Which Type of Air Conditioner is the Quietest?

Kids. Your snoring spouse. Barking dogs. Lawn mowers. Car stereos. The local air conditioning contractors at H&H, we know you have enough noise in your life, and your quest for peace and quiet is often ongoing, starting with where you can control things: In your home. In today’s spotlight: Choosing a quiet air conditioner.

Which Type of Air Conditioner is Quietest?

• Window Unit
  Window cooling units are known for their noisy operation, coming in at about 50-70 decibels. The bigger the unit, the more noise they tend to make. Improper installation, with the unit touching the sides of the window frame, can worsen this issue, resulting in excessive vibration. Lackluster maintenance can also elevate sound levels, including bent or dirty fan blades and coil fins, loose parts, insufficient lubrication, and foreign objects.
• Split & Packaged Central Air Conditioner
  Split and packaged air conditioners usually aren’t too noisy within the home, save for the sound of air distribution through ductwork and vents. Any sound outside of this norm indicates the need for rapid emergency HVAC service. Designed for quiet operation, system components are housed outdoors to help reduce noise levels within the home. At the outdoor unit, sound levels reach 69-72 decibels when the unit is operating. Older systems are notoriously noisier than newer units. Homeowners replacing systems just 10-years old tend to be pleasantly surprised at how much more quietly newer split or packaged air conditioning systems operate. What are the quietest models this year?
  • Lennox XC25
  • Carrier Infinity
  • York Affinity
  • Trane XV20i TruComfort
  • Bryant Evolution

• Ductless Mini Split
  Ductless ‘mini split’ systems like Mitsubishi home air conditioning systems are the quietest air conditioners on the market today. With an average noise level of 32 decibels, ductless systems are not only whisper quiet, they offer some of the highest SEER ratings and most efficient performance on the market. Top-of-the line ductless options reaching nearly 30 SEER, versus SEER ratings of 16-21 on traditional split systems. What makes ductless systems so quiet and efficient? Using only small tubes to connect wall-mount units to the condenser unit outside and distributing conditioned air via wall-mount units rather than (whooshing) ductwork and registers greatly reduces noise levels. Eliminating ductwork also eliminates heat loss. As with split systems, noisier components are located outside. In ductless systems, even these are outfitted with sound-dampening technology to reduce noise. Which systems offer the quietest operation?
  • Single Zone:
    • Mitsubishi MUZ-FH Series
    • Fujitsu General Halycon RLF/RLX Series
    • Gree Crown+
    • LG Art Cool
  • Multi-Zone:
    • Mitsubishi MXZ Series
    • Fujitsu General Halycon
    • LG Multi VS
    • Daikin MXS
    • Freidrich J Series

Have a headache? Put it on ice with a new air conditioner. Uncover the best model for your home with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/which-type-of-air-conditioner-is-the-quietest/

Start Your Summer Off Comfortably with these HVAC Tips

Summer has arrived and along with it sweltering heat and
humidity levels. Luckily, your air conditioner is there to help you make it through. How can you make sure it is ready for the start of the summer season?

Replace that Nasty Air Filter

In addition to distributing dirt, dust, and allergens around your home that negatively impact air quality, dirty home air filters from last season will also force your system to work harder to cool your home, shortening system lifespan and raising your summer energy bills.

Take A Listen

Turn on your system (before you need it) and listen for any unusual sounds. Set the temperature, and if the climate in your home doesn’t adjust to this setting, call for HVAC repair service.

Keep Your System Cool

It is important to keep many parts of your system cool. If the outdoor components of your system are properly shaded and weeds, grass, and bushes are kept back 2-4 feet away, your AC can dissipate heat better. Likewise, it is important to keep your thermostat in a cool location, out of the sunlight and away from any heat-producing appliances.

Clean The Condenser Coil

Call a pro to clean your condenser coil. This and other system components can be severely damaged when improperly cleaned. The condenser coil releases heat outside in order to cool refrigerant in the system. When it is covered in dirt and debris, it cannot perform this task properly. This causes your system to work much harder, shortening its lifespan, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacement, and raising your energy bills.

Check Coolant Levels & Lines

Your refrigerant lines (the two copper wires connecting the outside condensing unit to the evaporator coil) should always be properly insulated. The larger line should be covered with black rubber/foam insulation. This insulation helps your system operate at optimal efficiency. If your lines are bare, contact a professional air conditioning service & repair company before summer heat arrives and have this issue addressed.

Don’t Skimp On Routine Maintenance

Homeowners that procrastinate on this inexpensive service are more likely to end up paying for costly 24/7 emergency repairs. Schedule your AC tune-up while taking advantage of the pre-season offers. Having a licensed pro service your system at the start of summer will ensure you stay cool and comfortable throughout the summer season. Professional service also ensures optimal performance, which translates into savings on your monthly energy bill.

Get Smart

A smart thermostat can help you stay cool and save on your monthly energy bills. For every degree you turn up the temperature while you are away you can reduce your energy expenditures up to 8%! Learn more about the best smart thermostat models on the market today and how they can benefit your family. (LINK-TO-RECENT-WHICH-SMART-THERMOSTAT-IS-BEST)

Can’t stand the heat? Beef up your AC with the help of a trusted local air conditioning service company. Contact H&H Heating & Cooling today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/start-your-summer-off-comfortably-with-these-hvac-tips/

HVAC Tips to Stay Cool in the Sizzling Summer Heat

Tired of sweating through the summer? When scorching summer temperatures set in, you’re not the only one struggling to make it through the day. Your air conditioner is working hard to keep you cool. To help it accomplish this difficult job without going up in smoke alongside your energy dollars, we’ve got a few tips…

Help Your System Keep Its Cool

Doing this is easy.

