system that has had all of the available rebates and incentives applied will provide you not only the “best deal”, but will perform reliably for the life of the system. A home’s energy bill can be as much as 50% heating and AC usage depending the time of the year, the type of unit, and the square footage of the home. An efficient top-quality system will help save on energy usage and be more cost-effective in the long run.

Before choosing a heating and air conditioning company, do your research.  Asking family and friends for recommendations is always a good way to find reliable, affordable services.  The helpful and knowledgeable staff at H&H Heating and Air Conditioning can answer any questions you may have about which system is right for your home.

Heating Repair services in PA - Serving Homeowners for last 30 years!

No matter how diligently you maintain your home’s heating and air conditioning system, problems are bound to crop at one point or another. In such cases, having a reliable and trustworthy HVAC repair services company can be a huge blessing. A repair services contractor can get to the root of the issue before it gets out of hand and can provide you with the peace of mind that you need.  

Common issues

While many homeowners find DIY solutions for minor issues that may concern your heating unit, there are some problem that require professional help. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, calling your HVAC services contractor is the best way to go.

•   Leaking refrigerant: A common issue that may trouble your heating and air conditioning system is a refrigerant leak. Although this may seem like a minor issue, calling in a technician is the best solution as doing it yourself may aggravate the problem further, causing more damage than good.

• Bad odors: Heating and air conditioning systems are a useful appliance as they offer comfort and relaxation to our households. However, when your air conditioning unit starts releasing bad odors, you know you have a problem at hand. A possible reason behind this could be a block in the system’s drainage causing a build-up of dirt and debris.

•   Noise: No one wants a noisy heating system to disturb the peace and quiet of your home. If you have a loud heating unit at hand, get your technician to have a look. The issue could be the result of a damaged fan blade or motor.

• HVAC unit is not operating: If your unit is failing to turn on, you may need to check for electrical problems. Take a look at the main electricity supply of your home for any issues. If the electricity supply is working properly, you may have a bigger problem at hand. In such cases getting your local HVAC repair services company to take a look is the best advice to follow.  

Companies such as H&H Heating and Air Conditioning offer professional service and expert advice on all HVAC issues. If you are facing any of these problems, contacting a technician and arranging a quick check up can be the difference between a smoothly running heating and air conditioning unit and one that requires thorough repair.

What to look for?

If you are looking to find the ideal contractor for your home, it is important to ensure they meet the needs of your household. Here are some top tips to look for when hiring a trustworthy HVAC repair service-

•    Do they offer flexible payment options? Looking after your heating unit does not always come cheap and when those substantial bills pile up, having a company with flexible payment options can be extremely helpful.

•    A company you can trust: Knowing that your home is being looked after by experts goes a long way in giving you the peace of mind you deserve. Choose a company that has skilled, licensed technicians who have been background tested, drug tested and NATE certified.

•    Will they be there in your hour of need? Unfortunately, heating and air conditioning issues can often arrive out of the blue. To avoid stress, look for a company that provides quality customer service. H&H Heating and Air Conditioning offer 24 hour service, seven days a week and have stocked and ready to go service vehicles that ensure they fix up your heating system in no time.

The comfort experts at H & H Heating and Air Conditioning have been catering to your HVAC needs for the last 30 years! If you are in need of fast, accurate and professional service, contact them today.

Gas Furnace Vs Electric Furnace - Which Is A Better Choice For Pennsylvania Homeowners?

Cold winters in Pennsylvania can put a strain on your heating bill. With unstable energy markets it’s important to make a practical choice that suits your home and the climate in which you live.  There are a number of options when it comes to choosing the right home heating units.  
The two most popular options when it comes to heating units are gas and electric furnaces. Electric furnaces contain a blower that moves air over a series of coils that are heated by electricity. The heated air is then distributed throughout the home through the ductwork. Gas furnaces produce heat with combustion of gas in a heat exchanger, and a blower is used to force air through the heat and ductwork.

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Efficiency and Operating Costs
The AFUE rating for an all-electric furnace is between 95 and 100 percent.  AFUE is a thermal efficiency measure of combustion for equipment like furnaces, boilers, and water heaters. Despite their high efficiency, the higher cost of electricity in most parts of the country makes all-electric home heating units more expensive to operate in the long run.
Most gas furnaces have AFUE ratings anywhere from 55 to 97 percent. With gas furnaces, a larger percentage of the energy in the fuel used is lost through the chimney or elsewhere, but because natural gas is a cheaper energy source, gas home heating energy units keep utility costs lower.

Safety considerations
Because they are fuel-burning appliances, gas furnaces run a slight risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is small and can be easily mitigated with regular maintenance and CO detectors.

