Dangers of Furnace maintenance neglect

Are you trying to save a few bucks by stretching the time between furnace maintenance? Like your family’s automobile, your home heating system requires routine care to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. When you let maintenance routine slide, you run the risk of your system breaking down in the worst of the winter weather, much like you run the risk of ending up stuck roadside at night in your vehicle.

The Dangers of Furnace Neglect Are More than an Inconvenience

With regular, timely furnace maintenance, you can prevent a host of serious issues, including:

• Astronomical energy bills
  Home heating systems that are not properly maintained do not operate as efficiently as well-maintained systems. Because neglected systems have to work harder to heat your home, they will require much more energy to provide heating, which can dramatically impact your energy bills – and your finances.
• Costly heating system repairs
  Your local hvac company knows many homeowners delay furnace maintenance to save money. However, when small problems are overlooked, they lead to added stress on the system, leading to larger, more costly repairs later.
• Reduced furnace life
  When well cared for, quality furnaces last 15-20 years. However, neglected systems pushed to the limit are more likely to run the risk of total breakdown. This usually happens during winter weather extremes and could leave your family without heat when you need it most, while you’re left waiting in line for a new system installation.
• Frozen and burst pipes
  If your heating system completely goes out in the dead of winter, problems can snowball real fast. A broken-down furnace can quickly lead you down the path to frozen pipes in a matter of hours, causing significant water damage in your home.
• Carbon monoxide dangers
  Furnace heat exchangers, which expand and contract as temperatures change, often develop cracks over time. If overlooked, colorless, odorless carbon monoxide gas can leak, undetected, into your home, putting your family in danger. This problem in most cases can be quickly identified with a simple furnace safety inspection.
• Poor indoor air quality
  Poorly maintained furnaces negatively impact the indoor air quality in your home. Though this is not as serious as carbon monoxide dangers, pushing excess dust, allergens, and pollutants throughout the air in your home is not a recipe for good health.
• House fires
  Loose, worn wires, pilot light issues, and more can spark fires – or explosions – in neglected furnaces. These safety issues can be addressed with routine maintenance.

While we offer emergency service 24/7, much like the roadside assistance plan you have on your automobile, it’s best not to need it. Schedule your furnace maintenance now to avoid costly repairs in the height of the winter season when the waitlist for HVAC maintenance is long. Contact H & H Heating & Cooling to schedule home heating system maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/dangers-of-furnace-maintenece-neglect/

4 Common Heat Pump Problems and What You Should Do

Heat pumps have a reputation as a reliable, energy-efficient home heating solution. If you own a heat pump and properly care for it, you shouldn’t experience too many issues. That being said, it’s not uncommon for the occasional technical problem to occur. What are some of the most common heat pump issues?

Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

An inoperable heat pump is often due to a lack of power. First, check the settings on your home thermostat to verify that your system is in heat mode and set to a temperature warmer than the current conditions in your house. Then, check to see if your circuit breaker has tripped on your electrical panel. If you’ve recently purchased a new thermostat, it may not be compatible with your heat pump or may have been wired improperly, which can destroy sensitive thermostat and heat pump components, causing thermostat failure. If you or a general handyman installed your heat pump, a call to an experienced HVAC service professional might be in order.

Heat Pump Blows Cold Air In Heat Mode

If your heat pump is blowing cold air, first make sure it is in heating and not cooling mode. It may also be in defrost mode if the weather is cold. If the latter is the case, after the defrost cycle completes in 10-15 minutes, your system should return to normal operation. If your system continues to blow cold air, try checking for a dirty air filter. Anything that blocks airflow can impact the performance of your heat pump. A dirty air filter is typically the most common culprit, though other offenders may include debris smothering the exterior unit or dirty coils in need of professional cleaning. If none of these solutions fix the issues, it is best to call your local heating repair service to diagnose the problem further.

Heat Pump Is Struggling To Warm Your Home

This situation can be caused by many of the same problems as a system that blows cold air in heat mode, including a dirty home air filter, ductwork that needs to be cleaned, debris like weeds/grass blocking airflow around the exterior unit, or dirty coils. It can also be caused by physical blockages inside your home, such as furnishings blocking vents and registers. All of these issues reduce airflow and system performance.

