Add HVAC to your New Year's Resolution list.

Over the years, you’ve probably made more than a few New Year’s resolutions concerning your health, but have you ever made resolutions concerning the health of your home? Adding HVAC resolutions to your annual list can also put you on a better path, supporting not only the health of your heating and cooling system but the health of your family and finances as well.

Add these HVAC Resolutions to Your 2020 List & Reap the Benefits

• Schedule an Annual HVAC Checkup
  You schedule an annual checkup with your doctor to ensure your body is healthy. Like you, your heating and cooling system also requires regular care. Scheduling annual maintenance can keep it running efficiently, detect potentially larger problems before they result in unexpected repair costs, and lengthen your system’s lifespan.
• Change Your Filter
  Home air filters should be changed minimally every 3 months. This ensures clean, healthy air throughout your home keeps the components within your heating and cooling system clean, and helps your system run more efficiently, lowering your monthly energy bill.
• Adjust Thermostat Settings
  Lowering your thermostat a few degrees cooler in the winter months and raising it a few degrees in the summer month helps you use less energy, reducing heating and cooling costs, which make up the largest portion of your electric bill.
• Get Smart
  Smart programmable thermostats study your schedule, automatically adjusting temperatures so you’re not conditioning an empty home. This results in less energy use and savings of 20-30%, on average.
• Keep Your Ducts Clean
  Like other surfaces in your home that go untouched, your ductwork also requires regular cleaning to address the buildup of dust, mildew, mold, and other contaminants hidden within. This buildup can negatively impact indoor air quality in your home and decrease HVAC efficiency.
• Watch Out for Humidity Issues in Your Home
  Maintaining the humidity in your home at proper levels is a tricky balancing act. When humidity levels in your home are too high, mold and mildew can thrive, causing damage to the structure and contents of your home, as well as to the health of your family. You can also suffer the effects of low humidity, including frequent coughing, dry, itchy skin, and damage to furnishings and structural components. If last year you suffered these issues, talk to an HVAC service pro about the benefits of adding an automatic humidifier or dehumidifier to manage moisture levels and ensure a healthy, safe home.
• Be Proactive
  If you fear there is something wrong with your system, don’t delay HVAC service. Letting problems fester often leads to higher repair bills and the need for HVAC emergency repair.

Ensure a healthy, happy new year, supporting your own health and the health of your system. Schedule routine annual maintenance with your local air conditioning service company, H & H Heating & Air Conditioning, today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/add-hvac-to-your-new-years-resolution-list/

HVAC Contractor's Guide for your New Heating System this New Year.

Will 2020 be the year you finally invest in a new heating unit for your house? If you’ve noticed the performance of your current system declining this past winter, it may be time to explore your heating system options for the new year. There are many different heating systems to choose from to replace your existing unit. This glut of choices can be overwhelming for some, but the myriad of system styles can help you find the system that is best suited to your home, lifestyle, and budget. Rest assured, no matter what option you choose, it will be much more efficient and technologically advanced than your ailing heater.

Tips for Choosing the Right System

With the guidance of your helpful local air conditioning contractors, you can learn more about the latest system styles and advancements, identify tax rebates and incentives for energy efficiency improvements to your home, and learn more about maintenance agreements and warranties to put your mind at ease. Talk to your local contractor about the benefits of today’s latest heating options:

• Heat Pumps
  Versatile and efficient, heat pumps offer heating and cooling for your home. As their name implies, they transfer heat as oppose to producing it, providing energy-efficient comfort and performance.
• Gas Furnaces
  Natural gas heating systems offer powerful heating, creating original heat through the combustion of gas. If natural gas is less expensive than electricity in your area, a gas furnace may be your most efficient and cost-effective heating option.
• Oil Furnaces
  Like gas furnaces, oil furnaces produce heat. However, these can take up more space and create more pollutants than gas heating options.

