High Efficiency Condensing Gas Boilers: Everything You Need to Know

Boiler heating has several key benefits. It can be a very efficient way to heat a home, and unlike forced air heating, it does not cause a lot of dust and allergen displacement. But boilers, like all heating equipment, do have a limited lifespan. If your boiler is more than 15 to 20 years old, it may be time to start shopping for a replacement.

High-efficiency gas boilers are the preferred style of boilers these days. Here’s what you need to know about these appliances.

Energy Savings

Older boilers are not designed to be high efficient. Plus, their deficiency continues to decrease as they get older. High efficiency condensing boilers, on the other hand, is just about as energy-efficient as you can get. Your heating bills will go down significantly once you have a gas boiler installation team replace your old boiler with one of these.

How much will you save? Well, that depends, in part, on the age of your existing furnace, the size of your home, and how you use your heating. But in general, standard boilers are about 80% efficient, whereas condensing boilers are 96% efficient. This equates to a 15 – 20% energy savings for most homeowners who upgrade their boilers.

How They Work

How do these boilers save you so much energy? It all comes down to how they work. When the gas is burned, some of the heat ends up in the exhaust pipe. In a typical boiler, this heat goes to waste, but in a condensing boiler, the heat is essentially reclaimed and used to heat the water that will then heat your home.

By reclaiming heat that would otherwise be wasted, condensing boilers are able to generate more heat per unit of gas. This is why central heat and air installation contractors recommend them so often.

Other Considerations

Here are a few other key things to know when considering a boiler replacement.

An easy way to tell whether a boiler is energy-efficient is to look for the Energy Star® logo. Energy Star only awards its certification to boilers that meet pretty strict efficiency standards, and condensing boilers almost always qualify.

Choosing a high efficiency condensing boiler is not just good for your wallet. It’s also good for the planet since these systems help conserve fossil fuels and produce fewer emissions.

Condensing boilers are smaller and lighter than conventional boilers. They’ve been around long enough that most local heater repair companies can repair them and provide HVAC tune-ups as needed.

If your boiler is nearing the end of its life expectancy, consider replacing it with a high efficiency condensing boiler. These appliances will save you money and benefit the planet. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning if you’d like a quote for boiler replacement. We also offer home HVAC repair, maintenance, and more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/high-efficiency-condensing-gas-boilers-everything-you-need-to-know/

Debunking Common Mini Split Heat Pump Myths

Ductless mini-split heat pumps are an increasingly common choice for home heating and cooling. These systems have two components: an outdoor compressor and an indoor air handler. In the summer, the heat pump cools your home, and in the winter, it heats your home. If you’re considering a ductless mini-split heat pump for your home, then it’s important to know the facts. The following are four common myths about these HVAC systems.

1. Myth: Mini Splits Only Work For New Homes

Mini-split systems are a common choice for new construction, but they can work for existing homes, too. In fact, many homeowners choose to have a mini-split heat pump installed in conjunction with their existing furnace or boiler. The heat pump will heat the living space as much as possible, but the furnace or boiler will kick on as a backup, as needed.

You can also have a heat pump installed as a means of a new home addition. Or, if there’s a part of your house that always seems cold even when the heat is on, adding a heat pump to that part of the home can help.

2. Myth: Mini Splits Only Work In Warm Climates

Some homeowners believe that if the temperature falls below freezing in their area, a ductless mini-split heat pump is not an option. Luckily, any central heat and air installation contractor will tell you otherwise. On days when temperatures fall below freezing, modern mini spilt heat pumps somtimes referred has hyper heat pumps use inverter compressor technology and require no fuel-burning  or electric heat elements as a backup heat as they generate enough heat on there own.

3. Myth: Mini Splits Are Hard To Maintain

Like any other type of HVAC equipment, mini split heat pumps do require regular maintenance. But this maintenance isn’t any more extensive than what’s needed for a standard furnace. You’ll need to change the filter about once a month, remove debris from the outdoor compressor, and schedule an HVAC tune-up about once a year. As long as you keep up with this care, a heat pump can provide clean, efficient heating for many years.

4. Myth: Mini Splits Are Too Expensive

Actually, installing a ductless mini-split heat pump is a great way to save money. You can rely on the same equipment to heat and cool your home, rather than buying a separate furnace and air conditioner. Since heat pumps are so efficient, they also allow you to save on energy costs over time.

