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.