Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality In The Summer

Relaxing in your cool, air conditioned home in the heat of summer makes you feel much better than sweating it out in the sun. However, during this time of the year, the air inside homes can be more polluted than the air outdoors, making it far from a healthful environment. How can you improve the air quality in your home in the summer so you can kick-back and relax in confidence with your trusty Bryant air conditioner?

Eliminate Chemicals, Dust, & Allergens with Routine Cleaning

Regular vacuuming and mopping reduce concentrations of chemicals and allergens in your home, including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, lead, fire retardant chemicals, and more. HEPA filter vacuums excel at the task, preventing contaminants from getting blown back into the air. After vacuuming, a simple mopping with plain water eliminates most remaining trace particles.

Go Shoeless

Many contaminants are tracked into your home via shoes. Leave them outside to keep them off the floors in your home.

Upgrade Your Air Filter

Upgrade to home air filters that remove a greater percentage of pollutants and allergens from the air, including pollen, pet dander, dust, dirt, and smoke that can be dangerous to those with respiratory issues. When upgrading to HEPA filters, be sure to install them with the help of your local HVAC pro, as the tighter weave of these filters can strain your system when necessary system adjustments are not made.

Maintain Healthy Humidity Levels

Keeping humidity levels in the 30-50% range keeps moisture-loving allergens such as mold and dust mites under control. Adding a whole house dehumidifier is an easy way to accomplish this. Set it and forget it, easily controlling humidity levels throughout your home via this HVAC system add-on.

Kill Bacteria & Germs

Eliminate airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, and other microorganisms with a UV light air purifier.

Leave The Cigarettes Outside

Cigarette smokes contain over 4,000 chemicals. Leaving cigarettes and smoke outside is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to improve the indoor air quality in your home.

Swap Synthetics For Natural Cleaning & Fragrance Alternatives

The synthetic fragrances in lemon polish, piney cleaners, and laundry products may make you think of cleanliness, but these products emit dozens of dangerous chemicals and VOCs into the air that are detrimental to your health. Opt for naturally safe and effective cleaners like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice instead, or choose fragrance free or naturally scented products.

Go Green

Open up your windows occasionally, letting in fresh air and releasing toxic chemicals in your home. Bring a bit of nature indoors, decorating your home with ferns, aloe, and spider plants, which naturally clean the air, absorbing chemical pollutants.

Improve the air quality in your home. Breathe easy with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/ways-to-improve-indoor-air-quality-in-the-summer/

Why Does My Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

Are you tired of relighting the pilot light on one of your gas appliances? If your appliances are performing properly, this should not be a frequent issue.

How Your Pilot Light Works

Gas-fueled heating units like furnaces, water heaters, and fireplaces hold a small flame that remains lit, serving as an ignition source. This tiny flame is used to ignite the gas that fuels these appliances so that they can provide heat.

Why It Keeps Going Out

Pilot lights may occasionally go out due to issues with drafts or poor ventilation, but this is rare. If you have to relight your pilot light frequently, this points to mechanical issues – specifically, the thermocouple on the appliance.

The thermocouple prevents gas from leaking into your home when the pilot light goes out. If faulty, a thermocouple can snuff out your pilot light. In some cases it can even prevent a pilot light from igniting.

What To Do When Your Pilot Light Goes Out

It is possible to relight a pilot yourself. It is not difficult. However, safety is key. If you think you’re experiencing issues with a faulty thermocouple, it’s best to contact a furnace repair company for help. In addition, you should never attempt to light a pilot light if you smell gas. Any gas odor indicates a leak. For your safety, you should vacate your home immediately and contact your gas company.

How To Relight A Standing Pilot Light

Below is the basic procedure for relighting a pilot light, however, the owner’s manual for your appliance will offer additional insight.

1. Adjust the settings on your appliance so that it will attempt to turn on to produce heat. For furnaces, for instance, set them to heat mode to a temperature of 80 F.
2. Locate the pilot valve on the appliance. It will typically be in a box-shaped device near the burners, featuring a knob marked: ON, PILOT, OFF.
3. Turn the knob OFF and wait 3 minutes for gas to dissipate.
4. Turn the knob to PILOT.
5. Using a long fireplace match or grill lighter, relight the pilot while depressing the knob/holding the reset button. Hold the button/knob for 30 seconds to get the thermocouple hot enough to open the main gas valve.
6. Turn the knob to ON. If burners fail to ignite, repeat the process, holding the reset knob/button longer.
7. Adjust temperature when finished.