Pros & Cons of Electric Furnaces

Lower initial investment: The purchase price of an electric furnace is generally lower than a gas-powered system, but costs more to operate.
Longer Lifespan: Electric furnaces usually last between 20 and 30 years. They also require less maintenance and repair, which can mitigate the higher energy costs of operation.
Safety:  An electric furnace uses no harmful gases of any kind to operate.
Convenience: An electric furnace is often the choice for many homeowners because of lack of gas lines in the area.

Pros & Cons of Gas Furnaces

More affordable to operate: Natural gas is a cheaper form of energy than electricity and a gas furnace is less expensive to operate than an electric unit.
Faster heating: Gas heating systems typically heat the home faster than electric units. Gas systems tend to be more effective and efficient in very cold temperatures because they reach higher temperatures in extreme temperatures.
Shorter lifespan: The lifespan of a gas furnace is generally between 10 and 20 years.
 Maintenance and upkeep:  It is essential to provide regular maintenance for gas-powered furnace by an HVAC professional.

Which Is The Best Option For Your Home?
When you consider long term cost-effectiveness, gas home heating units are usually a better option for Pennsylvania homeowners. However, there many factors to take into consideration and electric may be best for your home.  If you have any questions about choosing a new furnace, please contact a trusted heating repair company like H & H Heating and Air Conditioning to find out more.

6 Ways to reduce heating costs this winter

We all love coming home to a warm and cozy home when the winter weather arrives but the strain it adds on our wallets makes this a bittersweet arrangement. Home heating during the cold winter months can add a whole lot more to our monthly energy bill and most homeowners are on the hunt for savings. If you want to reduce your heating costs this winter, here are six ways you can go about it.

1.      Timing matters

A simple and effective way of reducing the cost of heating your home is using a programmable thermostat to program when your heating will be on and off. Programming your heating unit around your schedule such as turning it up half an hour prior to waking up and turning it down an hour after you go to bed will ensure that you conserve energy on heating the room while you are asleep. Similarly you can plan to heat your home in accordance with the time you will be spending in it, leaving you with a comfortable environment without the trouble of manually turning the heating up and down.

2.      Keep it efficient

Aside from making minor changes in the settings of your thermostat, it is also worth evaluating the efficiency of your air conditioning unit. If you find that your air conditioner isn’t working as it used to or face problems which add up to hefty repair bills, perhaps it’s time to let go of your unit. Contact your heating and air conditioning company to see the latest energy saving heaters.

3.      DIY changes around your home

Minor changes around your home that won’t take much out of your day are also a great option for homeowners looking to save on heating. Basic changes such as opening blinds and curtains during the daylight hours as well as removing any objects which may come in the way of maximum sunlight can add natural heat to your home. Similarly, closing the blinds and curtains at night will conserve the heat inside. Another trick to employ is regularly dusting and vacuuming your heat ducts to ensure the heat is circulating effectively. Lastly, seal up any holes or cracks in and around your home to prevent the heat from escaping.

4.      The added warmth

Aside from your heating and air conditioning unit, the added extras such as electric blankets go a long way in contributing to the cosy atmosphere around your home. Electric blankets are a great way of keeping your bed toasty while also taking some of the pressure off the heating unit.

5.      Professional satisfaction

Aside from al the DIY work, calling in the professional to check if your heating unit and ducts are functioning efficiently is definitely worth it. Technicians from your local heating and air conditioning company are best equipped with the knowledge to maximize your savings this winter.

If you’re tired of extensive heating costs during winter, contact H&H Heating and Airconditioning, your local specialists in all things HVAC.

Guide to Radiant underfloor heating in Southeast Pennsylvania

Radiant floor heating is a popular option in new construction, but design advances have made your local heating and air conditioning company able to retrofit your home as well.

Your home, weathering the cold winters in Southeast Pennsylvania, needs reliable and affordable heating systems. Radiant floor heating adds comfort, regulates temperatures, keeps your indoor air cleaner, and is more economical and efficient.

Adds Comfort

A hydronic radiant underfloor heating system adds comfort by heating your floors. It feels more comfortable as heat is continuously being delivered straight to the floor. Since your floor in no longer cold, it’s not drawing the heat away from the rest of the room, like it will with forced air systems.

Using radiant floor heat, all the surfaces in your room are now heated, like furniture and rugs, resulting in more efficient temperature regulation. Also, without forced air, there are no return or supply ducts, resulting in a less drafty home.

More Economical

Radiant underfloor heating is more economical because it doesn’t have to continuously cycle on and off. When heat cycles on and off, the room feels cool one moment and too hot the next. Radiant underfloor heating eliminates this by maintaining steady temperatures.

Keeps Your Indoor Air Clean

In addition to radiant heat being more efficient and less drafty, it will make your home cleaner. There’s no forced air blowing dust and allergens around your home, making it easier for you to breathe. Also, the radiant heat method won’t dry out the air in your home like a forced air system or a radiator will. Your home will be a healthier environment all around for you and your family.

