How to Buy Air Conditioners

Shopping for heating and air conditioning units can be a stressful experience with today’s glut of options. One of your most expensive home investments, and one of the most significant in terms of comfort, doing your homework pre-purchase is a key to a lasting investment you’ll be satisfied with for years to come. What should you look for in a home air conditioner?

Superior Efficiency
Shopping for an Energy Star quality air conditioner with a SEER of 15 or higher will provide superior comfort and performance, lowering monthly energy bills. Though you can get away with a 13 SEER system (the minimum required by the DOE), investing a bit more in a high-efficiency system now will more than make up for the cost over the long run, especially for those upgrading from older, less efficient models. Replacing systems just 10-years old with Energy Star-rated models delivers marked differences in monthly utility costs. Government (local/state/federal) and utility rebates and incentives may also be available, so be sure to look into these opportunities before you buy.

A Quality Brand with a Solid Warranty
To avoid the hassle of repeated air conditioning service and maintenance, investing in a solid brand is highly recommended. As a general rule, the better the quality of the system, the stronger the warranty. Look for 10+ year coverage, with the best brands offering lifetime compressor coverage (the costliest system component).

• Amana AC units
  Made in the U.S.A. and with a 70+ year reputation for quality, premium Amana systems are known for their trusted durability and performance, holding some of the most comprehensive warranties in the biz.
• Bryant air conditioners
  With reputation for affordability, Bryant’s Whatever It Takes® philosophy empowers them to deliver quality products and service into the homes of customers and savings in efficiency that continue long after purchase and installation.
• Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners
  An alternative to the typical, split, ducted HVAC system and an ideal solution for older homes with no space for retrofitting ductwork, Mitsubishi ductless systems are some of the most efficient on the market, offering superior performance up to 33.1 SEER. With no ducts needed, cooling loss via leakage and thermal transfer in attics/crawlspaces is eliminated, delivering superior cooling performance.

Proper Sizing
Never trust a company that offers price estimates based solely on the square footage of your home. A knowledgeable, professional company will come out, taking into account your home’s design and ductwork, making calculations essential to a properly sized system.

A Trustworthy Quote & Professional Installation
Look for professional installers certified to install top air conditioning brands, who are very particular about whom they let represent their company in the field, and trust in their proper, professional installation of components to safeguard against the need for unnecessary warranty work. When it comes to bottom line pricing, there’s often not a great deal of difference between quotes, though there’s a huge gulf between highly-qualified and less-qualified installers.

Looking for an air conditioning company that offers 100% guarantee on your air conditioner investment? H&H Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. Contact our NATE-certified professionals for a free, trustworthy estimate today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/how-to-buy-air-conditioners/

Mitsubishi Ductless Air Conditioners – Why you Should Consider them

Mitsubishi Electric Air Conditioners

Old air conditioning system left you with your local air conditioning contractors on speed dial and electric bills that rival your worst nightmare? It might be time to trade up to a Mitsubishi ductless system…

Why Not Replace My Old Split System?
Unlike traditional split system cooling units, Mitsubishi ductless or ‘mini-split’ systems lose no energy to heat loss or leakage in ductwork, which can cost homeowner’s up to a hefty 25% loss in performance. This efficient design provides a marked improvement in performance over the mandated 15 SEER requirement for today’s split systems. In fact, select Mitsubishi systems offer some of the highest SEER ratings on the market today – up to 30 SEER – delivering superior performance and vastly reduced electrical bills.

What Makes Ductless Systems Superior?
Simply put: System design. In use in Japan, Europe, and Asia for over 50-years, the efficient and trusted technology of Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners works similarly to that of a heat pump, but requires no ducts to distribute air. Instead, a single outside unit is connected to up to 8 separate interior wall units by refrigerant lines piped into the home via small, 3-inch holes. Rather than ductwork, fans within the interior wall-mounted units take in and distribute conditioned air, avoiding the need for bulky ductwork and other components in unconditioned attic, basement or crawlspace. The result? A system that is…

• More Efficient
  HVAC is the biggest contributor to monthly energy bills. The high SEER rating and extremely efficient performance of Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling systems adds up to impressive savings over the life of the system, quickly making up for investment costs.
• Improves Comfort
  The potential to add up to 8 separate interior wall units makes zoned cooling possible, allowing your family to personalize comfort settings in each area of your home and reduce energy use in unoccupied areas.
• Quiet
  Unlike the relics that are probably currently taking up real estate in your hall closet and backyard, Mitsubishi ductless systems are whisper quiet inside the home, and produce only the gentle hum of a refrigerator outdoors.
• Flexible
  Top-of-the-line systems offer both heating and cooling, and are compatible even in climates with temperatures as low as -13° F. Requiring no boxy bulkheads or the need for closet or basement space to house interior components, ductless systems are also a favorite of homeowners in older homes, as well as those with smaller footprints, which can be lacking in closet and storage space.
• High-Tech
  Featuring advanced technology other systems do not, Mitsubishi ductless systems are easily operable via remote control from within your home, or smart-driven app from anywhere, making it easy and convenient to closely manage your comfort and energy costs.

Want to lower your carbon footprint, gain control of your electrical bill, and increase comfort? Look on further than Mitsubishi ductless systems. At H&H, our professional air conditioning service and maintenance contractors are Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractors, with the training and expertise to back the impressive 12-year parts and compressor warranty only Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractors can provide. Learn more about the efficiency and affordability of these amazing systems. Contact H&H Heating & Cooling today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/mitsubishi-ductless-air-conditioners-why-you-should-consider-them/

Stellar Air Conditioning Services in Newtown Square

Headed into the dog days of summer with an ailing AC system? Your ceiling fan and a glass of iced tea aren’t going to cut it. You need the help of an affordable air conditioning service company you can trust.