• Dual Fuel Furnace
  Dual fuel systems offer cooling and heating, combining the best of features of a heat pump and a gas furnace into one highly-efficient, multifunctional system.
• Electric Heating
  Like space heaters, electric furnaces use electricity to create heat through controlled resistance. However, they often cost more to operate than heat pumps and natural gas heating units.
• Boilers
  If your home currently has a boiler, replacing it with a high-efficiency condensing boiler is a wise investment. This new, extremely efficient technology adjusts based on outdoor conditions, offering Energy Star compliant performance and savings.
• Radiant Floor Heating
  If you’re tired of walking on chilly flooring and sitting on frigid furnishings, radiant floor heating may be just what you’ve been looking floor. These systems distribute heat more evenly throughout your home, using convection to warm the air and all surrounding surfaces. Clean and noiseless, they offer efficient warmth and excellent long-term savings.

Time for an upgrade? Learn more about our 100% no lemon, money-back guarantee, and amazing warranties on industry-leading HVAC equipment. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for a trustworthy, competitive quote today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/hvac-contractors-guide-for-your-new-heating-system-this-new-year/

Unico Small Duct Systems Provide Efficient Cooling in Tight Spaces

Unico small duct high-velocity systems are a fantastic solution for cooling homes with little space for the addition of ductwork. They work well in many settings, from historic homes to apartments, condos, and tiny houses, operating much like a conventional heating and cooling units, yet providing more significant benefits.

How is a Unico Small Duct, High-Velocity AC System Different?

Unico small duct high-velocity (SDHV) systems are smaller, about one-third the size of conventional systems, allowing them to fit where other systems cannot. Rather than using large ductwork, they instead incorporate small, flexible tubing, which is easily fitted into existing wall cavities, above ceilings, or beneath floors, taking up minimal space.

SDHV systems also feature a small but mighty modular air handler that takes up minimal space in closets, attics, and crawlspaces. This makes them much easier to install in tight residences that don’t have the room to accommodate the large ductwork of conventional systems.

How Does The Performance Of An SDHV System Compare?

Despite their small size, SDHV systems deliver the same level of cooling as conventional systems three-times the size, offering several performance advantages:

• More efficient operation.
  Conventional, ducted systems suffer performance inefficiencies of 20-30% due to heat loss through leaks and poorly connected, uninsulated ducts. Like ductless systems, SDHV systems are much more efficient, with less surface area for energy loss and tight, insulated design. Professionally installed, they experience 0% air leakage.
• Even temperatures and draft-free airflow.
  Unlike conventional systems, which create drafts and uneven temperatures when distributing air, small duct systems provide draft-free, even temperatures. Using a principle called aspiration, they produce a light suction, which draws room air into the stream of conditioned, cooled air. This delivers draft-free cooling floor to ceiling, through all levels of your home, with no greater than a two-degree temperature difference throughout, ensuring comfort.
• Quiet operation.
  Designed for quiet operation and efficient performance, Unico supply tubing features a nylon inner core, with added insulation to absorb sound. Unico air handlers also feature closed-cell, sound-deadening insulation to isolate noise and vibration. During operation, SDHV systems are whisper quiet and nearly undetectable.
• Superior humidity control.
  Unico SDHV systems remove up to 30% more humidity from the room than conventional HVAC systems, allowing you to adjust your thermostat to save energy, yet enjoy the same level of comfort.

What Is The Cost Of A Unico Small Duct System?

Air conditioning companies can install Unico systems for about the same cost as conventional systems. Because system tubing and the modular air handler can be discreetly added to any home without the need for expensive soffit additions or extensive remodeling, build-out costs for incorporating SDHV system technology are little to nonexistent. Like conventional systems, they are specially designed and sized for each home.

Is a Unico small duct system for you? Get a competitive quote on an SDHV system from the HVAC installation service pros at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/unico-small-duct-systems-provide-efficient-cooling-in-tight-spaces/

Have Your Signed up for a Maintenance Agreement with Your HVAC Company?

If you’re the kind of person who is always looking for ways to save, you don’t want to miss out on the opportunities an HVAC maintenance agreement has to offer. With a Comfort Club Membership from H & H, you can take advantage of exclusive benefits and discounts!

