Ready to Turn your AC on for the Season? Don’t Ignore these Steps.

Warmer weather is on its way, and though you may not need your air conditioning system quite yet, now is the time to get it ready for summer action – before it leaves you hot, bothered, and looking for emergency HVAC service.

How to Best Prepare Your Air Conditioner for a Scorching Summer
To prevent the shock of high summer electric bills, ensure performance and efficiency with this simple 7 step plan:

1. Check your outdoor unit.
   The part of your system located outside is called the condenser. If yours was covered over the winter, be sure to take the cover off before turning on your system. While you’re out there, check around the system itself, clearing away any dead or growing grass, leaf buildup, and other debris that can reduce airflow and take a toll on the efficiency of your system. It should be clear not only right against the unit, but a full 18-inches surrounding it.
2. Change the filter.
   Back inside the house, check your air conditioner filter. It’s generally a wise idea to go ahead and clean or replace the filter now. If you have kids, pets, or allergies, mark your calendar ahead so you don’t forget monthly replacement. At a minimum the filter should be changed every 3-months. An amazing efficiency booster – or system killer – fail to perform this simple and inexpensive maintenance, and you’ll get to know your area heating and air conditioning companies pretty well over the coming season.
3. Check the drain line.
   Keep the drain line by your indoor cooling coil unit free and clear, flushing a cup of chlorine bleach down it followed by a thorough rinse with a gallon of water. Clogged drains can cause severe water damage to your home.
4. Check vents & ductwork.
   Remove vent blockages such as furniture, toys, carpets or drapes. Eyeball exposed ductwork for wear-and-tear. Cooling loss from leaky ductwork will greatly impact comfort and efficiency.
5. Fire it up.
   Make sure your system is on at the outdoor unit and at the breaker box. Then, turn it on at the thermostat to the ‘cool’ position, with the fan on ‘auto,’ setting the temperature to around 68-degrees. If your thermostat is outdated or you are looking for more energy savings, now might be the time to consider upgrading to a smart ‘learning’ home thermostat.
6. Observe.
   Let it run for 10-15-minutes. Make sure the fan on your outdoor (condenser) unit is spinning, and you hear the hum of the compressor. Back indoors, listing for any abnormal sounds. Turn off the system immediately if you hear anything strange, and call for heating and cooling repair services.
7. Give your system a tune-up.
   Not sure how to service an air conditioning unit? It’s a job for a pro. Spring is the ideal time for regular system maintenance, before the summer heat takes its toll, to ensure your system has a proper refrigerant charge, coils are clean, and all mechanical components are properly functioning.

Schedule your annual professional maintenance with an air conditioning company you can trust. Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/ready-to-turn-your-ac-on-for-the-season-dont-ignore-these-steps/

Energy Star Ratings for Heating and Cooling Systems. Should you Care?

Trying to select a new air conditioner before the summer heat sets-in? There’s a lot of information on system labels, not the least of which is Energy Star. Like the ‘heart healthy’ logo on your daily cereal, you know the label is buzzworthy, but do Energy Star rated appliances really add up to the extra ticket price and hype?

Ensuring a Smart Investment
The average household forks out more than $2,200 annually on energy bills, half of which goes to heating and cooling costs, making energy efficiency in your chosen HVAC system a big deal. How does the Energy Star label play a part? Run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Energy Star program was created to help people understand how they can save money and reduce their carbon footprint through improvements in energy efficiency. Enrollment by appliance manufacturers is voluntary, with certification and Energy Star labeling denoting a product that has met the program’s strict energy efficiency requirements. Ratings vary from product to product, with air conditioners required to meet different criteria than water heaters and other home appliances.

‘Getting’ the Digits
Alongside the Energy Star label, you’ll notice air conditioner labeling also include SEER ratings. This can help you determine between Energy Star models, with SEER ratings measuring system efficiency over the entire season. What SEER should you look for? The minimum SEER rating for Northern states, including Pennsylvania, is 13 SEER for split systems and 14 SEER for packaged units. To maximize savings and performance, you’ll want a higher efficiency, Energy Star rated system, which offers improved efficiency over standard models. What marks a high-efficiency air conditioner? High-efficiency systems generally start at 16 SEER, with ratings far beyond.