Strange Smells

Odd smells typically spell trouble for your system and require professional attention. Worrisome odors include:

• A musty smell, which could indicate mold growth inside your unit.
• A rotting smell or the smell of excrement, pointing to animal infiltration into your unit or ductwork.
• A burning smell, indicating serious electrical issues.

Avoid snowballing heat pump repair costs. Don’t wait to fix heat pump problems. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule service for your system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/4-common-heat-pump-problems-and-what-you-should-do/

Did you know a bad thermostast can ruin your HVAC?

Are you hanging on to your persnickety old thermostat because you’re trying to get your money’s worth? You could be doing harm to your home heating system – and costing yourself more in the long run. Your thermostat is part of your HVAC system, not a separate component. When it’s not working right, it could lead you to believe you’re having heating system troubles when it’s really just your faulty thermostat. How can a bad thermostat ruin your HVAC?

Mis-Calibrated Thermostats That Read The Wrong Temperature Impact Comfort

Miscalibrated thermostats that read the temperature in your home as either too hot or too cold can cause your heating system to turn off before your home reaches your preferred temperature or keep running long after it achieves the desired warmth. This may not mean you need a new thermostat. In many cases, an HVAC professional can recalibrate your thermostat to monitor the temperature correctly.

Poorly Located Thermostats Can’t Get A Good Read On The Actual Temperature

A thermostat located in direct sunlight, installed on exterior drafty walls, near appliances like stoves or in other inopportune locations won’t give an accurate reading of the actual temperature in your home. Thermostats must be properly located in the center of your home near a return register, away from windows, direct sunlight, and heat/cold producing appliances for proper function. Otherwise, your heating system will think it is hotter or colder than it is and turn on and off at the wrong times, creating an uncomfortable home environment.

Thermostats With Loose Wiring Cannot Power Essential Components

Most home thermostats have four wires: Two to turn the blower on and off, and two to turn the heater on and off. If these wires loosen with age or are damaged, the thermostat will no longer be able to control these essential parts of your home heater. If your system won’t stop running or fails to respond to changes to your thermostat settings, it could point to wiring troubles. Scheduling a timely assessment with your local heating repair company is strongly advised to prevent system damage.

Software Issues With Smart Wi-Fi Thermostats Can Cause System Malfunctions

Like your mobile device or home computer, smart Wi-Fi thermostats that run using software can malfunction or glitch. The manufacturer may be aware of these issues, offering troubleshooting advice via their user manual or website. However, if you can’t solve the problem by following these instructions and you’ve tried a system reboot (turning the thermostat off and back on again), you may need expert assistance.

Not Sure If Your Thermostat Is Bad? Watch For These Signs

• The thermostat has no power.
• HVAC won’t turn on or constantly runs without stopping.
• No temperature change after thermostat adjustment.
• Setting and home temperature don’t match.

Unsure of what’s behind your heating system issues? Trust the experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to the bottom of system malfunction mysteries. Contact us to schedule a diagnostic visit today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/did-you-know-a-bad-thermostast-can-ruin-your-hvac/

Here's How to Prepare your HVAC for a Home Renovation

Are you excited about your much-awaited home renovation? Don’t rush-in without preparing your HVAC system first! Whether you’re removing a wall, revamping your bathroom, or gutting your kitchen, construction debris can wreak havoc on your heating and air conditioning system. How can you protect your HVAC system from harm?

Change Your Air Filter At The Beginning And End Of Home Renovation

Renovation activities release massive amounts of dust and debris, which can circulate throughout your home in the air your family breathes. Changing your hvac filter before you begin renovating can reduce airborne particles, helping your system trap the maximum amount of dust and debris. Changing the filter again when the project is done will ensure any captured dust and debris from the renovation is removed from your home. A clean filter is essential to a well-performing system, facilitating the free flow of air and reducing energy costs and strain on your system.

Remove Furnishing That Can Trap And Redistribute Construction Debris Later

Fabric items around the home, such as curtains, throws, and rugs, can trap construction dust, releasing it back into the air, into your ducts, and into your HVAC system after renovations are complete. To prevent the unnecessary accumulation of contaminants:

1. Remove and store as many of these items as possible.
2. Cover those you cannot remove with plastic tarps.
3. When your project is complete, wipe down all hard surfaces and deep clean those you are unable to protect, such as wall-to-wall carpeting.

