Things You Should Know Before Calling an HVAC Contractor

With temperatures regularly breaking all known records, heating and air conditioning problems abound. When your system breaks down under these stressful conditions, you call an HVAC repair company in hopes of fast, professional repairs at a fair price. Is there any way to ensure the quality of service you and your system desperately need?

Protect yourself against incompetent or dishonest contractors
In just the 5 months from May through September of 2014, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) received over 700 complaints against commercial and residential HVAC companies. To ensure you are working with a trustworthy hvac repair technician, BBB offers the following advice:

• Before making a call, consult your owner’s manual.
  Your system – or some of its components – may still be covered under factory warranty.
• Hire a professional.
  This does not include your neighbor, a “friend-of-a-friend,” or yourself, wearing your DIY-hat. You should also avoid those offering rock-bottom prices, those that offer a firm estimate over the phone without looking at your system, or new-kids-on-the-block who are not yet proven and may go out of business before your replacement parts come in. Look for an established heating repair contractor with an upstanding BBB membership, whose technicians hold NATE certification and receive positive word-of-mouth from the community.
• Get references…
  From actual customers, not just their website or random message boards.
• Verify licensing.
  Contact your state licensing board and ask to see a copy of their current license before air conditioning or heating system repair service start.
• Compare prices.
  Shop around, gleaning quotes from at least 3 different companies. Ensure they are comprehensive, with a written description of all services offered and materials used so you can compare apples to apples.

Before you do call, make certain you have…

• Ensured your air filter is clean and properly installed.
• Checked the switch/breaker – including the on/off switch on the outdoor unit, which can occasionally get bumped. Ditto with gas: Is it on?
• Verified the thermostat batteries don’t need to be replaced.
• Triple-checked the setting on the thermostat, including the clock on programmable models.

Still not working? Have the following information on-hand:

• A thorough description of what your system is - or is not - doing.
• How long the probably has been going on.
• The age of the system, heater or AC brand, and system type (gas or electric; heat pump, AC, furnace, etc.).
• The last time your system underwent routine maintenance or repairs.
• Any strange noises your system makes during startup, shutdown, or operation, such as screeches, pops, thuds, clanging, or hissing, including if the system is overly loud when it runs.
• Any off-smells when the blower comes on.
• If you have rooms in your home that are frequently too hot or too cold.
• If the lights dim when the system turns on.

Don’t get burned by bad service. Get friendly, BBB certified, professional ac installation, replacement, repair, service and maintenance contractors. Protect your wallet and your system. Contact us today.

8 Tips to Save Energy on your Summer Air Conditioning

'Tired of high energy bills and repeatedly calling for air conditioning service in your Villanova, PA home? Your system may be working overtime courtesy of your bad habits. Save money on your air conditioning while increasing comfort in your home with the help of these helpful cooling practices:

1. Get the most out of thermostat settings.
   For efficient operation and energy savings, HVAC units require continual adjustment. Adding a programmable thermostat makes this job a snap, adjusting your home to a comfortable 78°F when you are home, and raising temperatures while you are away. It also helps curtail bad habits, like cranking your thermostat to a colder setting when you first get home, which does not, in fact, cool things down any faster but instead results in excess cooling and energy expenses. Techno-phobic? Rest assured, the latest in affordable learning or “smart” thermostat technology doesn't even require programming, and can be operated from your mobile phone.
2. Stop shirking your maintenance duties.
   That nasty filter won’t change itself, and it can cause excess energy use and wear on system components as your system struggles to force air through its clogged surface. Skip needless HVAC repair costs and mark your calendar to change the air filter regularly – every 3 months, at a minimum. Additionally, don’t neglect annual routine maintenance before times of peak use, such as fall or spring, to ensures efficiency and proper operation. Neglected internal components and improper coolant levels are just as detrimental to your system as air filter maintenance.
3. Enlist the help of your fans.
   Ceiling, box, and rotating fans can keep you more comfortable, allowing you to raise thermostat settings 4°F without losing comfort thanks to the “wind chill effect.” They also help better circulate conditioned air through your home. Just remember: Fans cool people, not rooms – so turn them off when you leave.
4. Force the issue.
   Enlist the help of an air conditioning company you can trust to install a whole house fan in your attic. Best used in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler, whole house fans draw cool air in and force hot air out through attic vents to help reduce air conditioning use.  
5. Tie-up loose ends.
   Properly secure leaky, poorly insulated ductwork, and address air leaks around windows and doors. These can add up to the equivalent of a constantly open window.
6. Stop fighting physics.
   Rearrange furniture to prevent blockages of vents and registers that can destroy comfort and efficiency.
7. Live in harmony with nature.
   If you live in a climate where evenings cool, turn off your system at night to sleep, then close-up your home in the morning, shutting windows and blinds to capture cool air and block out solar heat gain.
8. Avoid heat buildup.
   Opt for cool LEDs and compact fluorescents over super-hot incandescents. Avoid using ovens, dryers, and dishwashers during the hottest part of the day. If you must cook, use your microwave or outdoor grill instead.

