Types of Floorings that Work Well with Radiant Floor Heating

What flooring material is an ideal fit for your home style and radiant floor heating units? A choice that will affect the maximum heat output and efficiency of your underfloor heating system, this decision must be carefully weighed.

More than a Style Choice
The heat output of your system is influenced by the size of the space you have to heat, air temperatures, and floor temperatures. If the flooring material you choose limits the floor temperature maximum, this can make a drastic difference in comfort levels. Before selecting a floor finish, always check with your radiant floor heating contractors to ensure your selection will not limit the performance (and your satisfaction with) your heating system. Just a 2-degree difference in heat output can have drastic temperature effects.

What are the Best Flooring Materials for Radiant Floor Heat?

• Ceramic & Stone Tiles
  • Ceramic/Stone
    An ideal choice for underfloor heating. Stores/transfers heat well, and cleans easily.
  • Slate/Flagstone
    Highly conductive and durable, a superior choice for your radiant heat system.
  • Concrete
    Polished concrete is highly conductive, heating rapidly.
  • Marble
    Slower to heat, but a good thermal conductor.
  • *A 2-part flexible tile adhesive is necessary with tile and stone underfloor heating installations, as is insulation atop concrete subfloors.
• Wood
  Different types of wood offer different thermal properties, affecting suitability. In general dense(harder) and thinner = better. For most wood flooring, exceeding a temperature of 80.6°F is not recommended, and it should be noted that no matter your heating and cooling system, fluctuating temperatures can change the appearance of some floors over time.
  • Engineered Wood
    The best wood radiant floor heating option, engineered wood performs better with the temperature/moisture fluctuations of underfloor heat.
  • Bamboo
    Similar to engineered wood, bamboo works well with radiant floor heating and is a good conductor of heat.
  • Solid Hardwood
    Humidity/temperature changes can cause cupping, crowning, and gapping. Maximum heat tolerance can also be an issue. Always check with the manufacturer before purchasing solid hardwood for underfloor heat.
  • Soft Wood
    Suitable for use, provided thickness does not interfere with heat output.
  • Parquet
    Some engineered and solid types may be compatible, as above.
• Laminate
  Cost-effective laminates are often suitable for use with radiant heat flooring, but to avoid warranty and longevity issues, it is best to check with the manufacturer prior to use.
• Vinyl
  Vinyl flooring can be safely used with radiant floor heating, heating and cooling quickly. However heat output tops-out at around 80.6°F, making it a poor choice for areas that suffer rapid heat loss, such as older sunrooms.
• Rubber
  Solid rubber flooring, an excellent choice, heats up fast, and is very conductive.
• Carpet
  Carpet is compatible with radiant floor heating, provided carpet under/overlays do not exceed 2.5 tog. (Tog measures thermal resistance/insulation.)
• *For all flooring materials, always consult the manufacturer prior to purchase regarding its specific compatibility with underfloor heating.

With the cost of radiant floor heating vs forced air, which one is best for your home and budget?
The HVAC installation service professionals at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning are happy to help you make an educated decision. Contact us to learn more today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/types-floorings-radiant-floor-heating/

What kind of Warranties do the Best Heating and Air Conditioning Companies provide?

One of the largest investments you’ll make in your home, the penny-wise HVAC shopper looks to more than bottom-line appliance cost when choosing a new heating and cooling system. Chief among these variables: Product warranty, key to limiting out-of-pocket expenses and the inconvenient and potentially detrimental effects of unexpected heating and cooling emergencies that can occur in weather extremes.  

