5 Reasons Why DIY AC Repair is Never a Good Idea

Searching online for DIY AC repair video tutorials? Everything looks easy when you watch someone else doing it. But real life is often drastically different. When it comes to heating and air conditioning repair, you’re usually better off avoiding DIY solutions. Why should you avoid DIY AC repair?

You Don’t Have The Right Tools Or Training For AC Repair

Air conditioner repair requires specialty tools, diagnostic equipment, refrigerants, and more.

Professional AC technicians have the equipment and training to handle these issues, with a truck (or warehouse) offering fast access to all the specialty parts and equipment they need to fix your system. When you attempt to repair your AC yourself, you’ll often end up spending more in tools and aggravation than you would’ve to have your system addressed by a 24-hour HVAC service.

Mistakes You Make In DIY AC Repair Could Damage Your System

Air conditioners are made from a lot of parts – most of which will be foreign to you. If your system components work just slightly different from those in the internet video you watched, your repairs could rapidly multiply from accidental damage. If you do manage to find the correct part, you may not know what to do – Should you repair the part, replace it, or does the broken component point to bigger issues or more complicated repairs? Hiring a knowledgeable HVAC contractor is far faster and easier than studying and researching and potentially causing more damage.

You Could Suffer DIY AC Repair Injuries

AC units pull a lot of juice (electricity) and are chock-full of gases. If you don’t know what you’re looking at, you could find yourself electrocuted by faulty wiring or exposed to toxic chemicals. Instead of adding an emergency room bill to go with your AC repair bill, consider calling a trained technician rather than repairing it on your own.

DIY AC Repairs Void Your Warranty 

Professionally installed air conditioners come with a warranty. For many components, coverage is offered for parts and repair at little or no cost to you. But these warranties are voided in the event of DIY maintenance. If nonauthorized individuals perform any repairs during the warranty period, you’ll no longer enjoy the benefits of free or discounted repairs and maintenance when your unit breaks down.

Professional AC Repair Is Faster

Professional HVAC repair technicians have years of training under their belts and experience working with a variety of systems. They can quickly identify everything from common issues to weird problems that defy description but are common to certain brands and styles of units. They have fast access to parts and chemicals, such as refrigerants, that homeowners cannot obtain. Professional AC repairman can not only fix your problem faster but often improve performance in the process.

Avoid creating bigger issues with DIY AC repair. Contact the professional air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for fast, affordable AC repair services today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/5-reasons-why-diy-ac-repair-is-never-a-good-idea/

Wi-Fi Thermostats are a "Smart" Choice. Here's Why!

Are you intrigued by the idea of a new smart thermostat and shopping for a replacement? A Wi-Fi thermostat may make a better choice. Our central heating installation technicians know these two products slightly different, and people often confuse the two products, using the terms interchangeably. What’s the difference between smart and Wi-Fi thermostats?

Smart Thermostats Don’t Like To Be Questioned

Many homeowners purchase smart thermostats, hoping to be able to turn the system on/off and adjust temperature settings from anywhere. But sometimes our residential air conditioning repair experts get support calls from homeowners struggling to use this function. Why? Sometimes the “smart” thermostats think they’ve got your schedule figured out, it wants to make temperature adjustments on its own, without help from you, making the process difficult. If your schedule changes frequently and you want the autonomy to freely adjust thermostat settings without needing to convince your thermostat, or tech support from a 24-hour HVAC service, a smart thermostat is probably not the best choice for you.

Wi-Fi Thermostats Offer Flexible Operation For The Tech Savvy

Wi-Fi home thermostats let you change your thermostat settings using an app from your compatible mobile device. It is not “smart” and does not attempt to modify settings based on your schedule or energy savings, but offers the same key features:

• A sleek, modern look
• Quick, easy installation and setup
• App-driven control via your smartphone or mobile device
• Voice-command capabilities
• Customizable settings
• The ability to save you money on your electric bills

But there is another added bonus to choosing a Wi-Fi thermostat: They cost less – about $100 less than smart thermostat models. Paired with potential energy savings and available incentives from your local utility provider, Wi-Fi thermostats offer a rapid return on investment.

Avoid Thermostat Adjustments That Inflate Your Energy Bill

Regardless of whether you choose a smart or a Wi-Fi thermostat, it’s essential to avoid frequent thermostat adjustments that cause your AC system to consume energy rapidly. Adjusting the temperature up and down repeatedly causes your system to work harder, inflating your utility bills and putting unnecessary stress on your AC system that could shorten its lifespan. The beauty of smart and Wi-Fi thermostats is setting your temperature to maintain home comfort while achieving optimal AC performance. To accomplish this, it’s best to put your thermostat on a schedule and only change it if your schedule varies from day to day.

