Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat – Save Energy and Stay Comfortable

No longer a newcomer to the market, smart thermostat technology for heating and cooling units has been around for decades. Trending and climbing in popularity, homeowners are increasingly turning to smart thermostat tech for comfort and energy savings.

How Much Energy Can a Smart Thermostat Help You Save?

Though the amount a smart thermostat technology can save will vary based on your area climate, home construction, and thermostat habits, the EPA’s Energy Star program reports homes taking advantage of smart thermostat technology can save up to $180 per year on heating and air conditioning. Based on these estimates, you can recoup a smart thermostat investment in 2 years – or sooner with rebates available from your local utility company.

How Do Smart Thermostats Improve Comfort & Save Money?

• They work with you.
  Invest in a next generation Nest or Honeywell smart thermostat, and your smart thermostat will work with you, learning your temperature preferences and schedule with no need for programming on your part, recording your family’s behavior to create a schedule that maximizes comfort and efficiency.
• They’re tricky.
  Watching when you leave, come home, and sleep, deciding to adjust temperatures when you don’t notice, working behind-the-scenes to provide you both comfort and energy savings.
• They’re precise.
  Some smart thermostat models, such as the EcoBee 3, use remote sensor technology, allowing for precise, room-by-room temperature control. This prevents your system from pushing conditioned air into unused spaces, providing maximum comfort in the rooms in which you spend the most time.
• They’re flexible.
  Even though your smart thermostat is great at handling things, the power is still in your hands, with easy, convenient operation from anywhere an internet connection is available – the couch, work – even faraway vacation destinations, allowing you to monitor use and ensure comfort and safety. Home automation system? Most models work with popular voice-prompted tech such as Alexa, Siri and Google Home.
• They don’t get distracted.
  If you don’t use your programmable thermostat (or don’t use it correctly), leave your thermostat set to the same temperature 24/7, or frequently forget to adjust temperatures while you’re gone for the day or before bed, a smart thermostat can save you a lot of dough.
• They think outside the box.
  Taking into consideration outdoor weather conditions, humidity levels – even when someone has fired up the oven – to provide maximum comfort, no matter the mitigating factors.
• They’ve got the deets.
  Mobile apps and reports offer additional options for savings, showing where minor adjustments can be made for those who love data and tweaking home systems for energy savings.
• They think ahead.
  Letting you know when it’s time for regular maintenance, cleaning and inspections, ensuring optimal efficiency, prolonging the life of your system, and safeguarding you from unexpected and costly air conditioning and heating repair services.

Work smarter not harder to boost energy savings and comfort. Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning, your A+ BBB-rated local HVAC repair service, and schedule your smart thermostat installation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/upgrade-smart-thermostat-save-energy-stay-comfortable/

Do you need an Air Purifier or a Humidifier

With today’s families spending 90% of their time indoors, clean, healthy indoor air is integral to health and well-being. Alone or as part of indoor air quality systems, humidifiers and air purifiers can help you safeguard the air quality within your home. Which do you need? A closer look at these systems will reveal that although both serve a similar purpose (namely upholding the air quality in your home) they each provide very different services.

Which Do You Need, An Air Purifier or a Humidifier?

Air Purifier

Air purifiers remove contaminants such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and smoke from indoor air. Models with the added feature of UV light further purify air, destroying bacteria and other microorganisms to further maintain indoor air quality. Both regular and UV air purifier can be installed within ductwork, or used via a standalone machine. Air purifiers are beneficial for: Allergy sufferers and those with asthma Reducing irritants in the air that can lead to allergy or asthma attacks. Immunocompromised individuals Removing contaminants and pollutants can safeguard against a range of illnesses. Homes with smoke odors Air purifiers can remove second-hand smoke from the air, eliminating not only annoying smells, but potentially harmful airborne compounds. Extremely dusty homes Air purifiers can help reduce dust building up on surfaces within your home.  