How Much Can I Save with Energy Star Equipment?
How much energy you save will vary based on your use and climate. To help narrow down your best option, and understand what an investment in an Energy Star appliance can save you, look at the Department of Energy’s cost savings calculator.

What Manufacturers Make the Energy Star Cut?

• Amana AC Units
  These high-end systems feature all the bells and whistles, with massive efficiency ratings up to 24.5 SEER.
• Bryant air conditioner
  These quality, affordably priced systems offer ratings up to 21 SEER.
• Mitsubishi Home Air Conditioning Systems
  A slightly different air conditioning animal, Mitsubishi ductless systems use less than 40% of the energy of conventional air conditioning systems, and are extremely high SEER, with ratings up to 30.5.
• Bradford White Water Heater
  Water heaters are the second largest consumer of energy in the home, behind heating and cooling, and offer Energy Star Savings as well. Bradford offers over 57 Energy Star models, from electric, gas, and oil, to solar and hybrid.

Looking for more ways to save energy on your summer air conditioning? From new installations to annual maintenance, H&H Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. Contact us to schedule a complimentary and obligation free quote on a new Energy Star rated system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/energy-star-ratings-for-heating-and-cooling-systems-should-you-care/

Who Should I Call for Water Heater Repair!

Bone-chillingly cold shower? Scary looking sediment? Eerie noises? Water heaters issues can be horrifying. When you need to service your hot water heater, who you gonna call? If problems with your water heater are scaring you, you have multiple options…

Heating and Air Conditioning Companies

Why call a heating and air conditioning company when you have water heater troubles? If your water heater is a hybrid model, utilizing heat pump technology, there’s no one better than a heating and air conditioning company to service your water heating system. Hybrid models are quite different from those common 10 years ago, and most electrical and plumbing companies are not EPA certified to work on this style of water heater, which uses refrigerant gas.

Water Heater Not that New?
In the event your water heater needs to be repaired, heating and air conditioning companies  are in-the-know on electric and gas water heater troubleshooting, and also well-versed on working with in-direct and solar heated systems. With a host of experience from electrical to plumbing and wiring, HVAC technicians can read schematics and perform other tasks necessary for diagnosing what ails your system. Need a replacement? You can be assured of a properly-installed, adequately-sized new water heater, as many HVAC companies rely on NATE-certified professional technicians for this task. Changes in style are also typically not a problem for HVAC service companies, who routinely deal with oil, gas, electric, and solar power sources in servicing heating, cooling, and water heating equipment.

What about Plumbing Companies?
Plumbing companies are another option when you’re experiencing water heater issues. When is calling a plumber best? If there is no water coming from the taps of your home (and you paid your water bill on-time), calling a plumbing company may be a good idea.

How About Electrical Companies?
If you’re experiencing water heater issues and fear you need to replace your older water heater, an electrician may be a good person to call if you plan on changing water heater styles. For those going from gas to electric systems, or those with electric tank-style systems seeking to switch to an electric tankless model, electrical panel and possibly an electrical service upgrade may be necessary in order ensure a sufficient supply of electricity to safely power a newer water heater style.

How Do I Know if I Need a New Water Heater?

Signs it may be time to replace your water heater include:

• The need for frequent repairs.
• A system more than 10 years old.
• The base of your water heater tank is rusty.
• Rusty water comes out of the taps in your home.
• Water leaks from the base of your water heater tank.
• You hear rumbling or banging sounds when water is heating up.

Scary water heater issues? At H&H Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve yet to find a water heater we can’t handle. For any water heater problem you need firmly contained, or any heating and cooling repair services that have you spooked, contact us today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/who-should-i-call-for-water-heater-repair/

Your April HVAC Checklist

Many people are surprised to realize properly maintaining your HVAC system involves more than a once-and-done call to one of the local cooling and heating companies. To avoid high energy bills and ensure your system will get you through the hottest and coldest days of the season, regular attention throughout the year is key. What steps should you take to keep your air conditioner or heater going from month-to-month?

