How to Reduce Flu/Colds

The winter cold and flu season is well underway. What home defenses have you set up to protect your family? While clearing clutter and vacuuming can make your home appear neat and tidy, cold and flu particles remain unseen, lingering in the air and on surfaces you and your family touch. How can you defend yourselves, reducing the prevalence of cold and flu particles in your home?

Reduce Viruses in Your Home with these Tips

While the flu shot is a great first line of defense, learning how to improve indoor air quality in your home is crucial to avoiding winter cold and flu bugs.

1. Keep humidity levels in check.
   More than your skin is affected by the dry climate of the winter months when humidity levels can plummet as low as 10%. At this time, people spend far more time indoors, and in this dry climate, particles remain airborne far longer than at moderate humidity levels. Studies show, by keeping your home in the optimal relative humidity range of 35-50% with the help of a whole house humidifier, you can reduce the incidence of cold and flu viruses lingering in the air by up to 30%. This is an easy way to thwart the spread of germs and other debris to hard surfaces throughout your home, such as countertops, furnishings, faucets, and door handles.
2. Outfit your HVAC with an air purifier.
   Though disinfecting the surfaces throughout your home can help you remove particulates on hard surfaces, it is essential to consider the air you and your family are breathing within your home. Incorporating a whole-house air purification system into your HVAC equipment ensures clean air throughout your home, providing fresh, clean air. Air purifiers circulate the air in your home several times per hour. The most effective systems include a HEPA home air filter. Doctors and allergists recommend these because they remove the smallest microbes from the air, including dust, pollen, mold, dander, and cold and flu viruses.
3.  Use UV light technology.
   The best indoor air quality systems for your heating system not only utilize HEPA filtration, but incorporate germicidal UV air purifier technology as well. How does UV light improve the air quality in your home? Exposure to UV light inactivates or kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
4. Regularly disinfect hard surfaces.
   Regularly disinfecting hard surfaces throughout your home remains one of the most effective methods of battling cold and flu within the home. In addition to the usual surfaces such as countertops and doorknobs, don’t forget high-touch items such as cell phones, tablets, and TV remotes. Remove germs with simple soap and water, or look for products labeled as effective against Influenza A.
5. Wash linens frequently.
   Viruses live longer on porous surfaces, so don’t neglect the regular washing of linens.
6. Ensure a healthy, happy home and family. Learn more about improving the indoor air quality in your home with the help of your local air conditioning company. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/how-to-reduce-flu-colds/

Is a heat pump a good choice for my home?

Air and ground source heat pumps continue to grow in popularity as local and state governments offer renewable energy tax credits and pass energy standards. Sales of air source heat pumps grew 14.8% in 2016, 19.% in 2017, and 9.1% in 2018. Ground source heat pump sales grew 37% from 2017-2018, with many homeowners taking advantage of reinstated federal tax credits for geothermal at this time for the chance to reap thousands in energy savings annually. Are you considering heat pump system savings?

DOING THE MATH

Heat pumps can be used for 100% of the heating and 100% of the cooling in single-family homes in many climates. Tremendous savings are possible with heat pump systems compared to oil or propane-powered heating units, which cost two-to-three times more to operate.

With a geothermal heat pump, substantial cost savings can be realized: $1,000-1,500 a year versus propane, enough to pay for the system many times over. Geothermal efficiency outshines electric resistance heat, which has a straight ratio of 1 coefficient of performance (COP). Geothermal offers a COP of 5, versus a COP of 3 for air-source models, making it five times more efficient than electric resistance heat. (The higher the COP, the lower the operating cost.)

Where natural gas is available and more affordable than electricity, calculating cost per Btu may be necessary. In these areas, dual fuel heat pumps are popular, offering the best of both performance and efficiency, salvaging air source heat in moderate temperatures, and providing efficient natural-gas-powered warmth when temperatures plummet below the point where heat pumps can maintain a comfortable climate in the home.

HEAT PUMP BEST PRACTICES

What is the ideal situation for a heat pump installation? Air source models work well in small homes with open floor plans, as well as in locations where a ground source installation simply isn’t possible due to soil conditions or a lack of space. Ductless systems, a form of air-source heat pump, offer superior efficiency. Ground source systems offer even greater savings, albeit at a higher initial investment cost.

