Tips for Making the Most Out of Summer AC Use

Summer weather extremes have already arrived. Warm weather raced in, not only to the Northeast this season, but abroad as well. Europe’s sweltering heat wave at the end of June raised average global temperatures 0.2 degrees F to record highs for the month, leaving many looking for relief. Is your home air conditioning system up to the task of keeping your family cool and safe in the event of summer weather extremes? Stay cool without sending your energy dollars up in smoke with these tips from your local air conditioning service company.

Start the Summer Season Off Right

Before the mercury rises, putting your system under stress, start the season off right with routine professional HVAC system maintenance. Proactive maintenance can help you avoid unexpected shutdowns and the need for HVAC emergency repair, identifying issues before they leave your family sweating. This is especially important for systems 10-years old or more. A professional HVAC service pro can address tasks that you cannot, including:

• Topping off refrigerant levels when required which are integral to system performance and efficiency.
• Verifying proper thermostat function and responsive system operation.
• Cleaning dirty components, such as the coils and compressor, which if dirty will force your system to work harder to cool your home, increasing energy costs.
• Inspecting key components for signs of damage or impending demise, including fan blades, motors, belts, and wiring, proactively addressing these issues before your system goes down.
• Addressing drainage issues that could lead to water damage and mold in your home.

Keep Components Clean For More Efficient Performance

You and your family must also perform some maintenance. These tasks are simple but essential to helping your system keep up with the demands of summer AC use:

• Change home air filters monthly.
  Dirty air filters force your system to work harder. This is one of cheapest, easiest and most important things you can do to ensure peak performance in the summer.
• Keep the area surrounding exterior components clear.
  Trim back grass, weeds, leaves, trash, and shrubbery surrounding your exterior system to aid proper airflow and cooling.

Stay Cool Without Busting Your Budget With A Smart Thermostat Addition

Today’s smart programmable thermostat models need minimal input from you to keep your family comfortable while helping you lower your monthly energy bills. They pay for themselves quickly, saving you $200 or more annually when properly used. Learn more about top smart thermostat options and how they can benefit you.

Don’t Overlook Leaks

Seal leaks surrounding windows and doors, outlets and plumbing fixtures with weather stripping, spray foam, and caulk to keep cool, conditioned air within the home. Ensure ductwork is properly connected, sealed, and insulated in unconditioned attics/crawlspaces. Up to 30% of conditioned air can be lost via duct leakage.

Don’t sweat summer air conditioning bills. Stay cool with the help of the affordable air conditioning service & repair from H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/tips-for-making-the-most-out-of-summer-ac-use/

Uneven Cooling? What to Do

Single story and multi-level homes commonly suffer uneven cooling issues. The layout of your home, the location of your thermostat, ductwork problems, dirty air filters, and the age of your heating and cooling system can all play a role in uneven cooling. This is a problem we see frequently at H&H Heating & Cooling. Luckily, you may be able to solve this issue without professional help.

6 Tips for Solving Uneven Cooling Problems

1. Try redirecting airflow.
   Identify and resolve issues with dirty vents or those blocked by furnishings. Redirect air to specific areas by partially closing some vents in cooler areas of your home, such as the first floor. (Do not fully close vents.)
2. Switch the fan to the ‘on’ position.
   Switch the fan setting on your thermostat from ‘auto’ to ‘on’ position. In the ‘on’ position, the fan will remain on, circulating air even after system cooling turns off. This can help even out temperatures in the home. In the ‘auto’ setting, the fan only operates when the cooling system is engaged. Air conditioning companies verify, leaving the fan ‘on’ increases your energy bills only nominally, about $5-20 per month.
3. Have ductwork professionally inspected for leaks.
   Duct leakage can reduce system performance up to 30%, forcing your system to work harder to cool your home. Conditioned air that is meant for your home ends up in your attic/crawlspace, leading to poor cooling and uneven temperatures. To avoid ductwork damage (and potentially drywall repairs from falling through the ceiling) leave this to a professional air conditioning service company.
4. Check and address insulation deficiencies.
   Insulation keeps cool air in and warm outdoor air out. If your attic or particular areas of your home lack sufficient insulation, you’re not enjoying the benefits and comfort of your cooling system. This situation can lead to a noticeable temperature difference in some regions of your home. It can be particularly evident in multi-level homes, where upper levels can be warm and uncomfortable. Be sure you have the proper amount of insulation in attic and walls, verifying recommended R-values for your region.
5. Upgrade your system.
   If the above solutions don’t handle your uneven cooling issues and your system is more than 10-years old, it may be time to upgrade you air conditioner. Newer cooling systems are far more efficient, quickly solving problems of uneven cooling when properly sized and installed.
6. Consider a ‘zoned’ HVAC system.
   Though a more substantial investment, zoned HVAC systems are a more efficient way to cool your home and make addressing uneven cooling easier. The number of zones will depend upon the size and layout of your home. Simply adjust the temperature in specific areas or floors for even cooling throughout your home. Bonus: Zoned systems offer opportunities for energy savings, reducing utility costs by up to 30% according to the Department of Energy.