April HVAC Maintenance
Year-round HVAC attention safeguards the lifespan of your system, keeping key components operating smoothly and efficiently. This spring, before summer heat sets-in, be certain to…

• Schedule Preventative Maintenance 
  Contact your local heating and cooling company to schedule pre-season maintenance. This essential maintenance will ensure your system runs smoothly over the coming summer cooling season. During this ‘tune-up,’ refrigerant levels and thermostat function will be verified, and essential components cleaned, oiled, and checked for performance issues to prevent the need for emergency maintenance down the road.
• Clean/Change Your Air Filter
  Replace disposable filters, or clean your reusable filter model. Check your filter monthly throughout the season to ensure it is clean. This easy and inexpensive maintenance is integral to the efficiency of cooling and heating units, ensuring the system can ‘breathe easy’ and safeguarding its longevity.
• Clear Key Areas to Ensure Proper Airflow
  Check around your outside unit, clearing away any items stored in the surrounding area. If you covered the unit over the winter, take it off. Check for grass or weeds that have grown around the system, and trim them back. These steps will improve airflow and prevent your system from overheating.
• Check Vents & Registers in the Home
  Check that all vents and registers in your home are open and unblocked by household detritus, rugs, or furniture to ensure proper airflow and uphold system performance. Remember, any situation that causes your system to struggle to move air reduces performance and system life.
• ‘Zone’ Carefully
  If you choose to close-off vents in unused areas of your home, do so carefully. Never shut more than 20% of your home’s HVAC vents. Doing so will cause your system to struggle to force air through the remaining vents. If you have many unused areas, your air conditioner or furnace repair company will tell you it is better to invest in a zoning system to save energy and ensure proper system performance.
• While You’re At It, Service Your Hot Water Heater
  Like servicing your HVAC system, annual hot water heater service boosts efficiency and longevity. Flushing the tank removes sediment that can reduce performance and increase energy bills, and a quick check of the anode rod can ensure future function: The replacement of this key component, if issues are discovered during routine maintenance, is far less painful than cold showers or purchasing a new water heater.

Neglected maintenance leave you in a bind? Contact H&H Heating & Cooling, your 24/7 HVAC repair company, today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/april-hvac-checklist/

How to Care for your HVAC when you have Pets at Home

Could your pet be behind the need for your recent call to the local HVAC repair service? Many new (and even some seasoned) pet owners can overlook the effect their four-legged friends can have on their health and home.

Dander Dilemmas
Resulting in a variety of problems from minor itching to debilitating respiratory irritation, built-up pet dander can have a negative effect not only on your health, but on the health of your cooling and heating unitsas well. And nearly every pet sheds dander, tiny particles of skin, fur or feathers. What’s a pet-loving homeowner to do?

Improve HVAC Performance & Air Quality with These Pet-Friendly Tips:

