January is the Deadliest Month for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning! Here’s your Carbon Monoxide Safety Checklist

Wondering how to improve indoor air quality? Ensuring carbon monoxide safety is a wise first step. January is the deadliest month for carbon monoxide poisoning, the leading cause of poisoning deaths nationwide. Luckily, poisoning by this colorless, odorless gas can be easily prevented with a few simple safety measures.

Team-Up with Your Family & Guard Against Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning

Complete this safety checklist and protect your family from carbon monoxide dangers.

• Know Carbon Monoxide Sources
  Any equipment that burns gas, oil, charcoal, wood, natural gas or propane can cause CO poisoning:
  • Furnaces
  • Fireplaces
  • Grills
  • Cooktops/Ranges
  • Water heaters
  • Generators
  • Lawnmowers & power tools
  • Cars
  • Any appliance with a pilot light.
• Familiarize Your Family with the Signs of CO Poisoning
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea/Vomiting
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mental confusion
  • Loss of coordination
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Organ damage
  • Death
• Know What to Do in a Carbon Monoxide Emergency
  • ImmediateLY leave the home.
  • Meet in a pre-planned outdoor location with clean, fresh air.
  • Contact the fire department once all family members are accounted for.
  • Do not re-enter the home until a pro has inspected it, aired it out, and determined it’s safe.
• Install CO Detectors
  Be sure to properly install CO detectors, placing one on each level of your home, and one beside each sleeping area. Locate in an open/accessible area (no corners) on a ceiling/wall, away from drapes/furniture. If you’re unsure where to locate detectors, your local heating repair company can help you.
• Replace Detector Batteries Regularly
  Twice-per-year is best, once before prime heating season.
• Test Regularly
  Test at least twice-per-month, cleaning them gently with a vacuum brush or compressed air when needed.
• Replace Detectors Before they Expire
  Detectors expire and should be replaced every 7-years, at a minimum, to ensure you and your family are protected with the latest in fully-functional CO safety technology.
• Keep a Watchful Eye on Venting
  It is not uncommon for emergency HVAC service technicians to encounter combustion appliance venting that has been blocked by bird nests, animal debris, snow and ice, which can prevent the proper flow of exhaust, causing carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
• Ensure Chimneys & Flues are Professionally Cleaned & Inspected Annually
  Blocked chimneys/flues are a common cause of CO buildup.
• Don’t Neglect Combustion Appliance Care
  Be sure to schedule heating repair services annually to ensure your heater/furnace is operating correctly and properly vented.

Never Forget These Carbon Monoxide ‘DON’T’S

• Do NOT leave a car running in an attached garage/carport.
• Do NOT rely on ovens/stoves to stay warm.
• Do NOT operate a generator or grill indoors.
• Do NOT operate generators/grills near windows/doors where fumes could leak into your home.
• Do NOT block water heater, dryer, or oven range ductwork.

Keep your family safe through the winter heating season. Stay on top of the routine inspection and maintenance needs of combustion appliances with the help of a friendly H&H Heating & Air Conditioning professional today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/for-month-of-january-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-safety-checklist/

Automate your HVAC System. Save Money and Stay Comfortable

Is your heating and cooling system running at high-speed when it should be enjoying a much-needed break? Americans spend a great deal of money heating and cooling unoccupied homes annually. Luckily, there’s an easy way to avoid such unnecessary expenses, reducing your electric bill and your carbon footprint with the help of thermostat automation.

What is Thermostat Automation?

Thermostat automation involves the addition of a programmable or smart thermostat, alone or as part of an expansive home automation system that could allow you control your lights, sprinklers, security system, and more from your phone or mobile device. The largest single user of energy in your home, controlling your HVAC system via automation is an essential part of reducing unnecessary energy use. Rather than running your heater or air conditioner 24/7 at the same temperature, automating your HVAC system as part of a smart home system or by itself helps save you money and live more comfortably. With a smart thermostat addition, you can program, monitor, and easily change how your system operates whether you’re home or away, helping you save energy and money while living more comfortably.

More Than A Temperature Monitor

Today’s smart home thermostats have a lot to offer. Rapidly replacing antiquated thermostat models, digital smart thermostat technology offers an array of advantages…

• Precise temperature control.
  Digital thermostat technology provides accuracy with 1°F of temperature readings, optimizing performance. Monitoring energy consumption in real-time, smart thermostats can both track the performance of your system and ensure you return to a comfy home.
• Flexibility.
  Run your system minimally while you’re away from the home, securing energy savings. Easily and conveniently adjust temperature settings for comfort prior to your return, making changes quickly from anywhere through your home’s wireless network.
• Easy setup. 
  Your HVAC installation service can install and help you set up your thermostat or pair it with your home automation system, ensuring you make the most of your new smart thermostat addition. For easier setup, opt for smart ‘learning’ models, which note your behavior, making adjustments based on your lifestyle and comfort preferences.
  NOTE: Heat pumps require a special type of unit.
• Maintenance reminders.
  Today’s smart thermostat technology also offers friendly suggestions to help you improve comfort and boost energy savings, as well as remind you when system maintenance such as changing air filters or scheduling semi-annual system maintenance is necessary.
• Savings.
  Smart thermostats help you save money on your monthly utility bills, with studies showing today’s top tech can help you save 10-23% annually, providing a speedy return on your thermostat investment.

