Which is Better: a Tankless or With-Tank Water Heater?

Time to replace your old water heater? There’s a lot of hype about tankless versus storage tank-style water heaters these days. More than a one-time investment in a new system, your hot water heater comprises about 18% of your monthly energy bill. With ramifications that will affect your pocketbook and the function of your home for years to come, an informed decision here will be key to your happiness with your purchase. How can you decide which is best for your family and home?

Understand Key Differences between a Tankless and a With Tank Water Heater

Storage tank
Common and inexpensive, storage tank-style water heaters from Bradford and other manufacturers typically store 30-50 gallons of heated water on standby for showers, dishes, and laundry, refilling and reheating the water in the tank as it is used. Because they keep water stored to temperature at all times, however, they create ‘standby losses.’

Tankless
Located in a sink or closet, these systems can be either point-of-use, requiring a tankless heater by each location in which hot water is needed, or larger, more expensive ‘whole home’ setups. Though a higher initial investment, tankless models can reduce energy consumption about 30%.

Deciding whether Tankless or With Tank is Best?

Like most things in life, each requires trade-offs. The trick is in deciding which water heater works best for your home and budget.

Storage Tank-style

Fuel Options:
Electric or gas.

Cost:
Less expensive – about half the cost of tankless.

Ease of Installation:
Typically a quick and uncomplicated swap out.

Usage Issues:
If tank isn’t sized large enough to support your household’s water needs, you may find yourself taking a cold shower.

Energy Efficiency:
Stored water is heated 24/7, consuming about 30% more energy on average.

Maintenance:
Annual maintenance is required to clear sediment from the system and preserve efficiency. If neglected, water heaters can damage the home significantly if they leak.

Lifespan:
Shorter lifespan than tankless, 10-15 years.

Tankless

Fuel Options:
Electric or gas. Note: Tankless models often require an increase in gas pipe sizing or electrical service, which is a big investment, but necessary to achieve peak efficiency.

Cost:
About twice as much as standard tank-style systems.

Ease of Installation:
Takes up very little space, freeing up storage. However installation is more complicated, taking additional time. Older homes may require gas or electrical service upgrades.

Usage Issues:
Though tankless systems offer a potentially limitless supply of hot water, these systems may limit the number of fixtures able to be used simultaneously (i.e. multiple showers, or showering while washing laundry).

Energy Efficiency:
Gas-fueled tankless models can save families about $100 annually, electrical models about $44 per year – up to 30% greater efficiency depending on the model. (Gas fueled options typically offer superior performance.)

Maintenance:
Tankless systems require more maintenance, including bi-annual attention and the de-liming of the heat exchanger every other year or so. Skip these HVAC services, and the system will break down sooner.

Lifespan:
15-20 years if properly maintained.

Ready to warm up to a new water heater? Contact the professionals at H&H Heating Company today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/tankless-or-with-tank-water-heater/ .

Some Top Rated Heating and Air Conditioning Systems to Consider when Buying a New HVAC Unit

Today’s home heating marketplace offers a wider variety of options than ever before. And while variety is good, too many choices can leave the average homeowner scratching their head… Should you replace your current heater or air conditioner with the same style system? Or should you venture into uncharted waters?

Help for Finding the Right Heating or Air Conditioning Solution for Your Home

Here’s the skinny on the latest in top-rated heating and air conditioning systems, and why they might deserve a spot in your home.

Bryant Evolution Gas Furnace 987M MultiPoise

One of the quietest gas furnace on the market, Bryant’s Perfect Heat and Perfect Humidity technology offer the ultimate in indoor comfort and performance with a 97% AFUE rating for amazing monthly savings. Longer, low-speed heating cycles minimize temperature swing, providing smoother heating, fewer hot and cold spots, and improved air quality. One of America’s most trusted brands, Bryant systems are backed by a 10 year parts and lifetime heat exchanger limited warranty. Replacing your older furnace with the Evolution 98M can save you $345 annually on gas and electricity combined. Humid home? This model improves comfort with up to 30-times the humidity control performance of standard systems. Connnex Control and 7-day programmability boost efficiency and allow precise comfort control. Ask your local HVAC professional about thermostat-compatible Bryant heat pumps for year-round comfort.