Is a heat pump a wise choice for your home? The home HVAC repair contractors at H & H Heating and Cooling can help you decide. Contact us to schedule an appointment. We offer local heater repair, maintenance, installation, and more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/debunking-common-mini-split-heat-pump-myths/

HVAC Company providing Heating Services in Philadelphia Suburbs: Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed!

 Nothing in your house affects your home comfort – or energy bills - more than your heating and cooling system, making the inclusion of a trusted, professional, local HVAC company an essential component of your family’s ICE (in-case-of-emergency) contact list…

How do we make sure that our customers get the best service possible?

• Knowledge
  Heating services knowledge is not only essential to the quality of repairs and installation but to the safety of your family. we ensure this essential knowledge through the ongoing training of our heating technicians in continually changing information and technology, ensuring a thorough understanding of heating essentials, including the combustion process (flue gases, pressurization, and back drafting) and how it relates to carbon monoxide safety; air flow (ventilation and duct system dynamics); home performance (heat loss, sealing, insulation and leakage); and more.

• Friendly service
  We have professional, yet friendly service technicians who strive for a long-term customer contractor relationship by ensuring customer satisfaction. We foster this through the hiring of the right employees: Those with not only knowledge but a friendly demeanor and empathetic personality, capable of delivering technical information in an easily understandable way – and compassionately relaying bad news and workable options when the situation calls for it.
• An eye for details
  Such as the fact that your front lawn is your pride and joy (ie: don’t walk on it), your home is spotless (lose the shoes or don some shoe covers), you work from home (keep it down to a dull roar) or you’re easily startled (knock before entering, please).
• Straightforward, Fair pricing
  Fair pricing ensures our ability to hire well-trained technicians with an attractive benefits package, as well as top-quality material and repairs, giving us the ability to provide you with the reliable warranty you were promised. Because, as the saying goes: ‘You get what you pay for’, and cutting prices by cutting corners is never a wise investment when it comes to your heating system.
• Emergency service
  We not only respect your time by arriving on-time, but provide 24 hour hvac service and the staff necessary to provide fast hvac system repair even during the busiest, extreme weather situations.
• Financing
  Even with cost effective pricing, we understand that repair and replacement expenses can strain your budget, and so we offer affordable financing as a more flexible way to pay for those unexpected costs.

Looking for local heating and ac companies that are 100% sure of your satisfaction? At H & H Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re so sure of our customer service and repair quality, we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a robust warranty on all work completed, giving you the peace of mind you want on your HVAC investment. Contact us today.

Why Make H&H your Comfort Partner for 2022

Are you looking for a heating and cooling technician to maintain, repair, or replace your HVAC equipment? H & H Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to be an HVAC company you can depend on. We set ourselves apart by offering friendly, efficient, reliable service to customers throughout the Delaware Valley. Since we’ve been around since 1985, we know the industry like the back of our hand — and our customers benefit from our expertise.

Here are a few reasons customers love working with H & H:

1. 24-7 Emergency Service

Heaters don’t always wait for a convenient time to quit! If your heat fails, you can call us any time, day or night. We will always have a live person answering the phone. We’ll send one of our HVAC service technicians out promptly to make sure your family stays safe and warm, and if you are our Comfort Club member, we promise priority repairs in case of emergencies!

2. We Work On All Brands

When you need someone to fix central heating or cooling equipment, you don’t want to spend hours checking which companies are willing to work on your brand. At H & H, our technicians can repair and maintain almost any brand or style of boiler, furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.  We even have a team of experts who are knowledgeable about older, rarer, and more unusual systems.

3. Virtual Estimates

When you’re busy juggling work and family obligations, meeting HVAC contractors for in-home estimates can be tough. Our virtual estimates are easier to fit into your schedule. We’ll ask the right questions so we can give you an accurate idea of how much your maintenance, repairs, or installation will cost.

4. Reliable, Honest Technicians

Your HVAC technician needs to be in your home in order to do their job. We know this can make some people a little nervous and uncomfortable, which is why we go out of our way to hire the most honest, reliable people. Our technicians have all passed background checks and drug tests. They always carry identification, so you can feel confident when allowing them into your home.

Our technicians also participate in continued education courses to make sure they always know how to work on the latest equipment.