I Can’t Find The Pilot Light On My Water Heater

Your water heater maintenance company knows some models have an access cover that must be lifted to gain access to the pilot light, which is typically located beneath the tank. The assistance of your owner’s manual and a flashlight can make finding the pilot on your water heater much easier.

Keep the flame alive. Address pilot light issues, ensuring the safety of your combustion appliances with the help of & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule service and maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/why-does-my-pilot-light-keep-going-out/

Why Does My AC Smell Like Dirty Socks?

Until they experience it, most homeowners remain ignorant of “Dirty Sock Syndrome,” a phenomenon with which seasoned air conditioning service & repair technicians are well aware. What causes the moldy, stale smell of neglected laundry to permeate your house via your air conditioning system? And how can you eliminate it fast?

Mold & Bacteria In The System Are The Cause Of Dirty Sock Syndrome

The smell of Dirty Sock Syndrome is a direct result of decaying organic material leading to mold, mildew, and bacteria buildup in your cooling unit. Typically the specific component at fault is your unit’s evaporator coil. As dust particles buildup due to inadequate filtration or poor air filter maintenance, moisture in the system that accumulates after continued use creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive.

How Can You Be Sure You Have Dirty Sock Syndrome?

This odor can smell different to different people. However, if you notice a foul, moldy odor when you run your system that causes your entire house to smell like dirty gym socks, Dirty Sock Syndrome may be the cause. To verify, you’ll want to make sure your air conditioner isn’t suffering from other potential problems that could be causing it to give off a foul odor. Other causes of odors emanating from HVAC components include:

• Wet, dirty air filters.
• Full, possibly corroded, drainage pans.
• Blocked drainage lines.

Can Dirty Sock Syndrome Cause Health Issues?

While a foul smell in your home is not fun, Dirty Sock Syndrome is typically not dangerous unless you or a family member has a compromised immune system, asthma, or allergies. Even if you don’t have health issues, you don’t want to leave Dirty Sock Syndrome unaddressed, as the mold and bacteria in your system can rapidly grow, causing respiratory issues and eye irritation over time. The smell can also make people feel sick, even if they’re physically fine. For these reasons, HVAC pros recommend addressing Dirty Sock Syndrome quickly.

Tips For Addressing & Avoiding Dirty Sock Syndrome

If you think your system is suffering Dirty Sock Syndrome, heating and air conditioning service immediately, including a new air filter, coil cleaning, and drainage system inspection. To avoid a repeat of the situation and keep mold, mildew, and bacteria at bay, be proactive:

• Upgrade to higher quality home air filters and change them every 1-3 months.
• Prevent mold and bacteria from building up in your evaporator coil with a UV air purifier.
• Watch for full drain pans and blocked drain lines, which give mold, mildew, and bacteria a place to thrive.

Don’t suffer through Dirty Sock Syndrome. Freshen up your home, safeguard your health, and avoid embarrassment with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer 24/7 service at no additional charge to you to help you get back to normal fast. Schedule cleaning and maintenance and eliminate foul smells in your system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/why-does-my-ac-smell-like-dirty-socks/

Air Conditioner Stopped Working. Need Help?

I need help, my air conditioner stopped working! Don’t worry, even the best cooling units have issues from time to time. If your system is not working properly, we have the tips you need to troubleshoot your system.

