How Can A UV Air Purifier Prevent Winter Colds

The days are shorter, the air is crisper, and your nose is stuffier than ever. That’s right, it’s cold and flu season! Every year, as temperatures drop and we spend more time indoors, the risk of becoming sick increases. Did you know that the common cold is most contagious in winter?

While there’s no surefire way to prevent every cold or flu bug that comes your way, there are steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality and lower your chances of getting sick. One such step is investing in a UV air purifier. Here’s how a UV air purifier can help prevent winter colds.

UV Air Purifiers Kill Viruses And Bacteria

UV air purifiers work by circulating air through a chamber where it is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This UV light kills viruses and bacteria in the air, making it a great way to reduce the spread of illness in your home. In fact, UV air purifiers have been shown to be up to 99% effective at killing viruses and bacteria!

Reduce Your Family’s Exposure To Sickness

Because a UV air purifier eliminates viruses and bacteria from the air in your home, it also reduces your family’s exposure to those sickness-causing germs. This is especially important in winter when we tend to spend more time indoors where conditions are ideal for the spread of germs. By using a UV air purifier, you can create a cleaner, healthier environment for your family—and help them stay well all season long.

Which UV Air Purifier To Invest In?

There are many different types and brands of air purifiers on the market, so it can be tough to know where to start.

The Oxyquantum LED air purifier by Nature’s Home uses an innovative way to safely remove toxins from the air. The unit consists of a “U” shaped combination UVV and UVC light sources, which are mounted in HVAC ventilation ducts where they effectively oxidize harmful compounds without releasing any unpleasant smells or fumes while also killing bacteria that could potentially cause illness if inhaled by people living nearby.

Invest In Your Family’s Health This Winter

UV air purifiers are a great way to help eliminate winter colds by reducing the number of viruses and bacteria in the air. By investing in a UV air purifier, you can create a cleaner, healthier environment for your family—and help them stay well all season long!

Contact our HVAC professionals at H & H to get your air cleaner and make your family safer today!

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/how-can-a-uv-air-purifier-prevent-winter-colds/

Short Cycling in HVAC

Does your HVAC system turn on and off more frequently than normal? It could be having a short cycling problem. Schedule an inspection with an HVAC contractor to rectify this excessive stopping and starting that adds wear to your unit’s compressor while depriving your home of the desired cooling comfort.

Allowing the system to continue operating in that faulty condition will come at a higher price later. That’s why you need a quick solution. But first, it’s vital to understand why this problem occurs so you can take steps to limit the concern.

Here’s an in-depth look at short cycling, its causes, solutions, and preventive measures.

What Is Short Cycling

When you want to warm your home, first, you set the desired temperature on the thermostat. The system produces heat, then turns off after reaching the desired temperature. It stays off for some time and then the system turns on again and produces more heat. This is called a cycle. A typical cycle lasts about 15 -20 minutes depending on the weather and set temperature, and the unit keeps cycling like this until it is turned off.

Short cycling occurs when the heat turns on and off repeatedly before it’s normal cycle time. The shorter the period, the harder the HVAC unit will need to work to maintain optimum temperature. That will hike your power bill and strain the system, which can shorten its life.

At one point, you’ll need to call an HVAC repair professional. But before that, see if you can identify the cause of the problem. Below are common causes of short cycling.

What Causes Short Cycling In HVAC

There are several reasons why an HVAC unit experiences short cycling. These include;

• Oversized HVAC unit. If the comfort system is too powerful for your house, it will take less time to heat your home. Hence, running on short cycles. To solve this problem, use the correct HVAC size for your home.
• Low refrigerant. Low refrigerant issues arise due to a leak. Such a situation makes the unit work harder, which can lead to malfunction.
• Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter prevents proper air flow as a result, the system overheats and cycles off.
• Problem with thermostat. Your thermostat may be mis-calibrated, resulting in inaccurate temperature reading. It could also be next to an air vent or a heat source to close to the thermostat which creates false temperature readings.