Don’t Run Your HVAC System During Home Renovation 

To prevent contaminants and dirt from damaging your system and being distributed throughout your home, do not run your heating and air conditioning system during construction. Close your air vents and registers to prevent the need for duct cleaning later. Airborne contaminants that get into your HVAC unit can impact indoor air quality in your home and decrease the efficiency and lifespan of your system.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance Once Renovation Is Complete

Particles like drywall dust and sawdust are quite small, and despite your best efforts, may still make their way into your system, affecting its performance, and causing:

• Filthy, clogged air filters.
• Poor performance and unusually high energy bills.
• Frequent temperature fluctuations.
• Excess dust throughout your home.
• Poor indoor air quality that impacts the health of your family.

To reduce the likelihood of unexpected heating and air conditioning system repairs, scheduling a professional cleaning and inspection after your project is complete is highly recommended. Your local HVAC pro can quickly manage debris and dust buildup on key system components such as your blower, coils, and ductwork, heading off problems at the pass.

Keep your system safe during home renovation, and year-round, with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to learn more about our affordable Comfort Club agreements for maintaining your system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heres-how-to-prepare-your-hvac-for-a-home-renovation/

Heat Pumps Vs Electric Baseboard Heat: Everything You Need to Know

Are you weighing your options on a new heating system? For older homes without ducts, baseboard heaters have been a traditional choice. Newer ductless heat pump systems provide advanced heating and cooling technology for these homes. Since up to half the energy used by your home goes to heating and cooling, your choice can have a significant impact on your monthly energy costs and your carbon footprint. Which is best for your home?

Electric Baseboard Heaters

Baseboard heaters are typically electric, though some work with boilers used in radiant heat floor systems. Each room has its own thermostat, which allows you to operate the heaters. In order to work properly, baseboard heaters require careful installation. Each unit must be placed by a window and fit perfectly to prevent heat loss between the heater and the wall. This is to take advantage of natural convection, in which rising warm air from the heater counteracts cooler air falling from the window.

Heating and cooling professionals know there are cons to these heaters, however. Electric baseboard heaters are noisy in use. They require added insulation to prevent heat loss and operate using line voltage thermostats, which provide inconsistent operation over time. When left unused over warmer seasons, dust accumulation can cause a burning smell when the heaters are put back into use in cooler fall and winter months. They also produce a very dry heat, which can cause red, itchy eyes, sore throat, and nose bleeds in sensitive individuals.

Ductless Heat Pump Systems

While electric baseboard heaters offer a reliable, cost-effective heating option, the Department of Energy (DOE) recommends heat pump style systems, such as Mitsubishi ductless systems, as a more efficient way of heating your home. These systems collect heat from the air outside your home, repurposing it for indoor use, allowing them to provide up to three times more heat than the energy they consume for operation. Based on DOE calculations, heat pump systems reduce electricity use by 30-50% compared to baseboard heaters.

Ductless heat pumps offer all the benefits of electric baseboard heaters – and many more. Like baseboard heaters, they also don’t require indoor space for invasive ductwork and air handling equipment and operate using individualized thermostats in each room. However, they don’t require proximity to a window for proper function. Ductless heat pump systems offer precise temperature control. Small and sleek, they don’t detract from your home décor. They provide more comfortable heating, with less of the dryness and irritation caused by electric baseboard produced heat, so that you can breathe easier. Ductless units  don’t produce any unwanted odors and are whisper quiet when in use.

Heat your home with confidence. Find the perfect heating system for your family and your budget. Learn more about the latest in energy-efficient, flexible home heating technology from the pros at H & H Heating & Cooling today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heat-pumps-vs-electric-baseboard-heat-everything-you-need-to-know/

Winter is Here! Prevent these Common HVAC Problems, Ensuring a Warm & Safe Winter

In the winter, when temperatures plummet, your home heating unit can really take a beating. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your system running steadily through the season. What are the secrets to avoiding common winter HVAC problems and ensuring a warm, comfortable home?