5. Community Involvement

At H & H, we consider ourselves part of the local community, and we get involved in that community. We support various charitable organizations including Barkann Healing Hearts Foundation, City Team Chester, and many other local fundraisers in the communitys we serve.  Our goal is to make the Delaware Valley region an even better, kinder place to call home. We’re happy to achieve that goal one customer at a time.

Whether you need home HVAC repair, a gas furnace installation, or even a new air conditioner, you can rely on H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. In fact, we’re preparing to offer a new, worry-free program to our customers for the ultimate peace of their mind. We’ll be sharing more details soon, so make sure you check back. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re looking for reliable, honest HVAC service.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/why-make-hh-your-comfort-partner-for-2022/

Pros and Cons of a Tankless Water Heater

A hot water heater is a big investment – not just in the appliance itself, but in your future utility bills. The second biggest electricity user in the home, water heating systems typically comprise 18% of your monthly electric costs, on average, according to the Department of Energy. These costs, and society’s turn toward greener home purchases, has homeowners nationwide contemplating a tankless hot water heater installation – but are they truly all they’re cracked up to be?

Is a tankless water heater right for me?

For those upgrading from tank-style water heating systems, it is essential to understand Bradford Infinity Tankless Water Heater tankless water heaters benefits and drawbacks, and most importantly, avoid the assumption that as a “hot water heater,” a tankless system will operate in exactly the same manner as the tank-style system it replaces. It will not.

Pros and cons of tankless systems:

• Pros
  • Energy-saving.
    Because they don’t waste energy keeping 40 gallons or more of water constantly to temperature, gas or propane-powered tankless systems, such as those by Bradford, use 30-50% less than tank-style systems, saving $100 or more a year depending on usage. For systems powered by electricity, that savings drops to around $44 per year.
  • Space-saving.
    Tankless heaters mount on the wall, taking up very little space – and giving you additional opportunities for storage.
  • Consistent temperatures.
    Tankless heaters provide a continuous supply of hot water, without running out as tank-style systems are known for with heavy use.
  • Less waste.
    The compact design of tankless systems means less rusty tanks in the landfill.
  • Longer lifespan.
    Tankless systems last over 20 years – about twice that of tank-style systems.
  • Longer warranties.
    Tankless systems typically offer 15-year warranties – versus the 6-year average for tank-style models.
  • Tax incentives.
    Propane and gas-powered tankless models may qualify for a $300 federal rebate – and potential state incentives.
• Cons
  • Higher initial cost.
    Smaller, more inexpensive units typically won’t provide enough hot water to serve a household. Larger units can – but are more expensive. Because of high-powered burners, they require special venting within a dedicated, sealed vent system – which means professional installation is a must.
  • Serve one hot water faucet at a time.
    Someone might get a cold shower if multiple faucets are running – unless you install additional point-of-use tankless systems.
  • May require a utility upgrade.
    For homes with electrical-only utilities, a system upgrade may be required to provide enough juice for your tank. This, plus necessary rewiring and the cost of a professional electrician, could add a hefty, 4-digit chunk to your installation bill.

Still unsure if a tankless water heater is right for you? Hot water heaters by H & H come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, delivering lower bills and performance that lasts. Contact us today for help finding the perfect match for your home and family’s needs.

This post originally appeared at https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-a-tankless-water-heater/

Avoid Thermostat Adjustments That Inflate Your Energy Bill

Nobody wants to pay more for energy than they have to. And with the rising cost of energy, many people are being more vigilant about their energy use these days. Heating accounts for a significant percentage of the energy use in most homes, so if you can keep your HVAC use efficient, your energy bills should go down. To save on energy, HVAC service technicians recommend rethinking the way you’re using and adjusting your thermostat.

Avoid Frequent Adjustments

You turn the temperature up to 72°F, and then your partner, feeling warm, turns it back to 67°F. Does this sound familiar? Arguments about the thermostat setting are nothing new, and you’re not just straining your relationship by failing to reach an agreement on the best temperature. Every time you turn the thermostat setting up or down, your HVAC system has to work extra hard to adjust. This wastes energy.

For the most efficient heating, heating and cooling technicians recommend picking a thermostat setting, and sticking with it. It’s usually best to go with the lowest preferred setting in your household. Anyone who is a little on the chilly side at that temperature can layer on an extra sweater. Most people can easily stay comfortable at 68°F without having to wear a winter coat or strip down to their birthday suit.