Common Air Conditioner Problems

• Air conditioner not blowing cold air.
  Check your thermostat setting first. If this is not the problem, see if your air filter is clogged with dirt and debris. This will block airflow and cause the system’s evaporator coils to freeze. (Note: It can take up to 24 hours for an evaporator coil to thaw.)
• Air conditioner struggling to cool home.
  First, make sure all your vents are open. If this is not the case, you could low refrigerant resulting from a leak. You may also have an improperly sized system, too large/small for your home.
• Air conditioning system leaking water.
  If your system is leaking water…
  • Inside
    Turn off your system immediately to prevent water damage to your home. If you’re a skilled DIYer, you can try to clear the clog in your condensate drain line with a wet/dry vac. If this doesn’t fix the problem, you could have a broken condensate pump or rusted drain line, which requires professional heating and cooling repair services.
  • Outside
    A small amount of leakage is normal. Excess leakage could point to a dirty filter, low refrigerant, blocked drain pipe, or broken condensate pan.
  • When “OFF”
    This is caused when the issues discussed above continue unaddressed. Leave your system off until you’ve rectified the problem to prevent damage.
• Air conditioner constantly runs, without cycling off.
  A dirty home air filter, or old/improperly sized system, can cause this problem. As can a stuck fan relay or thermostat short/malfunction.
• Air conditioner won’t turn on.
  Oftentimes, your system won’t turn on because someone in your house adjusted the settings without your knowledge. If this is not the issue, your system may need serious repairs or replacement.
• Air conditioner fan is not working.
  • Inside fan
    Has the breaker for your AC system been tripped? If not, check for a dirty air filter. Allow the ice on your coil to melt, then try operating your system again.
  • Outside fan
    Try resetting the circuit breaker for the system.  If this doesn’t get your fan going, turn your system off to avoid overheating your system and burning out your compressor. Contact your local air conditioning contractors immediately for repairs. You could have a burned out start capacitor or stuck fan motor.

Still no luck getting your system back up and operational? No worries. We’ve got you covered, offering fast, affordable emergency HVAC service without the inflated costs. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule air conditioner repair services today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/air-conditioner-stopped-working-need-help/

What is this Goo/Slime on My Air Conditioner?

What is this gross, slimy build up on my heating and cooling system? If you’ve gone to investigate an air conditioning system that has stopped working, only to uncover a weird white substance that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie, you may have been slimed.

What’s the Origin of White Slime?

White slime may be found in many areas of your system, including the drain lines, evaporator pan, and condensate pump. This wet, dark, environment promotes the growth of microorganisms. In this case, the goo is protecting a colony of bacteria beneath it that enjoys consuming dust for food. When this bacteria is found in a condensate drain pan, it could be a sign your air conditioner is oversized, leading to short operating cycles that provide a warm, moist, hospitable environment for the microorganisms to grow.

How It’s Gumming Up Your System

As it grows, this white goo can create multiple issues you’ll need the help of an HVAC repair service to address. Because these microorganisms grow quickly, they can cause severe problems in a short period of time when maintenance needs are ignored:

• Building up and restricting the flow condensate lines.
• Growing to completely block condensate lines, causing the evaporator pan to overflow.
• Creating mold growth problems within ductwork and insulation.
• Leading to leaks in your home that result in costly property damage.

Getting Rid Of The Goo

Left unchecked, white slime can become a health hazard, negatively impacting indoor air quality. So it’s essential to get rid of the goo. Unfortunately, this takes more than a little spray and swipe of effected surfaces. Professional treatment is necessary to thoroughly clean the slime out of all affected areas so it cannot return. To get rid of the goo for good, your HVAC service pro will:

• Remove and replace the old air filter, which can harbor the bacteria that cause the goo, leading to a re-sliming if overlooked.
• Clean the condensate drain and other system components with a wet/dry vac and appropriate cleansing solution to neutralize the bacteria.
• Clean the coil, as with replace your home air filter, to prevent the return of the slime from remaining microbes.
• Leave behind special tablets that will kill any bacteria that become wet, placing them in a safe space where they won’t move and clog system components.
• Schedule follow up cleaning semi-annually, and more frequently through cooling season, to ensure the bacteria has been eliminated.

Preventing Slime Before It Takes Over

Most slime stories begin with reactive maintenance – those that do not schedule annual preventative maintenance cleanings but wait until system failure or issues, resulting in the need for emergency HVAC service. To prevent your system from becoming a precautionary tale, keep white slime away with proactive system maintenance.

e aiDon’t live in fear. Exorcise slime from your system and safeguard the indoor air quality in your home with the help of the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on 

Air Filter Vs. Air Purifier - Do They Do the Same Thing?

What’s the difference between an air filter and an air purifier? If you want to ensure the best indoor air quality in your home, the air filter on your heating and cooling system is not enough. Though both components affect the quality of the air inside your home, they function quite differently.

Air Filter vs. Air Purifier

• Air Filter

Though ac filters trap large dust and dirt particles from the air, they are not designed to make the air you breathe in your home perfectly clean. They are designed to keep your HVAC components clean, reducing wear and tear on your system and improving system performance. However, they do impact indoor air quality, making choosing the right air filter important.

Learn more about the best air filter for your home, such as those from Nature’s Home, Micropower Guard, and Fantastic Filter.