TAKING CARBON FOOTPRINT & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT INTO ACCOUNT

Many municipalities and their residents want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and prevent high energy bills. This is where heat pumps shine. Because heat pumps repurpose energy from the air or ground rather than creating new energy, they can provide both efficient heating as well as hot water without wasting energy.

This has led many city governments to decline investments in fossil fuel infrastructure in favor of installing geothermal heat pump systems. In efforts to curb environmental impact, some new developments are installing shared geothermal heat pumps, while in others, homeowners are joining together to purchase shared community systems for meeting heating and cooling needs.

Is a heat pump system for you? Let us help you do the math. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning now for a competitive quote on today’s most popular heat pump systems.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/is-a-heat-pump-a-good-choice-for-my-home/

Stay Cozy & Save with these Winter Heating Tips

Though winter is a fun, festive time, bringing thoughts of cozy gatherings with friends and family, hot chocolate, and warm cookies, it also brings with it frigid temperatures, unbearable winds, and shockingly high energy bills. Fortunately, there are ways you can enjoy the things you love most about this season, staying warm and comfortable without going broke with these money-saving winter heating tips.

TAKE AN HONEST LOOK AT THE CONDITION OF YOUR SYSTEM

If your home heating system is more than 10 years old, your energy bills have suddenly spiked, and your home shows signs your system is not keeping the pace, such as grinding or rattling sounds during heater operation, hot and cold spots, or a failure to keep your home warm, it could be more cost-effective to replace it with a newer, more efficient model. There may be new options that better meet your needs, such as Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners and dual fuel technology, that could allow you to keep your home a more comfortable temperature at a far lower monthly cost, even when you factor in the expense of a new system.

SAFEGUARD INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Wondering how to improve indoor air quality? Regularly changing your home air filter not only safeguards your family against pollutants and indoor allergens like dust, dust mites, dander, mold spores, and pollen, it helps your system operate more efficiently, extending its lifespan and lowering your monthly heating bills. How often should you change your filter? Once every 3 months, at a minimum, and more often in homes with pets or under construction. Regular filter changes prevent a reduction in air quality and premature system wear due to a system that struggles to circulate air through a dirty air filter.

BOOST ENERGY SAVINGS AND COMFORT WITH SMART THERMOSTAT TECHNOLOGY

Smart learning thermostats adjust to your schedule, automatically lowering temperatures when you’re away. Enhanced energy-saving modes offer reductions in energy use by 10-20% with no sacrifices to comfort, providing a rapid return-on-investment.

DON’T SKIMP ON ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Having your system professionally serviced in the fall, before severe winter weather takes hold (and again in the spring before summer heatwaves), ensures trouble-free operation and peak performance. It’s easy to overlook the importance of routine service when your system seems fine; however, its best to think of it as you would a routine checkup from your doctor. It’s always easier and less expensive to maintain health then react to serious health issues.

SUPPORT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE

Your local air conditioning company knows with proper insulation, secure weather stripping surrounding doors and windows, and caulking or foaming around plumbing fixtures, vents, and outlets, you can stop air leaks that severely hinder HVAC performance.

Don’t let winter heating costs bust your budget. Stay comfortable this winter and all year long with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/stay-cozy-save-with-these-winter-heating-tips/

Delaware County's Most Trusted: Partner with H&H Heating to Stay Warm this Winter

Who should you trust to help you uphold the value of the most expensive appliance in your home? H & H Heating & Air Conditioning offers has been providing trusted heating repair and maintenance services in Delaware, Chester, or Montgomery County for over 30 years, from Garnet Valley to Ardmore, Conshohocken, and beyond. Our Comfort Club Memberships offer incredible savings, not only in the winter but year-round.

OUR MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS OFFER MANY BENEFITS

Affordable and convenient, Comfort Club maintenance agreements give you the peace of mind knowing you will enjoy priority service, even on the coldest winter’s nights. We offer service for a variety of home heating solutions, including boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, and radiant heat systems.

Upon membership, you will enjoy not only priority service at your Newton Square or Media home but discounted diagnostics and 20% off necessary repairs – even if you sign up today! After six months of membership with Platinum plans, you can take advantage of complimentary tune-ups and diagnostics services, as well as free repairs, and exclusive deals and discounts on preferred services and products.

No matter what plan you choose, you’ll enjoy the benefits of lower energy costs thanks to your system running at peak efficiency. Regularly maintained heating systems use 10-25% less energy than neglected units and have far longer lifespans.