Can’t stand the heat? Kick it to the curb with the help of your friendly, Villanova area cooling experts. Contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. today.

Shopping for a new Air Conditioning System - What are my Options?

Purchasing a new or replacing an existing air conditioning system in your home?  H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. offers award-winning installation and repair alongside an array of quality, efficient and technologically advanced air conditioning products from the industry’s leading manufacturers.

What air conditioning system type is best for my home?
Our air conditioners from brands like Bryant, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Rheem and Amana have a lot to offer. What’s the best brand for you? That will depend on your climate and home’s amenities…

• Central Air Conditioners
  For homes with existing ductwork and a furnace, boiler, fireplace, or other heat source, standalone central air conditioning systems offer cost effective cooling comfort, installing virtually invisibly without distracting from your home’s décor. Split systems are the most common type of central A/C, circulating refrigerant between an indoor unit (housing the coil) and an outdoor unit (housing the condenser and compressor), then distributing conditioned air via a mechanical blower through ductwork and into your home. Newer models offer vastly improved efficiency over those just several years old, however proper sizing and ductwork installation by an A/C company you can trust is integral to efficient operation.
• Heat pumps
  A sub-type of central HVAC systems, in moderate climates, heat pump systems offer multi-functional heating and cooling. Typically used for cooling about 7 months per year, these systems operate by transferring warm air to where it is needed – or in the case of the summer months, not needed – by exchanging heat to move warm air outside in the summer, and inside in the winter.
• Ductless
  Ductless systems (also called mini-splits) from brands like Mitsubishi, consist of an outdoor component that sits next to your home, and an indoor component that mounts on the wall. If you live in a hot region and need to cool a large area inside your home, a ductless system may be a good fit for you. These systems are also a great option for older homes without existing ducts, as instead of ductwork, they use tubing to connect parts (electrical, drainage) and circulate refrigerant, only requiring about a 3 inch hole for tubing hidden behind each indoor unit. They are among the most efficient cooling options available today as no cooling is lost to leaky ductwork in unconditioned space. Multiple, programmable cooling units can cool up to 8 rooms (4 units) per system, offering efficient, zoned temperature control.
• Geothermal system
  Operating much like standard air conditioners, geothermal systems tap into thermal energy in the earth, taking advantage of more constant temperatures to keep your home comfortable. Highly efficient, these systems move air out of (or into) your home, transferring heat via polyethylene pipes filled with water. Bentonite grout surrounding these underground pipes maximizes thermal conductivity. Pumps in your home circulate the water through the pipes in the thermal unit, transferring or absorbing heat from the refrigerant in the system depending on the season, then distributing it with the help of a compressor and ductwork to meet your comfort needs.  

Feeling the heat? Cool off with an expertly designed system from the professionals at H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Contact us today.

Environmental Benefits of Geothermal Heating and Cooling

An increasing amount of homeowners are choosing Geothermal heating and cooling as an energy efficient way to heat and cool their homes. This form of HVAC technology uses the earth’s heat to warm as well as cool the home and is one of the most environmentally friendly options available on the market. So if you are looking for a greener approach to HVAC, consider replacing your existing unit with a geothermal heating and air conditioning system.

Energy efficient

The energy efficiency of the geothermal system is derived from the process of transferring renewable energy from the earth. As these forms of heaters require a much simpler process of creating heat than traditional air conditioners, they need 25% to 50% lesser energy to function, minimising the rate of greenhouse gas emissions.

Among the array of HVAC technologies available to homeowners today, geothermal technology stands out due to its efficiency. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a geothermal heat pump can help reduce energy consumption by up to 44% when compared to heat pump installation.

Renewable energy source

As mentioned earlier, this form of HVAC system functions using the constant flow of heat that is stored in the centre of the Earth, making it a renewable energy source that is available 24/7.

Still not convinced? The EPA offer their seal of approval to this form of home heating and consider geothermal ground source heat pumps to be amongst the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective options available to homeowners.

Other benefits of the geothermal system:

Apart from the environmental benefits it offers, the geothermal alternative to traditional heating and cooling can also give you a range of extra advantages. Here are some ways you and your family can benefit from installing a geothermal heat pump:

• This system is one of the most economical alternative to traditional HVAC units as its 400% energy efficiency rating earns you some neat utility savings in the long run. Say goodbye to stressful bills!
• Geothermal heaters have a lifespan of approximately 15 years and if looked after properly, require minimum maintenance. Get your unit checked by an local air conditioning service annually and check and replace the filters regularly. This should ensure your unit will run as smoothly as ever.
• These systems can also be beneficial as a source of hot water alongside home heating and cooling. Additionally, the system can be utilized and extended to heat your family’s pool as well.
• A geothermal system will occupy far less space within your home as compared to a traditional air conditioner.  
• As this system does not require an outdoor compressor, you can rest assured that you will have one less thing to worry about.

At H&H, we provide our customers with the latest technology and best HVAC repair services. If you are looking to go green with your heating and cooling, contact your trusted air conditioning company for professionally installed geothermal heat pumps and units with the best service guaranteed.