Is Dual Fuel better than Gas

Scratching your head over whether you should be shopping for furnaces or heat pumps? Why not enjoy the best of both worlds with a dual fuel system for your home.

What is a Dual Fuel System?

Dual fuel systems are among the best heating and cooling units on the market. They combine both a furnace and a heat pump into a single, multi-functional, highly-efficient system. Providing both air and heat, they truly offer the best of both worlds.

What Makes Dual Fuel Systems So Efficient?

The ‘dynamic duo’ of heat pump and furnace technology:

• Heat Pumps
  Heating and cooling companies know heat pumps are highly-efficient, removing heat from the outdoors and transferring it into your home. In cool (not cold) weather, they are more efficient than furnaces. Non-combustion, they do not produce carbon monoxide. Air is passed over a coil in the system. This coil is warmed in the winter, and cold in the summer when the system works in reverse to provide air conditioning. However, heat pumps aren’t perfect. They struggle to provide heat when temperatures dip in the 30s, relying on electric heat strips, which are more expensive to use, to supplement heat.
• Furnaces
  Natural gas prices are relatively low, making gas furnaces an efficient heating method in the bitter cold of winter when energy usage is highest. Newer furnace models with 95% AFUE ratings (efficiency ratings) use 95% of energy (gas) as heat, expelling just 5% as exhaust (waste). Heat produced feels warmer than heat pump generated warmth, which blows cooler. But furnaces aren’t perfect either. Gas heat isn’t as efficient as heat pump warmth when winter temperatures are warmer (40s-50s). With improperly/over-sized systems, they can heat the home too quickly, leaving warm and cold spots. The hotter heat they produce can dry skin. These combustion systems also produce carbon monoxide, making annual professional inspection a necessity to ensure safety, as well as the addition of a carbon monoxide monitor.

Dual Fuel Systems Deliver

Providing optimal comfort and efficiency, dual fuel systems combine both these systems into one high-performance unit: Heat pump components are used to cool and heat the home when the outside temperatures are moderate. Then, when temperatures are frigid, the system is switched to furnace mode for superior comfort and performance.

Is A Dual Fuel System For Me?

Dual fuel systems make a cost-effective option when you have access to gas lines. If your home currently has only one of these systems (heat pump OR furnace), however, there may be additional costs involved in upgrading to a dual fuel system: Either upgrading your electrical system to accommodate a heat pump, or running gas lines to your home to accommodate a furnace may be necessary.

Purchasing a heating unit for your house is a major investment. Reduce the stress with the help of your friendly neighborhood H&H Heating & Air Conditioning pro. Discover our ‘no lemon’ guarantee, learning more about available government and utility incentives on these amazingly efficient systems. Contact us today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/is-dual-fuel-better-than-gas/

5 Signs your House has Poor Indoor Air Quality

You spend a great deal of time obsessing about the way your home (and its contents) look. But how much time have you spent considering what you can’t see: Your home’s air quality? EPA research indicates the air indoors, where you spend about 90% of your time, is often far more polluted than the air outdoors. If you or your family members suffer frequent headaches, sneezing, wheezing, and respiratory issues, or other health problems, your home may be harboring a hidden menace.

How to Improve Indoor Air Quality

Look To The Source:

• Chemicals & VOCS
  Common household cleaners, air fresheners, paint, varnish, textiles, as well as the adhesives used to hold together household furnishings can release hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can irritate your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, as well as cause nausea. Newer, more tightly-sealed homes more easily trap these pollutants.
• Germs & Allergens
  Ductwork can collect and distribute dirt, cold and flu germs, mold spores, and allergens like dander, dust mites, and pollen throughout your home.
• Humidity Issues
  Persistent odors? Unpleasant musty odors could indicate mold/mildew issues in the home, especially when paired with peeling paint/wallpaper and a ‘clammy’ feel. Dry, chapped skin, sore throat, or frequent cough? Wood furnishings and structural components with rapidly-reproducing cracks? Your home may be too dry.

Take Action

• Upgrade the Air Filters for Your Home Air Conditioner
  A HEPA filter with a MERV rating of 16 can remove around 99% of common particulates, including 90% of bacteria and germs and 50% of chemical VOCs.
  NOTE: Perform this upgrade with the help of a pro, who can adjust blower settings to reduce strain and help you avoid HVAC system damage.
• Invest in a Whole Home Air Purification System
  A whole house air purification system, including a UV air purifier, attached to your HVAC system, can help you combat most indoor air quality threats. Bonus: They install in less than an hour and add less than $10/month to your utility bill.
• Consider Humidity Control
  Including whole home humidification and dehumidification with a built-in hygrometer (moisture meter). Keep your home between 40-50% humidity for maximum health and comfort.
• Smarten-Up Your Thermostat
  Today’s Smart Wi-Fi thermostat models not only monitor temperature settings, providing more efficient HVAC system use, but help you monitor humidity levels and keep track of common maintenance such as air filter changes that can effect indoor air quality. Not sure which model is best for your home/lifestyle? Your local air conditioning company can help.
• Air Things Out
  Air out your home as weather (and air quality) allows, particularly during times of increased airborne pollutants such as painting/sanding.
• Go Au-Natural
  Choose natural, organic furnishings, including zero-VOC paints, and solid wood furnishings over particle board and glue-laden furnishings, which will reduce nasty vapor buildup in your home.
• Keep it Clean
  Vacuum, mop, and dust regularly to reduce indoor pollutants. Avoid chemical cleaning products in favor of natural alternatives to uphold air quality.