Get More for Your Money with an HVAC Service Agreement from H & H

• Amazing savings.
  Our exclusive Comfort Club Membership offers savings year-round, including a precision tune-up, discounted diagnostics at just $19.95, and 20% off of heating and cooling repair services. In addition to these fantastic discounts, you’ll also enjoy the improved performance and energy savings of an efficient, well-maintained system.
• Fast service.
  All Comfort Club members enjoy priority service and guaranteed appointment times. Even in a heat wave or cold snap, you’ll never have to worry about extended wait times.
• 24/7 availability.
  Because we understand life can be hectic and breakdowns don’t always happen during regular business hours, we offer access to our services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can schedule maintenance and repairs at a time that’s convenient for you.
• Reminders for service and well-documented maintenance history.
  You have enough to keep track of, let us help you with your system, scheduling routine annual maintenance and tracking service and repairs. This keeps you better informed on your system’s health and provides proof of the value of your system in the event you sell your home.
• Extended system life.
  The better maintained your system, the longer it will last, minimizing replacement worries. With regular service, you can be sure you’ll get your money’s worth out of your current system, extending its life and safeguarding the value of your home.
• Peace of mind.
  A well-maintained system in top shape is essential to managing today’s climate extremes. With regular service, you can avoid undetected problems that can result in major failure and the need for HVAC emergency repair. With preventative maintenance, you can be assured your system is in prime condition, ensuring efficient performance and identifying potential issues before they result in system failure.
• Trusted service.
  Your heating and air conditioning system is one of the most expensive appliances you own. Don’t trust it to an unknown contractor. We are a 2018 Angie’s list Award of Excellence winner and our HVAC services are A+ BBB-rated. You can trust our NATE-certified, experienced technicians to take care of your system and your home as if it were our own.

Have you signed up for a maintenance agreement with your local heating and air service company? Enjoy the benefits of a maintenance agreement from a trusted area provider. Sign up for a Comfort Club Agreement from H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/have-your-signed-up-for-a-maintenance-agreement-with-your-hvac-company/

How UV AIR PURIFIERS Help Stop Winter Colds

Winter weather is here, and along with it, cold and flu season. Trapped together in such tight spaces, it’s no surprise why the incidence of illness rises during the cold weather season. Luckily, you can help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs with the addition of an indoor air quality system with UV light.

How Can A UV Air Purifier Prevent Colds & Flu?

You clean to keep bacteria and viruses off of surfaces in your home. But these germs are airborne as well, floating through the air, where they can be inhaled. Dry winter air exacerbates this issue, helping these illness-inducing particles to remain in the air far longer. With the help of your HVAC system and a UV air purifier, you can potentially remove them from the air, reducing the likelihood of you and your family becoming ill.

How Does A UV Air Purifier Work?

Bacteria and viruses are quite small, and vary in size significantly depending on species. Most bacteria range from 1-10 micrometers in size (compared to a 70-micrometer human hair). However, some bacteria and most viruses are much smaller, from less than 0.01-0.2 micrometers. These small viruses and bacteria can be a challenge for air purifiers and even HEPA home air filters, but this is where UV light air purifiers shine. When a UV light air purifier is added to your home heater, microbes can be killed or inactivated with exposure to ultraviolet light. However, high power and exposure time are key, making the purchase of a quality UV air purification system essential for efficacy.

How Do Other Air Purification Technologies Compare?

In addition to UV light, other technologies can also support healthy air in your home. How do they stack up against UV lights?

• Whole House Humidifiers
  Adding a whole-house humidifier to your HVAC system and keeping your home in the ideal relative humidity range of 30-50% can help control winter germs. With some moisture in the air, particles cannot remain airborne as long. Studies have also shown in the 40-60% relative humidity range, about 70% of airborne viruses can be inactivated.
• HEPA Air Filters
  HEPA home air filters are a great way to remove irritating allergens, larger bacteria and viruses, and other harmful particles from the air. However, some are too small to be trapped by HEPA filters, making a UV light an ideal companion.

Are you not feeling so good? Fight back against winter germs with the help of the local heating and air conditioning service pros at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Learn more about an indoor air quality system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/how-uv-air-purifiers-help-stop-winter-colds/

Is it Time to Replace the Heating Unit in your Rental Property? Avoid Hefty Fines with H&H

Don’t wait for temperature extremes to leave your residents in the cold. Today’s wild and crazy weather patterns mean we must be proactive to withstand the dangers presented by a changing climate. If your renters are already having issues with ailing heating and AC units, now is the time to address HVAC maintenance and system replacement needs.