Knight Condensing Boilers

Awarded a ‘Most Efficient of 2016’ rating by Energy Star, the Lochinvar Condensing Boiler by knight holds a 95% AFUE rating, and is perfect heating unit for hydronic and radiant heat setups. Easily installed with direct venting, model offerings include 80,000 to 285,000 BTU/HR units. With the most advanced boiler control available, units feature an LCD screen, soft-keys, navigation dial, and USB port for laptop programming specifically arranged to meet your efficiency and performance demands.

Amana High-Efficiency Gas Furnace AMVM97

Among America’s most trusted brands, Amana’s modulating, variable speed gas furnace line offers up to 98% AFUE. Amazingly quiet and efficient, its newly-introduced stainless-steel, tubular primary heat exchanger delivers lasting performance, backed by an industry-leading 10-year parts limited warranty and lifetime unit replacement limited warranty. ComfortNet Communicating System compatible, the system offers fully-automated control (with remote control option), scheduled temperature settings and continuous performance monitoring.

Mitsubishi Ductless

A great option for older homes without existing ducts, Mitsubishi ductless systems are among the most efficient heating and cooling solutions available. Models offering heating and cooling function offer up to 33.1 SEER ad 12.5 HSPF performance. With no ductwork required, they prevent heating and cooling loss to leaky ductwork and thermal transfer in unconditioned space (attic, basement). Using tubing to connect parts (electrical, drainage) and circulate refrigerant, they require only a 3-inch hole for tubing, which remains hidden behind each indoor unit. ­Heat a single zone, or add multiple, programmable cooling units for zoned temperature control in up to 8 rooms.

Looking for a match made in heaven? Find your home comfort Xanadu with the help of the professionals at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/top-rated-heating-air-conditioning-systems-buying-hvac-unit/ .

Do Air Conditioners Circulate Air From the Inside?

Where Does the Cool Air in My Home Come From?

Many mistakenly assume it is outside air that is cooled and circulated throughout the home. In reality, however, indoor air is recirculated. How does this occur? All air conditioning systems, such as Mitsubishi and Bryant heating and air conditioning units, remove hot air and inject cool air into your home in a similar way:

• The compressor…
  The heart of your cooling system, the compressor circulates and pressurizes coolant. It is this pressurization, the turning of the refrigerant from liquid to gas, that lowers refrigerant to a cooler temperature. This process likewise lowers the temperature of the air surrounding it – air sourced from your air return. After it is cooled, this air is then recirculated back through your home. What gets all that air where it needs to go – and distributes it back into your home? You system’s fan and ductwork.
• The condenser coil…
  After this process occurs, the condenser of your heating and cooling systemtransforms the once cool refrigerant gas back into a liquid. Working like a miniature radiator, the condenser also draws liquid out of air that passes through it, dehumidifying the air that is recirculated to your home to keep you more comfortable.
• The evaporator coil…
  After the refrigerant leaves the condenser as a liquid, it enters the evaporator through a small hole. Pressure drops, and the liquid begins transforming to gas once again. At this point, the low-pressure gas is ready to make the trip back to the compressor. Once it returns, hot air will be passed over it once again, and the circuitous process repeated until the desired temperature, set by your thermostat, is achieved.

Still Not Sure Where the Air Comes From?
Hopefully, you change your air filter regularly. If you do, you know where your air return is located. This is where air from your home is collected before it is whisked away to be cooled and recirculated by the seemingly mystical combination of components and refrigerant described above. This is why changing your air filter is so important. Dirt from the filter can likewise soil system components – and the air you breathe – making it essential to stay on top of air filter maintenance. Without this simple maintenance, airflow is reduced, and system components become increasingly soiled. Eventually, this will result in the need for professional cleaning and maintenance. In extreme cases, this can also cause your system to overheat, putting excess strain on system components, which could become permanently damaged.

Air conditioning system in your home not quite cooling things off the way it used to? When was the last time you scheduled professional cleaning and maintenance services? Clear the air with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/do-air-conditioners-circulate-air-from-inside/ .

Heat Pump Blowing out Hot Air? Here’s Why.