Winter Heating System Problems & How to Prevent Them

• Problem: Insufficient airflow through the system.
  When airflow is decreased, your home won’t feel as warm.
  Solution: Regularly change your home air filter.
  As your air filter catches dust, pollen, and microbes, these contaminants buildup, restricting airflow through your HVAC system over time and forcing it to work harder to heat your home. Changing your filter every 1-3 months is easy and inexpensive, increasing heating system performance and efficiency.
• Problem: Heating system won’t turn on.
  Frigid, icy weather can wreak havoc on heat pump systems, causing the coils and fans in your outdoor unit to freeze.
  Solution: Schedule professional maintenance before cold weather hits.
  The automatic defrost system of properly running systems usually addresses this. Routine service before the start of the season will ensure all system components are operating properly.
• Problem: Thermostat malfunction.
  Your thermostat isn’t working properly, or settings don’t seem to reflect reality.
  Solution: Schedule a seasonal HVAC inspection.
  Thermostat issues are incredibly common. Often it’s just a low battery. However, calibration, faulty wiring, and age could also be to blame. Ensure your thermostat is working correctly, calibrating your system and identifying potential problems in advance with a regular HVAC maintenance appointment.
• Problem: Uneven heating throughout the house.
  Uneven heating can make certain rooms in your home cold and uncomfortable.
  Solution: Identify and address ductwork blockages and building envelope leaks.
  Look for leaks around doors, windows, outlets, and venting, which can allow cold drafts into your home, sealing them with weatherstripping, caulk, or spray foam. If leaks are addressed and problems persist, have your ductwork inspected for blockages or leaks.
• Problem: Pilot light is out or won’t stay lit.
  A dirty or damaged furnace flame sensor is frequently the cause of this issue, but avoid DIY service attempts.
  Solution: Routine furnace service.
  Servicing gas appliances comes with a risk of fire and explosion, making professional assistance a must. Your local HVAC professional can address this for you in a snap, getting your pilot light and home furnace running steadily again. As with other issues, routine maintenance in the fall can head off this issue at the pass.
• Problem: Carbon monoxide alarm activates.
  Ventilation blockages and cracked components can lead to CO leaks in combustion appliances.
  Solution: Evacuate all family members and pets from your home immediately and call for help.
  Don’t return to your home until a furnace professional has identified the issue and given you the all-clear.

Prevent common winter heating system problems with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule a seasonal inspection or system maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/winter-is-here-prevent-these-common-hvac-problems-ensuring-a-warm-safe-winter/

Stay More Energy Efficient than Your Neighbors with These Tips

Are you tired of keeping up with the Joneses? How about falling behind – in energy expenditures? When it comes to spending money on utilities, more is not better. Reducing home energy consumption is good for your wallet and the planet. Get the most out of your home heating system, embracing your competitive spirit and reaping energy savings rewards with these tips.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Once crisp, cool weather arrives, adjust your thermostat from summer to winter settings. A temperature setting of 70 degrees F is recommended for daytime activities. At night, when you’re snuggled in bed, lower settings a few degrees more. Out to work or school? Lower your thermostat setting to 60 degrees for significant energy savings (while still protecting your pipes). This is where smart thermostats come in handy, managing temperatures for you throughout the day. Today’s latest smart thermostat models do all the work for you, adapting to your schedule and home comfort preferences.

Swap Out Your Air Filter

If your air filters are dirty, your system is working harder to pump air. Replace them regularly – every 1-3 months – to give your heating system a performance boost.

Schedule Routine Maintenance

Fall is the best time to schedule furnace or heat pump system maintenance. Clean, well-maintained systems offer superior performance, saving up to 5% on heating costs. Routine inspections can also identify hidden problems before they result in the need for emergency repairs and lengthen your system’s lifespan.

Improve Your Building Envelope

Don’t heat the whole neighborhood. Give your HVAC system a helping hand, sealing leaks around windows, doors, outlets, and venting with the appropriate caulk, weather stripping, or spray foam insulation. While you’re at it, beef up the insulation in your attic and crawlspace. These simple tactics take the strain of your heating system, keeping warm, conditioned air contained within your home.

Consider Incorporating Supplemental Heat

Adding supplemental heat such as radiant floor heating to frequently used zones in your home could help you keep utility costs in check. Radiant floor heating is extremely efficient, distributing warmth much more evenly than forced air systems. Once your home has reached a comfortable temperature, radiant heating systems use minimal energy to maintain comfort. These clean, noiseless systems warm everything in your house, radiating heat from the ground up through the floor, couch, beds, and more.

Add A Few Layers

When your home, putting on a few extra layers of clothes or draping yourself in a soft, warm blanket and lowering the temperature on your heating systems is a great way to eke out additional energy savings.