Program Your Thermostat Wisely

Having a home HVAC repair company install a programmable thermostat can save you money on energy, but only if you use your programmable thermostat wisely. For instance, if you turn the temperature down too low when you’re gone in the middle of the day, your furnace will have to work extra hard to re-heat the home later on, negating any potential energy savings.

A good starting point is to set your thermostat no warmer than 70°F for the hours you’re awake and active. Set the temperature no more than 8°F lower when you’re out of the house. The same goes for the night hours. Turn the temperature down no more than 8°F during the hours when you’re asleep.

Other Tips

Here are a few other tips to help you avoid wasting energy with less-than-perfect thermostat use.

• Check your thermostat programming every month to make sure the settings still suit your needs.
• If you go away on vacation, turn the thermostat down to no lower than 55°F while you’re away.
• Make sure all family members are aware of and agree to your chosen thermostat settings to prevent frequent adjustments.

Whether you have a programmable thermostat or not, the way you use your thermostat does affect your energy consumption. Keep the advice above in mind, and contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning if you’re in need of HVAC service. We offer gas furnace installation, fix central heating systems, and so much more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/avoid-thermostat-adjustments-that-inflate-your-energy-bill/

5 Signs Your HVAC Blower Motor Needs to Be Replaced

Forced air furnaces are equipped with a blower, sometimes known as a fan, which works to blow the freshly conditoned heat or cooled air through the ducts. This fan is powered by a motor, and like most HVAC components, that motor sometimes fails. The older your furnace is, the more likely this is to happen. Luckily, residential HVAC contractors can usually replace or repair broken blower motors. Here are the signs you need to give your residential heating repair company a call about this problem.

1. No Airflow

If you notice that there is no warm air at all coming through your heat registers, then you may have a broken blower motor. This generally means the blower motor has failed completely, which may indicate there have been problems for a while. If you keep an eye out for the other signs on this list, you can often have your blower motor repaired before it fails completely.

2. Less Airflow

If your blower motor is struggling but still functioning, you may notice a decrease in airflow through your registers. The airflow may be stronger at the vents close to the furnace, but weaker at the far-away vents, such as any that are located upstairs.

Low airflow can be caused by all sorts of blower motor problems, from a bad capacitor to dirt accumulation. Having a furnace tune-up performed every year prior to heating season can help prevent these issues.

3. Rattling Or Screeching Noises

Listen closely when your furnace starts blowing out warm air. Do you hear a rattling noise? If so, your blower motor may need a ball bearing, or there may be a loose screw that needs to be tightened.

Screeching noises while the furnace is running can also indicate a blower motor problem. Usually, screeching is caused by a frayed or torn belt. This is a common problem in older, belt-driven furnaces. Thankfully, HVAC technicians can replace frayed belts if the motor is in otherwise good shape,

4. High Energy Bills

There are many possible causes of high energy bills. You may have leaky windows or a malfunctioning water heater, as an example. If you’ve ruled out these and other probable causes, then it’s time to consider your blower motor. If the motor is really dirty, it won’t work efficiently. This could lead to breakdowns if not addressed promptly.

If you have a variable speed blower motor, high energy bills could also mean the motor is stuck at one speed. Having your heating contractors fix it will help bring your energy bills back down to a reasonable level.

5. Strange Smells

If you notice an overheating odor or the smell of burning dust when you turn on your furnace, this could indicate an issue with your blower motor. It may just be dirty, or there could be some components rubbing against one another, generating heat and odors.

If you suspect your blower motor may be malfunctioning, call your heating contractor sooner rather than later. Feel free to contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning if you’re looking for heating and air conditioning companies in the Delaware Valley.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/5-signs-your-hvac-blower-motor-needs-to-be-replaced/

The Signs & Symptoms of a Bad Capacitor on a Gas Furnace

Your furnace works by warming air and then blowing that warm air through your ducts. The fan, specifically, is responsible for the blowing part of this function. Inside that fan, there is a motor, and inside the motor, there is a part called the capacitor.

Your furnace capacitor works to regulate the amount of electricity that the fan motor receives. It’s a small part, but if it is not working properly, your furnace won’t be able to heat your home until a heating contractor replaces the capacitor. So, what are the signs that something’s wrong with your furnace capacitor?

