Monday, November 25, 2019

Have Your Signed up for a Maintenance Agreement with Your HVAC Company?

If you’re the kind of person who is always looking for ways to save, you don’t want to miss out on the opportunities an HVAC maintenance agreement has to offer. With a Comfort Club Membership from H & H, you can take advantage of exclusive benefits and discounts!

Get More for Your Money with an HVAC Service Agreement from H & H

  • Amazing savings.
    Our exclusive Comfort Club Membership offers savings year-round, including a precision tune-up, discounted diagnostics at just $19.95, and 20% off of heating and cooling repair services. In addition to these fantastic discounts, you’ll also enjoy the improved performance and energy savings of an efficient, well-maintained system.
  • Fast service.
    All Comfort Club members enjoy priority service and guaranteed appointment times. Even in a heat wave or cold snap, you’ll never have to worry about extended wait times.
  • 24/7 availability.
    Because we understand life can be hectic and breakdowns don’t always happen during regular business hours, we offer access to our services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can schedule maintenance and repairs at a time that’s convenient for you.
  • Reminders for service and well-documented maintenance history.
    You have enough to keep track of, let us help you with your system, scheduling routine annual maintenance and tracking service and repairs. This keeps you better informed on your system’s health and provides proof of the value of your system in the event you sell your home.
  • Extended system life.
    The better maintained your system, the longer it will last, minimizing replacement worries. With regular service, you can be sure you’ll get your money’s worth out of your current system, extending its life and safeguarding the value of your home.
  • Peace of mind.
    A well-maintained system in top shape is essential to managing today’s climate extremes. With regular service, you can avoid undetected problems that can result in major failure and the need for HVAC emergency repair. With preventative maintenance, you can be assured your system is in prime condition, ensuring efficient performance and identifying potential issues before they result in system failure.
  • Trusted service.
    Your heating and air conditioning system is one of the most expensive appliances you own. Don’t trust it to an unknown contractor. We are a 2018 Angie’s list Award of Excellence winner and our HVAC services are A+ BBB-rated. You can trust our NATE-certified, experienced technicians to take care of your system and your home as if it were our own.
Have you signed up for a maintenance agreement with your local heating and air service company? Enjoy the benefits of a maintenance agreement from a trusted area provider. Sign up for a Comfort Club Agreement from H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Monday, November 18, 2019

How UV AIR PURIFIERS Help Stop Winter Colds

Winter weather is here, and along with it, cold and flu season. Trapped together in such tight spaces, it’s no surprise why the incidence of illness rises during the cold weather season. Luckily, you can help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs with the addition of an indoor air quality system with UV light.

How Can A UV Air Purifier Prevent Colds & Flu?

You clean to keep bacteria and viruses off of surfaces in your home. But these germs are airborne as well, floating through the air, where they can be inhaled. Dry winter air exacerbates this issue, helping these illness-inducing particles to remain in the air far longer. With the help of your HVAC system and a UV air purifier, you can potentially remove them from the air, reducing the likelihood of you and your family becoming ill.

How Does A UV Air Purifier Work?

Bacteria and viruses are quite small, and vary in size significantly depending on species. Most bacteria range from 1-10 micrometers in size (compared to a 70-micrometer human hair). However, some bacteria and most viruses are much smaller, from less than 0.01-0.2 micrometers. These small viruses and bacteria can be a challenge for air purifiers and even HEPA home air filters, but this is where UV light air purifiers shine. When a UV light air purifier is added to your home heater, microbes can be killed or inactivated with exposure to ultraviolet light. However, high power and exposure time are key, making the purchase of a quality UV air purification system essential for efficacy.

How Do Other Air Purification Technologies Compare?

In addition to UV light, other technologies can also support healthy air in your home. How do they stack up against UV lights?
  • Whole House Humidifiers
    Adding a whole-house humidifier to your HVAC system and keeping your home in the ideal relative humidity range of 30-50% can help control winter germs. With some moisture in the air, particles cannot remain airborne as long. Studies have also shown in the 40-60% relative humidity range, about 70% of airborne viruses can be inactivated.
  • HEPA Air Filters
    HEPA home air filters are a great way to remove irritating allergens, larger bacteria and viruses, and other harmful particles from the air. However, some are too small to be trapped by HEPA filters, making a UV light an ideal companion.
Are you not feeling so good? Fight back against winter germs with the help of the local heating and air conditioning service pros at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Learn more about an indoor air quality system today.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Is it Time to Replace the Heating Unit in your Rental Property? Avoid Hefty Fines with H&H

Don’t wait for temperature extremes to leave your residents in the cold. Today’s wild and crazy weather patterns mean we must be proactive to withstand the dangers presented by a changing climate. If your renters are already having issues with ailing heating and AC units, now is the time to address HVAC maintenance and system replacement needs.