What To Do When You Have A Short Cycling HVAC

Turn off the unit once you notice short cycling lasting less than 5-10 minutes between on and off cycles Taking such a step protects the unit from further damage. But since you need the system running back again, start working on a solution. First, check whether the air filter is clogged. Here, you can either clean or replace it.

Check whether the thermostat is placed next to any heat source. Then turn the HVAC unit on again to see if it works. If it doesn’t, there could be a bigger problem. Don’t try a DIY HVAC repair if you don’t understand the unit. It could make things worse. Get HVAC repair services from a professional. Leave the system off until a qualified technician comes to take a look.

How To Prevent Short Cycling In HVAC

There are many reasons an HVAC system can have short cycling. But you can always minimize such issues through regular maintenance. Having a maintenance agreement with residential HVAC contractors can help avoid the last-minute rush. Such a plan will cost you less and eliminate inconveniences resulting from short cycling.

If you need an HVAC tune-up to limit instances of short cycling, don’t hesitate to call us. We provide 24-hour services for HVAC repair and maintenance.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/short-cycling-in-hvac/

Why You Should Consider Whole House Humidifiers for the Coming Winter

What Comes To Mind When You Think Of Indoor Air Quality?

Adequate ventilation? Control of Pollutants? Cleanliness and freshness in the air? Chances are, you’re overlooking humidity and its effects on air quality. When relative humidity is too high or too low, it can result in general discomfort, health problems, and significantly diminished air quality.

The human body is most comfortable at humidity levels that range between 20 and 60 percent. Mold and mildew begin to grow at levels higher than this resulting in musty odors and even health problems. At levels lower than 20%, you may experience dry eyes, irritation of the skin, and an increased likelihood of upper respiratory illness as your mucus membranes dry up.

It’s especially difficult to keep your house at appropriate humidity levels during winter as cold air tends to be dry. The challenge here is to keep humidity levels low enough that excessive condensation doesn’t cause mold growth yet high enough to ward off static electricity and dry skin.

All this is to say that you’d probably benefit from investing in whole-house humidifiers when looking to improve indoor air quality.

Benefits Of Whole House Humidifiers During Winter

1. Increased Comfort And Indoor Air Quality

Your HVAC system does a great job of keeping your home warm and comfy no matter the season. However, as any indoor air quality specialist will tell you, heating tends to remove most of the moisture from your air. Such lingering dry air can have a detrimental effect on the health of you and your family. With minimal moisture in your air, your body’s ability to fight off infection is compromised, leading to increased viral infections.

With a whole-house humidifier, you can keep indoor humidity at optimal levels, alleviating any and all dry air issues. It also adds an element of safety to your home as dry air tends to increase static electricity, which is incredibly dangerous.

2. Reduce Heating Costs

Even with regular fall HVAC maintenance, your home may not feel warm enough in the depth of winter. But don’t call your furnace contractor just yet. You’ll notice that when humidity is high, the temperature feels a little higher too. Consequently, low humidity can make your house feel colder. To compensate, you’ll find your household increasing the heat in an attempt to make up for the dryness.

Humidifiers help to keep indoor moisture balanced and at optimal levels, helping your house feel warmer and allowing you to turn down your thermostat to save energy. As it turns out, adding humidity to your home can save you money in terms of reduced utility costs.

3. Reduces Snoring

Yes, seriously! Poor indoor air is directly linked to chronic breathing issues such as allergies, asthma, and, you guessed it, snoring. Dry air can inflame your air pathways, making it more difficult to breathe. Some of the most common symptoms of dry indoor air in winter include eye irritation, dry skin, sore throats, and even bloody noses. A whole-house humidifier helps to keep your respiratory system well-hydrated and comfortable, opening up your airways and preventing respiratory issues.

Kick Dry Air To The Curb With H & H Heating And Air Conditioning

With an easy-to-install and low-maintenance whole-house humidifier, you can keep your home comfortable and healthy. Get in touch with our heating contractors to see how we can keep you warmer this winter.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/why-you-should-consider-whole-house-humidifiers-for-the-coming-winter/

HVAC Sizing and Why it Matters

One of the advantages of working with an experienced air conditioning company is that you’re assured of the installation of a properly sized system. But why does this matter?

