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/

How to Reduce your Carbon Footprint this Heating Season

Think your heating and cooling decisions don’t matter much in the grand scheme of things? From your monthly energy bill to climate change, your HVAC decisions are a big deal. Heating and cooling accounts for 48% of the energy used by the average home according to the U.S. Energy Information Agency. Of this, heating alone accounts for 41.5%, air conditioning a mere 6.2%. Forty-percent of the nation’s carbon emissions result from heating, cooling, and hot water demand, a number that has been influenced by the ever-burgeoning size of American homes. With a little forethought, however, these emissions could be collectively and significantly reduced with just a little bit of effort from you and your neighbors…

Stomping Down Your Carbon Footprint

Greenhouses gases, generated by the energy we consume doing things like cooling and heating our homes,driving cars, and cooking dinner, can have dangerous consequences. The fossil fuels we consume to power these activities have significant effects, from air pollution to global warming. Fortunately, it is possible to keep the earth a little greener. All it takes is some home heating common-sense, and a little bit of effort.

Earth-Friendly Home Heating Tips:

Cut the crud.

Keeping your filter, and Mother Earth, clean. Dirty filters are the leading cause of heating system inefficiency, which leads to increased emissions – and increased breakdowns. A dirty home air filter forces your system to work harder to achieve the same results. A quick cleaning or replacement is all it takes to significantly reduce your system’s energy consumption.

Seal leaks.

20-30% of conditioned air in the average home is lost to ductwork leaks – holes and poor connections in your system. Do the earth and your wallet a favor – and hunt them down.

Watch the thermostat.

Be constantly aware of your thermostat habits. When your home is unoccupied, set the thermostat higher in the summer and lower in the winter to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Bumping up or down by 2 degrees is barely noticeable – however it can reduce your carbon footprint by 2000 pounds a year!

Think SMART.

Program your thermostat to adjust automatically via programmable models, or take advantage of the latest in smart thermostat technology like Nest or Lyric by Honeywell. Systems monitor occupant behavior, developing a program that maximizes HVAC efficiency with little to no effort from you.

Safeguard efficiency.

With annual professional maintenance to ensure the proper, efficient operation and the highest level of performance from your furnace, boiler, heat pump or geothermal system.

Don’t heat the whole neighborhood

Check walls, doors and windows for drafts and seal them up. All these little leaks can equate to a window constantly left open, resulting in up to 40% heat loss.

Insulate everywhere.

Properly insulating the roof, floors, walls, basement, and attic can keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter – with less effort from your HVAC system.

It’s not easy being green – but it’s not all that hard either. Help keep Mother Earth clean for yourself and future generations. Look into greener HVAC choices in the market e.g. Geothermal Heating and Cooling systems.

Schedule an annual heating maintenance and performance inspection with H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/how-to-reduce-your-carbon-footprint-this-heating-season/ .

5 Reasons Why People Won’t Tune Up their Heating System this Season!

Every year, you get tons of mailers and hear endless broadcasts about annual heating system maintenance. And every year, you come up with tons of reasons why you think it’s unimportant. Your local heating company has heard them all. Here are some of our favorites…

Top 5 Reasons People Don’t Tune-up Their Heating System:

‘I had it serviced last season.’
Neglected annual maintenance can void manufacturer and extended warranties and put your system at-risk. Put another way: If someone told you they put 60,000 miles on their car without taking it in for an oil change… How long do you expect it will last – and how expensive do you think the repair will be when the maintenance neglect catches up? (Can you say, ‘total replacement’?)

‘It worked fine last year.’
The combustion process of furnaces and boilers must be precise to ensure efficiency and safety. Even seemingly small problems can lead to the release of dangerous levels of invisible, odorless carbon monoxide that could put the safety of your family at-risk.

‘I keep the air filter clean.’
While a clean air filter is a major force in keeping your system clean and well running, it’s not the only factor. Just like oil changes alone will not keep your car going indefinitely (you have belts, tires, and a myriad of other components that wear with use and age), your HVAC system has an array of moving parts and pieces that need cleaning, inspection, adjustment, and sometimes replacement. That’s why when a professional tech comes for HVAC service or typical furnace or boiler maintenance visit, they…

Check for the presence of invisible, odorless carbon monoxide.
Check components linked to CO contamination are properly functioning (venting, combustion chamber/heat exchanger, pilot light).
Check the condition/function of fluids, belts, electrical connections, ductwork and vent pipes.
Clean/maintain all components and check filters.
Verify proper and safe function.

‘I don’t have the extra money.’
46% of the annual utility bill is attributable to heating/air costs, making efficient performance essential to savings. As we illustrated in our oil change example, lack of attention now will cost more in repair costs later – infinitely more than an annual maintenance when you end up replacing your home heating system early. Just one of the many reasons why we offer money saving specials, and Home Comfort Club agreements to keep annual tune-ups affordable and avoid emergency heating services expense.

‘I’ll just call someone when there’s a problem.’
Improperly maintained systems suffer reduced efficiency and added strain, increasing the likelihood of repairs when they’re working the hardest – e.g. during a snowstorm – when everyone else who neglected their system will be lining up for emergency repairs too!

Excuses Lead to Emergency?
Lucky for you we offer 24/7 emergency HVAC repair services, with reliable, up-front quotes, no overtime fees, and warranty-backed repairs.

Seeing annual maintenance from a new perspective? Let the pros at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning help you prevent the headaches and costs of unnecessary repair. Schedule your heating system tune-up with your local HVAC Company today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/5-reasons-people-wont-tune-heating-system-season/ .

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/ .