Home still hopelessly uncomfortable? Ensure cool, even temperatures throughout your home with the help of the trusted 24/7 HVAC repair services of H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/uneven-cooling-what-to-do/

Dangerous Summer Air Quality Issues

Most homeowners assume when spring ends, their allergy and breathing issues are over. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Air quality in the summer can be hazardous, indoors and out. What summer pollutants need to be eliminated from your home?

Ozone

A primary contributor to poor outdoor air quality in the summer is ozone. This gas isn’t harmful when it remains high above the earth, but when it descends it can cause severe symptoms, aggravating allergies, and causing shortness of breath, asthma flare-ups, chest pain, and even lung damage. News centers often recommend remaining indoors with heating and cooling systems running during times when ozone levels are high. Unfortunately, when you retreat to your sealed home, some ozone infiltrates, and even more air quality hazards await. However, there are ways you can control these common summer indoor air quality issues.

Allergens & Pollutants

Indoor air in the home is packed with pollutants in the summer. These include pollen from the assortment of greenery that thrives in the summer weather; increased dander from pets shedding their winter coats; ever-present dust and dust mites; harmful emissions from cars, trucks, boats, power plants, industrial manufacturing facilities; and VOCs from chemical cleaners and the breakdown of home furnishings.

This laundry list of pollutants causes poor indoor air quality. Repeated exposure can cause adverse health effects ranging from inflammatory responses and allergen and asthma flare-ups to lung, heart, and brain health issues, to name just a few. Fortunately, you can remove these pollutants from the air quickly and easily with whole house indoor air quality systems with HEPA filtration. A huge step up from inexpensive box store fiberglass air filters, true HEPA filters easily remove harmful pollutants from the air throughout your home. Paired with a UV air purifier, mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms can also be destroyed, helping you breathe easy indoors when ozone levels are high outside.

Humidity

In the summertime, humidity levels both outdoors and indoors soar. These high humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew proliferation inside your home if left unaddressed, and symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, sinus congestion, coughing and sneezing, breathing issues, and more. It is not possible for your air conditioner alone to remove excess levels of moisture from your air in the summer. If you experience these symptoms and your home feels uncomfortably sticky in the summer, a whole house dehumidifier can help, keeping your home in the optimal range of 30-60% relative humidity, ensuring health and comfort.

You spend most of your time indoors. Ensure a safe and healthful home with the help of your local heating and air service. Schedule an indoor air quality evaluation with H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/dangerous-summer-air-quality-issues/

Central Air Conditioners vs Wall Units

With ever-climbing summer temperatures and extreme weather patterns causing homeowners nationwide to suffer and sweat, air conditioning is rapidly moving up on the priority list of many homeowners. Should you go whole hog for a central air conditioner, or limp by with a wall/window unit?

Bargain or Bust?

The seemingly low prices of wall units can make them tempting to purchase. However, they’re often not what homeowners bargain for…

Energy Efficiency

If you’re looking for the most bang for your cooling buck, consider central air conditioner installation. Wall units are engineered for cooling only small spaces, providing less cooling capacity. Central air conditioners use less energy overall, especially compared to a gaggle of wall/window units running (noisily) in tandem. Though wall units may seem cheaper, if you need more than one to stay comfortable in the summer heat, the more cost-effective solution is central air conditioning.

Value

If you sell your home, central air conditioners hold more value, whereas wall units, especially those poorly installed, can detract.

Comfort

For consistency in temperature, central systems offer superior comfort, hands-down. Integrated with a smart programmable thermostat, simply set it and forget it, cooling your entire home. To achieve the same feat with multiple wall units would be impossible, as room size affects temperature consistency, requiring frequent thermostat adjustments at each unit to avoid hot and cold spots.

Air Quality

Central HVAC systems do a far better job of filtering allergens and pollutants from the air than wall units, especially when paired with HEPA home air filters. For those with asthma and allergies, a central system is a wiser investment.