There are some misconceptions about how HVAC systems work. Some might think that bigger air conditioners will cool their homes faster, but this is not necessarily the case. It’s crucial to factor in specific household needs while on the hunt for the best air conditioner for your home. For any HVAC system to truly meet your needs, sizing must be taken into account.

Let’s look at HVAC sizing and why it’s so important.

What Is HVAC Sizing?

Heating and cooling loads determine how much an HVAC system needs to work to maintain comfortable temperatures. HVAC sizing involves a series of measurements geared at determining the right size unit for your home. It considers factors like:

• Local climate zone
• Square footage
• Ductwork
• Height of ceilings
• Number and style of windows
• Amount of insulation
• Orientation of the house
• Heat-generating appliances in a space
• Number of people living in a space

These factors are used in the Manual J Calculation to determine exactly how many BTUs (British Thermal Units) of energy are needed to cool or heat your home. An HVAC technician will then choose the size of a system based on its capacity to satisfy three factors – design load, extreme load, and part load.

Importance Of HVAC Sizing

So, what’s the problem with buying an HVAC unit that’s a bit too large?

Having a little extra power isn’t bad. Such systems can handle a little extra load on extreme temperature days. The problem is that a large unit will cool your house faster and because it short cycles it cannot lower indoor humidity or filter the air sufficiently. As a result, indoor air quality plummets and you’re left with a cold but humid home. There’s also the issue of energy consumption, which from an economic standpoint doesn’t bode well for your wallet. You’ll spend more for a unit that doesn’t get the job done quite as effectively, and there is also the potential of equipment damage caused by the short cycling.

If your HVAC unit is too small, the issues will be quite evident from the start. For one, it will not have the cooling or heating power to support your home’s needs. In the summers, it will hardly bring relief from the heat outside and your home and in the winter it maybe be just a little too cold. Heating or cooling a larger home also places undue strain on an improperly sized  HVAC system, stressing its components to their limits. As a result, you’ll experience frequent breakdowns requiring emergency heating repair. What’s more, you’ll likely face an early replacement.

On the flip side, an appropriately sized system means improved thermal comfort levels, improved HVAC energy efficiency as it will use far less energy to cool or heat your home, and reduced repairs. You don’t want to end up with a system that’s working too hard to deliver conditioned air as this will severely impact its lifespan. Work with an experienced air conditioning company to get it right from the get-go. Your HVAC system is one of the largest investments you will make for your home and it’s important to treat it as such.

Let us help you save money on utility bills and repair/replacement costs. We offer professional HVAC sizing and installation services as well as 24-hour heating repair services.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/hvac-sizing-and-why-it-matters/

HVAC Efficiency - What Does it Mean?

It seems that every summer is warmer than the last one. That extra, prolonged heat means you’re turning AC on earlier in the year and for a longer duration each day – costing you more money. You know you need an efficient HVAC system, but what does this mean? And why are there so many rating systems?

When shopping for a new HVAC unit, it may be worthwhile to learn more about HVAC efficiency and what the various efficiency ratings mean.

What Is An HVAC Efficiency Rating?

An efficiency rating measures how well your AC turns electrical energy into cold air. Energy consumption through heating and cooling represents a significant portion of energy utility costs for most households. A higher rating means lower operating costs.

Here are a few of the rating systems you should pay attention to

• Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)

The EER is a measure of the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system to the amount of energy required to power it. Systems are tested at higher operating temperatures to evaluate their performance and take into account humidity removal.

EER is a great way to assess the efficiency of small systems like window units as it measures the actual operating efficiency of a unit on a day-to-day basis.

• Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)

A SEER measures usage over time rating (seasonal)  Where EER is a snapshot of a unit’s efficiency in a moment of time. If you live in a region that experiences strong seasonal changes the SEER  is the rating you should look at. Again, the higher the rating, the better. It’s also the best rating to consider when installing central air conditioning.