• Air Purifier

If you or a family member suffers from allergies or chronic lung issues, and you want the cleanest possible air in your home, adding an air purifier takes indoor air quality to the next level. Air purifiers help cleanse and rid your home of dangerous viruses, mold and volatile organic compounds  the air. By removing a wider variety of airborne contaminants, air purifiers produce cleaner, fresher smelling indoor air that supports improved respiratory health.

How Many More Contaminants Can Be Removed With An Air Purifier

An standard air filter alone isn’t enough to clean the air circulating throughout your home. Most standard home air filters fail to remove many common airborne contaminants that can worsen allergy, asthma, and respiratory symptoms. Air purifiers along with air cleaners can help remove pollutants. What additional pollutants could be removed from the air in your home with a standalone or whole house air purification along with air cleaner systems?

• Dust particles and dust mites
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Mold & mildew
• Bacteria and germs
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Air Purification System Options

We specialize in indoor air quality systems, including the latest air cleaners and UV germicidal lights. Unlike standalone systems, which clean the air of a small area or only a single room, our efficient, effective whole house air purification systems work in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning system, quickly and efficiently removing airborne contaminants and distributing clean, fresh air throughout your home via your ductwork.

Paired with UV germicidal lights to further reduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms, and dehumidification and humidification systems to provide optimal humidity levels throughout your home, our indoor air quality systems are a great way to support your body’s immune system, ensuring optimal health.

Create a healthy home environment for you and your family. Contact the indoor air quality system experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about ways to achieve cleaner, fresher indoor air year-round.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/air-filter-vs-air-purifier-do-they-do-the-same-thing/

3 Top Reasons Your Heating Bill is Too High & how to get back on Track/How to fix it?

If you’ve recently come to dread the arrival of your electric bill, and are lamenting your loved one’s gratuitous light use, you’re likely pointing blame at the wrong culprit. Heating and cooling units are the largest consumer of energy in your home and are more than likely the reason you’re rapidly consuming kilowatts. How can you reduce your energy bill and get things back on the right track?

Top Reasons Your Heating & Air Conditioning Bill is Too High & How to Reduce Costs

• Leaky ductwork
  Leaky ductwork can increase your monthly bill. Insulation surrounding leaky ductwork in basements, crawlspaces, and attics could look dirty. When the system is running, leaks may also be heard or felt. All that conditioned air is not getting where it is supposed to go, reducing system performance. Duct leaks can also impact indoor air quality, grabbing contaminants from these spaces that can clog filters, pollute the air, and damage system components. Fixing these leaks is not for amateurs, however. It’s easy to fall between attic beams and damage ductwork components, causing costlier repairs. Leave leaks to a pro with the right skills and tools for your unique ductwork configuration to ensure lasting repairs.
• Poor maintenance
  Routine maintenance prolongs system life and impact performance. Clogged air filters, improper coolant levels, and worn components can all make your system work harder than necessary, inflating energy bills. Annual maintenance in the spring and the fall, before weather extremes, ensures peak performance and stable bills.
• Inefficient HVAC system
  The average lifespan of a heater is 12-20 years; 10 years for an air conditioner. While a new system may seem like a tough pill to swallow, it won’t take long to pay one off if you reinvest your inflated energy bill funds into a replacement. New systems offer efficiency levels of 96% or more, delivering savings up to 35% on your monthly energy bills. Tax and utility incentives may also be available to reduce costs.
• Thermostat malfunction
  Our air conditioning service and maintenance professionals know thermostat malfunction is a frequent cause of system issues. If your thermostat never seems to reflect the temperature reality in your home, there’s ample opportunity for energy savings with an upgrade to a smart thermostat. For as little as $90, you could save up to 20-35% annually.
  Learn more about smart thermostats and leading thermostat brands.
• Insufficient or damaged insulation
  Hot and cold spots and wet, worn, or pest-infested insulation is not effective, allowing conditioned air to escape. If your system’s running nonstop, upgrading or replacing your insulation is a wise investment.
• Active air leakage
  Drafts around windows, doors, plumbing, and outlets waste your energy dollars. These are easily addressed with inexpensive caulking and weather stripping.

Electric bills still sky-high? Schedule a professional system evaluation from the local heating and air conditioning service experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/3-top-reasons-your-heating-bill-is-too-high-how-to-get-back-on-track-how-to-fix-it/