A History Of Problems

Earlier this year, landlords in New York and Chicago found themselves scrambling to contend with home heating and hot water systems that failed to work in tenant homes as temperatures plummeted to 20- 50 degrees below zero. Tenants Organizations in the cities fielded thousands of calls from residents desperate for relief from the cold as they were urged to stay indoors by city officials, despite the fact that their homes provided little protection against the winter chill.

A Hefty Price

As a result of the historic and extreme cold weather and tenant frustrations, hundreds of lawsuits were filed demanding landlords schedule heating repairs to bring their buildings into compliance with area heating ordinances. In the city of Chicago, landlords whose units cannot provide hospitable temperatures of 68 during the day and 66 at night may have to contend with fines of $500-1,000 per day, per violation. Residents are also allowed under Chicago law to purchase heaters or pay for a hotel, which they can later deduct from rent costs – or terminate their lease.

Drastic Measures

In some instances, the Chicago Mayor instructed the building department to use “police powers” to perform emergency HVAC service and restore heat in buildings. He admonished landlords, stating it was unsafe and unconscionable to allow the situation to go unaddressed 48 hours while beleaguered residents waited for the courts to open to hold landlords accountable.

Similar problems are faced by tenants living in the Philadelphia area as well. If you are the landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure your tenants do not face dangerously cold climates in their rented homes.

How Can You Tell If It’s Time To Replace An Ailing System?

Top signs your building heating systems need to be replaced include:

• A system age of more than 10-15 years old.
• The need for frequent, costly emergency repairs.
• Complaints of high utility costs.
• Uneven heating distribution or the need to constantly adjust the thermostat.
• Strange noises from the system (banging, rattling, squealing).
• A system that kicks on and off repeatedly, dubbed ‘short cycling.’
• Gas furnaces with yellow (not blue) flames, which could indicate the presence of carbon monoxide.
• Flu-like symptoms in homes with combustion heaters, which could indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.

Is it time to replace the heating unit on your property? Avoid hefty fines and costly lawsuits with the help of H & H Heating & Cooling. Schedule a system evaluation, routine maintenance, heating repair services, or learn more about our affordable home comfort systems today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/is-it-time-to-replace-the-heating-unit-in-your-rental-property-avoid-hefty-fines-with-hh/

A Small Duct System May Just be the Solution to Your Heating/Cooling Woes.

If your home is short on space to accommodate the large ductwork necessary to install a traditional heating and cooling system, don’t fret. Today’s homeowners have more options for improving home comfort than ever before. Small duct systems are an excellent way to add heating and cooling to homes with limited space. The knowledgeable and experienced staff at H & H Heating & Cooling have the information you need to determine if a small duct system might be a good fit for your home.

What Is A Small Duct HVAC System?

Small ducts systems, or small duct high velocity (SDHV) units, use flexible air supply tubes that are smaller than traditional ductwork to move air throughout your home. Despite their small size, however, they are capable of delivering the same level of heating and cooling as much larger conventional systems. Heated and cooled air can be provided by a heat pump or a geothermal unit and is distributed via a small, high-capacity fan. SDHV systems can also be paired with boilers, electric, and radiant floor heating.

What Do Small Duct Systems Look Like?

Installing an SDHV unit won’t disrupt the look of your home indoors or out, and does not require extensive modifications. This makes them an excellent solution for small modern homes, as well as historic buildings. Equipment is about one-third the size of standard systems, fitting easily in attics, crawlspaces, existing wall/floor cavities, and small closets. Ducts are only 2-3.5inches in diameter and may be mistaken for small pot lights without close examination; other installations use slotted vent configurations. Unlike traditional systems, due to the small size of the outlets, more are required. Because they can be colored, painted, or wallpapered to blend in with their surroundings, they often go unnoticed, however.

Day-To-Day Life With A Small Duct System

Because of the small diameter of SDHV units, they deliver conditioned air at higher pressure or velocity than traditional systems. This rapid introduction of air creates a vacuum, helping evenly distribute air to eliminate hot and cold spots. Properly designed and constructed, they are quieter than their conventional counterparts. They also offer added benefits compared to traditional systems, including:

• Up to 30% better dehumidification.
• An extremely low rate of heating and cooling loss due to the speed of air transport through ductwork.
• Improved indoor air quality, as SDHV units require high-efficiency home air filters to protect the tight coils of the systems from dirt and debris, doing a better job of filter allergen-causing bacteria and microorganisms from the air.

