Buying A New HVAC? Here Are Some Smart Shopping Tips

Purchasing a new heating and cooling unit is a big investment – one of the largest ones you’ll make in your home. Gathering basic knowledge on terminology, system styles, and brands, and pricing will ensure you get the most out of your HVAC purchase.

Know Your AC System Types

Central Air Conditioner (typically start at $3,500)

Central air conditioners are typically installed as part of a “split system,” paired with a heat source such as a furnace or boiler. Central air units use refrigerant, compressors, and coils to cool air, distributing it via ductwork through your home with the help of a fan/blower system.

Air Source Heat Pump (typically start at $5,500)

This variation on a central air conditioner can provide both heating and cooling. They cost a bit more upfront, but are extremely energy-efficient, quickly recouping this extra expense. In the case of air source heat pumps, they work by transferring heat, moving it outside in the summer, and inside in the winter. Like central AC systems, they also use refrigerant, compressors, and coils, and distribute air via ductwork with the help of a fan/blower.

Geothermal Heat Pump (typically start at $25,000)

Geothermal heat pumps work much the same way as air source heat pumps but rely on the constant temperatures within the ground. They are super-efficient, using 25-50% less energy than conventional systems. Like air source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps provide both air and heat, and can also be used to heat water and operate radiant heat flooring systems.

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump (typically start at $3,000)

Mini-split heat pumps also work by shuttling heat. They are easier to install than central and heat pump systems but cost more upfront. However, they are extremely efficient, making them an increasingly popular choice. Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners feature multiple indoor units, which distribute air within the home, connected to a compressor located outdoors. Because they require no ducts and components connect via only small refrigerant lines, they are a great choice for small/historic homes with little space for these structures. They also work well for cooling garages and new home additions and are an ideal solution for those who want independent control of room temperature across multiple areas of the home.

Talk To A Knowledgeable Contractor

Your local air conditioning company will be able to help you determine which of the units above is best for your home size, area climate, budget, and comfort needs. Once you decide on the type of system you want for your home, you’ll want to compare air conditioner brands and get estimates on installation costs. At H & H, we’ve been providing trusted A+ BBB and Angie’s List Super Service Award-winning services to Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery County residents for over 30 years.

Learn more about our 100% no lemon, money-back guarantee, available purchase incentives, 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/buying-a-new-hvac-here-are-some-smart-shopping-tips/

Guide To Staying Safe While Calling Your HVAC Technician

If your air conditioner is broken and you find yourself weighing the pros and cons of suffering through the summer with air conditioning against potential coronavirus exposure, you’re not alone. The need for HVAC service is stressful enough without the added complication of potential ramifications of system service during a global health pandemic. Fortunately, it is possible to get AC work done safely during the pandemic, even with a service technician inside your home.

Tips For COVID-Safe HVAC Service

• Only work with companies with a pandemic safety plan in place to ensure your safety.
• If you’ve been sick in the last 14 days, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends rescheduling your appointment. We are happy to assist you with a later appointment to stop the potential spread of COVID 19.
• If you’re healthy and need air conditioning service or repair, the DOH recommends maintaining the typical 6-foot social distancing recommendations.
• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands, and wash your hands well with warm soap and water at least 20 seconds before/after touching any potentially contaminated surfaces.

We’ve Instituted A Number Of Safety Measures To Ensure Pandemic Protection 

To keep our customers and employees safe we’ve instituted a number of new procedures, including:

• Monitoring our team members’ health daily, taking regular temperature checks, and practicing social distancing.
• Contacting our customers prior to performing heating and air conditioning service to ensure everyone in the household has not been sick within the last 14 days.
• Scheduling appointments only in households where members have been symptom-free for two weeks after exposure or signs of illness.
• Wearing masks, safety glasses, and new shoe covers and gloves in each house.
• Routinely utilizing hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes on mobile devices used in the field.
• Specialized chemicals used for the disinfection of items such as tools, gauges, repair parts, within our service and parts trucks.
• Continual monitoring of the pandemic and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure adherence to the latest guidelines.

We Excel At “No Contact” Communication

To meet the needs of our concerned customers, we now offer the option of Virtual HVAC Estimates using video conferencing software. We can also complete any necessary paperwork digitally, sending estimates via email/text and using electronic signatures on contracts.

We’re Here For You Through The Pandemic

We will continue to provide 24/7 HVAC repair at no additional cost, so you can access affordable heating and air conditioning repairs, even those that occur outside ‘normal’ 9 to 5 business hours. We’ve been ensuring our customers’ homes are safe, healthy, and comfortable for over 35 years, and will continue to provide trusted service throughout the pandemic. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure health and safety as we navigate the evolving COVID crisis. Our highest priority is the safety of your family and our team.

Schedule COVID-safe service. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/guide-to-staying-safe-while-calling-your-hvac-technician/

What could those noises coming from your air conditioner mean? Today’s high-efficiency cooling units are exceptionally quiet, featuring sound dampening technology and variable speed compressors that keep noise levels low (below 55 decibels). Noises emitted by your system during operation should be unnoticeable, so if you hear strange sounds, they shouldn’t be ignored.

Why Is My AC Making Noise?

These sounds could indicate your system needs to be repaired or replaced.

• Clicking
  The clicking on and off of system components at start-up and shutdown can be a normal part of operation – but these noised should not be constant. If you hear repeated clicking, you may have a failing thermostat or other electronic control. Because there are many electrical components in your system, it is essential to manage clicking noises quickly to avoid bigger issues down the road.
• Buzzing
  Buzzing can be caused by many issues, including loose or out of balance parts (blower, fan, copper lines), or the near failure of components. Buzzing can also be a sign of neglected simple maintenance needs, such as home air filter replacement, coil cleaning, or inadequate refrigerant levels.
• Humming
  Humming usually isn’t serious unless it’s a compressor that hums and refuses to start. In most cases, it points to electrical issues (loose wiring).
• Banging
  Banging noises often indicate a loose or broken part in the compressor, such as a pin, rod, valves, piston, or crankshaft. In the case of compressor issues, it could mean replacement. Banging can also be a sign your indoor blower is unbalanced.
• Clanking
  Clanking also typically indicates a loose part or component. It can also indicate out of balance components, such as blower or fan blades out of alignment coming in contact with other parts. These issues often lead to bigger problems when ignored. Once parts inside the unit have failed, or the compressor has become loose, system replacement may be necessary.
• Rattling
  Rattling, chattering sounds can indicate loose parts (fan, electrical components, casing screws/bolts), or indicate your system is deteriorating and may soon require replacement. Like buzzing, rattling may also result from twigs clogging the system, the need for a coil cleaning, or air filter replacement.
• Squealing
  A quick squeal on startup can be normal for some systems, occurring from day one.  Squealing, squeaks, and rattles with a rapid onset, heard through the duct system, however, could indicate fan or blower motor malfunctions.
• Screaming
  High pitched screaming or whistling noises indicate a potentially dangerous situation. Turn off your system immediately. Contact your local air conditioning service company ASAP. Screaming noises may indicate dangerously high pressure in the compressor. Your system may shut itself off as a safeguard.

Don’t Ignore Strange AC Sounds

Ignoring the sounds your system is making could result in minor issues turning into major repair costs. Oftentimes, a simple tune-up or minor maintenance will remedy issues and prevent repair costs from spiraling.

Is your system crying for help? Get it the attention it needs fast. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/why-is-my-ac-making-noise/