5 Things to Know when you are Buying a New Furnace

Summer might seem like a silly time to think about buying a new furnace, but considering an upcoming furnace investment when your air conditioner is blasting is actually a smart move. By not leaving this decision until the fall, you’ll have lots of time to research possible options – and schedule an installation for a time when you won’t be relying on your furnace to keep your family warm on a cold fall or winter’s night.

What 5 Things Should You Know Before Making a Furnace Investment?

1. Which Fuel Type Would You Prefer to Power Your Furnace?
   • Electric Furnace
     Electric furnaces boast a lower initial purchase price and high efficiency (95%+). This can be misleading, however, as the cost of coal-generated power in much of the country can be quite high compared to other options. Consider electric if you don’t have access to natural gas, otherwise a heat pump heating unit for the house may make more sense.
   • Natural Gas Furnace
     Natural gas makes sense for areas with long winters where natural gas is available. Though more up-front than electric models, the affordability of natural gas makes gas-powered furnaces a popular option. With efficiency ratings of up to 98% and low-cost fuel, gas furnaces are much more economical to operate over the long-run. They also pair easily with air conditioners/heat pumps, allowing for efficient year-round heating and cooling.
   • Oil or Propane Furnace
     Oil and propane furnaces are becoming increasingly less common as the cost of these fuels continue to rise. Homeowners (and HOAs) also tend to prefer the look of systems that don’t require massive, unsightly storage tanks on-premises. If you don’t have access to natural gas on your street, however, this may offer a more affordable heating option than electric.
2. Installation Cost
   Changing your fuel type? This may present added installation work and cost, such as an upgraded electrical service, added gas lines and venting. Be sure to factor this into your choice.
3. Efficiency
   The more efficient heating units are, the less they cost to operate over the long-haul in utility costs. Today’s moderately efficient furnaces offer 80-85% efficient fuel-to-heat conversion. Higher-end models offer as much as 95-98% efficiency, with more advanced features and a higher up-front cost. The goal is to balance up-front furnace and installation cost with operating expenses over the life of the furnace. The pros at H&H can help you ensure a winning balance between the two.
4. Sizing
   Trustworthy heating companies know: Optimal furnace sizing depends on many factors, including climate zone, heat loss and airflow in your home.
5. Timing
   Though summer may seem like an odd time to upgrade your furnace, it’s a wise choice. No one wants to end up bundling up in a cold snap while waiting for the emergency furnace repair company alongside hundreds of other homeowners.

Ensure a summer furnace upgrade that doesn’t leave you sizzling mad. Find the right furnace for your home and budget with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us and schedule a free, trustworthy estimate or learn more about our special offers today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/5-things-to-know-when-you-are-buying-a-new-furnace/

Tips to Prevent Dust Buildup in your Ducts

Dust buildup on the walls and ceilings, and air vents in your home a frequent issue? This could be indicative of a larger problem. More than unsightly, dust buildup in these areas points to dirty duct work, neglected maintenance, and poor indoor air quality. Luckily, addressing and correcting the problem doesn’t require a complete system re-do.

How Can You Prevent Dust Buildup in Your Ducts?

• Put regular air filter replacement on your ‘to-do’ list.
  Dirt and dust buildup on your filter can easily lead to build-up within the confines of your ducts – and its distribution throughout your home. Home air filters require frequent replacement – every 3-months, at a minimum. Children or pets? Swap it monthly. This not only keeps ducts and indoor air clean, but safeguards system efficiency and lifespan.
• Consider how to improve indoor air quality.
  Contact an indoor air quality service to learn more about ways to improve the air quality in your home. The health of a building’s occupants is often reflected in air quality. Discuss HVAC system additions such as:
  • A UV air purifier.
    Adding a UV air purifier to your HVAC system is a great way to eliminate bacteria and other microorganisms from the air in your home.
  • Specialty air filters.
    Upgrading to a HEPA filter with a MERV rating of 10 or higher can remove many more airborne pollutant than standard replacement filters, reducing up to 97% of particulate contaminants in your home such as dust, dander, pollen, dust mite debris, and more. Just be sure to talk to your HVAC pro pre-swap-out. Tightly-woven HEPA additions require airflow adjustments to prevent system damage.
• Schedule professional maintenance.
  A professional air conditioning tune-up, once in the spring and again in the fall before seasonal temperature extremes put your system under stress, can identify issues that can affect indoor air quality and system performance, such as…
  • Dirty duct work.
    Dirty duct work can worsen health issues and allergies. Dust and dirt buildup on duct surfaces indicates the need for duct cleaning. Hidden out of sight, only a pro can identify this issue without potentially damaging HVAC components and rectify the situation with proper tools and safe cleaning solutions.
  • Mold growth.
    Mold buildup in ducts indicates your system needs rapid attention.
  • Pest infestation.
    Pest droppings and debris pose a huge health risk for home occupants.
  • Duct leaks.
    Regularly change your air filter and still experience excess dust? This is a sign of leaky ducts, which can seriously impact air quality and system efficiency. Are you paying to air condition your attic or crawlspace?

H&H Tip For Tackling Vent, Wall & Ceiling Dust

Once the sources of duct work dust have been addressed, don’t forget this friendly tip for quickly tackling dusty registers, walls, and ceilings: Dryer sheets. A quick rub-down with dryer sheets not only helps remove dust, but their anti-static nature aids in dust buildup prevention.