Want to learn more about small duct systems? Contact the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule a home evaluation with our home comfort experts and get a competitive quote on a new system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/a-small-duct-system-may-just-be-the-solution-to-your-heating-cooling-woes/

Who to Call if You Have an HEATING Issue.

Heating system issues? As one of the most expensive appliances in your home, you don’t want just anyone addressing your ailing heater. So who should you call when your system is giving you problems?

You Need a Local Heating Company with a Trusted Reputation

H & H Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing 24/7 HVAC repair to the Essington region since 1985. Our trained, friendly staff know their stuff, and can masterfully manage any heating system from ancient furnaces and boilers to the newest, state-of-the-art ductless units.

Looking For Convenient, Affordable Service?

Because we know heater trouble often strikes outside of ‘normal’ office hours, we offer our emergency heating repair services to Southeast PA residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no after-hours charges or overtime fees, always charging the same, fair price no matter when you need service. Our ‘warehouse on wheels’ arrives at your home stocked with all the necessary materials to achieve same-day repairs.

Our Knowledgeable Technicians Have You Covered

Our experienced, NATE-certified technicians will respect your home and family. We treat every home as if it’s our own, taking care not to make a mess and returning your home to its previous pristine condition following service. We’ll safeguard your system and your home, ensuring anything damaged is rapidly repaired or replaced. Our repairs and new system installations are top-notch and made to last, backed by some of the best repair and installation warranties in the business.

Stay Warm With Our Wide Array Of Winter Home Comfort Services

• Heating System Repairs
  Get your heating system back up and running fast with the help of our heating and cooling repair services.
• Routine Heating System Maintenance
  Identify system issues before they leave you shivering in winter weather extremes with annual pre-season maintenance.
• Furnace and Boiler Safety Checks
  Ensure your family is safe from carbon monoxide and other system dangers this winter season with an annual furnace or boiler inspection.
• Heating System Upgrades & New System Installation
  Stay warm for less dough with today’s most efficient heating system options, including heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, and radiant floor heating systems. Learn more about upgrading your heating system and our winning reputation, including our ‘No Lemon’ 100% money-back guarantee.
• Hot Water Heater Maintenance & Repair
  Extend the life of your hot water heater with regular hot water heater maintenance.
• High-Efficiency Water Heater Upgrades
  Cold shower? Warm up to a new, high-efficiency water heating system, enjoying increased performance and lower energy costs.

Looking for trusted local heat repair companies?  H & H Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. Contact us to learn more about our A+ BBB and 5-star Google-rated services today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/who-to-call-if-you-have-a-heating-issue/

Is a Heat Pump the Right Solution for Your Home?

As the cost of electricity and natural gas continues to rise alongside environmental concerns, homeowners are increasingly turning to heat pump style heating and cooling units for relief. Could an air or ground-sourced heat pump system be right for you?

Factoring In Savings

Sales of heat pumps have increased annually since 2016, with customers who’ve purchased ground-sourced heat pumps enjoying especially impressive savings. Reports show savings of $1,000-1,500 annually over propane, with year-to-date savings for some early ground-source customers equating $40,000 – a payback over twice the cost of installation.

Doing The Math

Will the math work for you when it comes to heat pump installation? Air, ground, and water-sourced heat pumps can be used to provide 100% of your home’s heating, cooling, and dehumidification. They are an ideal choice for those without access to natural gas. Compared to systems operating on oil and natural gas, operating a heat pump costs about 2-3-times less, providing significant savings. To determine if a heat pump system is right for your home, heating companies will consider:

