AC Unit Replacement is a Big Investment. What Are Your Options?

In the past several years, air conditioner technology has changed considerably. From added technology and options on traditional split systems to new products offerings including ductless and geothermal technology, which system is best for your home? Learn more about these popular heating and AC units:

Split Air Conditioning Systems (Heat Pumps)

Split systems get their name because they pair an indoor unit within the home with an outdoor unit. These heat pump style systems use refrigerant, coils, and a compressor to transport warmed/cooled air, alongside a fan to distribute it via ductwork. They are incredibly energy efficient, moving warm air into/out of your home depending on the season. Because the amount of heat available in the air is limited in colder regions, they are preferred in warmer regions, where a backup heat source (electric heat) is not needed. However, new technology in gas/electric unit combinations (below) now offers the best of both worlds.

Packaged ‘All-In-One’ Air Conditioning Systems

These systems also function via heat pump; however all the components in a packaged unit are contained in a metal housing outside your home.

Hybrid Or Combo Systems

In frigid winter temperatures, heat pumps require a form of backup heat. In past system designs, this was typically electric heat, which fell short compared to the cost and performance of other heating options. Enter dual-fuel units, which now offer homeowners their choice of gas or electric heat output. As temperatures change in the colder months, they provide superior performance, saving money in the long-term by decreasing high energy costs.

Geothermal Systems

Geothermal systems are ground-sourced heat pumps. Using the constant temperatures found deep within the earth, they pump out more heating and air conditioning per dollar of energy consumed, costing 25-50% less to operate than conventional systems. They can also double to offer water heating in the summer, and pair well with radiant heating floor systems. The layout of your property and its geothermal characteristics determine geothermal installation. Growing in popularity due to climate change and energy efficiency concerns, they are an ideal choice for those seeking superior efficiency and a lower carbon footprint.

Ductless ‘Mini Split’ Systems

Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners do not need ducts to transport conditioned air, making them a favorite in homes with boilers for hot water heating that lack duct work and historic homes with limited space for AC components. They feature an outdoor unit paired with one or more indoor units, depending on home size. The indoor units are connected to the outdoor unit by small refrigerant lines. Each interior unit has its own thermostat and distributes air. This allows for zoned heating and cooling, helping you save energy by only heating/cooling the rooms you utilize. In addition to homes with hot water heating and historic homes, ductless systems are also useful for:

Adding heating/cooling to an addition.

Heating/cooling a basement or garage.

Providing independent temperature control in multiple home areas.

What would be the right system for your home? Get expert advice from the HVAC installation service experts at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning by scheduling a consultation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/ac-unit-replacement-is-a-big-investment-what-are-your-options/

7 Signs You're Overworking Your Air Conditioner

Feeling overworked and underappreciated? Your air conditioner may be able to commiserate. Too often, people force their cooling units to work too hard to keep up with the demands of summer heat. If you notice any of the following signs, there’s a good chance your cooling system may be overworked.

7 Signs You Are Overworking Your Air Conditioner

1. Shocking Increases in Your Energy Bills
   As your system works harder to keep up with cooling demands due to neglected maintenance, broken or worn parts, your monthly utility bills will rise. If your energy bills have suddenly spiked, it may be a good time to call for HVAC repair service.
2. Your Air Conditioner Struggles to Cool Your Home
   If you keep turning down the temperature on your thermostat and your system cannot keep up, your system could be in need of serious repair. If you’ve checked your system and you are sure a dirty air filter isn’t what’s causing your AC to struggle, you could need a new compressor, or additional refrigerant.
3. Your Home is Uncomfortably Humid
   If your home is sticky and uncomfortable even with the air conditioner running, coil or drainage issues could be to blame.
4. You Are Wearing Out Your Thermostat Buttons
   Like the call button for the elevator, pressing your thermostat buttons to crank down the temperature can be mentally fulfilling. However, also like the elevator, this will not make your AC cool your home any faster. Set it and forget it. If your system can’t keep up, you have other issues.
5. Your House has Warm and Cool Spots
   If some areas of your home are cooler than others, your system may be struggling to compensate for ductwork leaks and disconnections, a failing thermostat, or burned out compressor.
6. You Hear Strange Noises
   Strange noises often indicate system issues that impact the performance of your system. Learn which AC noises are normal, and which could indicate a more serious issue.
7. Your HVAC System Leaks
   Leaking refrigerant is not only detrimental to performance, but also to your health. Ditto with drainage blocks and leaks, which can cause mold issues and poor AC performance.

Your System Needs A Little R&R Too

Give it the attention it needs with regular professional maintenance. A routine system service from your air conditioning company can take a load off your system, addressing key issues that force your system to work harder. While some systems over 10-years old are simply in need of retirement, many issues are easy and inexpensive to address. Scheduling a maintenance visit could help you take a load off your air conditioner, addressing common issues such as an air filter change, coil cleaning, malfunctioning thermostat, or refrigerant recharge.

Don’t let your system suffer. Take a load off your system and your energy bills with the help of the local heating and air conditioning service pros at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/7-signs-youre-overworking-your-air-conditioner/

Should I Add a UV Light to My HVAC System?