A Wonderful Warranty Points to a Winning HVAC Installer

The best heating and air conditioning companieswant your system to last as long as you do, providing warranties with the following features to protect your investment…

• A long lifespan.
  Winning HVAC companies partner with providers whose systems stand the test of time, and back it with long warranties, some over 20 years. Be sure to compare apples-to-apples however, as some systems with lifetime warranties may not cover labor, or only for a limited time.
• Parts included.
  Consider the warranty length on prime parts such as AC compressors, heat exchangers, etc. as some parts may have a longer warranty than others, or be exempt altogether, such as maintenance items like air filters and fan belts. Ask how covered parts are processed: Ideally, subtracted from the bill.
• No processing fee.
  Some contractors/manufacturers charge a ‘warranty-processing fee’ for ‘paperwork’ even when parts are covered. This fee isn’t standard in the industry.
• Available extensions.
  Extended warranties can cover an additional 5-10 years of parts/labor, however the devil is in the details. Check when service begins (6 months after enrollment?), how long you should expect to wait during peak season for service, and the amount of time the warranty contractor providing heating and cooling repair services has been in business. (No matter the price, it’ll never pay to purchase a warranty from a defunct, fly-by-night contractor). If a sales rep becomes high-pressure surrounding adding an extension, consider how this speaks about the system’s quality.
• Details.
  Simply put, a trustworthy contractor wants you in-the-know on things that could void your warranty, providing written or verbal instructions to help you avoid warranty-killing mistakes like…
  • Forgetting to register the system in a timely manner.
  • Having the unit installed by an unlicensed contractor.
  • Allowing an unlicensed contractor to work on the unit.
  • Failure to use approved replacement parts.
  • Neglecting annual, professional maintenance.
  • Failure to keep records of maintenance and repair services.
• An installation guarantee.
  Any home heating or home air conditioning company that installs a new system in your home should back their installation alongside the system they’re installing, providing a written, 100% money-back guarantee on all installation work within installation documents. This protects you from paying for installation errors and accidental damage to the system during setup.

Looking for an air conditioning and heating system repair company that stands by its products and services? From the Better Business Bureau to Google, you won’t find a more highly rated service than H&H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule your complimentary installation quote today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/typical-warranties-best-hvac-companies-provide/

Puffbacks Damage Not Covered by Insurance: Is Your Home At-Risk?

Puffbacks, the release of smoke and soot that occur when a furnace or boiler misfires, are a common insurance claim over the cold weather season. Messy and occasionally dangerous, this improper ignition resulting from oil or gas buildup can create anything from a small puff a smoke, to a minor explosion. This damage is unfortunately not covered by the typical homeowner’s policy, however puffbacks are easily preventable with proper service and maintenance.

Common Puffback Causes that Put Your Home & Family At-Risk

• Combustion leaks
  These allow fuel to buildup, resulting in puffbacks on ignition.
• Exhaust/chimney clogs
  Dirt, dust, fuel residue, rust, corrosion, and pest and animal obstructions that prevent the proper venting of your home heating system can easily result in pressure irregularities that lead to air/fuel imbalances and puffback.
• Cracked heat exchanger
  The dynamics of this issue, similar to clogs, cause internal pressure irregularities that can lead to a flame rolling out of your furnace from excess fuel.
• Damaged oil fuel nozzle
  Clogs or cracks in this nozzle spraying fuel unevenly or insufficiently create a situation where excess oil builds up in the burner over time, eventually igniting to result in a puffback.
• Clogged burner
  Dust, dirt, rust, corrosion and fuel residue can cause a misfire, creating excess fuel buildup in the combustion chamber and eventually leading to puffback when fuel eventually ignites.
• Frequent manual resets
  Leading to an overabundance of fuel in the chamber and subsequent puffback.

How Can You Prevent Puffbacks?
Regular, professional HVAC inspection and maintenance can help you detect puffback problems before they occur….

• Identifying fuel leaks in/around the combustion chamber or in the lines that could lead to puffbacks.
• Checking and clearing dirt, buildup, and obstructions in the venting/flue that can adversely affect the fuel-to-air ratio of your furnace or boiler and prevent it from venting dangerous carbon monoxide gases.
• Performing a ‘candle check,’ using a lit flame near the heat exchanger while the blower is operating, to identify/verify the presence of cracks in the heat exchanger that can result in puffbacks and potentially deadly carbon monoxide leaks.
• Check the oil nozzle and burner assembly for damage that can lead to puffback.