• Energy Star

The Energy Star rating measures how efficient an HVAC model is compared to other systems of the same size. Products are rated between 1 and 6 stars, with a higher rating indicating higher efficiency.

• Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)

Just as SEER and EER determine the cooling efficiency of an HVAC system, HSPF measures heating efficiency. It’s the ratio of total heating needed to the amount of electricity utilized by the heat pump. You’ll want to choose a system with a higher HSPF value if you’re looking to reduce energy costs.

• Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)

Here’s a rating that measures how well an HVAC unit ventilates your home. The MERV rating is simply a measure of how efficiently a filter removes fine particles from the air going through it. That said, all air conditioners require periodic cleaning and filter replacement to function properly. Air conditioner maintenance is the best way to prolong the lifespan of your system and ensure it keeps working as designed throughout.

Wondering what type of filter you should be using? Contact your local heating and cooling contractor for expert advice.

How To Choose The Best HVAC System

HVAC efficiency is but one of the factors you must consider when buying an HVAC system. Other crucial factors include price, system capacity, thermostat compatibility, maintenance requirements and the installing company. Consult a reliable HVAC contractor to ensure the unit you choose is the best fit for your home.

This blog was originally posted on https://delcohvac.wordpress.com/2022/06/10/make-sure-you-get-priority-ac-service-when-it-matters-the-most/

Make Sure You Get Priority AC Service When it Matters the Most

Air conditioning units require regular maintenance to function effectively and efficiently throughout their years of service. After all, summers are only getting hotter.

With reputable air conditioner maintenance companies available, you cannot afford to hand over your unit to just anybody.

So, what do you look for in an HVAC repair technician?

1. Right Training And Tools

Always seek out experience and expertise when searching for ac maintenance contractors. Odds are a company that’s been in the business for years is better equipped to handle a variety of different challenges. On that note, check if their technicians have undergone the necessary training to work with an AC system like yours.

Some questions to consider when choosing ac contractors include:

• How long have they been in business?
• Are they subcontracting any part of their work?
• What continuing education or training have they had to keep up with changing technology?
• What kind of warranties do they offer on their work?

2. Emergency AC Repair Services

There are certain times of the year when heating or air conditioning is completely necessary. In these cases, you cannot compromise on 24-hour ac repair. The last thing you want is to push your family’s comfort and safety needs to the next business day.

A good air conditioner repair company will be on your premises in case of emergencies, ready to inspect or fix whatever’s wrong in no time.

3. Trustworthiness And Professionalism

Reputation is everything in the HVAC industry. You need an air conditioning service you can trust to do the job right, every time. There are several ways to check the reputation of an AC repair and maintenance company:

• Online reviews
• Testimonials and customer references
• Opinions of friends and family members

It’s one thing to have the necessary training, expertise, and experience. It’s quite another to be the type of professional who goes above and beyond to provide customers with stellar service. Make sure they provide up-front, straightforward pricing so that you can schedule the job with confidence.

4. Location

Emergency repair services won’t do you any good if the company is too far to ensure a rapid response. Remember, the closer they are, the faster and easier the repair experience will be.

Doing It Right The First Time, Every Time

As we roll into the summer, it’s important to have an AC company you can trust. With services ranging from complete installation to maintenance and repair on all major brands, you can rely on H & H Heating and Air Conditioning for all your air conditioner maintenance needs.

We also offer 24/7 emergency heating and ac repair services for all those issues that occur outside standard business hours. What’s more, you can join our Comfort Club for a fast pass to the front of the line. Contact us today for top-tier craftsmanship and quality customer service.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/make-sure-you-get-priority-ac-service-when-it-matters-the-most/

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality with Air Scrubber by Aerus

Due to air pollution, it’s very challenging to keep pollutants out of your home. Your home can be a haven for bacteria, from dust to mold. If you wonder whether the air quality indoors should concern you, the answer is yes. Continuous exposure to air pollutants can result in headaches, fatigue, and allergies. Thankfully, you can improve indoor air quality with Air Scrubber by Aerus.