Learn more about the latest in super-efficient, home heating technology that will turn your neighbors green with envy, reducing your energy costs up to 40% while providing a more comfortable home. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/stay-more-energy-efficient-than-your-neighbors-with-these-tips/

Furnace Replacement: A Home Owners's Guide that You can Use

It’s happened again. You’re looking at more costly furnace repairs. Should you keep piecing your aging furnace back together, or should you finally give in and replace it? Considering these factors can help you determine whether you might be better off repairing or replacing your home heating unit.

Repair History

Reviewing your furnace repair receipts and considering the potential cost of future maintenance can be a real eye-opener, particularly since these costs typically increase over time. Trustworthy HVAC repair technicians will tell you – if the cost of furnace repairs is about a third the cost of purchasing a new furnace, you’d be better off investing in a newer model.

Warranty

Has the warranty for your older home heating system nearly run out? If this is the case, and furnace repair needs are increasing in frequency, replacing your aging furnace now, before it leaves you shivering in winter weather extremes, could be a smart move.

Furnace Age

If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it’s probably not worth the continued expense of repairs. Furnaces have a 15-year life expectancy, 20 max. Older furnace technology is also significantly more inefficient. With new Energy Star furnace models boasting a performance of 97% (near-total efficiency), you can quickly recoup furnace upgrade costs in energy savings.

Efficiency

Older furnaces offer about 60-80% efficiency. This translates to 20-40% of your energy dollars going up in smoke. Investing those wasted energy dollars in a new furnace instead offers more for your money – including a more comfortable home with lower energy bills. How can you tell if your furnace is inefficient?

• Your furnace frequently cycles or runs continuously, struggling to maintain temperature on cold days.
• Your heating bills keep increasing year-over-year.

Features To Consider When Buying A New Furnace

When it’s finally time to replace your furnace, look to these new system features to ensure lasting happiness with your investment:

• Load
  Professional assessment by a trained HVAC technician will ensure a system specifically sized to your home’s size, layout, age, and building envelope.
• Capacity
  Sufficient capacity, measured in BTUs, ensures your furnace has the power to heat your home adequately.
• Efficiency rating
  Efficiency or AFUE ratings point to how successfully fuel is converted to heat. Higher ratings = fewer energy dollars wasted.
• Features
  Furnaces outfitted with variable speed blowers, high-performance air filtration, heat exchangers, and added venting offer superior performance, efficiency, and comfort. System designs compatible with zoned heating help you avoid hot/cold spots and unnecessarily heating unoccupied areas.
• Warranty
  Home heating systems providing warranty coverage for parts and labor help you save over the long-term on repairs. Extended service agreements through your local HVAC company can also help you manage costs not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

Rebates And Incentives Toward More Efficient Home Comfort Solutions

There are many opportunities for savings when upgrading to newer, more efficient home heating systems. Energy Star models typically offer the best rebates and incentives. Your local utility company, city, and county may also provide additional financial incentives toward more efficient furnace models, which reduce strain on the power grid.

Don’t wait until your furnace is irreparable before taking action. Get a trustworthy quote on a new home furnace from H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/furnace-replacement-a-home-ownerss-guide-that-you-can-use/

Remember to Winterize Your Home to Conserve Energy and Keep Warm

Not looking forward to your winter heating bills? Winterize your home for savings, staying warm and comfy through the cold weather season. With a little fall foresight, a bit of work, and a small investment in preventative maintenance, you can create a more hospitable home environment while dramatically reducing your winter energy costs.