Are you or a family member highly-sensitive to allergens, mold, and other indoor pollutants? If you are one of the many Americans for whom keeping the air in your home or office free from harmful contaminants is a top priority, UV lights air purifiers may be for you.

How Do UV Lights Work?

UV lights can be added to your central HVAC system to eliminate any potentially harmful microorganisms before they enter your living space. They can also help keep your heating and air conditioning system clean. The coil, a prime component of your HVAC system, stays wet several months out of the year, making it a top site for microbial growth. Though UV lights are a great way to manage airborne contaminants running through your system, however, they are not the only option for safeguarding your indoor air quality.

UV Lights Work Best When Paired With An Air Filter Upgrade 

The heating and air conditioning pros at H&H recommend installing a better air filter in addition to your UV lights to support healthier indoor air quality. Systems with a HEPA-rated air filter can trap tiny particles 0.1-microns or smaller in size (700 times smaller than a human hair), such as mold spores. This addition will allow your filter system to trap a large number of harmful contaminants before you have to rely on your UV light system to destroy them.

Learn more about HEPA air filters for your home air conditioner.

How UV Lights & HEPA Filters Help You Breathe Easier

As we said earlier, a HEPA filter and UV lights can help you breathe easier by safeguarding your indoor coil against microbial growth and purifying the air in your home. The best UV light systems accomplish this by:

1. Exposing your indoor HVAC coil to UV light at all times, eliminating mold and mildew growth that could be spread throughout your home by your HVAC system.
2. Working in conjunction with activated carbon cells to remove dangerous chemicals, VOCs, and other odors/vapors that could make you feel sick or exacerbate allergy/asthma symptoms, filtering them out and eliminating them from the air you breathe.

When shopping for a UV light air purification system, don’t settle for less. Ensure clean, healthy air by choosing a system that addresses these essential aspects of safeguarding your indoor air quality.

What Else Can You Do To Improve Indoor Air Quality?

In addition to adding an indoor air quality system to your HVAC system, other ways you can improve air quality in your home include:

• Cleaning and sealing your ductwork to prevent the circulation of contaminants, attic or crawlspace air.
• Regularly changing/washing your HVAC air filters per manufacturer instructions.
• Keeping humidity in your home at optimal levels with a whole house humidifier or dehumidifier addition.
• Having your home assessed for air infiltration from unwanted areas.

Breathe easier. Schedule an indoor air quality assessment with your local air conditioning contractors at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/should-i-add-a-uv-light-to-my-hvac-system/

Top 5 Summer HVAC Issues (& How to Fix Them)

As temperatures rise and you increasingly rely on your air conditioning system to stay comfortable, you can put your HVAC system under significant stress. In this situation, it’s not uncommon for issues that have been left unaddressed to rear their ugly heads. The more temperatures raise, the more calls we receive for emergency HVAC service. Here are a few of the most common issues we get service calls for during summer temperature extremes.

Top 5 Summer Air Conditioning Problems

Dirty Air Filter

Dirty home air filters dramatically reduce airflow, leading to inefficient operation. If left unaddressed it may also result in system overheating. As your system is forced to work harder and longer to cool your home, this compounds the problem. As dirt and dust is forced through your system, it soils system components, leading to dirty coils which further reduce system performance. Luckily, air filter maintenance is simple and inexpensive. Change standard air filters monthly to ensure optimum performance, scheduling annual professional maintenance for the cleaning of interior system components. While you’re at it, check the outdoor unit. Reduced airflow from overgrown vegetation and yard debris can impact performance as well.

Low Refrigerant

Tiny pinhole leaks in your AC coil and refrigerant lines can lead to a loss of refrigerant over time. When air conditioner refrigerant is low, your system will struggle to cool your home, leading to longer run times, potential overheating, and inflated energy bills. Your local home air conditioning company can leak check your system, make any required repairs and safely top off your system with the proper refrigerant, resolving this issue.

Electrical Issues

Summer heat, as well as lawn maintenance, can lead to the damage of key components of your system. Capacitors commonly fail in the summer, when extreme temperatures combined with increased workload cause overheating. Weed whacking around your exterior unit can cause issues as well. Grass and weed fragments can clog the exterior unit, reducing airflow and leading to overheating. Also, wire damage and damage to cooling fins can occur when you cut too closely to your system, hitting components with the weed whacker.

Compressor Failure

Repair issues, such as those above, if left unaddressed, can often lead to costly compressor failure as they cause this essential component to overheat, wear out faster, and ultimately fail. It’s critical to contact an HVAC service professional at the first sign of problems, or better yet, schedule proactive annual maintenance for cooling units in the spring.

Drainage Issues

A clogged condensate drain can cause quite a mess as fluids backup into your home, potentially resulting in structural damage and complications from mold. Warm summer temperatures are ideal for mold and mildew growth in drainage system lines. Your condensate lines should be inspected and cleaned regularly to prevent this issue.

Can’t stand the heat? Get out of cyberspace and handle AC problems fast with the help of the heating and cooling repair services from H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/top-5-summer-hvac-issues-how-to-fix-them/

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/