Humidity

Central air conditioners remove more humidity from the air than wall/window units, helping you feel more comfortable without the need to crank the thermostat to a lower temperature setting.

Versatility

With heat pump installation and some ductless systems, adding a heat source is also possible. Due to their size, very few wall units provide reliable heat.

No Room For Duct Work?

If your smaller or older home lacks sufficient space for ductwork, you still have options. A relative newcomer to the American market, ductless mini split installation offers interior design flexibility and some of the highest SEER ratings and efficiency levels on the market. Compact and easy to install, they require no ducts, as their name implies. A few small, 3-inch holes for coolant lines are all that is needed to connect interior air handlers to exterior components. Located high on the wall, suspended or mounted flush into the ceiling, and operable via remote, ductless mini split systems offer some of the lowest operating costs and highest performance of cooling systems among the market today.

Learn More About Ductless Systems Here.

Feeling the heat? Don’t suffer through another summer. Find the ideal cooling system for your home and budget with the help of air conditioning contractors from H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/central-air-conditioners-vs-wall-units/

What Causes Condensation on Air Conditioners? | eHow

Does your air conditioner look like it’s feeling the heat, sweating alongside you in the stifling summer weather? Condensation coming from cooling units is common in the summer months. What’s causing it, and is it good or bad for your system? The pros at H&H Heating & Cooling have the answers to all of your condensation questions.

What Causes Condensation on Air Conditioners?

The same process that causes a cold glass of iced tea to form water droplets on its exterior in the summer causes condensation on your air conditioner. As your system’s evaporator coil cools warm air that passes over it, absorbing heat and moisture from the air, condensation forms. As this condensation drips down, it collects in your system’s drain pan and (if it’s properly maintained and not clogged) through the condensate drain line and out of your home.

Can Condensation Hurt My AC System?

Condensation is normal for properly running air conditioning systems. Excess condensation, like sweating ducts and drips from outside the unit cabinet indicates a problem with your unit and points to an HVAC system issue that requires emergency HVAC repair service. Without prompt attention, excess condensation could overwhelm your air conditioner’s drainage system, causing damage within your home. This damage can range from high humidity levels that lead to mold and mildew proliferation and spots, to structural damage from drainage water that accumulates and puddles.

What HVAC System Issues Result In Condensation?

• Condensation Pan problems
  Your A/C unit condensation pan collects condensate water from the evapaorator and sends it to an external drain however overtime condensate pans can crack which can lead to water running through the unit and spilling out causing damage to the unit and to the home.
• Clogged or Dislodged Drain Line
  If bacteria and fungus buildup in the drain line, it can become clogged. It is also not uncommon for drain lines to become dislodged or outdoor drain line components to become obstructed. When this happens, your condensation pan will overflow, causing water to leak into your home.
• Broken Condensate Pump
  In homes with basements, a pump assists in the removal of water from your system. If this pump breaks, water will leak into your basement. Because this area of the home is not commonly frequented, extensive damage could occur before you notice drainage issues.
• Dirty Air Filter Leading to Frozen Evaporator Coil
  Dirty home air filters don’t facilitate adequate airflow over the evaporator coil. Without proper airflow, the coil gets too cold and freezes. When this ice melts, dripping into the condensation pan, it can overflow.
• Low Refrigerant Charge
  If your system is low on refrigerant, this can also cause the evaporator coil to freeze, which likewise can result in an overflowing condensation pan as ice melts.

Sweating system condensation issues? Address them quickly with the help of your local heating and air conditioning service providers at H&H Heating & Cooling today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/what-causes-condensation-on-air-conditioners-ehow/

7 Signs You Need a Dehumidifier

Summer stickiness can sneak up on you, taking a toll on your comfort,  health, and the structure of your home. Is your home in need of dehumidification action?