Which Smart Thermostat Model Is For Me?

Each model has its own benefits, with newer technology boasting ease-of-use and more features than predecessors. To ensure a thermostat investment that’s the right fit for your home and lifestyle, discuss potential automated thermostat options with an informed HVAC technician.

The best heating and air conditioning companies know how to save you money. Is yours helping you keep a little more green in your pocket? Learn more about money-saving thermostat automation from the pros at H&H Heating & Cooling today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/automate-your-hvac-system-money-saving/

Burning Smell from the Heater? What could be going Wrong

Do you need a heating tune up Malvern? Strange smells could indicate your system is in need of immediate attention, or simply be a normal part of system operation after a season of sitting idle. How can you tell which smells are dangerous to your system or family’s health and which are harmless?

HVAC Odors Demystified

• Burning Dust
  This odor is commonly experienced when homeowners turn on heating units for the first time in the fall. After months sitting idle, dust gathers on system components and burns off upon initial operation, exiting via your air vents. A burning dust odor that lasts a few hours and doesn’t return later in the season is no cause for concern. The odor should dissipate relatively quickly. If the odor persists, pick up a few new air filters for home air conditioner and heater. It’s good to change them regularly anyway.
• Burning Plastic
  A burning plastic smell often indicates the need for heating repairs. The odor of smoldering plastic typically points to a foreign object that has infiltrated your furnace. This could be a system component or a child’s toy. If you detect such an odor, turn off your heater, the fumes given off may not be safe to breathe. If you can’t locate the source of the problem, contact your local HVAC pro for help.
• Electrical Burning Odor
  Electrical burning smells can be highly alarming. This odor could indicate an overheated blower motor. Blower motors commonly overheat due to clogged air filters. Check yours, and if it’s disgusting swap it out and let the blower motor cool off for a short time before turning the system back on. Under normal operating conditions, your system should shut itself off if it begins to overheat. However, if something is wrong with this safety feature, or your system is old and antiquated, your heater could continue to run until the motor becomes dangerously hot. Additionally, electrical odors could be caused by frayed electrical wiring. For these reasons, if you notice this smell and your air filter is fine, turn off your heater and call an HVAC technician pronto.
• Gunpowder
  Similar to an electrical smell, a gunpowder-like aroma could indicate a fried fan motor or circuit board. If your heater or furnace emits this smell, turn it off immediately and schedule HVAC emergency repair before attempting to turn your heater back on.
• Smoky/Oily Odor
  If you have an oil furnace you may encounter this smell – and it’s not good. Turn off the heater contact an HVAC expert.

With the exception of burning dust, most heater smells indicate the need for a professional inspection, as they could be potentially dangerous to your health and the longevity of your system.

Don’t let your system go up in smoke. If you’re concerned about strange smells coming from your heater, identify them fast with the help of a knowledgeable H&H Heating & Air Conditioning pro today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/whats-wrong-from-heater-burning-smell/

How to Maximize your Heat Pump Performance

Though it’s only fall, Old Man Winter is already kicking things into high gear. Is your heat pump up for the challenge? Heat pumps operate differently in the cooler months than they do in warmer ones. Just a few simple precautions can help you ensure efficiency and comfort over the cold weather season.

Why Does My Heat Pump Work Different in the Winter?

Unlike other heating units, heat pumps don’t generate heat, they move it from one place to another. In the summer that means from the inside, out. In the winter, it is moved from the outside, in. Though they do lose a bit of operational efficiency when temperatures dip below freezing, they can still manage to pull heat from the air in the winter. But with a few simple tips, you can makes your heat pump’s job easier, helping it eke out just a bit more performance.