How to Winterize Your Home & Save on Heating

• Change furnace filters regularly.
  Furnace filters don’t last forever. In fact, they should be changed every few months, at a minimum, and more often if you have pets, children, or your home is undergoing renovations. Dirty filters force your heater to work harder to distribute conditioned air throughout your home, restricting airflow, affecting the efficiency of your furnace, and driving up electricity costs. Fortunately, home air filters are inexpensive and easy to change.
• Seal leaks.
  The number of air leaks in the average home is roughly the equivalent of leaving a window open. A bit of caulk, spray foam, weather stripping, or even a rolled-up towel at the base of exterior doors can make a significant difference in the amount of time you’ll have to run your home heating system to stay comfortable when temperatures drop. Check for leaks, gaps, cracks, and holes surrounding doors and windows, electrical outlets, piping, and venting to prevent seepage, and you’ll save on heating and air costs all year long.
• Add storm doors and windows for extra protection.
  Storm doors and windows, designed to keep outside air out, also keep conditioned air inside your home, adding an extra layer of protection against air and thermal transfer through doors and windows. Many of today’s modern options are quite beautiful, adding to the curb appeal and value of your home.
• Adjust your thermostat settings.
  When you leave – don’t pay to heat an empty house. Lower the temperature to 55, saving energy while preventing frozen pipe snafus. This is easily accomplished with a programmable thermostat. Today’s smart learning thermostats do most of the work for you, adjusting settings to your schedule and preferences so your home is always comfortable. Models like the popular Nest learning thermostat cost little more than conventional thermostats, offering substantial savings up to 12% on heating and 15% on cooling costs annually, quickly paying for themselves.
• Take a close look at your water heater.
  Change the default setting on your water heater to 120 degrees and you’ll see a significant reduction in your monthly energy bill. Insulate water heaters in unconditioned spaces for additional savings.
• Give your heating system a little TLC.
  Prevent unexpected breakdowns in winter weather extremes with fall furnace maintenance. A well-tuned system can save you up to 5% on heating, lengthening the lifespan of your system, and bringing hidden problems to light before they require emergency repair.

Don’t let winter weather put a freeze on your finances. Prep your home for the cold weather season with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule pre-season preventative heating system maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/remember-to-winterize-your-home-to-conserve-energy-and-keep-warm/

Winters Can Worsen Indoor Air Quality in Our Homes. Here’s how to Improve it

The winter usually brings indoor air quality challenges. But this year, indoor air quality concerns are exacerbated by the threat of COVID-19. How can you keep your family safe and healthy within your home while the weather outside is cold and miserable?

7 Ways to Improve Air Quality in Your Home Over the Winter

• Filter out contaminants.
  Air filters are your first line of defense against airborne pollutants. Upgrade your air filter to newer HEPA filtration options to remove more contaminants, such as dust, pollen, dander, mold, mildew, viruses, and bacteria, trapping them before they can spread throughout your home.
• Step up your game with an air purifier.
  Whole-home air purifiers, which work in conjunction with your heating and cooling system to clean the air circulating throughout your entire home, can purify the air in your home several times per hour, capturing and/or killing airborne contaminants before they are spread through your home.
• Zap germs in the air and on surfaces.
  Tired of constantly cleaning high-touch surfaces? The Air Scrubber by Aurus can effectively remove up to 99% of microbes, particulates, and gases moving through your heating and cooling unit AND eliminate contaminants from surfaces. Learn more.
• Check your ducts.
  Like those high shelves you never bother to dust because you can’t see them, your ductwork can become coated with dust and airborne contaminants, spreading them throughout your home. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve had this service, have your ducts professionally inspected, cleaned, and sealed.
• Keep things clean – without the chemicals.
  Vacuum, mop, and wipe down surfaces regularly, avoiding synthetic chemicals and choosing natural, non-toxic cleaning products and air fresheners to prevent the buildup of toxic VOCs in your home.
• Increase ventilation.
  Because of  the COVID crisis, we all know the solution to pollution is dilution. But how do you freshen air when it’s freezing outdoors? Reduce your pollutants in your home with added ventilation. Talk to your HVAC professional about available options that bring fresh air into your home without impacting the temperature and comfort level in your home, such as energy recovery ventilators.
• Control humidity.
  Extremely dry winter air is bad for indoor air quality in your home. Without adequate moisture, contaminants remain airborne longer, spreading throughout your home. Dry skin and nasal passages can crack and bleed, increasing your likelihood of exposure to germs. Fortunately, these problems are easily solved with the addition of a whole-house dehumidification system. This affordable technology does all the work for your, monitoring humidity levels in your home and adding moisture when needed. Attached as part of your HVAC system, it can manage the humidity levels throughout your home.

Take control of your health this winter. Improve the indoor air quality in your home with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/winters-can-worsen-indoor-air-quality-in-our-homes-heres-how-to-improve-it/

This Winter Save Energy With these Easy HVAC Tips

Are you looking for ways to reduce your electricity bill this winter? All those extra energy dollars could go a long way to cushioning your holiday spending and reducing repair worries. Make the most of your money, ensuring a safe, comfortable winter with these tips for improving the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Get On Board With Fall Preventative Maintenance

Annual heating and air conditioning system maintenance improves the performance of your system, saving you up to 5% on energy costs. It can also uncover hidden problems with your HVAC, allowing you to address them before they snowball into larger repair bills or the need for emergency maintenance during weather extremes.