The Air Scrubber Utilizes ActivePure® Technology

The ActivePure® Technology works by propelling disinfecting molecules into the room, swiftly neutralizing pathogens. These molecules destabilize bacteria, viruses and other contaminants’ shells, turning them into harmless by-products.

Additionally, the technology utilizes the law of gases. Once the Air Scrubber is on, these disinfectant molecules get to every crack and crevice. A unique feature of this technology is its active approach, meaning it does not require a filter to pull the pathogen before neutralization.

Specs

• Input Voltage: 24 Volts; 1 Amp; 50/60 Hz. Current: 17 Watts
• 34°F – 200°F operating temperature
• 8.5″ high x 8.5″ wide x 11″ deep
• Limited 5-year warranty

The Air Scrubber By Aerus Eliminates Contaminants

This device utilizes light waves and releases “scrubber” ions and hydroperoxides. Thanks to this catalytic process, the Air Scrubber molecules attack the air pollutants present in the air and on surfaces. This mechanism is so efficient that it requires “no-touch” cleaning.

The list of contaminants the Air Scrubber can eliminate include:

• Airborne particulates such as dust and pollen
• Airborne microbial such as DNA viruses(Herpes, smallpox, and Hepatitis B), Gram-positive and negative bacteria, and bacterial spores
• Surface contaminants like Swine Flu, Listeria, E Coli, and Bacillus spp.
• Strong scents from home cleaners, trash cans, and cooking fumes

The Installation Process Is Hassle-Free

One thing that makes homeowners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey hesitant to incorporate new technology is the time required. Lucky for you, our hvac contractors are trained to install the Air Scrubber into your home fast, so you won’t have to change your schedule.

Why You Need The Air Scrubber By Aerus In Your Home

Manual aeration through windows and doors is insufficient to eliminate indoor air pollutants. And as mentioned earlier, pollutants carry significant health concerns. They can aggravate existing allergies and make your home unsafe for your family and furry friends.

For this reason, you require the Air Scrubber, which utilizes patented technology initially created for utilization in the International Space Station. It removes 99% of common indoor pollutants, so you don’t need to open windows. With this device, you don’t have to worry about experiencing the sick building syndrome, thanks to its oxidizers rendering pollutants like Salmonella and black mold completely harmless.

If you have forgotten what the smell of clean air free from pet odor and cooking fumes feels like, the Air Scrubber has got you covered. The best part is that our heating and air contractors are one call away.

Reach out to us for fast and proper installation of the Air Scrubber by Aerus. Check out our site to view our comprehensive list of indoor air quality products. Do you have any questions about our hvac system installation? Reach us at (610) 546-7123 today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/improve-your-indoor-air-quality-with-air-scrubber-by-aerus/

Boiler Installation, Maintenance, Service & Replacement Services In Media, PA

In the Media, PA area, a lot of homes still have boiler heating systems. Boiler heating can be safe, efficient, and affordable, but not ever HVAC company works on boilers. H & H Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to offer boiler maintenance, repair, and installation services to Media homeowners. As a central heat and air installation company, we always put our customers first, aiming for solutions that suit your home, your comfort, and your budget.

Gas Boiler Services

Natural gas boilers are a common choice these days. Natural gas is a clean-burning fuel, and modern gas boilers are constructed to be quite energy-efficient. Many boast up to a 95% AFUE and meet Energy Star standards for efficiency.

If your Media home is currently equipped with an old gas boiler, replacing it is a good way to save energy and reduce your need for repairs. H & H Heating & Air Conditioning also provides gas boiler maintenance services to ensure your new boiler keeps serving you for years to come. If something does go wrong with your boiler, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for home HVAC repair.

Electric Boiler Services

Even though natural gas lines run widely in the Media area, many homes still do not have a natural gas connection. In situations like this, electric boilers tend to be a good choice. The water inside the boiler system is heated by electricity, rather than by a flame.

H & H Heating & Air Conditioning carries several different models of electric boilers from manufacturers. We offer straightforward pricing and clear estimates so you always know what to expect before we begin the installation.