Get smart. Save energy and make operating your heating and cooling system more convenient with the addition of a Wi-Fi home thermostat. Learn more about available Wi-Fi thermostat models from the knowledgeable air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning, or schedule the installation of a new, high-tech Wi-Fi home thermostat today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/wi-fi-thermostats-are-a-smart-choice-heres-why/

What's a Good SEER Rating?

What’s a good SEER rating? If you feel lost in a sea of HVAC statistics and acronyms, you’re not alone. Shopping for a new heating and air conditioning system can be an overwhelming task. But the residential air conditioning repair and installation experts at H & H are here for you, breaking down SEER ratings into information you can understand so you can make the best possible home investment.

SEER Ratings Explained

SEER ratings measure how efficiently a heating and cooling system works. Air conditioning contractors often refer to it as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is in certain conditions. For you math experts, it’s the output of a system over the entire cooling season and the energy it uses to maintain a specific indoor temperature throughout seasonal temperature fluctuations (from 60-100+ degrees), divided by the energy consumed in watt-hours.

How SEER Rating Impacts Performance

HVAC systems just 10 years old typically offer SEER ratings around 8-9. Most of today’s heating and air systems have a SEER rating between 13 and 21, though some high-efficiency ductless mini-split systems offer ratings far higher. The higher the number, the more efficient the system – but keep in mind this is the maximum possible efficiency based on near-ideal operating conditions. Like the gas mileage rating on your car, depending on conditions, performance may vary. As our 24-hour HVAC service techs can attest, like city traffic and excessive idling, a dirty air filter and leaky ductwork can impact efficiency.

What SEER Rating Should I Choose?

There is a wide range of SEER ratings, from a minimum of 13 to a max of 26 for traditional central AC units and up to 38 for ductless mini-split style systems. Higher SEER units typically cost more – but they also offer the most efficient performance, saving you energy over the long run and offering a fast return on investment. When determining the best option for your home and budget, our central heating installation experts recommend that you meet the minimum SEER requirements set by the US Department of Energy for your region, which is a minimum SEER rating of 13 for the northeast. This ensures the purchase of a system suited for your area’s climate.

When it comes to bang for the buck, the SEER sweet spot is around 17-18 SEER. Unlike lower SEER systems with a single-stage compressor and blower, these higher SEER systems usually offer added features such as a 2-stage/variable speed compressor and a variable-speed blower, providing better humidity control and improved comfort without breaking the bank.

Still Unsure What SEER Rating You Should Choose?

We can assess your needs and help you find the right size system for your home and budget so you can be comfortable year-round. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning at 610-546-7123 and talk to one of our experienced HVAC installation specialists today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/whats-a-good-seer-rating/

SOS! Why Is My House Hot Upstairs and Cold Downstairs?

As you travel through your home, does it feel like you’re visiting different regions of the world? Our air conditioning contractors understand when your basement feels like a snowy New Hampshire winter and your second-floor bedrooms feel like Key West at the peak of summer heat, it can be a little frustrating. But the laws of physics make it difficult to keep temperatures constant in every room in your home: Heat rises and transfers. However, there are things you can do to even things out.

DIY Fixes For Uneven Home Temperatures

• Address ductwork leaks

Our heating and air conditioning repair contractors know ductwork leaks are common. Damaged, loose, poorly connecting, leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape into your attic or basement before it reaches your living space, wasting your energy dollars and leaving you with an uncomfortable home. Obvious leaks can be identified by the appearance of dirty, dark insulation and the feel of escaping air and repaired with foil-faced tape. If you struggle to move around your attic or crawlspace safely, contact an HVAC contractor to manage these tasks.

• Adjust dampers

Adjust dampers to mediate airflow in each room. Open all vents/registers in your house. Test the temperature in each room after a few days, adjusting dampers in uncomfortable rooms open/closed as needed to maintain the desired climate. However, never completely seal off rooms, as this can cause air pressure imbalances that put excess stress on your system and inflate energy bills.

• Add a ceiling fan

Adding ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect and circulate and distribute air can be an inexpensive way to improve comfort.

• Improve insulation

Insulation improvements will not only help you keep temperatures throughout your home more even and comfortable, but they are also a great way to reduce your energy costs.

When DIY Solutions Aren’t Enough

• Zone your home with the addition of a ductless mini-split

With the help of a ductless mini-split system installation, you can create zones in your home. Ductless systems run separately from your central system, adding supplemental heating and cooling and allowing you to adjust the climate in unoccupied areas for energy savings or family member temperature preference. Some units offer both heating and cooling technology, allowing you to maximize comfort year-round.

• Upgrade your HVAC system

For old and ailing or incorrectly sized systems, a new HVAC system may be the best solution. You’d be surprised by the performance difference of a new, properly sized system. Today’s latest heating and air conditioning technology is quiet and much more energy-efficient, offering a rapid return on investment.

Not sure why your home is so uncomfortable? Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning at 610-546-7123 to schedule an appointment with our 24-hour HVAC service team today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/sos-why-is-my-house-hot-upstairs-and-cold-downstairs/