On a miserably hot and humid summer day, the last thing you want to deal with is a heat pump that is blowing out hot air. Before you dial your friendly neighborhood repairman, take a pause. You may be able to handle the issue yourself…

Three D-I-Y Fixes for A/C Blowing Hot Air

1. Improper thermostat setting.
   You’re busy – and so is your family. Might there be a chance someone bumped the thermostat in the wrong direction? Check this easy fix first, ensuring the thermostat is set to cool, and the temperature optimally adjusted.
2. Dirty air filter.
   It’s easy for cleaning chores to get ahead of you, especially one like this that are out of sight, out of mind. However this is the most common cause of system malfunctions – and repair calls – and it’s easily addressed by you. Pop open the door covering your air filter. If it looks like the beginnings of a new life form, it’s well overdue for a change. All that dirt and dust is preventing necessary air flow, and causing your coil to freeze up. Change it – and now for the hard part: Thawing your coils. For this you’ll have to turn off your system and let it thaw naturally, which could take 2 to 24 hours. NEVER clear ice by hand, which could damage fragile components. And NEVER forget to change the air filter again. It not only results in inconvenient repair issues, but causes your system’s early demise. Add it to your calendar, keeping extra filters on-hand to swap out old for new every 3 months, at a minimum.
3. Dirty outside unit.
   Check the outside unit – that’s the big metal box you ignore until it’s time to weed eat. Inspect the coils and coiling fins to see if they need cleaning. If they’re jammed with debris, it may be smothering the evaporator. Gently remove dust, dried leaves and grass with a soft brush, taking care not to bend the fins. Keep shrubbery, grass and weeds trimmed away – all heating and cooling systemsneeds to breathe.

Still Blowing Hot? You May Need Professional Help to Address:

• Coolant levels.
  Low coolant levels can effect system pressure and reduce cooling capacity, causing your heat pump system to freeze. (Overfilling can also effect performance, so don’t attempt to D-I-Y.) Dangerous to you and the environment, refrigeration adjustment should always be left to a professional.
• Dirty coils.
  Another side-effect of a dirty air filter is a dirty evaporator coil, which can likewise cause your system to blow hot air. You can change your filter – but you’ll need professional assistance for this cleaning.
• Reversing valve malfunction.
  Sometimes in heat pump systems, the reversing valve that switches the system from air conditioning to heating function gets stuck. When this occurs the system can get stuck in ‘heating’ mode. Luckily, this part can be easily swapped out by a pro.

Still feeling the heat? The experts at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning can return you back to comfort. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you can count on us for overtime-free emergency repair. Contact us today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/heat-pump-blowing-out-hot-air-heres-why/ .

Wine Cellar Cooling in Dry Climates

Could the precious wines in your collection be going up in smoke? Many people overlook the essential role humidity plays in the wine cellars In dry climates, this overlooked wine storage factor can quickly result in the loss of wine through evaporation.

Why Are Humidity Levels So Important?
There’s more to wine storage than merely keeping things cool. When wine is bottled after fermentation and sealed with natural cork, moisture is essential to maintaining a tight seal. In dry, hot environments, cork can shrink, compromising its seal to allow for oxygen exposure and resulting in off-flavors and aromas, and ultimately, spoiled wine. Humidity control in your wine cellar is therefore essential to preventing this disastrous occurrence from effecting your entire collection.

Your Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Is Not Enough
Many wine aficionados mistakenly assume their carefully constructed cellar confines, combined with their wine cellar cooling systems, are enough to maintain the environment essential to preserving the premium flavors of their coveted collection. Unfortunately, a cooling unit alone cannot add moisture or humidify wine cellar air. Worse, cooling units also have the tendency to exacerbate this problem, removing humidity from the air as part of normal operation. An integrated humidifier is necessary to ensure the optimal level of relative humidity (RH) for wine – ideally around 60 to 70% RH.

Do I Need a Humidifier in My Wine Cellar?
For those that care about the quality of their collection, wine cellar humidity control and temperature must both be addressed. If you live in a dry region of the U.S., the addition of a wine cellar humidifier is indeed necessary. This is especially essential to preventing spoilage in hot, dry climates.