7 Signs It’s Time for a Dehumidifier:

1. Sticky, stuffy home feel.
   Relative humidity levels over 60% are too high, creating a sticky summer home environment, even with air conditioner use. Not sure of home humidity levels? Upgrade to an Ecobee or Nest smart thermostat with built-in humidity reading capacity, or purchase an inexpensive humidity meter separately for $10-12.
2. Musty odors.
   Musty odors go hand-in-hand with high humidity levels. As mold, mildew, and bacteria grow in this environment, offensive odors are released.
3. Condensation on windows and wet stains on wall/ceilings.
   Condensation on windows and wet stains on walls and ceilings can quickly lead to water damage and mold spots in these areas if moisture buildup remains unaddressed.
4. Mold and mildew.
   Bathrooms are a prime locale for mold and mildew, especially when adequate ventilation isn’t used during showers. What can start out as a few small spots can quickly spread, creating not only an ugly site, but effecting the health of your family if toxic black mold species stachybotrys chartarum proliferates releases mycotoxins.
5. Water damage and rotting structural components.
   If you see water stains on ceilings and walls, it is wise to immediately begin investigation into what is causing moisture buildup. You could have a hidden plumbing system leak. Left unaddressed, the structural wood framing of your home can become permanently damaged over time, drawing pests that love moisture and rotting through.
6. An abundance of pests.
   Because, bugs love moisture, high humidity levels draw destructive pests like termites and carpenter ants.
7. Upper respiratory issues.
   If you and your family are constantly sneezing and coughing, high humidity levels in the home could be to blame. Dust mites, pests, mold, and bacteria that negatively impact health are attracted to moisture, propagating and irritating allergic and sensitive individuals.

Where’s All The Excess Moisture Coming From?

Showering, cooking, and even breathing can release moisture into your home, where it can build up due to a tightly sealed building envelope. Though cooling units can remove some of this moisture, it may not always be efficient in doing so, especially in fair weather days when your air conditioning isn’t on. Since your air conditioner can’t measure humidity, people also tend to overcool their home in their efforts to reduce humidity levels, thereby increasing energy costs. Adding a whole home dehumidifier can more efficiently remove moisture from the air in your home, closely monitoring humidity levels and using as much as 80% less energy than your air conditioner.

How Much Can A Dehumidifier Help?

A whole house dehumidifier added to your air conditioner or heat pump can help you ensure comfort and prevent moisture-related problems in every conditioned area of your home, keeping humidity levels in the home to 30-60%, the level recommended by the U.S. E.P.A. for health and comfort.

Ensure a healthy, happy home. Address humidity issues with the help of H&H, you air conditioning service company today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/7-signs-you-need-a-dehumidifier/

What's the Best Summer Thermostat Setting?

It can be tempting to crank the temperature setting on your air conditioner down in the summer heat. Unfortunately, this can lead to shockingly high energy bills. Luckily, with a proactive approach, you can find a thermostat setting that ensures both home comfort and affordable energy bills.

What’s the Best Summer Thermostat Settings?

• When You’re Home
  78-degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature setting recommended by air conditioning companies and the U.S. Department of Energy to help you stay cool and comfortable while avoiding an abnormally high electric bill.
• When You’re Away
  Turning your thermostat up to 7-10-degrees, to 85-88-degrees Fahrenheit while you’re away, offers significant savings. Those who make this adjustment whenever they’re away from the home for more than 2-hours could save up to 10% on cooling costs.

Tips For Getting The Most Bang For Your Air Conditioning Buck

If the temperature settings above leave you wanting more, look to our tips for making the most of summer air conditioner use.

• Enlist the help of a programmable thermostat.
  If the thought of keeping up with ever-changing home thermostat settings wears you out, enlist the help of a smart programmable thermostat. There are many affordable models available to help you balance the comfort and energy savings goals of your family.
• Don’t air condition the entire neighborhood.
  Sealing leaks can help keep cool, conditioned air inside your home. Check your home carefully, installing weather stripping or applying spray foam or caulk around windows and doors, outlets and wiring, and around plumbing fixtures.
• Keep the heat out.
  Enlist the help of heat and sunlight deflecting window treatments, especially on west and south facing windows.
• Cook smart.
  Avoid using appliances that generate heat, like the oven and stove, until the cooler morning and evening hours. Better yet – cook outside on the grill.
• Lose the covers.
  At night when you go to sleep, lose the covers and don light pajamas, setting your thermostat to a higher temperature setting of 80-degrees or more.
• Install ceiling fans.
  Heating and cooling companies know energy efficient ceiling fans can make occupants in the room feel up to 7-degrees cooler than the ambient temperature thanks to the ‘wind chill effect.’
• Monitor humidity.
  Your body struggles to stay cool when humidity levels are high (over 60% relative humidity), as the added moisture in the air makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate and cool off your body. If your home is constantly muggy, adding a whole house dehumidifier can help you gain control of excess moisture using much less energy than your HVAC system. This can allow you to raise the temperature setting on your thermostat and remain more comfortable at higher temperatures.
• Upgrade your system.
  If your heating and cooling system is a dinosaur, you’ll see a significant comfort improvement, coupled with surprising energy savings, when you upgrade to a newer, higher SEER energy efficient model.

Feeling the heat? Keep cool with the help of the home comfort pros at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/whats-the-best-summer-thermostat-setting/