• Make Air Filter Changes a Priority
  Because pet hair and dander can easily clog HVAC filters, spreading allergens, those with pets should check and change them more often than the average homeowner. Left unchecked, a clogged filter can rob your system of efficiency, forcing it to work harder than necessary to heat/cool your home. This not only needlessly inflates energy costs, but severely shortens the lifespan of your system. Monitor your system and develop a schedule, marking air filter changes on your calendar if need be.
• Groom Pets Frequently to Reduce Dander
  Eliminating the problem at its source by regularly grooming your pet can significantly cut down on dander and allergen distribution in your home.
• Clean Your Home Regularly
  As with grooming, removing dust and dander with the regular vacuuming, mopping and dusting of surfaces will likewise reduce debris and improve air quality and HVAC performance.
• Don’t Neglect Your Ducts
  In addition to cleaning the parts of your home you can see and touch, you should also clean the ones you can’t: Specifically the inside of ductwork, and internal heating and air components such as coils. This is easily accomplished by scheduling an annual system tune-up with your local HVAC technician, and asking them to check your ductwork for signs of pet hair, dust, and mold, which impact air quality and indicate the need for duct cleaning.
• Keep Properly Secured
  Prevent injury to your pets and damage to ductwork. Properly screw down all vents, ensuring adequate coverage to prevent pets from climbing within. Calling for emergency heating repairs in the dead of winter after a pet has sought shelter within ducts will not be a fun day for you or your pet.
• Fence-In Your Outdoor Unit
  Adding a fence around your outdoor unit can help prevent area pets and wildlife from chewing, scratching, or urinating on HVAC system components. The nature of animal urine can cause coils to degrade prematurely, increasing the likelihood of refrigerant leaks and system damage. If installing the fence yourself, ensure enough distance from the unit to provide sufficient airflow. If unsure where to install your fence while allowing proper ventilation, ask a pro. Too little airflow and the performance and lifespan of your system can be significantly impacted.

Safeguard the health of your family, your pets, and your HVAC system. Contact H&H heating and air service to schedule your annual cleaning and maintenance today for a healthier, happier home today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/hvac-maintenance-with-pets/

Installing a Furnace Mounted Humidifier. Is it Worth it?

Dry winter air taking a toll on your skin, or causing you to zap loved ones on-contact? Your home needs a humidity boost. Ensuring the right relative humidity in your home safeguards not only your health, but essential home items and structural components.

Most Homes Across the Country Could Benefit from a Humidifier
Whole house dehumidifiers are becoming increasingly common in homes. A whole house humidifier, such as the Aprilaire line of humidifiers, can safeguard your family’s health, improve comfort, boost energy-efficiency, and help you preserve your home. Affordably integrated into your home’s furnace equipment, such as furnace dehumidifiers, whole house humidifiers can also be easily added to home heating and cooling units of other varieties. Could a whole house dehumidifier be a worthy addition to your home?

The Benefits of Furnace Humidifiers are Numerous…

• Safeguarding Health
  Humidifiers prevent dry skin, lips and nasal passages. Left to crack and bleed, such injuries allow bacteria and viruses easier access into the body. They also help deter the spread of viruses, which thrive and more easily distribute in dry indoor environments.
• Helping Guard Against Asthma & Allergies
  Because proper levels of humidity significantly reduce the amount of dust hanging in the air, humidifiers are a great friend to those with asthma and allergy issues, and are regularly recommended by asthma and allergy doctors for their capacity to reduce nasal stuffiness and asthma and allergy flare-ups.
• Reducing Snoring
  From dry, inflamed nasal passages.
• Eliminating Annoying Static Electricity
  No more zapping your significant other or kids with static electricity strikes.
• Protecting Furniture & Essential Structural Home Components
  Over time, dry indoor air can take its toll on woodwork in the home, from furniture and cabinetry, to the structural components of the floors, walls, and roof, causing cracking, splitting and warping of wood panels and framing that are detrimental to structural stability.
• Saving Energy
  Because humid air feels warmer than it actually is, adding a dehumidifier can make your home feel more comfortable. With proper relative humidity levels, you can reduce energy costs, turning down your thermostat a few degrees while still remaining warm. Turning down your thermostat just 3 degrees could save you as much as 5% on your energy bills, helping you earn a rapid return on investment on your affordable whole house humidifier investment.
• Adding Value
  As families and businesses nationwide seek to improve health with more effective indoor air quality systems, whole house humidifiers make a welcome addition, adding value to your HVAC system, and your home.

Ensuring Humidifier Success
The key to success and happiness in your furnace humidifier investment lies in proper sizing and installation. HVAC technicians in-the-know understand undersized humidifier units will offer little to no benefits to residents. Humidifiers must be properly sized like a furnace or air conditioning system to ensure the proper level of humidity can be achieved at all times, allowing for ‘set-it and forget-it’ operation outside of necessary humidifier maintenance.