A History Of Problems

Earlier this year, landlords in New York and Chicago found themselves scrambling to contend with home heating and hot water systems that failed to work in tenant homes as temperatures plummeted to 20- 50 degrees below zero. Tenants Organizations in the cities fielded thousands of calls from residents desperate for relief from the cold as they were urged to stay indoors by city officials, despite the fact that their homes provided little protection against the winter chill.

A Hefty Price

As a result of the historic and extreme cold weather and tenant frustrations, hundreds of lawsuits were filed demanding landlords schedule heating repairs to bring their buildings into compliance with area heating ordinances. In the city of Chicago, landlords whose units cannot provide hospitable temperatures of 68 during the day and 66 at night may have to contend with fines of $500-1,000 per day, per violation. Residents are also allowed under Chicago law to purchase heaters or pay for a hotel, which they can later deduct from rent costs – or terminate their lease.

Drastic Measures

In some instances, the Chicago Mayor instructed the building department to use “police powers” to perform emergency HVAC service and restore heat in buildings. He admonished landlords, stating it was unsafe and unconscionable to allow the situation to go unaddressed 48 hours while beleaguered residents waited for the courts to open to hold landlords accountable.
Similar problems are faced by tenants living in the Philadelphia area as well. If you are the landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure your tenants do not face dangerously cold climates in their rented homes.

How Can You Tell If It’s Time To Replace An Ailing System?

Top signs your building heating systems need to be replaced include:
  • A system age of more than 10-15 years old.
  • The need for frequent, costly emergency repairs.
  • Complaints of high utility costs.
  • Uneven heating distribution or the need to constantly adjust the thermostat.
  • Strange noises from the system (banging, rattling, squealing).
  • A system that kicks on and off repeatedly, dubbed ‘short cycling.’
  • Gas furnaces with yellow (not blue) flames, which could indicate the presence of carbon monoxide.
  • Flu-like symptoms in homes with combustion heaters, which could indicate carbon monoxide poisoning.
Is it time to replace the heating unit on your property? Avoid hefty fines and costly lawsuits with the help of H & H Heating & Cooling. Schedule a system evaluation, routine maintenance, heating repair services, or learn more about our affordable home comfort systems today.

Monday, November 4, 2019

A Small Duct System May Just be the Solution to Your Heating/Cooling Woes.

If your home is short on space to accommodate the large ductwork necessary to install a traditional heating and cooling system, don’t fret. Today’s homeowners have more options for improving home comfort than ever before. Small duct systems are an excellent way to add heating and cooling to homes with limited space. The knowledgeable and experienced staff at H & H Heating & Cooling have the information you need to determine if a small duct system might be a good fit for your home.

What Is A Small Duct HVAC System?

Small ducts systems, or small duct high velocity (SDHV) units, use flexible air supply tubes that are smaller than traditional ductwork to move air throughout your home. Despite their small size, however, they are capable of delivering the same level of heating and cooling as much larger conventional systems. Heated and cooled air can be provided by a heat pump or a geothermal unit and is distributed via a small, high-capacity fan. SDHV systems can also be paired with boilers, electric, and radiant floor heating.

What Do Small Duct Systems Look Like?

Installing an SDHV unit won’t disrupt the look of your home indoors or out, and does not require extensive modifications. This makes them an excellent solution for small modern homes, as well as historic buildings. Equipment is about one-third the size of standard systems, fitting easily in attics, crawlspaces, existing wall/floor cavities, and small closets. Ducts are only 2-3.5inches in diameter and may be mistaken for small pot lights without close examination; other installations use slotted vent configurations. Unlike traditional systems, due to the small size of the outlets, more are required. Because they can be colored, painted, or wallpapered to blend in with their surroundings, they often go unnoticed, however.