1. Humming Noises

The capacitor allows electricity to flow to your furnace’s fan motor, permitting the motor to turn on. If the capacity is not functioning properly, you may hear a strange, low-humming noise when your furnace first turns on. Sometimes, after a few seconds of humming, the furnace may start blowing air. Other times, the humming noise may continue indefinitely and you won’t get heat at all.

2. Clicking Sounds

If you listen closely when your furnace is working well, you’ll hear a single “click” when the furnace turns on. This is normal.

When your furnace capacitor is malfunctioning, you may instead hear click after click, but the furnace won’t turn on. The clicking might go on for a few minutes before ceasing, or it may happen just a few times before the furnace “stops trying.” In either case, repeated clicking means you need to call a residential heating repair contactor about your capacitor.

3. Short-Cycling

Sometimes when a capacitor is not working well, the furnace will turn on, but it will quickly overheat. When the furnace overheats, there is a limit switch that turns it off in order to prevent fires and additional damage to the unit.

What this looks like to the homeowner is the furnace turning on, then off, then on, then off — in quick succession. This furnace behavior is known as short-cycling, and it can indicate a number of furnace problems, but a bad capacitor is definitely one of them. Have a residential HVAC contractor come take a look to prevent future furnace damage and the high energy bills that can come with short cycling.

4. No Heat

Another potential sign of a bad capacitor is a total lack of heat. Your furnace won’t kick on at all. If you try turning the thermostat up a few degrees, you still don’t get results.

Now, a lack of heat can mean almost anything. You could have a bad gas valve, a faulty thermostat, or even a broken heat exchanger. However, the capacitor is one of the most common furnace parts to break, leading to a loss of heat, so it’s an important possibility to consider.

Keep an eye out for these signs of a bad capacity, and make sure you schedule a yearly furnace tune-up to keep your heating system in good shape. Contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning if you’re looking for a heating and air conditioning company to service your equipment.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/the-signs-symptoms-of-a-bad-capacitor-on-a-gas-furnace/

Should I Turn Off My Heater When I Go on Vacation?

When your on vacation, you may feel like it’s wasteful to keep heating the home you’re not spending time in. But should you really turn the heat off before you leave town? In most cases, heating contractors agree the answer is “no.” However, there are other ways you can more safely save on heating bills during travel.

Why Turning The Heat Off Is A Bad Idea

You might figure that since you’re not home, it doesn’t really matter if your home’s indoor temperature falls to 40 or even 30 degrees F. However, your heating system exists for reasons other than simply keeping you warm. Allowing your home to become too cold could cause damage to building materials, appliances, and even decorative items like paintings and photos.

Even in the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, there may be the occasional freezing day. You don’t want to turn your heat off and potentially subject your home to those freezing temperatures.

Another reason not to turn the heat off is your pipes. Your plumbing system is designed to be kept warm to some degree. Residential HVAC contractors do not recommend turning your heat off while your on vacation because this may cause your pipes to freeze. As the water expands inside your pipe, it can cause the pipes to burst, leading to extensive flooding. Keep the heat on, and you’re far less likely to come home to a flooded home.

Safe Ways To Save On Heat While Traveling

What you can do to save money on heat while traveling is turn your thermostat down. If you set it to 55 degrees F for the duration of your stay, the home won’t get cold enough to allow pipes to freeze. Most appliances and building materials do perfectly well at 55 degrees, too.

If you’re leaving pets at home while you’re away, you’ll want to set your thermostat a bit higher. Most dogs and cats do just fine at 60 degrees F. If your pet is older or has short hair, you might want to leave the home a bit warmer.

Pay close attention to the thermostat settings as you adjust the temperature before travel. After adjusting the setting to your desired temperature, push the “hold” or “vacation mode” button. Otherwise, the thermostat will return to its regularly scheduled program while you’re away.

To save more on heating, it’s also a good idea to schedule a furnace tune up. This way, you can be confident your furnace is working as efficiently as possible while you’re away. Additionally, you can turn your water heater temperature down and unplug other electronics to save energy during your trip.

While turning your heat off while you’re on vacation is not wise, turning your thermostat down is a safe, smart way to save. If you’re in need of residential heating repair before you go away, contact H&H Heating and Cooling. We’re a heating and air conditioning company serving the Delaware Valley since 1985.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/should-i-turn-off-my-heater-when-i-go-on-vacation/

Identifying Your Home's Heating System

When you call a heating and air conditioning company to schedule service, one of the first questions they typically ask is “what kind of heating system do you have?” If you recently moved into your home and the system was installed by a previous homeowner, you may not know the answer to this question off-hand. Luckily, it’s easy enough to find out. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of home heating systems and how to identify them.