Turn the home into the oasis it was meant to be. For furnace mount humidifier installation in Chaddsford, Villanova, and surrounding areas, contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/installing-furnace-mounted-humidifier-worth/

A Round up of Amana HVAC Systems

In the market for a new HVAC system? Amana offers some of the most top rated heating and air conditioning systems on the market today.

Which Amana Model Best Fits Your Home & Budget?

• Amana AC Units
  • AVXC20
    The impressive AVXC20 sports a 24.5-SEER rating, high-efficiency, variable-speed compressor and fan, and is compatible with Amana’s proprietary, energy-saving ComfortNet & ComfortHome automation communications technology.
  • ASXC18
    With a slightly higher SEER-rating than the ASXC16, the Energy Star rated ASXC18 offers efficient 19-SEER performance, featuring a two-stage compressor. Best paired with a variable-speed blower, it comes in 2-5 ton models and is ComfortNet and ComfortHome compatible.
  • SSX13
    This affordable 13-SEER model is budget-friendly, while still maintaining Energy Star certified performance, featuring single-stage cooling and a communication system.
• Amana Heating Units (Heat Pumps)
  • AVZC20
    AVZC20 wraps 21-SEER/10-HSPF performance up in a tidy package, with a high-efficiency variable-speed swing and scroll compressor and fan motor, and compatibility with ComfortNet communications. Compressor inverter technology works like a light dimmer switch, optimizing energy savings and comfort with precise speed adjustments.
  • AVZC18
    This 19-SEER/10-HSPF system also features a variable-speed compressor and fan motor with inverter technology, and compatibility with ComfortNet communications, albeit at a slightly lower SEER (and price tag) punch.
  • ASZC18
    The ComfortNet compatible 18-SEER/9.50-HSPF ASZC18 offers a two-stage scroll compressor and fan motor, utilizing less energy compared to reciprocating models.
  • ASZC16
    Affordable and efficient, the 16-SEER/9.7-HSPF ASZC16 also features a two-stage scroll compressor and ComfortNet compatibility.
  • ASZ14
    Budget-friendly yet still efficient and Energy Star rated, the 15-SEER/9-HSPF ASZ14 offers a two-speed high efficiency scroll compressor and ComfortHome automation capabilities.
• Amana Gas Furnaces
  • ACVM97
    Highly-efficient, with an AFUE rating of 97%, the ACVM97 gas furnace offers a variable-speed blower, multi-speed continuous fan operation for reducing noise levels during operation, a dehumidification mode to enhance summer comfort, and ComfortNet and ComfortHome automation capabilities.
  • AMEC96
    Continuous multi-speed fan operation quickly and quietly distributes heat through your home with 96% efficiency, providing substantial energy savings. Pair with ComfortHome automation tech for the ultimate in ease-of-use.
  • AMS8
    The budget-friendly AMS8 offers 80% efficiency, with a single-stage fan, and patented convertible technology providing continuous, low levels of heat to eliminate temperature swings.

Unique Features of Amana Systems
Those new to Amana products may be unfamiliar with what sets this brand apart from competitors. Amana is known for its…

• Durability & Warranty
  Amana’s use of R-410A chlorine-free refrigerant boosts the systems durability, reliability, and environmental friendliness. Compressors/heat exchangers boast a lifetime warranty, with other components warrantied 10 years after purchase.
• Energy Efficiency
  Models compatible with Amana’s high-tech ComfortNet System excel at efficient operation, offering substantial annual energy cost savings.
• Moisture Performance
  Intelligently designed, Amana systems manage moisture at many different capacities, circumventing relative humidity complications.
• Quiet Operation
  Enhanced acoustical engineering with high-density foam covers provides discreet HVAC operation.

Not sure which HVAC system is best for your home or budget? H&H Heating & Air Conditioning has the information and experience you need to help you decide. Contact us to learn more about available Amana HVAC options today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/amana-hvac-systems/