Create a healthier home environment for your family with the help of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/5-signs-poor-indoor-air-quality/

Common concerns with Humidifiers

Humidifiers offer welcome relief in dry, bitter winter months. Bringing moisture to the air that can help control skin and respiratory ailments common with winter weather such as chapped skin and lips, irritated eyes and throat, inflamed nasal passages, allergies, cough, and sinus headaches, heating and cooling companies know humidifiers solve a variety of problems. However, like any appliance, there are some risks to consider with humidifier use.

Humidifiers come in a variety of styles, including portable/room units and whole house humidifiers, steam, ultrasonic, and impeller models, each with their own operational intricacies and risks:

• Dirty water
  Most common in portable units with a reservoir, as opposed to whole home units which take fresh water as needed via your home’s water supply, humidifiers with dirty water from filter or tank cleaning neglect can emit contaminated water into the air. This can result in flu-like ailments, or in severe cases, pneumonitis or Legionnaires.
• Excess humidity
  Some humidity in the air is good, however, you can have too much of a good thing. Your local indoor air quality service can tell you lots of tales surrounding the dangers of excess humidity. Mold, mildew, bacteria, dust mites and more thrive in damp environments. With portable systems, it is not uncommon for mold to grow where moisture has continuously accumulated on nearby walls/ceilings. This can negatively impact occupant health and worsen respiratory problems.
• Mineral buildup or ‘white dust’
  Pure, clean water is essential to humidifier operation and lifespan. Unfiltered, hard tap water contains high levels of particle and minerals compared to purified and distilled water. These will not only be distributed into the air and onto surrounding surfaces, aggravating respiratory issues, but can buildup up on essential humidifier components, causing them to wear down faster.
• Risk of burns
  Traditional humidifiers emitting moisture via steam carry the potential risk of burns. Whole house or central humidifiers, attached to heating and AC units, however, do not emit steam. This safeguards the children and elderly, those most at-risk, from burns.

How to Handle Humidifier Concerns

Most humidifier issues result from improper maintenance and cleaning. To avoid humidifier-related issues:

• Clean all essential components per manufacturer instructions regularly.
• Change filters regularly and do not allow water to sit in the humidifier too long.
• Carefully monitor humidity levels. If your humidifier doesn’t have a built-in hygrometer, as is common with portable models, pair it with a standalone meter to safeguard proper moisture levels in your home. The EPA and Mayo Clinic recommend indoor humidity levels be kept in the 30-50% range.
• Ensure a supply of clean, pure water to your purifier. If you do not have access to distilled water, consider the addition of a reverse osmosis system.
• Remove visible scaling (mineral buildup) regularly with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.
• Opt for a whole house humidifier from your local home air conditioning company, which not only requires less maintenance, but operates more precisely, safely, and efficiently than portable models.

Patience with your portable humidifier all dried up? Contact H&H Heating & Cooling today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/common-concerns-with-humidifiers/

Power Surges are common after a Snow Storm. Be Prepared.

During and after a snowstorm, the power needs in your area can be taxing for the electrical grid. As homeowners and businesses struggle to keep things up, running, and warm, outages, flickering, and surges can result from rising power demands. To avoid damage to heating units, appliances, and electronics, it’s wise to plan ahead.

How to Protect Your Home Against Power Surges

Heating companiescommonly see the effects of power surges when performing heating repairs. These sudden jolts of electricity, like a bolt of lightning, can carry thousands or tens of thousands of volts of electricity through your home’s wiring, causing your heater to stop working and damaging other appliances and electronics in the process. Luckily, there are ways you can protect your pricey equipment from the effects of power surges:

• Point-of-Use Surge Protection
  You probably already rely on point-of-use surge protection for high-dollar home entertainment systems, office equipment, and electronics. If you don’t, they make for a wise investment – provided you get what you pay for. Avoid glorified extension cords, shopping for surge protection that specifically advertises surge protection/suppression capacity against surges with a reaction time of one-nanosecond or less.
• Whole House Surge Protection
  To avoid a damaged heating system and the need for 24/7 HVAC repair, whole house surge protection is also a wise investment. This safeguards not only all the electronics and appliances in your home but also your wiring against the damaging effects of power surges. As an added bonus, these systems also protect the devices in your home against another hidden menace: Sudden increases in voltage caused by energy-intensive appliances in your home powering off and on (HVAC, hair dryers, vacuums, microwaves, etc.).

Ways To Prevent Power Surges

In addition to protecting your home from power surges, which are becoming increasingly common due to growing electrical grid demands, the incidence of weather-related events, auto collisions, power line maintenance, and more, you can also reduce the likelihood of power surges by limiting your power consumption. This decreases demand on the grid, not to mention your electrical bills.

• Run Your Heater Less
  Set your thermostat to 68 during the day, and 66-62 at night when you’re sleeping and covered in blankets. Dress for the weather in layers to reduce the need for heating system use. Bonus: Every degree you lower the thermostat shaves 1-3% off your electric bill.
• Reduce Heat Loss
  Don’t heat the entire neighborhood. Properly insulating your walls and attic and reducing air leakage around windows, doors, pipes, and wiring can prevent wasting energy. The better your home is sealed, the longer it takes to lose heat.
• Monitor Humidity
  Humid air holds more heat. It also prevents chapped lips and skin and sinus problems resulting from dry winter weather. A whole house humidifier can help you keep things more comfortable, in the 24-45% relative humidity range.

Prevent tripped breakers and a broken heater. Learn more about surge protection from the pros at H&H Heating & Cooling, or contact us to schedule heating servicesfor a system damaged by a power surge today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/power-surges-after-snow-storm-be-prepared/

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/