Humidifier

Whole house humidifiers add water to the air, distributing it via HVAC ductwork. Humidifiers are especially valuable in the wintertime, when air is devoid of moisture. What’s the ideal relative humidity (RH) level in the home? According to the EPA, 30-50% RH is best. Does my home need a humidifier? If you don’t have a hygrometer to measure indoor humidity levels, look for these signs you may need a humidifier…

• People suffering frequent illness
  Lubricated nasal passages, as opposed to cracked, bleeding sinuses, make the body less vulnerable to illness.
• Individuals with excessive sinus congestion
  Nasal membranes must be adequately moistened for proper drainage.
• Those with excessively dry skin, nose, eyes, and hair in the winter
  Frequent nosebleeds; chapped irritated skin; red, dry eyes; brittle hair; persistent coughs; and even frequent asthma flare-ups could indicate overly-dry air.
• Family members who snore excessively
  Humidifiers lessen nasal congestion and allergies from pollutants spread via dry air, reducing snoring.
• Homes with static electricity issues
  Painful and annoying, excessive ‘zaps’ from static electricity are a sure-sign humidity is too low.
• Homes with cracking furniture and structural components…
  Damaged by excessively dry air.

Still Not Sure Which is Best for Your Home?
The knowledgeable technicians at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning, your local HVAC repair service, can help you decide, testing the quality of your indoor air, measuring relative humidity levels in your home, and recommending the perfect solution for your home and family’s indoor air quality needs. Whether you need an air purifier, humidifier, dehumidifier – or an entirely new heating and air conditioning system, our A+ BBB-rated services have you covered. Contact us to schedule your indoor air quality evaluation, or to learn more about our wide range of indoor air quality systems today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/need-air-purifier-vs-humidifier/

New Year Resolutions for a Comfortable and Efficient Home in 2018!

‘Tis the season for cutting carbs, calories…. And energy consumption. In addition to all those New Year’s resolutions tailored toward prolonging your health and happiness, don’t forget the health and happiness of your heating and cooling system, the most costly and energy glutinous appliance in your home.

Five New Year’s Resolutions for Cutting HVAC Costs

1. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
   (It’ll go great with that new smart phone.)
   Independent review has confirmed smart thermostats can save you 20% over antiquated old non-programmable models. Operable via smartphone, today’s latest models learn your behavior (most with little to no programming) using sensors, and can be controlled from any location from the couch to your vacation hotel suite. High-tech home? Integrate your smart thermostate with Google Home or Amazon Echo home automation tech for voice-operable use.
2. Regularly Clean/Replace HVAC Air Filters
   (It’s easier than shaving your legs.)
   Dusty, filthy, clogged home air filters force your system to work harder to achieve the same result, robbing efficiency. When was the last time you changed yours? Mark it on your calendar for cleaning/replacing at least every 3 months, more if you have allergies/asthma, pets, kids, or are renovating your home.
3. Schedule Your Tune-Ups
   (They’re less invasive than your annual well-visit.)
   Your doctor (and your health insurance) like you to get a checkup at least once a year. Because stuff happens that’s easy to overlook, and your HVAC is no different. Avoid inconvenient HVAC emergency service and costly repair issues, scheduling a fall/spring tune-up on your calendar before you and your family will depend on the system for protection against weather extremes. This inexpensive maintenance reduces system wear-and-tear and vastly improves efficiency and comfort. While you’re at it, schedule your annual hot water heater service as well.
4. Give Your System an Upgrade
   (Your annual savings could quickly add up to the cost of a new smartphone.)
   While many fail to balk at upgrading a $1,000 cell phone (semi)annually, they swoon at the thought of upgrading their HVAC system. But today’s best Energy Star HVAC systems are surprisingly affordable, using 30-50% less energy than systems just 10 years old –  and unlike your cell phone, come with manufacturer warranties up to 20 years! Protect your pocketbook and the planet, updating your home with the latest in reliable and efficient home comfort technology. Health problems? Consider indoor air quality HVAC add-ons such as HEPA filtration and UV light air purifiers to safeguard your health against high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) bacteria, viruses, mold, pet dander, pollen and other allergens.
5. Seal Leaks
   (Because you don’t want to air condition the whole neighborhood.)
   Leaks can sabotage your HVAC system like holiday cookies to your New Year’s dietary goals. Seek out and seal leaks around doors, windows, baseboards, and plumbing, which can be the equivalent of a window constantly left open. And don’t neglect ductwork leaks, which cost the average HVAC system energy losses of 30%.

Plan for success with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning. Together we can help you achieve a safer, happier, greener and more energy efficient New Year.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/new-year-resolutions-hvac/

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/