Toss the feather duster (and the tissues). Tackle dust and dirt at the source with the help of the air conditioning service and maintenance experts at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/tips-to-prevent-dust-buildup-in-your-ducts/

Setting your Water Heater Temperature: Things to Consider

Think finding the right setting for your hot water heater is a cut-and-dry decision, centered mainly on a compromise between efficiency and water temperature comfort levels? There are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration before determining the best temperature setting for your water heater.

Water Heater Temperature – Factors to Consider:

• Energy Savings
  Though the standard temperature setting for most water heaters is 140-degrees F, the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends a setting of 120-degrees F for energy savings. Thinking of going lower? Unless you’re headed out of town, stay the course at 120-degrees – or you may risk complications of bacterial growth (see below).
• Bacterial Growth & Resident Health
  Though the 120-degree temperature setting recommended by your local water heater maintenance company for energy savings is safe for most people, bacterial growth at this setting may pose a health issue for individuals with suppressed immune systems who may be best keeping water heater settings at the higher 140-degree mark.
• Competition for a Hot Shower
  Full house? When back-to-back showers occur, that 20-degree temperature difference can make a huge difference in hot water levels. If you frequently experience high-traffic bathing times, stay-the-course at 140-degrees.
• Young Children in the Home
  On the flipside, homes with young children (and the elderly) may prefer a setting of 120-degrees to prevent the possibility of scalding at the tap.
• Dishwasher Performance
  Older dishwasher? Models without a booster heater may not clean dishes optimally with a temperature setting of less than 140-degrees.

How To Adjust Your Water Heater Temperature Setting

Always check your water heater manual for safety recommendations and precautions prior to changing settings. On gas water heaters, simply find the knob on the valve and set the temperature. Electric water heaters are slightly trickier: First, turn off power – this is essential. Then remove the thermostat cover and insulation. Some models have two: An upper and lower thermostat. Using a flathead screwdriver, adjust the temperature, setting the top thermostat slightly higher than the bottom.

Tips For Boosting Performance & Efficiency:

• Insulate Tank-Style Heaters 
  This is an inexpensive and easy way to prevent standby heat loss.
• Keep it Clean
  Preserving water heater efficiency with hard water can be especially challenging as mineral buildup within the tank impacts performance and lifespan, and buildup increases with temperature. Dial-down the temperature and flush your tank frequently, scheduling professional maintenance for long-ignored systems.
• Lower Your Flow
  Replacing older showerheads and faucets with low-flow options that reduce hot water use.
• Replace Antiquated Systems
  If your water heater is ancient or you’re frequently suffering the effects of cold showers and water heater repair, chances are your water heater is the opposite of efficient. One of the top three consumers of energy in the home, a new water heater installation could ensure a more comfortable start to your day and save you a pretty penny in electricity, especially with the improved efficiency of today’s hybrid and tankless water heating options.

Looking for more ways to maximize the performance, efficiency, and safety of your water heater? Schedule a water heater maintenance service or replacement quote with the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/setting-your-water-heater-temperature-things-to-consider/

Keep your HVAC system working like New with proper Air Filter maintenance

You rely on your HVAC system to get your family through the highs and lows of seasonal temperatures. But out of sight, out of mind, the regular air filter maintenance your system relies on for smooth operation and to keep you comfortable often goes neglected… Until there’s a problem.

Forgotten Filter Maintenance is a Top Reason for Poor Performance & Emergency Service

Home air filters require regular replacement to keep your system running at peak performance. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your filter, don’t put it off any longer. What’s the big deal? Your filter is meant to remove debris from the air before it enters your system. But when the accumulation of dust, dirt, pollen, hair, and other debris buildup, it forces your system to work harder to move air. This in turn uses more energy, resulting in a higher electric bill and unnecessary wear-and-tear on your unit that can shorten its lifespan.

Regular Air Filter Changes Protect Indoor Air Quality

Plagued by allergies and wondering how to improve indoor air quality? Regularly changing the air filter on your HVAC system can improve the air quality in your home. While a clean air filter can trap dust mites, dander, pollen, and other allergens, all those pollutants slip through the cracks of a clogged filter. Severe allergies? You may see improved allergy relief with a HEPA air filter upgrade. These do a better job of trapping smaller allergen particles and can remove mold spores from the air as well. Concerned you may have other underlying issues? Learn more about our indoor air quality services.

How To Change Your Air Filter

To improve the indoor air quality in your home and protect the fan and motor of your HVAC system from the excess strain a dirty air filter can cause, follow these tips and tricks for air filter maintenance:

• Find your filter.
  It will typically be at return duct near the equipment fan coil or furnace, behind/under a grille, inside the equipment. After locating it you simply pull-out to access.
• Change your filter regularly.
  Every three months, at a minimum. Kids or pets? You may need to replace monthly (or sooner). Mark the replacement date on the filter as a reminder.
• Ensure the right fit.
  Write down the recommended filter size and style in your HVAC service manual, carrying it with you to make shopping easier. Don’t wing-it. The wrong size reduces effectiveness, allowing dirt and allergens to contaminate your system, ductwork, and home.
• Follow the arrows.
  The arrow marking on the filter indicate the direction to install the filter. (The wrong way effects airflow.)
• Keep extras on-hand.
  Storing them nearby for fast, convenient swaps.
• Don’t upgrade your filter without the help of a pro.
  The tight weave of HEPA-style filters could cause system damage if the right system adjustments are not made before putting this more advanced filtration in place.
• Don’t skip the air conditioning tune-up. 
  Like your air filter, HVAC system components need regular cleaning too. But this is not a DIY job. Learn more about the benefits of air conditioning service and maintenance from H&H.

Breathe easier with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/keep-your-hvac-system-working-like-new-with-proper-air-filter-maintenance/