REST ASSURED WITH OUR TIME-TESTED, AFFORDABLE SERVICES

Whether your Chadds Fordor Villanova heating system requires maintenance, after-hours emergency repairs, or its time for a new home heating unit, you can count on a live person to take your calls around the clock. Our in-house team of certified, experienced technicians will make sure your family warm and safe all winter.

LOCAL, FAST AND DEPENDABLE REPAIRS

You can rest assured any maintenance issues on your Wayne or Malvern home will be addressed before your system suffers a breakdown. Should the unexpected occur, our fully-stocked vehicles ensure the rapid repair of your system, 24 hours night or day, and the quality of our maintenance work is guaranteed.

Stay warm and toasty this winter with the help of Delaware County’s most trusted HVAC services. Join your friends and neighbors, becoming part of the H & H Heating & Air Conditioning family. Contact us to learn more about the benefits and savings of Comfort Club maintenance agreements, or to sign up for priority repairs and deep discounts with a Silver a Platinum service plan today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/delaware-countys-most-trusted-partner-with-hh-heating-stay-warm-this-winter/

Add HVAC to your New Year's Resolution list.

Over the years, you’ve probably made more than a few New Year’s resolutions concerning your health, but have you ever made resolutions concerning the health of your home? Adding HVAC resolutions to your annual list can also put you on a better path, supporting not only the health of your heating and cooling system but the health of your family and finances as well.

Add these HVAC Resolutions to Your 2020 List & Reap the Benefits

• Schedule an Annual HVAC Checkup
  You schedule an annual checkup with your doctor to ensure your body is healthy. Like you, your heating and cooling system also requires regular care. Scheduling annual maintenance can keep it running efficiently, detect potentially larger problems before they result in unexpected repair costs, and lengthen your system’s lifespan.
• Change Your Filter
  Home air filters should be changed minimally every 3 months. This ensures clean, healthy air throughout your home keeps the components within your heating and cooling system clean, and helps your system run more efficiently, lowering your monthly energy bill.
• Adjust Thermostat Settings
  Lowering your thermostat a few degrees cooler in the winter months and raising it a few degrees in the summer month helps you use less energy, reducing heating and cooling costs, which make up the largest portion of your electric bill.
• Get Smart
  Smart programmable thermostats study your schedule, automatically adjusting temperatures so you’re not conditioning an empty home. This results in less energy use and savings of 20-30%, on average.
• Keep Your Ducts Clean
  Like other surfaces in your home that go untouched, your ductwork also requires regular cleaning to address the buildup of dust, mildew, mold, and other contaminants hidden within. This buildup can negatively impact indoor air quality in your home and decrease HVAC efficiency.
• Watch Out for Humidity Issues in Your Home
  Maintaining the humidity in your home at proper levels is a tricky balancing act. When humidity levels in your home are too high, mold and mildew can thrive, causing damage to the structure and contents of your home, as well as to the health of your family. You can also suffer the effects of low humidity, including frequent coughing, dry, itchy skin, and damage to furnishings and structural components. If last year you suffered these issues, talk to an HVAC service pro about the benefits of adding an automatic humidifier or dehumidifier to manage moisture levels and ensure a healthy, safe home.
• Be Proactive
  If you fear there is something wrong with your system, don’t delay HVAC service. Letting problems fester often leads to higher repair bills and the need for HVAC emergency repair.

Ensure a healthy, happy new year, supporting your own health and the health of your system. Schedule routine annual maintenance with your local air conditioning service company, H & H Heating & Air Conditioning, today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/add-hvac-to-your-new-years-resolution-list/

HVAC Contractor's Guide for your New Heating System this New Year.

Will 2020 be the year you finally invest in a new heating unit for your house? If you’ve noticed the performance of your current system declining this past winter, it may be time to explore your heating system options for the new year. There are many different heating systems to choose from to replace your existing unit. This glut of choices can be overwhelming for some, but the myriad of system styles can help you find the system that is best suited to your home, lifestyle, and budget. Rest assured, no matter what option you choose, it will be much more efficient and technologically advanced than your ailing heater.