What to Look for in a Wine Cellar Humidifier
(Built-in) Wine cellar humidifiers distribute moisture evenly in the air circulated by your cooling unit. To ensure adequate protection and optimal performance, look for options with…

• Adequate Capacity
  Your humidifier must be sized specifically to the dimensions of your wine cellar, taking into account its construction, bottle capacity, and other storage characteristics. A humidifier with a capacity rated at the temperature of the wine cellar (not room temperature or discharge temperature) is highly recommended.
• Precise Control
  To ensure stable humidity levels, an automatic humidifier, set to self-regulate moisture levels, is ideal.
• Durable Construction
  Your chosen humidifier should be rust and corrosion proof, given the ideal humid wine cellar environment.
• Ease of Maintenance
  Avoid options that require manual filling, which could lead your humidifier – and corks – to run dry. Units with built-in drains and automatic flushing likewise reduce maintenance needs, with superior systems requiring only annual or biannual maintenance.
• Safe Operation
  ‘Wetted pad’ designs releases humidity via vapor, eliminating the introduction of bacteria and dust into the air of your cellar.

Ensure the Right Cooling & Humidification System to Protect Your Prized Collection
Trust in the experienced wine cellar installation and maintenance services of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule a wine cellar site or existing cooling system evaluation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/wine-cellar-cooling-in-dry-climates/ .

Year-Round Allergy Symptoms? Fight Back with Our Complete Indoor Allergy Guide

A Complete Guide to fighting Indoor Allergies

Your indoor environment could be the source of an abundance of allergy and asthma triggers, according to the EPA. Do you know what dangers are lurking in your home – and how to reduce your exposure? Knowledge is key to successful asthma and allergy management.

What are Indoor Allergies?

Extremely common, allergies effect an estimated 50 million Americans. And indoor allergies can be hard to pinpoint, because symptoms are often confused with the common cold. Drippy nose, itchy eyes, congestion and wheezing with symptoms that linger for weeks on end are prime indicators. What differentiates this from a cold? Fever, chills, body aches, and yellow/green nasal discharge that clears after a week or two.

What are the Most Common Indoor Allergens?

• Dust Mites
  A common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms, dust mites are everywhere, consuming human skin flakes and thriving in warm, humid environments like bedding, upholstery and carpeting. Their body remnants and droppings cause a great deal of allergy woes.
• Cockroaches
  Roaches can be found anywhere, and are a big problem in inner-city environments – even in homes that aren’t dirty. The protein in their droppings is a common allergen.
• Pollen
  A variety of pollen can easily be carried into your home on shoes, clothing, and animals. Plants in the home can also produce pollen allergens.
• Mold
  Mold thrives in damp areas (bath, basement, kitchen, laundry). Mold releases tiny, allergen-inducing spores, and in some varieties, potent mycotoxins capable of causing severe reactions/sickness in sensitive individuals.
• Pets
  Because people are allergic to saliva, dander (dead skin flakes) and urine, there are no truly “hypoallergenic” breeds.

How Can I Reduce Indoor Allergies?

Avoiding allergens – or reducing exposure – is the most effective remedy.

• General Cleaning
  • Where a dust mask when you clean.
  • Opt for hard flooring and non-porous, easily washable surfaces, like leather.
  • Dust, and vacuum often with a HEPA filter.
  • Address water/moisture issues promptly (mold, mites, roaches).
  • Use your air conditioner to keep humidity low to guard against mold and dust mites. Dehumidifiers and exhaust fans are also helpful.
  • Change allergy-laden filters often.
  • Talk to your HVAC pro about upgrading to a high efficiency disposable pleated filter with a MERV 8-12, and system compatibility.
  • Clean and disinfect bathrooms, kitchens and basements regularly.
  • Don’t neglect carpet and upholstery. If it can’t be laundered, clean it with products that deactivate/denature dust mites/dander.
• Allergen Specific
  • Dust Mites
    Use allergen-proof fabric covers on mattresses, pillows and box springs. Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130° F) and dry on high heat. Place stuffed animals and a freezer bag, and freeze for 2-4 hours weekly.
  • Cockroaches
    Clean countertop crumbs and dishes regularly, empty the trash, and store food in tightly sealed, hard-sided containers. Contact pest management ASAP for infestations.
  • Pollen
    Leave shoes outside. Shed outerwear, before entry, for the wash. Shower if symptoms persist. Enjoy plants outdoors – leaving them out of the house if allergic.
  • Mold
    Properly ventilate moisture-prone areas via window or exhaust fan, employing a dehumidifier when necessary. Mold loves carpeting – avoid it in these areas.
  • Pets
    Wash hands after petting. Keep pets out of the bedroom, other areas where you spend a lot of time, and keep them outdoors when possible. Ask a non-allergic family member to clean pets weekly, as well as their habitats/belongings.