Furnaces

Forced air furnaces are really common across the country. These systems burn fuel — usually natural gas, but sometimes propane or oil — to generate heat. The heat warms the air, which is then blown through a system of ducts to the various rooms in your home.

Furnaces are usually paired with a separate air conditioner. If you have one piece of equipment that generates heat, plus an indoor and outdoor unit that provides air conditioning, then you probably have furnace heating. Scheduling a furnace tune up or repairs should be easy since almost all HVAC companies work on these common systems.

Boilers

Boilers heat water. Either that water or steam generated by heating it are then forced through a series of pipes and into radiators, which are located throughout the home.

If your heating system includes radiators, which are metal units that get hot when the heat kicks on, then you probably have a boiler system. Sometimes these radiators are long units that stretch across a baseboard, and other times they are compact, rectangular units situated in the corners of rooms.

Boilers are not as common as they once were, but they are a good choice for allergy sufferers since they don’t blow air and dust through the home. Not all residential heating repair companies work on boilers but may do.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is a type of heating equipment that is reversible. In the winter, it pumps heat into your home, and in the summer, it pumps heat out of your home. Heat pumps are electric, and they work similarly to refrigerators.

If you have a heat pump, there will typically be an outdoor component to your HVAC system. It may sit on a concrete pad, or it may be mounted on your wall. Heat pumps and air conditioners look similar, but if you read the label on the equipment, you can tell which one you’re looking at. Also, if you have one of these units and no separate furnace or boiler, you can assume it’s a heat pump, not an AC unit.

Knowing which type of heating system you have will make it easier for you to work with heating contractors to schedule repairs and services. If you’re having trouble identifying what type of system you have, feel free to contact us. H&H Heating and Cooling employ knowledgeable residential HVAC contractors who have experience working with furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/identifying-your-homes-heating-system/

Heat Pumps vs Furnaces

Forced air heating systems are very common. These systems work by warming air, then sending that warm air through your home. However, there are two different appliances that can be used to heat the air: furnaces and heat pumps. Which appliance is the better choice for your home? Well, that depends on your needs and preferences. A good understanding of both systems and their advantages will help you pick the best one.

Furnaces

A furnace is a device that burns fuel to generate heat. The heat warms the air, and the warm air circulates through the home via a system of ducts. Most furnaces these days burn natural gas, but you can also find furnaces that burn oil or propane.

Generally, a furnace is paired with a separate air conditioner, which is used to cool air in the summer. The furnace and air conditioner usually share a fan and ductwork.

Advantages Of Furnaces

Furnaces are capable of generating more heat than heat pumps. They can keep a home warm even on the coldest of days. Air coming out of the vents will feel very nice and warm when you have a furnace.

Furnaces have fewer intricate parts than heat pumps, which means they tend to last longer and are easier to repair. You can get decades out of a furnace if you have a furnace repair company service it regularly.

Furnaces are also very common in our part of the world, which means there are a lot of brands and models available for various needs and pocketbooks.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air and funneling that heat into your home. Then, in the summer, you can reverse the direction of the pump to cool your home. Heat pumps run on electricity. They don’t technically generate heat; they just move it.

Advantages Of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are incredibly energy-efficient. If you live in an area where electricity is cheaper than gas, a heat pump often costs less to run.

Since a heat pump heats and cools, you only need to buy one appliance, rather than two. Buying a heat pump often costs less than buying both a furnace and an air conditioner. You also only need your heat pump repair service to maintain and repair one unit.

A Comparison

Which system is best depends largely on where you live. In a really cold climate, a furnace is often best as a heat pump may struggle to keep up on the coldest days. Furnaces also tend to require fewer visits from a heating unit repair company as they age.

If you live in a more moderate climate, a heat pump may be the more affordable, energy-efficient option. Most heat pumps do come with a backup electric heater that will kick on if temperatures fall too low. You simply don’t want to rely on this too often as it will increase your energy bills.