• Does your home have access to natural gas, propane, or oil?
  What is the cost per BTU of heat pump versus fossil-fuel based heating system?
• Is access to the ground feasible?
  Air-source heat pumps work best for small homes with open floor plans, as well as settings such as multi-family housing and high rises with limited access to the ground for ground-source heat pump installation.
• What is the cost savings?
  Geothermal (ground-sourced heat pump), for instance, offers more significant savings than propane-based heat. For electric, it’s straight-forward: A ground-sourced heat pump offers 5-times the efficiency of electric resistance heating.
• Could a dual-fuel system offer a more cost-effective option?
  In a market with prevalent natural gas, a dual-fuel air-source heat pump may offer a more cost-effective solution to ground-source heat pumps. However, in areas that don’t have natural gas access, a ground-source heat pump may come out on top.
• How will climate affect operation?
  In climates where the bulk of the winter temperatures are less than 55°F, ground-sourced heat pumps or dual fuel systems may offer more efficient performance. Because heat pumps do as their name suggests, moving heat from one source to another, there comes the point where an air-source heat pump can no longer provide the heating necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• How big of a priority is carbon footprint for homeowners?
  With geothermal/ground-sourced systems, though the initial cost of installation is greater, heating and air conditioning bills, energy usage, and carbon emissions are more dramatically reduced, safeguarding the earth and quality of life for future generations.

Warm up to the latest heating and cooling technology. Uncover your ideal heating and air conditioning solution with the help of the home comfort pros at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/is-a-heat-pump-the-right-solution-for-your-home/

What's Dragging Down the IAQ in Your Home?

Are you taking steps to make sure your indoor air is healthy? Air quality inside your home is just as crucial to your health as the air quality outside. It is especially important for those struggling with allergies and asthma.

What Things Negatively Impact Indoor Air Quality in Your Home?

• Allergens
  Pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroach detritus can collect on surfaces in your home, spreading via your heating and cooling system.
• Mold & mildew
  In places of your home where moisture collects and humidity levels aren’t managed, such as bathrooms and basements, mold and mildew can thrive. When it grows or is disturbed, the spores mold and mildew produce infiltrate the air, making their way into your sinuses and lungs.
• Chemicals, artificial fragrances, and VOCs
  Synthetic fragrances from cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and perfumes negatively impact indoor air quality, releasing VOCs. New carpet, furniture, and building materials in your home can also release these toxic compounds.
• Carbon monoxide
  Fuel-burning appliances and heat sources in your home can release carbon monoxide if improperly vented. This gas is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly.
• Outdoor air pollution
  Emissions from cars and factories, ozone, pollen, mold, and more from outdoors can infiltrate your home, particularly in poorly sealed houses with leaks around windows and doors.

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

There are many steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality:

• Manage moisture
  Keep humidity levels in the proper balance with a whole house humidifier and dehumidifier addition. Integrated into your HVAC, these low-maintenance systems manage moisture on-demand.
• Ensure proper ventilation
  Ensure fuel burning appliances and heat sources are properly vented and inspected annually, adding carbon monoxide detectors if you own them. Add exhaust fans and ventilation to moisture prone areas, such as the bath, laundry, and basement.
• Beef up your air filter
  Beef up home air filters, upgrading to a Nature’s Home  MicroPower Guard home air filter. With a tighter weave, these filters remove more airborne pollutants and contaminants from the air than bargain options, providing cleaner indoor air.
• Zap bacteria and other microorganisms
  Keep bacteria, germs, and mold under control with the help of a UV lights air purifier system.
• Choose natural cleaners and furnishings
  Ditch toxic chemical cleaners and artificial fragrances for natural cleaners and 100% pure essential oils. Choosing natural wood and leather furnishings over fabric and OSB, particleboard, and other profusely glued, engineered alternatives can also reduce VOCs.
• Clean regularly
  Regularly cleaning floors and washing bed linens can reduce the buildup of dust, dust mites, pollen, dander, and other allergens. Stowing shoes outside, showering after outdoor excursions, and keeping pets out of your bedroom can also reduce allergen accumulations.

Take control of the indoor air quality in your home, safeguarding the health of your family with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/whats-dragging-down-the-iaq-in-your-home/

Do I have a Dual Fuel System?

Not sure if you have a dual fuel heating and cooling system? Most homes feature either a gas-powered or heat-pump system with an electric heating backup. However, some homeowners enjoy the best of both worlds, employing the benefits of dual-fuel systems.

What is a Dual Fuel HVAC System?