Installing Radiant Heating

New construction makes it easy to install a hydronic radiant floor heating system. Retrofitting an existing home has become much easier as well. A heating and air conditioning company will install flexible plastic tubing, called PEX, that fit either under or within the floor. The PEX tubing carries warm water into specific rooms, heating the area thoroughly.

Radiant Underfloor Heating and Geothermal Systems

Radiant underfloor heating is becoming more popular because of the expanded use of geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal is an effective method for powering your radiant heat system, using the earth’s natural, constant temperature to easily deliver the hot water needed for constant temperature regulation and efficient warming. When you use a geothermal pump in conjunction with a radiant system, cooling is also available in warmer months. Keep in mind the radiant method can be used with your existing heating system too.

Is Radiant Heat Right For Your Home?

It’s important to consult with your heating and air conditioning professionals to ensure your home is a good candidate for hydronic radiant heating. Your floors are an important consideration. Tile floors work well. Wood floors would have to be evaluated to ensure it can handle the changes heating and cooling cause. It’s also important to use professionals to ensure insulation is properly placed to avoid heat transfers to areas like under the refrigerator, cold storage areas, and cold water lines.

Make sure radiant underfloor heating is a good choice for your home by consulting with a professional heating contractor, who will answer any questions and address all considerations.

The Various Options when it comes to Heating your Home

With winter weather comes the need to keep your home nice and warm. But with so many options to choose from, it can be a bit difficult, if not frustrating, to make the best choice for your home. Whether your home simply needs a new heat source or if you’re in the process of building or renovating, you can rest assured that one of these heating options from your HVAC company will make an excellent fit for your home:

Natural Gas Heating

Natural gas furnaces are one of the most popular ways of keeping your home warm throughout the winter months. Easy and relatively affordable to install, natural gas provides a safe and cost-effective source of fuel to use for your heating needs. If you already have appliances that use natural gas, such as a stove or clothes dryer, you can also install a natural gas furnace.

Oil Heating

Oil-fired systems been historically popular in many areas of the northeastern U.S.             Oil Fired systems can be more expensive to purchase compared to their natural gas counterparts, Oil-fired systems  are often more expensive to fuel than comparable gas furnaces.

Electric Heating

Electric heating systems are ideal for homes that can’t accommodate gas or oil-fired heating systems. A typical electric heating system can act as a primary source of heat (in the form of a whole-home furnace) or as a form of supplemental heat for other heating systems. Despite being highly efficient under most circumstances, the cost of using electric heat can vary depending on the current cost of electricity in your area.

 Air-Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps work on the same principle as a typical air conditioner, except in reverse. Instead of absorbing indoor heat and moving it outdoors, a heat pump operating on heat mode absorbs latent heat found in outdoor air and moves it indoors.

Heat pumps are relatively efficient and affordable. However, standard efficient models are best suited to mild climates where temperatures don’t drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit that often. For those unexpectedly chilly moments, most heat pumps offer an alternate form of heat, such as an electric heater, to help shoulder the load on demanding days. With new Variable Speed Compressor technology High Efficient Heat pumps can work efficiently down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit outside and can be a very good investment for people living in northern climates

Hybrid Heat

Or Dual Fuel systems take two fuel sources to be efficient. A HYBRID HEAT system combines the strengths of  fossil fuels such as oil or gas furnaces and combines them with an electric heat pump to deliver the comfort and efficiency you need year-round to give you more control over your utility bills.

Geothermal Heating

Geothermal heat pumps are the latest trend in home heating. What’s so unique about this system is that it uses the ground beneath your feet to provide your home with efficient and effective heat. Geothermal heat pumps work the same way a typical heat pump does, except it absorbs latent heat found within the earth and brings it back to your home.

Geothermal heating systems are among the most expensive of your home heating options, but the initial cost of installing an open loop or closed loop geothermal heating system can be offset by the savings it offers each year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical geothermal heat pump uses up to 50 percent less electricity than conventional heating systems.

Boiler-Based Heating

Boiler-based heating systems, including steam radiators, hydronic baseboard system and underfloor radiant heating systems, rely on hot water or steam for delivering effective warmth. Although boiler-based heating systems are more complex and require a greater level of upkeep than other conventional heating systems, they’re relatively efficient and capable of using a wide range of fuels, including natural gas and electricity.

Your local Heating and Air Conditioning Company would be able to go over the merits of each of these options for your particular situation and help you choose the best option.

What is the ideal indoor humidity?

What is the ideal indoor humidity?

Healthy indoor air quality is a valuable facet of any home. After all, who doesn’t love relaxing in the comfortable environment of your home with family and friends? However, dry or excessively moist indoor air can put an end to this pretty picture. That’s why it is important for homeowners to ask themselves, what is the ideal indoor humidity?