Do Air Purifiers Really Work for Allergies?

Air purifiers with HEPA filtration with MERV ratings of 17-19 are capable of trapping and removing 99.97-99.999% of particles 0.3 micron and larger from the air, including dust, mold, pollen, viruses, bacteria, and odors. UV light versions further reduce the likelihood of air pollutants, killing bacteria, germs and mold. To ensure a reduction of asthma and allergy symptoms, look for true HEPA filters and systems, not those labeled “HEPA-type” which don’t meet stringent standards. As with all air filters, changing them as recommended is key to preventing the redistribution of allergens throughout the home. Be aware, HEPA filters are not designed to work with residential HVAC systems without modification, and could result in system damage. Before installing a filter with a rating higher than MERV 8, consult your friendly neighborhood air conditioning technician.

Itching to improve the indoor air quality in your home? H&H Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Learn more about indoor air quality systems available from H&H today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/complete-indoor-allergy-guide/.

How to Spot a Bad Contractor!!!

Rushing through the selection of a contractor for your upcoming air conditioning installation or other home renovation project? Skipping-out on the ‘research’ portion could cost you. While there are many trustworthy contractors out there, sadly there are also quite a few trying to take your money and run.

Watch Out for these Red Flags to Avoid Construction Nightmares:

1. High Initial Down Payment
   With materials to source and workers to hire, a down payment towards your new air conditioning installation can be expected. Pennsylvania HIC (Home Improvement Contractor) licensing regulations require contractors collect 50% down payment for custom orders before a job starts – but not 100% down. Any request for more than 50% payment up-front should set-off alarm bells.
2. Cash-Only Requirements
   The need to be paid in cash only is a sure sign of shady inclinations. The ability to use check or credit card payment gives you infinitely more options should disputes arise. Without such supporting documentation, it’s your word versus the contractor on what was paid.
3. Lack of References
   If you can’t reach contractor references (or worse, the contractor won’t give you any), something is off. Even if a contractors claims to be just starting out, pass for someone with more experience. After all, your home is your biggest investment. If you’re just beginning your contractor search, try working backwards: Try asking close friends or family who they recommend. Word-of-mouth referrals are generally best. Online reviews are also a good resource – albeit not always 100% reliable.
4. No License & Insurance
   Even in an emergency, ask to see license and insurance documents before work begins, which are required-by-law in most areas. Preferably license and insurance information should be posted on proposals, business cards, and vehicles. All contractors must be licensed and insured to work on your home – otherwise you could end up liable in the event of accident or damages to neighboring property.
5. Permits
   If the contractor is telling you that it is not necessary to apply for permits, beware! In fact most city’s, townships and boroughs require permits and part of the process is to check the contractor’s insurance.
6. Lack of ‘Back-Up’
   Any professional contractor you hire to work on your home or HVAC system should have a physical address (not work out of a truck), giving you the ability to track them down if things go wrong. They should likewise back-up their skills with professional affiliations and certifications, such as NATE or EPA, alongside warranties on work and equipment – which should be years – not months – so that you get what you pay for.
7. Handshake-Only Agreements
   Detailed, written contracts ensure you get what you pay for – and everyone is on the same page. Make sure contracts include cost estimates, specific materials used (to thwart bargain substitutions), and completion timetables.
8. Subcontractor Parade
   Good contractors do outsource specialty work – like tricky electrical. However a multitude of subcontractors parading through your home should set-off warning bells. Who are you letting into your home? Are they likewise licensed, drug and background checked?

Looking for an HVAC contractor who has your best interests at heart? Count on the friendly service of your local H&H Heating & Air technician. When it comes to trusted service, we check all the boxes. Contact us for a trustworthy quote and complimentary referral list today.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.delcohvac.com/how-to-spot-a-bad-contractor/.