Ways To Boost Performance

Make the most of your energy dollars, ensuring comfort and the longevity of your system with these tips:

• Regularly Change Home Air Filters
  Changing air filters every 1-3 months helps your system move air more easily, safeguarding its lifespan. It also ensures better indoor air quality.
• Check Your Temperature
  Turn  your system down whenever is unoccupied, keeping temperatures to 65-75 F for optimal operation.
• Smarten Up Your Thermostat
  A smart thermostat can help you boost comfort and save energy. Rather than cranking up the thermostat (which won’t heat your home any faster – but will send your energy costs skyrocketing), rely on a smart thermostat to slowly turn the heat up a few minutes before you’ll need it instead. Program it in advance or adjusting it via mobile device on-the-fly, such as before returning from shopping/work. Just be sure to ask your HVAC pro about heat pump compatible models.
• Keep Things Clear
  Clear leaves and debris from the area surrounding your outside unit, as blocked airflow sabotages airflow and efficiency. NEVER COVER YOUR SYSTEM. Your heat pump does not need winter shelter. Covering it can lead to mold growth and pest infestation. Leave ice alone as well. Your heat pump can handle this in ‘defrost mode.’
• Understand ‘Defrost Mode’ is Normal
  Defrosting is a normal part of winter operation for heat pump systems. However, this cycle is short. If it seems to be lasting overly long, contact your HVAC pro.
• Try to Avoid ‘Emergency Heat’
  ‘Emergency’ mode should be reserved for actual emergencies, such as when your system isn’t operating properly. Emergency heat is generated electrically, rapidly driving up energy bills.
• Consider Dual-Fuel Models
  Heat pump aging? Dual-fuel heat pumps, paired with a gas furnace, may offer more efficient operation in sub-zero temperatures.
• Don’t Skimp on Annual Maintenance
  Regular heat pump cleaning and maintenance in the spring and fall ensure your system is up to par before weather extremes set-in, helping you prevent the need for emergency service.

The best heating companies don’t just fix it when it’s broken, they help you keep things running like an efficient, well-oiled machine. Maximize your heat pump performance with the help of the experts at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/how-to-maximize-your-heat-pump-performance/

Not sure how to Replace the Air Filter? Here’s some Help!

Changing your air filter is part of routine heating and air conditioning service, however learning how to perform this easy and inexpensive maintenance task yourself can save you a pretty penny in electricity as well as prevent emergency repairs.

Why Replace your Air Filter?

Air conditioning companies see a lot of issues that stem from neglected air filter maintenance. Air filters keep the air in your home clean and safeguard system components from the wear-and-tear dust and debris buildup can cause, ensuring longer equipment life. Clean air filters also keep things moving freely. Instead of a system struggling to move air through a dirty filter, regularly changing air filters ensures efficient operation, directly resulting in lower energy costs. On a larger scale, this lowers your carbon footprint and protects the environment.

Where To Find Your HVAC System Air Filter

Air filters on heating and air conditioning units can usually be found right next to the system’s air handler – the somewhat noisy piece of equipment used to circulate conditioned air around your home. The air handler is often found in/near closets, as well as in basement, attic, or utility areas. It should be easy to spot the slot where the filter is inserted, which is typically behind a large grate. Some filters may be located within air vents inside the home. Though this is less common, it is possible, and in this case you may require the help of a pro to locate your filter.

Tips For Changing Home Air Filters

• Turn off the System
  To keep unfiltered air from passing through the system and ductwork, as well as prevent possible electric shock, turn off the system before replacing your air filter.
• Take Out the Old Filter
  Carefully and slowly remove the old filter, paying attention to the direction/orientation of the filter in the slot. (Have a large garbage bag at-the-ready, but don’t toss yet…)
• Determine Filter Size & Type
  Most filters are disposable, requiring replacement every 1-3 months. However, some are permanent, with cleaning instructions located on the unit. Note disposable filter size and type, which should be printed on the edge of the filter. Keep a spare (or more) on hand to lessen the hassle of future replacements.
• Pick Up a Suitable Replacement
  Snap a photo of filter specs or jot down the size. If you can’t read/find it, the service manual for your HVAC system should indicate the proper air filter type and style. The wrong size reduces effectiveness. Pick up a suitable replacement at your local home improvement chain, including a spare (or two) for future filter changes.
• Insert the New/Clean Filter
  Write the date of the change on the filter so you know when to replace it in the future. Check the arrows on the air filter, ensuring they point the correct way when inserting to safeguard proper airflow. (Be sure permanent filters are fully dry before reinsertion.)

Not sure where your air filter is hiding? If your filter is flying under-the-radar, contact the Villanova HVAC specialists at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today. From newbies to new homeowners and systems, our friendly pros have you covered.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/not-sure-how-to-replace-the-air-filter-heres-some-help/

Do Air Purifiers work for Allergies?

If you’re one of the 50-million people across the U.S. suffering from allergies, you may have come across numerous suggestions for enlisting the help of an air purifier while asking Google or Alexa for help. Do air purifiers really work for allergies? Grab a chair and a tissue while the knowledgeable pros at H&H explain how an air purifier can help you find relief…

Do Air Purifiers Really Work for Allergies?