Dual fuel systems deliver superior performance and efficiency by combing the best of gas furnace and heat pump technology. In dual fuel systems, both components share ductwork to distribute heated and cooled air throughout your home. In the summer and mild spring and fall weather, the heat pump provides the most efficient and least costly means of home comfort. In ideal conditions, heat pumps can transfer 300% more energy than they consume. In the coldest winter months (below 35-degrees), when heat pump systems are less efficient, the heat pump shuts off and the furnace takes over, delivering 90% efficiency on average.

How To Tell If You Have A Dual Fuel System

The easiest way to determine if you have a dual fuel system is to ask your local heating system repair company. However, it may be possible to determine this without a service call. The first place to look for this information is on the metal box inside or outside your home that controls your HVAC system. The model number on the faceplate of this unit, typed into a quick Google search, can help you uncover your system type. In addition to checking this panel, identifying key components of your HVAC system can help you determine what type of heating and cooling you have in your home.

Gas & Electric HVAC Identifiers

Setting your thermostat to engage heating and cooling, respectively, can help you identify your system. Here’s what to look for:

• Gas
  Gas-powered heating units use a heat exchanger or burner produce heat. When you’re running the heat, check for the presence of a small blue flame glowing through the window at the front of your system. You will likely hear the noise of gas-powered systems in operation as well. These indicators point to the presence of gas-powered heat.
• Heat Pump with Electric Heat Backup
  Heat pumps are typically powered by electricity. Heat pump components move heat from one place to the other based on the season. If you see brass pipes (the reversing valve) when looking inside the grill of your outdoor unit, you may have a heat pump. When temperatures plummet below the system’s capacity to effectively move heat, an electric heating element provides backup (emergency) heat to keep your home to temperature. These heating elements work similar to a radiator and don’t have a flame.

Have both? You may have a dual fuel HVAC system.

Clear up dual fuel confusion. Schedule an annual air conditioning service and maintenance and get your questions answered with H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/do-i-have-a-dual-fuel-system/

Is Upgrading My HVAC Worth the Expense?

With today’s climate and temperature extremes, your heating and air conditioning system has certainly seen some hardworking days. But is it past its prime? While maintenance can boost the performance and efficiency of your current system, heating and cooling units more than 10-years old are nowhere near as efficient as today’s high-efficiency models. Could an HVAC upgrade be worth the expense?

Tips for Determining When it’s Time for an HVAC Upgrade

Many older systems don’t work as well as they should. Coupled with advances in technology and efficiency, you could be spending a lot on electric costs monthly. These added expenditures could easily be used to pay off a new HVAC system, lowering your monthly energy bills. How can you determine if upgrading your HVAC system could be beneficial for your home? Answering these questions could help you decide:

• How Cool/Warm Do You Prefer Your Home?
  If you weren’t trying to control your energy costs, how much more comfortable would you be on summer’s hottest days and winter’s coldest ones if you could set your thermostat to a more favorable temperature?
• How Sensitive are You to Noise?
  Do you get tired of listening to your older system groan? As HVAC components wear, system operation can grow louder over time. A new system will not only run more quietly, but recent improvements in insulation and operational volume can provide quieter, less-intrusive heating and cooling, particularly with Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners and heaters.
• How Important is Having a Clean Home?
  A newer unit with improved filtration and a HEPA air filter addition can help you drastically reduce annoying dust buildup, alongside dust mites, dander, pollen, and other airborne contaminants. Learn more about improved filtration.
• Do You Want to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality?
  Today’s HVAC systems feature variable speed fans, boosting air circulation, and subsequently air quality. This helps reduce asthma and allergy flare-ups and reduce the health risks associated with poor indoor air quality.
• Do You Battle with Mold/Mildew in Your Home?
  By circulating air better, the variable speed fans in today’s systems help reduce humidity levels and moisture, keeping mold/mildew issues in-check in homes with an unusually sticky climate.

Still Concerned About The Cost?

According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling are responsible for over half your monthly energy costs. However, with an investment in a newer, more efficient system, you could reduce these monthly costs, saving hundreds annually. The higher the SEER/EER rating on the system, the greater the savings. To help you mitigate the cost of a system upgrade and reduce your carbon footprint, many municipalities and electric companies offer rebates and incentives.

Time for an upgrade? Learn more about available incentives in your area and get a trustworthy quote on system upgrade cost from one of our HVAC installation service pros. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/is-upgrading-my-hvac-worth-the-expense/