Day-To-Day Life With A Small Duct System

Because of the small diameter of SDHV units, they deliver conditioned air at higher pressure or velocity than traditional systems. This rapid introduction of air creates a vacuum, helping evenly distribute air to eliminate hot and cold spots. Properly designed and constructed, they are quieter than their conventional counterparts. They also offer added benefits compared to traditional systems, including:
  • Up to 30% better dehumidification.
  • An extremely low rate of heating and cooling loss due to the speed of air transport through ductwork.
  • Improved indoor air quality, as SDHV units require high-efficiency home air filters to protect the tight coils of the systems from dirt and debris, doing a better job of filter allergen-causing bacteria and microorganisms from the air.
Want to learn more about small duct systems? Contact the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Schedule a home evaluation with our home comfort experts and get a competitive quote on a new system today.

Monday, October 28, 2019

Who to Call if You Have an HEATING Issue.

Heating system issues? As one of the most expensive appliances in your home, you don’t want just anyone addressing your ailing heater. So who should you call when your system is giving you problems?

You Need a Local Heating Company with a Trusted Reputation

H & H Heating & Air Conditioning has been providing 24/7 HVAC repair to the Essington region since 1985. Our trained, friendly staff know their stuff, and can masterfully manage any heating system from ancient furnaces and boilers to the newest, state-of-the-art ductless units.

Looking For Convenient, Affordable Service?

Because we know heater trouble often strikes outside of ‘normal’ office hours, we offer our emergency heating repair services to Southeast PA residents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no after-hours charges or overtime fees, always charging the same, fair price no matter when you need service. Our ‘warehouse on wheels’ arrives at your home stocked with all the necessary materials to achieve same-day repairs.

Our Knowledgeable Technicians Have You Covered

Our experienced, NATE-certified technicians will respect your home and family. We treat every home as if it’s our own, taking care not to make a mess and returning your home to its previous pristine condition following service. We’ll safeguard your system and your home, ensuring anything damaged is rapidly repaired or replaced. Our repairs and new system installations are top-notch and made to last, backed by some of the best repair and installation warranties in the business.

Stay Warm With Our Wide Array Of Winter Home Comfort Services

  • Heating System Repairs
    Get your heating system back up and running fast with the help of our heating and cooling repair services.
  • Routine Heating System Maintenance
    Identify system issues before they leave you shivering in winter weather extremes with annual pre-season maintenance.
  • Furnace and Boiler Safety Checks
    Ensure your family is safe from carbon monoxide and other system dangers this winter season with an annual furnace or boiler inspection.
  • Heating System Upgrades & New System Installation
    Stay warm for less dough with today’s most efficient heating system options, including heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, and radiant floor heating systems. Learn more about upgrading your heating system and our winning reputation, including our ‘No Lemon’ 100% money-back guarantee.
  • Hot Water Heater Maintenance & Repair
    Extend the life of your hot water heater with regular hot water heater maintenance.
  • High-Efficiency Water Heater Upgrades
    Cold shower? Warm up to a new, high-efficiency water heating system, enjoying increased performance and lower energy costs.
Looking for trusted local heat repair companies?  H & H Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. Contact us to learn more about our A+ BBB and 5-star Google-rated services today.

Friday, October 18, 2019

Is a Heat Pump the Right Solution for Your Home?

As the cost of electricity and natural gas continues to rise alongside environmental concerns, homeowners are increasingly turning to heat pump style heating and cooling units for relief. Could an air or ground-sourced heat pump system be right for you?

Factoring In Savings

Sales of heat pumps have increased annually since 2016, with customers who’ve purchased ground-sourced heat pumps enjoying especially impressive savings. Reports show savings of $1,000-1,500 annually over propane, with year-to-date savings for some early ground-source customers equating $40,000 – a payback over twice the cost of installation.