Not a DIY Endeavor
Though well-intentioned, furnace and boiler inspections are not a DIY job. Always get a trained HVAC professional to inspect and tune-up your gas or oil heater or boiler. Make sure your chosen professional is licensed and insured, as the safety of your home – and more importantly your family – rests in the hands of these technicians. Look to HVAC company reviews when choosing one who to hire for this essential service. The best HVAC companies will provide a tune-up that includes essential parts such as the burner assembly, nozzle, oil filter and fuel pump strainer, as well as a thorough safety test for odorless, colorless carbon monoxide.

Fight back against puffbacks and ensure the safety of your family. Schedule your annual maintenance and safety inspection with H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/puffbacks-damage-not-covered-insurance-home-risk/

How a Whole House Humidifier can keep your Family Healthy this Season

It’s common knowledge that excessively humid air can result in mold and mildew growth that creates an unhealthy home environment for you and your family. But many disregard the equally detrimental consequences of air in the home that is too dry. There’s a reason the desert is barren and the rainforest teeming with life. Humidity levels must be just right to protect the health of your home and its inhabitants.

Whole House Humidifiers Mitigate a Wide Range of Problems:

• Offering Convenience
  Hogging up tabletop real estate and adding to your daily chore list, portable humidifiers don’t hold a candle to whole house humidifier options. Installed and operating in conjunction with your home’s HVAC system, whole house humidifiers don’t require constant refilling. Bringing water vapor into the duct system through a distribution tray, whole house humidifiers maintain ideal humidity levels throughout your home with simple thermostat adjustment. Simply set it and forget it, scheduling routine internal water panel cleaning once a year alongside seasonal HVAC maintenance.
• Guarding Against Health Issues
  Studies point to a direct correlation between high humidity and decreased likelihood of flu infection. Whole house humidifiers, particularly when used in conjunction with other indoor air quality systems such as HEPA air filters and UV light air purifiers, make for a stronger line of defense against winter ailments, keeping mucous membranes moist and supporting the ability of hairs within the sinuses to trap and dispel viruses and bacteria.
• Increasing Comfort
  Proper humidity levels also decrease common winter annoyances like dry skin and lips, nose bleeds, sore or scratchy throat, asthma, allergies, and shocking jolts from static electricity.
• Promoting Restful Sleep
  Balanced humidity levels keep nasal passages clear and healthy, allowing for more restful sleep.
• Preserving Your Home
  You and your family aren’t the only ones at risk from dry winter air. A whole house humidifier can also protect valuables within your home, safeguarding expensive electronics against damaging static shocks and preventing wooden furniture, trim, flooring and structural components from cracking and splitting.
• Saving Energy & Reducing Monthly Utility Costs
  Energy efficient whole house humidifiers can even help you save energy and decrease monthly utility costs, making them a valuable asset with a high return on investment. Because humid air feels warmer than dry air of the same temperature, efficiently controlling humidity levels with a whole house humidifier can help you remain comfortable while running your furnace or heater at a lower temperature all winter long. Based on EPA findings, this can save you as much as 4% on heating costs for each degree you lower the thermostat, potentially adding up to hundreds of dollars in savings across even a single winter season.

Protect your home with the simple and affordable addition of a whole house humidifier this fall and winter season. To learn more or schedule a free estimate for installation, contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today. We provide heating and air conditioner services in Garnet Valley and all of Southeastern PA.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/whole-house-humidifier-keep-family-healthy/

The Top Heating Company in PA. We are helping a neighbor near you!

Are you missing out on the areas’ most trustworthy and dependable HVAC services? From routine maintenance and repair to system upgrades, indoor air quality, and even wine cellar refrigeration installation, the friendly and affordable services of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning can’t be beat!

From Our Family to Yours…
An authorized professional installer of some of the best brands in the industry, including Bradford, Bryant, Goodman, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Nest, Rheem, and Trane, our skilled, NATE-certified technicians have been providing stellar air conditioning and heating repair and installation to the Delaware Valley area since 1985. Family-owned and operated, yet experienced and professional, we always provide up-front, straight-forward pricing including free estimates alongside coupons, financing, and service agreements to protect your family’s budget.