Tips for Choosing the Right System

With the guidance of your helpful local air conditioning contractors, you can learn more about the latest system styles and advancements, identify tax rebates and incentives for energy efficiency improvements to your home, and learn more about maintenance agreements and warranties to put your mind at ease. Talk to your local contractor about the benefits of today’s latest heating options:

• Heat Pumps
  Versatile and efficient, heat pumps offer heating and cooling for your home. As their name implies, they transfer heat as oppose to producing it, providing energy-efficient comfort and performance.
• Gas Furnaces
  Natural gas heating systems offer powerful heating, creating original heat through the combustion of gas. If natural gas is less expensive than electricity in your area, a gas furnace may be your most efficient and cost-effective heating option.
• Oil Furnaces
  Like gas furnaces, oil furnaces produce heat. However, these can take up more space and create more pollutants than gas heating options.

• Dual Fuel Furnace
  Dual fuel systems offer cooling and heating, combining the best of features of a heat pump and a gas furnace into one highly-efficient, multifunctional system.
• Electric Heating
  Like space heaters, electric furnaces use electricity to create heat through controlled resistance. However, they often cost more to operate than heat pumps and natural gas heating units.
• Boilers
  If your home currently has a boiler, replacing it with a high-efficiency condensing boiler is a wise investment. This new, extremely efficient technology adjusts based on outdoor conditions, offering Energy Star compliant performance and savings.
• Radiant Floor Heating
  If you’re tired of walking on chilly flooring and sitting on frigid furnishings, radiant floor heating may be just what you’ve been looking floor. These systems distribute heat more evenly throughout your home, using convection to warm the air and all surrounding surfaces. Clean and noiseless, they offer efficient warmth and excellent long-term savings.

Time for an upgrade? Learn more about our 100% no lemon, money-back guarantee, and amazing warranties on industry-leading HVAC equipment. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for a trustworthy, competitive quote today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/hvac-contractors-guide-for-your-new-heating-system-this-new-year/

Unico Small Duct Systems Provide Efficient Cooling in Tight Spaces

Unico small duct high-velocity systems are a fantastic solution for cooling homes with little space for the addition of ductwork. They work well in many settings, from historic homes to apartments, condos, and tiny houses, operating much like a conventional heating and cooling units, yet providing more significant benefits.

How is a Unico Small Duct, High-Velocity AC System Different?

Unico small duct high-velocity (SDHV) systems are smaller, about one-third the size of conventional systems, allowing them to fit where other systems cannot. Rather than using large ductwork, they instead incorporate small, flexible tubing, which is easily fitted into existing wall cavities, above ceilings, or beneath floors, taking up minimal space.

SDHV systems also feature a small but mighty modular air handler that takes up minimal space in closets, attics, and crawlspaces. This makes them much easier to install in tight residences that don’t have the room to accommodate the large ductwork of conventional systems.

How Does The Performance Of An SDHV System Compare?

Despite their small size, SDHV systems deliver the same level of cooling as conventional systems three-times the size, offering several performance advantages:

• More efficient operation.
  Conventional, ducted systems suffer performance inefficiencies of 20-30% due to heat loss through leaks and poorly connected, uninsulated ducts. Like ductless systems, SDHV systems are much more efficient, with less surface area for energy loss and tight, insulated design. Professionally installed, they experience 0% air leakage.
• Even temperatures and draft-free airflow.
  Unlike conventional systems, which create drafts and uneven temperatures when distributing air, small duct systems provide draft-free, even temperatures. Using a principle called aspiration, they produce a light suction, which draws room air into the stream of conditioned, cooled air. This delivers draft-free cooling floor to ceiling, through all levels of your home, with no greater than a two-degree temperature difference throughout, ensuring comfort.
• Quiet operation.
  Designed for quiet operation and efficient performance, Unico supply tubing features a nylon inner core, with added insulation to absorb sound. Unico air handlers also feature closed-cell, sound-deadening insulation to isolate noise and vibration. During operation, SDHV systems are whisper quiet and nearly undetectable.
• Superior humidity control.
  Unico SDHV systems remove up to 30% more humidity from the room than conventional HVAC systems, allowing you to adjust your thermostat to save energy, yet enjoy the same level of comfort.

What Is The Cost Of A Unico Small Duct System?

Air conditioning companies can install Unico systems for about the same cost as conventional systems. Because system tubing and the modular air handler can be discreetly added to any home without the need for expensive soffit additions or extensive remodeling, build-out costs for incorporating SDHV system technology are little to nonexistent. Like conventional systems, they are specially designed and sized for each home.

Is a Unico small duct system for you? Get a competitive quote on an SDHV system from the HVAC installation service pros at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/unico-small-duct-systems-provide-efficient-cooling-in-tight-spaces/