Many HVAC companies install and repair both furnaces and heat pumps. It can be helpful to talk through your preferences with HVAC technicians and get a professional opinion. Contact the heating and air service and repair contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a consultation soon.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heat-pumps-vs-furnaces/

Here's How Often You Need to Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your home are meant to capture dust, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and other types of debris. They keep your air clean so that you can breathe freely. As filters do their job, they do slowly become caked with dust and grime. So, you need to change your air filter often to improve indoor air quality and to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. But how often does your air filter really need to be changed?

A good rough guideline is to change your filter every one to three months. Here are some factors heating and AC installation contractors consider in order to make more specific recommendations.

What Kind Of Filters Do You Use?

Basic, 1″ fiberglass filters really need to be changed every 30 days, in most cases. These filters do a decent job of catching larger particles, but they do become clogged and blocked rather quickly.

Pleated cotton filters last a little longer — at least 2 months, and up to 6 months in some cases. One pleated filter costs more than one fiberglass filter, but since pleated cotton filters last longer, they’re often the most affordable choice long-term.

Do You Have Pets?

Households with pets need to change their air filters more often than those without pets. Cats and dogs, especially, tend to shed a lot of hair and dander that get caught in air filters. With pets, you really want a high-quality, pleated filter. Heating and air service repair contractors generally recommend replacing it every 60 days.

Do Family Members Have Allergies?

People with allergies are more sensitive to small amounts of pollen, dander, and other substances that start to linger in the air once the filter fills up. Allergy sufferers really should invest in pleated filters and change them every 60 days, especially during allergy season.

How Many People Live In Your Home?

The more people who live in your home, the more particulate matter will be in your air. More people means more dust! If you have just one or two people living in a large single-family home, you can go a bit longer between air filter changes. Waiting 3 to 4 months is often fine if you have pleated filters, no allergies, and no pets.

If you have a larger family living in a home, then you may need to change your filter every 60 days, even if allergies and pets are not factors. Doing so helps keep your home from getting too dusty.

Changing your air filter more often will help improve your indoor air quality and ward off allergy symptoms. Plus, residential HVAC contractors find that it reduces the need for repairs over time. Stock up on filters now so you always have some extras on-hand. And don’t hesitate to contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning if you’re looking for a heat repair company to service your system.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heres-how-often-you-need-to-change-your-air-filters/

Water Heater Signaling Trouble? Do Not Delay Repairs!

Unfortunately water heaters do not last forever. Eventually your water heater will start to fail. It is important to recognize early signs of failure so you can promptly schedule either repairs or water heater replacement. Waiting too long could lead to extensive leaks, which can cause mold and other water damage. So, what are the key signs of water heater trouble? Take a look.

1. Lack Of Hot Water

If you turn on the hot water tap and the water that comes out is cold, this is a sure sign of water heater trouble. Unless your whole household just took back-to-back showers and depleted the hot water supply, you need to call a residential HVAC contractor. The heating element may have failed. Or, another problem may have triggered the water heater’s emergency shut-off function.

2. Strange Noises

Does your water heater rumble like an engine every time it kicks on? Perhaps you hear a crackling noise as it heats up. These noises usually mean there’s sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. Often, a heat repair company can simply drain the tank to remove this sediment. But if you don’t do this soon, your tank will lose efficiency and possibly stop heating.

3. Leaks

Check around your hot water heater for any signs of leaks. Even a few drops of water near the base of the tank are a problem. If the leaks are coming from a valve, then a technician may be able to just replace that valve. If the leaks are coming from a hole in the tank itself, then you definitely need a new hot water heater.

4. Brown Or Reddish Water

If brown or red water is coming from your cold water tap, then the problem may lie in your pipes. But if you’re only noticing brown water coming from your hot water pipes, then the problem likely lies in your hot water tank. The discoloration is likely from rust that has formed inside of the tank. You should have the rusting tank replaced before it develops holes that could cause major leaks.

5. Old Age

Hot water heaters generally last about 10 to 15 years. Once they reach this age, they become less efficient. So, even if they are still capable of heating water, replacing them is often a smart way to save money on energy. Replacing an old hot water heater before it fails completely also means you won’t have to deal with a lack of hot water while you await replacement. You can take your time and shop around for the best model.

Get in touch with a heating and air conditoning company when you notice signs of water heater failure. If you’re in the Philadelphia region, contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer residential heating repair, AC repair, water heater services, and more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/water-heater-signaling-trouble-do-not-delay-repairs/