• Give your system a little shade.
  Properly shaded systems have an easier time cooling air.
• Remove debris.
  Clear overgrown grass, weeds, bushes and trees 2-4 feet around your unit to allow for adequate air flow.
• Regularly replace filters.
  Check your air filter monthly, replacing it at least once every 3-months. Clogged filters force your system to work harder and are a common culprit for HVAC emergency repair calls. A clean filter is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve performance and save when using air conditioning and it’s critical to the lifespan of your system.
• Keep your thermostat out of the heat.
  Keep lamps, TVs, sunlight, and anything heat-producing away from your thermostat. These can cause you system to run longer than necessary, inflating your energy bill and making you uncomfortable.
• Don’t neglect routine maintenance.
  Professional tuneups don’t cost a lot, while addressing areas key to comfort and use. With a simple call, you can ensure your system won’t go down with countless other cooling units when summer temperatures soar. Air conditioning companies can manage tasks you cannot, including:
  • Topping off refrigerant levels to ensure your system provides you with the coolest air possible.
  • Cleaning integral components such as the compressor and coils which can quickly lead to poor performance and breakdowns in temperature extremes.
  • Verify proper thermostat function and manage airflow so you can remain comfortable without constantly adjusting temperatures.

Don’t Overdo It

You can also keep your HVAC system from overworking and giving out by changing your behaviors.

• Stop pressing that button.
  Cranking down the thermostat won’t make your home cool any faster. It puts your system under immense strain. And remember: For every degree below 78, you increase energy consumption (your electric bill) by 8%.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat.
  This can ensure comfort and energy savings, automatically adjusting the set temperature for when you’re away, and when you’re home. Leaving early? Many smart thermostat models offer built-in geofencing, sensing your smartphone’s location and adjusting the temperature for your arrival.
• Don’t prolong the misery.
  Consider replacing older heating and air conditioning units with a newer, energy efficient model. Newer systems won’t have to work as hard (or use as many of your energy dollars) to keep you comfortable. They are also covered by a warranty and less prone to breakdowns when you need them most. Federal tax credits and local utility incentives can help make this upgrade more budget-friendly – plus you’ll reap energy savings over the life of the system.
• Don’t cool the whole neighborhood.
  Insulate your ductwork and seal air leaks around windows, doors, and fixtures to keep cool air in.

Stay cool in the sizzling summer heat with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/hvac-tips-to-stay-cool-in-the-sizzling-summer-heat/

Which Smart Thermostat is the Best?

What makes a good smart thermostat? The pros at H&H heating and air conditioning know the best smart thermostats can carefully monitor and adjust your home’s temperature settings with little to no programming from you. Which models should you look to for ease-of-use, comfort, and energy savings?

Top Choice: Nest Thermostat E 

*Price: Around $170

The Nest Thermostat E delivers most of the learning features of the standard Nest, but at a slightly lower price point. It’s compatible with most systems, though not as many as other Nest models. The Nest Thermostat E is simple and easy to use, requiring minimal programming. Despite its reduced price, it offers many of the learning functions Nest models are known for, learning your heating and cooling preference and creating a schedule with no user programming required. Its clean white design can blend seamlessly into the walls of your Villanova home. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, but doesn’t work with Apple’s smart-home system or HomeKit.

Amenity-Packed: Nest Learning Thermostat

*Price: Around $215

The runner-up to our top pick, the Nest Smart Learning Thermostat has all the bells and whistles, including Nest’s most advanced features. It is compatible with a broader variety of heaters and air conditioners. It can do everything the Nest Thermostat E can, but delivers a larger, brighter display screen and more color and display options (weather, clock, etc.).

Does It All: Ecobee4

*Price: Around $199

The Ecobee 4 comes with Alexa built-in, including a speaker/microphone. However, it’s also compatible with Google Home and HomeKit. Working with remote temperature and occupancy sensors placed in multiple locations in your home, the Ecobee can better achieve target temperatures in occupied rooms. This offers far more precise control than monitoring with a single-thermostat. If you have issues with cold spots in your home or are aching for an Alexa-enabled voice-operable thermostat, this model is for you. If you want something that automatically figures out your schedule, however, you’re better off with the Nest Thermostat E.

Budget-Friendly: Honeywell Lyric T5

*Price: Around $109

Air conditioning companies install a lot of Lyric T5s. You get what you pay for with this model. The Lyric T5 is not as easy to use as the Nest, but it is an affordable and easy way to manage your home’s climate. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and HomeKit. The Lyric can’t learn your schedule or sense your presence. Creating a custom schedule based on your preferences is up to you. It does have convenient geofencing technology, however. This notes your smartphone’s location, and should you leave or return home at an early or unexpected time, the Lyric adjusts the temperature in your home for comfort or energy savings.

Smart thermostat technology can provide up to $180 per year in energy savings, with many qualifying for utility rebates and incentives. What are you waiting for?  Stop stalling and contact an H&H Heating & Air Conditioning pro to schedule your smart thermostat installation today.

* Prices listed above are for informational purposes only and and subject to change. Prices excludes installation cost.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/which-smart-thermostat-is-the-best/