Doing The Math

Will the math work for you when it comes to heat pump installation? Air, ground, and water-sourced heat pumps can be used to provide 100% of your home’s heating, cooling, and dehumidification. They are an ideal choice for those without access to natural gas. Compared to systems operating on oil and natural gas, operating a heat pump costs about 2-3-times less, providing significant savings. To determine if a heat pump system is right for your home, heating companies will consider:
  • Does your home have access to natural gas, propane, or oil?
    What is the cost per BTU of heat pump versus fossil-fuel based heating system?
  • Is access to the ground feasible?
    Air-source heat pumps work best for small homes with open floor plans, as well as settings such as multi-family housing and high rises with limited access to the ground for ground-source heat pump installation.
  • What is the cost savings?
    Geothermal (ground-sourced heat pump), for instance, offers more significant savings than propane-based heat. For electric, it’s straight-forward: A ground-sourced heat pump offers 5-times the efficiency of electric resistance heating.
  • Could a dual-fuel system offer a more cost-effective option?
    In a market with prevalent natural gas, a dual-fuel air-source heat pump may offer a more cost-effective solution to ground-source heat pumps. However, in areas that don’t have natural gas access, a ground-source heat pump may come out on top.
  • How will climate affect operation?
    In climates where the bulk of the winter temperatures are less than 55°F, ground-sourced heat pumps or dual fuel systems may offer more efficient performance. Because heat pumps do as their name suggests, moving heat from one source to another, there comes the point where an air-source heat pump can no longer provide the heating necessary to maintain a comfortable temperature.
  • How big of a priority is carbon footprint for homeowners?
    With geothermal/ground-sourced systems, though the initial cost of installation is greater, heating and air conditioning bills, energy usage, and carbon emissions are more dramatically reduced, safeguarding the earth and quality of life for future generations.
Warm up to the latest heating and cooling technology. Uncover your ideal heating and air conditioning solution with the help of the home comfort pros at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Monday, October 7, 2019

What's Dragging Down the IAQ in Your Home?

Are you taking steps to make sure your indoor air is healthy? Air quality inside your home is just as crucial to your health as the air quality outside. It is especially important for those struggling with allergies and asthma.

What Things Negatively Impact Indoor Air Quality in Your Home?

  • Allergens
    Pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and cockroach detritus can collect on surfaces in your home, spreading via your heating and cooling system.
  • Mold & mildew
    In places of your home where moisture collects and humidity levels aren’t managed, such as bathrooms and basements, mold and mildew can thrive. When it grows or is disturbed, the spores mold and mildew produce infiltrate the air, making their way into your sinuses and lungs.
  • Chemicals, artificial fragrances, and VOCs
    Synthetic fragrances from cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and perfumes negatively impact indoor air quality, releasing VOCs. New carpet, furniture, and building materials in your home can also release these toxic compounds.
  • Carbon monoxide
    Fuel-burning appliances and heat sources in your home can release carbon monoxide if improperly vented. This gas is colorless, odorless, and potentially deadly.
  • Outdoor air pollution
    Emissions from cars and factories, ozone, pollen, mold, and more from outdoors can infiltrate your home, particularly in poorly sealed houses with leaks around windows and doors.

How To Improve Indoor Air Quality In Your Home

There are many steps you can take to improve your home’s indoor air quality:
  • Manage moisture
    Keep humidity levels in the proper balance with a whole house humidifier and dehumidifier addition. Integrated into your HVAC, these low-maintenance systems manage moisture on-demand.
  • Ensure proper ventilation
    Ensure fuel burning appliances and heat sources are properly vented and inspected annually, adding carbon monoxide detectors if you own them. Add exhaust fans and ventilation to moisture prone areas, such as the bath, laundry, and basement.
  • Beef up your air filter
    Beef up home air filters, upgrading to a Nature’s Home  MicroPower Guard home air filter. With a tighter weave, these filters remove more airborne pollutants and contaminants from the air than bargain options, providing cleaner indoor air.
  • Zap bacteria and other microorganisms
    Keep bacteria, germs, and mold under control with the help of a UV lights air purifier system.
  • Choose natural cleaners and furnishings
    Ditch toxic chemical cleaners and artificial fragrances for natural cleaners and 100% pure essential oils. Choosing natural wood and leather furnishings over fabric and OSB, particleboard, and other profusely glued, engineered alternatives can also reduce VOCs.
  • Clean regularly
    Regularly cleaning floors and washing bed linens can reduce the buildup of dust, dust mites, pollen, dander, and other allergens. Stowing shoes outside, showering after outdoor excursions, and keeping pets out of your bedroom can also reduce allergen accumulations.
Take control of the indoor air quality in your home, safeguarding the health of your family with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.