Our HVAC Company Has You Covered from Soup to Nuts
Providing a range of home comfort services…

• New System Installation
  Lower your energy bills and ensure dependability this season with the latest in efficient Energy Star technology, ensuring comfort with the latest in…
  • Heat Pumps
  • Furnaces
  • Boilers
  • Geothermal Systems
  • Ductless Mini Splits
  • Radiant Heat Systems
• System Repair
  Our ‘mobile warehouses on wheels’ have the tools and talent to get your system back up and running fast.
• Home Comfort Solutions
  Including electric fireplaces and direct vent and vent-free gas fireplace and log options for adding warmth and ambiance to your home or outdoor living space.
• Water Heater Maintenance
  Ensure performance and efficiency, protecting the lifespan of your water heater with annual water heater maintenance.
• High Efficiency Water Heater Replacement & Installation
  From heat pump and hybrid systems to tankless options, shower greener with the latest in efficient gas, oil, and electric water heating technology.
• Indoor Air Quality Tools & Tech, including…
  • HEPA Air Filters
  • UV Light Air Purifiers
  • Humidifiers
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors
  • Ductwork & Cleaning
• Wine Cellar Refrigeration Unit Installation & Repair
  Protect your prized collection with the proper temperature and humidity control, choosing from a variety of options to fit your budget and design needs.
• And More!
  Repair problem? Just ask us about our wide array of services.

A Heating Company with a Heart
Our understanding staff knows repair issues don’t always conveniently occur during ‘normal’ office hours. That’s why you can count on timely, dependable emergency heater repair from our 25 vehicle fleet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – without the worry of after-hours charges or overtime fees. In fact, we’re so sure of our stellar service, we back up our high standards the best installation and repair warranties in the business – including a 100% satisfaction guarantee, an amazing 2 year residential and 1 year commercial parts and labor warranty for all repairs, and product warranties of up to 10 years on select heating and cooling systems.

Experience the A+ Better Business Bureau and 5-star Google-rated service your neighbors in Ardmore, Berwyn, Haverford, Malvern, Narberth, Radnor, Villanova, Wayne, and surrounding towns are raving about. Keep up with the Joneses. Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/top-heating-company-pa/

Mitsubishi HVAC Units – We are a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractor

Looking for optimal efficiency in your next HVAC system? Mitsubishi ductless air conditioning systems deliver maximum comfort while keeping those energy dollars in the bank. One of the top manufacturers of heating and cooling systems worldwide, ductless ‘mini-split’ systems by Mitsubishi are rapidly gaining popularity across the U.S. as homeowners realize their amazing benefits…

Why a Mitsubishi Ductless System?

• Amazing Energy Savings
  Following Energy Star guidelines for providing optimum efficiency, Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling units dramatically reduce monthly energy costs. Systems are extremely high SEER, with ratings nearing 30 versus the current mandated standard of 15 SEER for ducted split and packaged HVAC systems. Ductless systems also eliminate the massive heat loss associated with traditional ducted systems, whose leaks and non-insulated ductwork locations drastically reduce performance and efficiency.
• Fast, Flexible Installation
  From those renovating an older home short on space, to newly built homes striving for a lower carbon footprint, ductless systems install with the need for only a few small, 3-inch holes to accommodate refrigerant lines and the fan-powered delivery of cooled or heated air into your home, saving valuable space and the need for the added cost and hassle of ductwork installation.
• Unmatched Comfort
  Tired of hot and cold spots or battling over thermostat control? One outdoor ductless system can service up to 8 indoor room units, for efficient and exact zoned temperature control based on room use or individual preference. Offering efficient comfort even in climates as low as -13° F, select Mitsubishi ductless systems even offer versatile performance on those transitional days when it too early to turn to your trusted winter heat source.
• Clean, Quiet Operation
  With noisy outdoor components installed outside, inside units run quiet as a whisper, trapping allergy, asthma and illness-inducing contaminants within their advanced, multi-stage filtration system.
• Ease-of-Use
  The advanced technology and performance of Mitsubishi systems doesn’t end there. Operable via remote control or smart-driven app from within your home or abroad, it’s easy and convenient to control energy costs and create the ideal home climate with a Mitsubishi ductless system.