If you already have an electric boiler, our local heater repair contractors will be happy to repair or maintain it as needed. We service all makes and models of boilers.

Oil Boiler Services

Oil boilers are not as common as they once were, but many Media homes still rely on them for heat. If your oil boiler has been making strange sounds, giving off odd odors, or heating your home unevenly, then it may need an HVAC tune-up. Our technicians can also look over your system and let you know whether replacing your oil boiler is a good choice.

In some cases, you may be better off switching to a gas or electric boiler. In other cases, we may recommend installing a more modern, energy-efficient oil boiler.

If you have boiler heating, then you need a good HVAC team on your side. H & H Heating & Air Conditioning is proud to offer gas boiler installation, replacement & service to those in the Media, PA area.

Contact us soon to discuss your needs in more detail.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/boiler-installation-maintenance-service-replacement-services-in-media-pa/

Why Ductless Mini-Splits Are A Good Choice For Homes In The Mainline

The Philadelphia Mainline is known for its stunning, historic homes. If you live in one of these beautiful older homes, you know that all of that beauty also comes with some challenges. One of those challenges is choosing HVAC equipment that works well with the homes’ more traditional structures while delivering efficient central heating and air conditioning.

Luckily, there’s a type of air conditioner that tends to work really well in older homes. Ductless mini-split systems consist of an interior, wall-mounted unit, and an outdoor compressor unit. They’re efficient, easy to install, and easy to maintain. Here’s why central heat and air installation technicians recommend ductless mini-splits for homes in the Mainline.

Ducts Aren’t Needed

Many of the older homes in the Mainline were built with no or really narrow wall cavities. Running ducts through these wall cavities is nearly impossible without some extensive remodeling. Ductless mini-split systems do not require ducts to function. The air is instead cooled by the compressor and blown directly into your home.

Multiple Air Handlers

Modern homes are usually designed with airflow in mind, but this was not a priority when historic Mainline homes were built. With more traditional HVAC systems, you therefore tend to get hot and cool spots. Mini-split systems address this challenge well. You can have multiple air handling units — one in each area or main wing of your home — which helps ensure your home cools evenly.

Affordable

Because mini-split heat pump installation is quite straightforward, having one of these systems installed tends to be affordable. You don’t have to pay for someone to widen your walls or install large, expansive ducts. Plus, as long as you have an HVAC tune-up regularly, your system should last many years, saving you money on repairs and replacements.

Historic Preservation

It would be a shame to ruin the authenticity of your Mainline home with a big, intrusive HVAC system. Ductless mini-split equipment is small, unobtrusive, and easy to hide. You’ll only have several air handlers on your interior walls. Sometimes, an installer can even mount these air handlers flush with the ceiling, making them even less obvious amidst your historic decor.

Security

Some Mainline homeowners rely on window units to cool their homes in the summer. These aren’t the most secure choice; they make it easier for someone to break in through the window. With ductless mini-split systems, you eliminate this risk.

Energy Efficiency

Historic homes weren’t typically built with energy efficiency in mind, which means the current owners of these homes can use all the energy savings they can get. Ductless mini-split systems waste less energy than traditional, ducted systems. There are fewer opportunities for air leaks.

If you own a historic home in the Mainline area, consider having a ductless mini-split system installed. These systems do a great job of keeping you cool in the summer without ruining your home’s authenticity. Most local heater repair companies work on them, and they’re becoming more popular by the day. If you’re looking for home HVAC repair, AC installation, and other HVAC services in Philadelphia, contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning soon.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/central-heat-not-working-3-ways-to-troubleshoot-declined/

Everything You Need to Know About Heat Load Testing

Has your HVAC service technician recommended heat load testing for your home? They may have suggested this service if you were having problems with your heat pump, or if you’re thinking about having a new furnace installed. The idea of heat load testing may seem a little daunting at first, but once you understand what it is and how it benefits you, its purpose becomes clear.

What Is Heat Load Testing?

The simplest way to describe heat load testing is to say it’s a way of measuring how much energy it will take to maintain your indoor temperatures to a comfortable level. That amount of energy is called the heat load. Generally speaking, the heat load is larger for bigger homes and poorly insulated homes. The heat load is lower for smaller homes and well-insulated homes.