Yes. But not all air purifiers. Only air purification systems utilizing true HEPA filter technology (NOT those labeled ‘HEPA-style’ or ‘HEPA-type’) can help you find allergy relief. True HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 17-19 range are the only kind of filters that can remove 99.97% of allergen particles 0.3 microns in size (7-times smaller than a human hair). HEPA filters remove contaminants 3 ways, absorbing them by impact, sifting them out as they drift in the airstream, and trapping them by diffusion as particles crash into each other and are pushed into the filter.

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality With An Air Purifier

Allergens that are blown or carried into your home on clothing and shoes eventually buildup on surfaces like carpet, upholstery, bedding, draperies, and more. When you disturb these areas, they are redistributed through the air, irritating your sinus passages and making you feel worse. Adding a whole house air purifier or UV air purifier to your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system can trap these airborne particles, preventing them from going back into the air where they will be inhaled by you, aggravating allergy symptoms.

What Type Of Allergens Can True HEPA Filters Remove?

The sixth leading cause of chronic illness, allergy symptoms can result from numerous irritants commonly found within the average home. Working with heating and cooling units, a whole house air purification system with a HEPA filter can help reduce allergy symptoms by removing common allergens from the air throughout your home, including….

• Pollen
• Dust
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Insect and pest debris
• Airborne bacteria
• Mold
• Mildew
• Secondhand smoke
• Chemicals
• And other microscopic allergens

Wouldn’t A Portable Model Be Cheaper & Easier?

Adding an air purifier to your HVAC system and popping in a high-efficiency HEPA filter can help clean the air throughout your home, rather cleaning only a single room as with a stand-alone unit. Portable units can’t purify air through walls. You would have to add an air purifier to every room in your home to get the same benefit as whole house filtration. Start doing the math, and you’ll quickly discover a whole house air purifier costs far less than a mass of smaller, low quality, portable units, many of which are purchased in sizes too small to offer adequate filtering capacity per square foot.

Looking for an HVAC installation service that can help you fight your seasonal allergy woes? Kick allergies to the curb once and for all with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/do-air-purifiers-work-for-allergies/

How can you Improve Indoor Air Quality

Today, most of us understand how essential good air quality is to health, particularly indoors, where we spend most of our time. However, we often fail to realized just how polluted our indoor air may be – according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2-to-5 times more polluted than the air outdoors. With most Americans spending 90% of their time inside homes and offices, becoming aware of simple things that can be done to improve indoor air quality is essential.

Under the Weather? It Could Be Poor Indoor Air Quality

Those regularly confined to buildings with poor indoor air quality suffer from frequent illnesses, allergies, and worsened asthma symptoms. Chronic congestion, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, eye irritation, and headaches are common in locations with poor indoor air quality. If you suffer these symptoms constantly, it would be wise to consult an indoor air quality service for help identifying hidden or overlooked air quality problems in your home or office. Long-term exposure to poor indoor air quality has been linked to serious diseases, including heart diseases, respiratory diseases, and cancer. Even if you don’t notice such health symptoms, it is wise to try and improve the air quality in your home of office.

Simple, Affordable Ways To Improve Indoor Air Quality

• Regularly change home air filters.
  Dirty air filters can harbor a host of contaminants that can be distributed through your ductwork, system components, and ultimately your home or office. Dust and debris blockages also sabotage performance, forcing your system to work harder. Inexpensive and easy, simply regularly changing your air filter every 1-3 months is an essential step toward cleaner, fresher indoor air.
• Integrate HEPA-rated air filters.
  An air purification system can be easily added to your home heating and air conditioning, alongside UV light air purifiers, for far less than the cost of the purchase of multiple portable units, offering a more thorough cleaning of the air throughout your home or office. Avoid bargain doppelgangers marked ‘HEPA-like’ or ‘HEPA-style’, identifying true HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 10+ to ensure the removal of smaller particles of pollutants from indoor air. Be sure to install it with the help of a trained technician, as the tighter construction of these filters can cause system damage if necessary HVAC component adjustments are not made.
• Add a Whole House Humidifier
  Studies have shown a direct correlation between higher humidity levels and a decreased likelihood of flu. Whole house humidifiers, in conjunction with other indoor air quality components like HEPA filters and UV light air purification, keep mucous membranes moist, preventing cracking and helping hairs within sinuses dispel foreign pathogens.
• Check Ductwork Regularly
  In addition to annually servicing heating and cooling units, ductwork should also be regularly inspected to ensure leaks or poor ductwork connections, pest debris, mold, and pollutant buildup from attic/crawlspaces aren’t dirtying your ducts and negatively impacting air quality.

What’s the source of that tickle? Ensure a healthier winter season. Identify air quality issues in your home or office with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/how-can-you-improve-indoor-air-quality/