AC Unit Replacement is a Big Investment. What Are Your Options?

In the past several years, air conditioner technology has changed considerably. From added technology and options on traditional split systems to new products offerings including ductless and geothermal technology, which system is best for your home? Learn more about these popular heating and AC units:

Split Air Conditioning Systems (Heat Pumps)

Split systems get their name because they pair an indoor unit within the home with an outdoor unit. These heat pump style systems use refrigerant, coils, and a compressor to transport warmed/cooled air, alongside a fan to distribute it via ductwork. They are incredibly energy efficient, moving warm air into/out of your home depending on the season. Because the amount of heat available in the air is limited in colder regions, they are preferred in warmer regions, where a backup heat source (electric heat) is not needed. However, new technology in gas/electric unit combinations (below) now offers the best of both worlds.

Packaged ‘All-In-One’ Air Conditioning Systems

These systems also function via heat pump; however all the components in a packaged unit are contained in a metal housing outside your home.

Hybrid Or Combo Systems

In frigid winter temperatures, heat pumps require a form of backup heat. In past system designs, this was typically electric heat, which fell short compared to the cost and performance of other heating options. Enter dual-fuel units, which now offer homeowners their choice of gas or electric heat output. As temperatures change in the colder months, they provide superior performance, saving money in the long-term by decreasing high energy costs.

Geothermal Systems

Geothermal systems are ground-sourced heat pumps. Using the constant temperatures found deep within the earth, they pump out more heating and air conditioning per dollar of energy consumed, costing 25-50% less to operate than conventional systems. They can also double to offer water heating in the summer, and pair well with radiant heating floor systems. The layout of your property and its geothermal characteristics determine geothermal installation. Growing in popularity due to climate change and energy efficiency concerns, they are an ideal choice for those seeking superior efficiency and a lower carbon footprint.

Ductless ‘Mini Split’ Systems

Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners do not need ducts to transport conditioned air, making them a favorite in homes with boilers for hot water heating that lack duct work and historic homes with limited space for AC components. They feature an outdoor unit paired with one or more indoor units, depending on home size. The indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit by small refrigerant lines. Each interior unit has its own thermostat and distributes air. This allows for zoned heating and cooling, helping you save energy by only heating/cooling the rooms you utilize. In addition to homes with hot water heating and historic homes, ductless systems are also useful for:

Adding heating/cooling to an addition.

Heating/cooling a basement or garage.

Providing independent temperature control in multiple home areas.

What would be the right system for your home? Get expert advice from the HVAC installation service experts at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning by scheduling a consultation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/ac-unit-replacement-is-a-big-investment-what-are-your-options/

7 Signs You're Overworking Your Air Conditioner

Feeling overworked and underappreciated? Your air conditioner may be able to commiserate. Too often, people force their cooling units to work too hard to keep up with the demands of summer heat. If you notice any of the following signs, there’s a good chance your cooling system may be overworked.

7 Signs You Are Overworking Your Air Conditioner

1. Shocking Increases in Your Energy Bills
   As your system works harder to keep up with cooling demands due to neglected maintenance, broken or worn parts, your monthly utility bills will rise. If your energy bills have suddenly spiked, it may be a good time to call for HVAC repair service.
2. Your Air Conditioner Struggles to Cool Your Home
   If you keep turning down the temperature on your thermostat and your system cannot keep up, your system could be in need of serious repair. If you’ve checked your system and you are sure a dirty air filter isn’t what’s causing your AC to struggle, you could need a new compressor, or additional refrigerant.
3. Your Home is Uncomfortably Humid
   If your home is sticky and uncomfortable even with the air conditioner running, coil or drainage issues could be to blame.
4. You Are Wearing Out Your Thermostat Buttons
   Like the call button for the elevator, pressing your thermostat buttons to crank down the temperature can be mentally fulfilling. However, also like the elevator, this will not make your AC cool your home any faster. Set it and forget it. If your system can’t keep up, you have other issues.
5. Your House has Warm and Cool Spots
   If some areas of your home are cooler than others, your system may be struggling to compensate for ductwork leaks and disconnections, a failing thermostat, or burned out compressor.
6. You Hear Strange Noises
   Strange noises often indicate system issues that impact the performance of your system. Learn which AC noises are normal, and which could indicate a more serious issue.
7. Your HVAC System Leaks
   Leaking refrigerant is not only detrimental to performance, but also to your health. Ditto with drainage blocks and leaks, which can cause mold issues and poor AC performance.

Your System Needs A Little R&R Too

Give it the attention it needs with regular professional maintenance. A routine system service from your air conditioning company can take a load off your system, addressing key issues that force your system to work harder. While some systems over 10-years old are simply in need of retirement, many issues are easy and inexpensive to address. Scheduling a maintenance visit could help you take a load off your air conditioner, addressing common issues such as an air filter change, coil cleaning, malfunctioning thermostat, or refrigerant recharge.

Don’t let your system suffer. Take a load off your system and your energy bills with the help of the local heating and air conditioning service pros at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/7-signs-youre-overworking-your-air-conditioner/

Should I Add a UV Light to My HVAC System?

Are you or a family member highly-sensitive to allergens, mold, and other indoor pollutants? If you are one of the many Americans for whom keeping the air in your home or office free from harmful contaminants is a top priority, UV lights air purifiers may be for you.

How Do UV Lights Work?

UV lights can be added to your central HVAC system to eliminate any potentially harmful microorganisms before they enter your living space. They can also help keep your heating and air conditioning system clean. The coil, a prime component of your HVAC system, stays wet several months out of the year, making it a top site for microbial growth. Though UV lights are a great way to manage airborne contaminants running through your system, however, they are not the only option for safeguarding your indoor air quality.

UV Lights Work Best When Paired With An Air Filter Upgrade 

The heating and air conditioning pros at H&H recommend installing a better air filter in addition to your UV lights to support healthier indoor air quality. Systems with a HEPA-rated air filter can trap tiny particles 0.1-microns or smaller in size (700 times smaller than a human hair), such as mold spores. This addition will allow your filter system to trap a large number of harmful contaminants before you have to rely on your UV light system to destroy them.

Learn more about HEPA air filters for your home air conditioner.

How UV Lights & HEPA Filters Help You Breathe Easier

As we said earlier, a HEPA filter and UV lights can help you breathe easier by safeguarding your indoor coil against microbial growth and purifying the air in your home. The best UV light systems accomplish this by:

1. Exposing your indoor HVAC coil to UV light at all times, eliminating mold and mildew growth that could be spread throughout your home by your HVAC system.
2. Working in conjunction with activated carbon cells to remove dangerous chemicals, VOCs, and other odors/vapors that could make you feel sick or exacerbate allergy/asthma symptoms, filtering them out and eliminating them from the air you breathe.

When shopping for a UV light air purification system, don’t settle for less. Ensure clean, healthy air by choosing a system that addresses these essential aspects of safeguarding your indoor air quality.

What Else Can You Do To Improve Indoor Air Quality?

In addition to adding an indoor air quality system to your HVAC system, other ways you can improve air quality in your home include:

• Cleaning and sealing your ductwork to prevent the circulation of contaminants, attic or crawlspace air.
• Regularly changing/washing your HVAC air filters per manufacturer instructions.
• Keeping humidity in your home at optimal levels with a whole house humidifier or dehumidifier addition.
• Having your home assessed for air infiltration from unwanted areas.

Breathe easier. Schedule an indoor air quality assessment with your local air conditioning contractors at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/should-i-add-a-uv-light-to-my-hvac-system/