Let Go Of Your Ancient System

Systems over 10 years old are massive energy drains. While you might pale at the thought of replacing your decrepit unit, however, you may be surprised to find out you can recoup your money quite quickly in energy savings. Today’s high-efficiency Energy Star heating and cooling systems can reduce your energy costs up to 40% while providing a much more reliably comfortable home.

Upgrade To A Programmable Thermostat

Adjust your thermostat settings by the season. That 78-degree summer setting could cost you a pretty penny in the winter. For every degree your change your thermostat setting, you could save up to 3%. Nest learning thermostats precisely control your indoor air temperature, monitoring when you and your family are away from home. They are an easy way to avoid spending money to heat your home when it’s empty while ensuring you return to comfort.

Keep Those Filters Clean

Dirty filters force your system to work harder to move air. Regularly replacing home air filters every 1-3 months is a cheap and easy way to give your system a performance boost.

Assess The Condition Of Registers & Vents

Clean dirt and debris off registers and vents to facilitate the smooth flow of clean air. Clear away drapes, rugs, and furniture, keeping all free of obstructions.

Eliminate Drafts

Check every room of your home for air leaks. Block cracks under doorways, install weather stripping around doorways and windows, and caulk or spray foam around plumbing, vents, and outlets to reduce air infiltration/exfiltration.

Add A Little Insulation

Improving the insulation in your home is one of the easiest ways to lighten the load your heating and air conditioning system carries, reducing air infiltration and heat transfer.

Take control of your energy expenses, committing to the long-term performance of your HVAC system and home with a proactive maintenance plan. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to learn about the benefits of our affordable Comfort Club Memberships today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/this-winter-save-energy-with-these-easy-hvac-tips/

All About Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps

Are you looking for a more efficient heating and cooling system? HVAC systems being your biggest energy expense, ductless systems offer significant opportunities for savings. These heat pump style systems offer some of the highest SEER ratings in the industry. Boasting ratings of up to 30 SEER, they can shave 30-40% or more off of your annual energy costs compared to traditional, forced air systems. They are the solution of choice for newly constructed homes, as well as small, older homes with no existing ductwork currently relying on a radiator or baseboard heating.

Ductless Units Can Heat & Cool Your Home

Ductless mini-split heat pumps, such as those by industry leader Mitsubishi, work by transferring heat. In the winter, they move heat from the outdoors into your home, and vice versa in the summer, by reversing the flow of refrigerant. Ductless systems featuring the latest heating technology offer reliable performance, even when it’s below freezing outside. This multifunctional operation means you can achieve all your home comfort needs, reliably, with a single system.

Ductless Systems Are Simple To Install

Mini-split systems consist of one outdoor unit and one (or more) indoor units. Each component takes up far less space than traditional forced-air systems. This is where the name “mini-split” comes from. No boxy ducting is needed. Instead, only small, 3-inch holes are necessary to accommodate refrigerant lines running between interior and exterior components. Lack of ducting means improved efficiency and no heat loss, as well as whisper quiet operation. Refrigerant lines facilitate heating and cooling performance, and the indoor units distribute air, offering substantial energy savings and superior performance.

Mini Split Systems Offer Zoned Based Heating & Cooling For Enhanced Savings

Ductless systems can accommodate up to eight indoor air handling units for each outdoor unit. This can allow you to create zones in your home, varying temperature settings separately by location and use. Purchasing two outdoor units for larger homes can offer significant savings, providing a green, low carbon, year-round home comfort solution.

The More Efficient Your Home, The More Substantial The Savings

While ductless systems offer superior performance and energy savings compared to ducted systems, in order to maximize savings, efficient home design is essential. Adequately insulating your home and addressing air leaks around windows, doors, plumbing, electrical, and venting, prevents the energy savings from ductless systems from seeping out of your house. Fortunately, there are many available state and local energy efficiency upgrade incentives, including those from your utility provider, to help you improve the performance of your home’s building envelope.

Wondering if a ductless mini-split heat pump might be a good fit for your home? Schedule an appointment with the home comfort experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/all-about-ductless-mini-split-heat-pumps/