Striking the balance

When it comes to managing your indoor humidity, it is important to strike the right balance. As a general rule of thumb, for a comfortable atmosphere, a level between 30% and 50% relative humidity is perfect. By maintaining a relative humidity below 50% you will be preventing the infestation of dust mites and other such pollutants. Moreover, for a closer understanding of the ideal indoor humidity, it is important to take the climate into account. For instance, in winter weather it is important to consider the condensation of windows which may result from high humidity levels. Thus, the ideal relative humidity is between 30% and 40%.

Why is it important?

Households with high or low humidity levels can suffer from a range of issues such as poor concentration, headaches, fatigue and more. Here are some common problems associated with unbalanced humidity levels:

Low humidity:

• Low indoor humidity can lead to a dry atmosphere around your home.
• A humidity level below 25% can lead to damage to wooden furniture as well as floorboards.
• Aside from damaging the contents of your home, low humidity can also have a negative impact on the health of your family. Such environments can lead to dry throats and eyes as well as skin irritation.

High humidity:

• High indoor humidity within your house can lead to mould and mildew.
• Consequently, this can also be disadvantageous to your health and wellbeing especially for allergy and asthma suffers.
• Due to the excessive moisture in the air, the atmosphere within the home can feel unpleasant while stains may appear on walls and ceilings.

Need a helping hand?

Balancing indoor humidity and achieving the perfect air quality can be a difficult task. So if you find yourself struggling and need a helping hand, contact your local heating and airconditioning specialist to test the humidity of your home and devise a suitable solution. In most cases, indoor air quality systems such as a humidifier or dehumidifier can be used.

Humidifiers:

• Humidifiers are available in a range of options such as evaporators, steam vaporizers, central, impeller and ultrasonic humidifiers.
• They are effective in eliminating the feeling of dampness within the home as well as preventing dry throats, lungs, nose and eyes.
• Humidifiers need to be regularly maintained for optimal use. Be sure to refill the humidifier on a frequent basis to achieve best results.
• Whole house ducted humidifiers work the best as you don’t need to refill them and they can do the entire house not just a room.

Dehumidifiers:

• Dehumidifiers commonly employ two methods of decreasing indoor humidity levels. This includes refrigeration and absorption.
• Dehumidifiers can successfully remove any musty odours which may have been caused by high indoor humidity.
• Like humidifiers, dehumidifiers also need regular care to work efficiently. It is vital to thoroughly clean the unit regularly to insure it is working correctly.

If you are suffering from poor indoor air quality, contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning and speak to one of our certified technicians to see what you can do next.

What to do when your Air conditioner is leaking water?

Although household issues can be a real downer, they are unfortunately inevitable. One such common problem often bothering homeowners is if the air conditioner is leaking water. If you find yourself in such a situation and are at a loss for what to do next, here is all the information about some common reasons for your air conditioning leakage and how you can fix them.

Drainage problems:

One likely reason behind the leakage may be due to a blockage in the drain hole of your unit. The blockage may be a result of a build-up of algae, dirt or debris that is causing the water to backflow into your home. If you fancy yourself a DIY job, your can opt to clean out the build-up on your own with a wet dry vacuum. However, if you lack the equipment or wish to get a professional to have a look, contact your local HVAC services company to give it a good clean.

Installation issues:

Leakage issues may arise if the air conditioning unit is installed incorrectly. Similarly, water can also leak from your air conditioner if there are problems with the duct work. Non-insulated or poorly insulated ductwork can leak water. In both cases, solving the issue yourself may be difficult and it would be best to contact your air conditioning service and repair company to get your machine back to working order in no time.

Clogged Filters:

Dirty and clogged filters are another reason for your unit leaking water. Dust build up on filters can result in the evaporator coils freezing up, in turn leading to water leakage. If this is the case, a quick replacement of filters will set your machine right in no time.

Weather woes:

A common reason behind your air conditioner leaking comes from the temperature outside. Has the weather been on the chilly side lately? A spike in the temperature outside can have an impact on your air conditioning unit. In colder weather, the cooling coil may frost up, or there may be an excess of water within the unit due to it not evaporating.

Low Refrigerant:

Another culprit behind your unit leakage is your refrigerant running low. If your refrigerant is low, this is an indication that there is a refrigerant leak. To confirm that there is a leak and subsequently device a solution to stop and fix the issue before it deteriorates, contact your air conditioning contractor to organise a leak test.

Why call H&H?

If you’re facing any of the above issues and want reliable service you can trust, here is why you should choose H&H:

• At H&H, you can rest easy knowing that we provide air conditioning repairs 24/7.
• Highly qualified, trained and drug tested technicians to make sure that the comfort of your home is in the best hands.
• 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

Want trustworthy heating and repair service at affordable prices? Contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning today and speak to one of the experienced technicians on how you can fix your air conditioning problems.