The Best Air Conditioner Repair in Newtown Square, PA

H&H Heating & Cooling has been providing stellar air conditioning service and maintenanceto the Delaware Valley since 1985. Professionally trained and NATE certified, our HVAC team brings trustworthy and affordably-priced AC service and maintenance to your doorstep. Our highly trained team can service any brand in the business, and holds the technical expertise necessary to design and install an array of cooling and heating solutions, holding coveted certifications from some of the best brands in the biz, from Amana and Bryant heat pump systems to Mitsubishi ductless heating and cooling systems, as well as furnace, boiler, and radiant heating home comfort solutions.

Trustworthy Estimates, Money-Back Guarantee
You can rely on our trustworthy, no-obligation estimates, from service to newly installed cooling units. With H & H, you can rest assured our 100% money-back, no lemon guarantee and the knowledge there will never be any unexpected and unwelcome billing surprises at the end of service. Straightforward, affordable quotes with a clear explanation of services to be performed are the hallmark our business, and are reflected by our happy customers, A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and 5 star Google rating.

Here for You 24/7, Like a Trusted Family Member
Because we understand life’s difficulties don’t always happen during 9 to 5 business hours, we offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – without the overtime or after-hours charges many of our competitors are known for. No matter your issues or when they occur, you can count on the same fair price Monday through Sunday, sunup to sundown. Right when you need us, our mobile ‘warehouses on wheels’ will arrive at your doorstep stocked with the necessary supplies for same-day repairs.

Mi Casa Es Su Casa
We treat your home as if it is our own, protecting your property with drop cloths, shoe covers, and trustworthy, knowledgeable, certified technicians who respect your home and family. We guarantee property protection, repairing and replacing damaged items, and leaving your home carefully cleaned.

Offering a Range of Home Comfort Services & Solutions

• Air Conditioning Repair & Installation
  We service, repair, and install a wide range of comfort solutions including heat pumps, geothermal, ductless mini split, radiant heat systems, furnaces, and boilers.
• Duct Cleaning
  For improved air quality.
• Gas & Electric Fireplace Installation
• For warmth and ambiance year-round.
• Water Heater Repair
  To ensure the performance and lifespan of your system.
• High Efficiency Water Heater Installation
  To better control energy costs.
• Wine Cellar Installation & Repair
  Preserve the quality of your wine collection with efficient temperature and humidity control.
• Comfort Club Priority Service & Savings
  Ensure priority service, added savings, and up-to-date system care with one of our affordable Comfort Club service and repair plans.

Looking for local air conditioning contractors you can count on? We’ve got you covered.

Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/stellar-air-conditioning-services-in-newtown-square/

All Your HVAC Questions Answered right Here!

The modern HVAC system exudes such mystery for the typical homeowner, heating and air conditioning companies get a lot of curious questions. Here at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning, our professionals have you covered, answering your most common HVAC queries…

Your Most Common HVAC Questions – Finally Answered!

• How Often Should I Change/Clean My Air Filter?

  The average home air conditioning company sees a lot of emergency service calls resulting from dirty air filters. To safeguard the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of your system, changing or cleaning your filter once a month is recommended – once every 3 months, at a minimum if you live in a home with no kids and no pets.

• Where is My Air Filter?

  Most times it is located to the left or right side – or directly behind – your main air return grille.

• How Can I Make My System More Energy Efficient?

  There are a number of ways to directly and indirectly optimize the efficiency of your HVAC system. Some of the most important include:
  • Regularly changing your air filter.
  • Enrolling in an HVAC service plan to ensure the regular attention, optimal care, and condition of your system.
  • Properly insulating and thoroughly sealing leaks in your home.
  • Installing shades or curtains in rooms exposed to extreme sunlight.

• What’s the Best Thermostat Setting for Energy Savings?

  To save up to 15% on your energy bill, the U.S. Dept. of Energy suggests a setting of 68-degrees F for winter months, 75-degrees in the summer months. Settings should not be static, and should be adjusted while you’re sleeping and while you’re away from the home for maximum performance. Looking for an easy way to ensure top-notch performance? Today’s smart learning thermostats do the job for you!

• How Often Should My System Be Professionally Serviced?

  To avoid the need for emergency heating and cooling repair services, you should have your HVAC system regularly serviced in the spring and the fall, before summer and winter temperature extremes put it to the test.

• How Much Does a New HVAC System Cost?

  Because of differences in size (square footage), layout (single or multilevel), exposure, leakage, and other issues that affect HVAC sizing and cost, it is nearly impossible to put an exact price on a new HVAC system. Fortunately, you can get a free, no obligation quote from H&H for your specific setup.

• What Size System Do I Need?

  See above.

• What’s the Difference Between Ductless Air Conditioning vs Central Air?

  The typical central air conditioning system is ‘split’, with an outdoor unit and indoor unit, conditioning and distributing air via ductwork in your home’s attic or crawlspace. A ductless or ‘mini-split’ system is installed directly into the wall, with the indoor portion of the system connecting to the outdoor component via tubing. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to discuss these with a trusted heating and cooling professional before deciding which system is best for your home.

System troubles? You need an air conditioning service & repair company who knows their stuff! Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning and schedule your system service today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/all-your-hvac-questions-answered-right-here/

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/