How Is Heat Load Testing Done?

To conduct heat load testing, your heating and cooling technician will come to visit your home in person. Once there, they will look over the space, canvassing for specific information.

They’ll note the number of windows in the home and what condition they’re in. They’ll note what direction the home faces, how much insulation is in the walls and attic, and how many people live in the home. They’ll also take the local climate into account. Once they have all the information they need, they will plug it into a series of formulas to calculate your home’s heat load.

How Is Heat Load Used?

Your home’s heat load basically tells your home HVAC repair and installation team what size HVAC unit you need. Based on your home’s heat load, they can recommend several models that will serve your needs appropriately.

It’s vital to have a properly sized equipment. If yours is too small, it won’t be able to cool your home effectively. It may run around the clock, driving up your energy bills without ever cooling you down. A system that’s too large is not a good choice, either. Bigger is not necessarily better in the world of HVAC. A too-large unit will shut on and off too quickly, which puts a lot of wear and tear on the appliance and can lead to premature failure.

How Can You Reduce Your Heat Load?

If your home’s heat load is really high and your system can’t keep up, you may be able to make some changes to reduce your heat load. Start by adding more insulation to your attic. Seal up any cracks and crevices around your windows and doors that may be letting indoor air escape. Hanging some insulating curtains over older windows can help, too.

If you think you may need a new unit, be sure to hire an HVAC company that does heat load calculations. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment. We offer heat pump installation, and we also fix central heating systems and air conditioners.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-heat-load-testing/

How to Make your Older Home Warmer this Winter

When you live in an older home, heating bills are often a concern. Older homes were not often built with efficiency in mind, so you may need to take a few extra steps in order to avoid over-paying for heating. Work with a local heater repair company, and also consider the following tips to help keep your older home warmer this winter.

Install A Ductless Mini-Split Unit

If you have rooms that never seem to get warm enough in the winter and cool enough in the summer, consider having a ductless mini-split unit installed in those rooms. These systems are a great option for older homes that don’t have ducts. The unit simply mounts on the the wall and is connected to an outside unit by refrigeration lines and quietly blows air into the room. Ductless mini-splits are made to be ultra energy-efficient, and they’re powered by electricity.

Having a mini-split heat pump installation team install a unit in your coldest room will take some of the burden off your main HVAC system, which will help lower your heating costs.

Schedule A Tune-Up

Make sure you schedule an HVAC tune-up once a year. This is a good idea for all homeowners but is even more important in an older home with aging HVAC equipment.

During a tune-up, your HVAC technician will inspect your system to help reduce wear and tear. They’ll make sure everything is clean, safe and they’ll also help to detect problems early when they’re easiest to repair. This helps your heating system to put out ultimate comfort levels at peak efficiency..

Upgrade Your Insulation

Adding insulation to your older home will help reduce the amount of heat that escapes. This will reduce the burden on your heater while also helping your home feel warmer, all winter long.

You can add an extra layer of insulation to your attic, replace worn weatherstripping around doors and windows, and seal any cracks in your foundation. If your older home is lacking insulation between the walls, consider having blow-in insulation installed. You’ll have to spend a little money up-front, but you’ll earn it back in the form of energy savings.

Clear Snow And Ice Away From HVAC Equipment

If you have external HVAC equipment, such as for a ductless mini-split unit, make sure you keep ice and snow away from the equipment during the winter. Snow can reduce airflow to the system, resulting in a loss of efficiency. Ice buildup can even cause your heater to break and fail. Shovel around your equipment each time it snows, and make sure it’s not under a leaking gutter or in a low spot where water pools.

Heating an older home doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and you don’t need to shiver away the winter, either. Implement the tips above, and consider adding a ductless mini-split unit to your home. The central heat and air installation technicians at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning would be happy to help. We also offer home HVAC repair, maintenance, and more, so contact us soon.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/how-to-make-your-older-home-warmer-this-winter/