Ensuring Optimal Performance
Think a Mitsubishi ductless system is right for your home? Look to Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractors to ensure optimal performance and system life. Nominated by their area Mitsubishi distributor, Diamond Contractors adhere to a strict code of conduct, operating out of a brick and mortar location (no fly-by-night contractors need apply). Selling and installing a minimum of 20 systems annually, Diamond Contractors undergo rigorous training, and have the installation expertise necessary to ensure a successful install. It is this exceptional level of training and skill that grants Diamond Contractors the significant business and customer advantage of providing a 12-year parts and compressor warranty on all residential products.

Looking for a heating and air conditioning company serving Malvern and other Philly suburbs near you flying a Diamond Elite logo on their uniform or truck? A Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractor, H&H Heating & Air Conditioning has your Mitsubishi ductless installation needs covered. Contact us to get a free quote or learn more about these amazingly efficient and affordable systems today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/mitsubishi-diamond-elite-contractor-hvac/

Work Smarter Not Harder: Smart ‘Learning’ Thermostats Beat Programmable Tech

A common complaint among those switching from older dial and digital thermostats to programmable models for energy savings remains their confusing operation and steep learning curve. Fortunately, today’s smart thermostat technology has stepped up to the plate, offering improved energy savings, enhanced features, and most importantly, ease of use.

Today’s Smart Thermostats Offer Unmatched Performance

Advanced and intuitive, adding a smart thermostat to home heating and cooling unitsoffers a host of benefits…

• Simplifying heating and cooling programming schedules.
• Allowing for the adjustment of system settings from your Wi-Fi enabled smartphone or mobile device.
• Monitoring the performance of your HVAC system and energy use in real-time.
• Providing energy savings of 20-30% on average.
  (With HVAC accounting for 50% of the typical homeowner’s utility bill, that’s no small chunk of change!)

Which Popular Smart Thermostat Model Best Meets Your Needs?

Compatible with home heating units, furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps, these two popular models offer a similar 12 month warranty, albeit different technological appearances and features:

• NEST Learning Thermostat

  The unique, black circular design of the Nest Learning thermostat houses built-in motion sensors. Properly installed in a high-traffic area, the NEST learns your family’s routines and temperature preferences, programming itself and switching the system off if no movement is detected for 2 hours. Once activity is detected, your HVAC system is again reactivated. Like the Honeywell, all settings can be overridden at the device or remotely via Apple or Android app via your properly registered thermostat account. Connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network for quick, convenient adjustments and programming or voice operable via Amazon Alexa, a green leaf on the NEST screen denotes the perfect balance between temperature and energy savings, with easily accessible energy usage reports denoting efficiency.

• Honeywell Lyric

  The budget friendly Wi-Fi Nest Lyric is an excellent option for those looking for the ease of Wi-Fi programmability without the need for added sensors or sophisticated learning modes, featuring a more conventional looking touchscreen with a choice of background colors. Straightforward though slightly more involved to setup than the NEST, simply download the Lyric app, register the device, and connect your thermostat to your wireless network, following the short, 15 minute guided setup process. Override everything manually on the 2.5 x 2.5-inch touchscreen or program via Wi-Fi from any location, scheduling for specific days, applying the same schedule for the week, setting a vacation schedule in advance or enabling smart response features such as high and low temperature alerts. Love tech? Integrate the Lyric with IFTTT, Apple’s HomeKit, Amazon’s Echo, or setup for verbal temperature adjustment via Siri or Alexa. The Lyric will track and learn your preferred temperatures and scheduling, as well the amount of time your home’s HVAC system requires to reach optimal temperatures, adjusting timing accordingly.

Gift yourself with convenience and efficiency this holiday season. Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about installing the latest in affordable, reliable, energy saving thermostat technology today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/smart-learning-thermostats-beat-programmable-tech/