What is this Goo/Slime on My Air Conditioner?

What is this gross, slimy build up on my heating and cooling system? If you’ve gone to investigate an air conditioning system that has stopped working, only to uncover a weird white substance that looks like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie, you may have been slimed.

What’s the Origin of White Slime?

White slime may be found in many areas of your system, including the drain lines, evaporator pan, and condensate pump. This wet, dark, environment promotes the growth of microorganisms. In this case, the goo is protecting a colony of bacteria beneath it that enjoys consuming dust for food. When this bacteria is found in a condensate drain pan, it could be a sign your air conditioner is oversized, leading to short operating cycles that provide a warm, moist, hospitable environment for the microorganisms to grow.

How It’s Gumming Up Your System

As it grows, this white goo can create multiple issues you’ll need the help of an HVAC repair service to address. Because these microorganisms grow quickly, they can cause severe problems in a short period of time when maintenance needs are ignored:

• Building up and restricting the flow condensate lines.
• Growing to completely block condensate lines, causing the evaporator pan to overflow.
• Creating mold growth problems within ductwork and insulation.
• Leading to leaks in your home that result in costly property damage.

Getting Rid Of The Goo

Left unchecked, white slime can become a health hazard, negatively impacting indoor air quality. So it’s essential to get rid of the goo. Unfortunately, this takes more than a little spray and swipe of effected surfaces. Professional treatment is necessary to thoroughly clean the slime out of all affected areas so it cannot return. To get rid of the goo for good, your HVAC service pro will:

• Remove and replace the old air filter, which can harbor the bacteria that cause the goo, leading to a re-sliming if overlooked.
• Clean the condensate drain and other system components with a wet/dry vac and appropriate cleansing solution to neutralize the bacteria.
• Clean the coil, as with replace your home air filter, to prevent the return of the slime from remaining microbes.
• Leave behind special tablets that will kill any bacteria that become wet, placing them in a safe space where they won’t move and clog system components.
• Schedule follow up cleaning semi-annually, and more frequently through cooling season, to ensure the bacteria has been eliminated.

Preventing Slime Before It Takes Over

Most slime stories begin with reactive maintenance – those that do not schedule annual preventative maintenance cleanings but wait until system failure or issues, resulting in the need for emergency HVAC service. To prevent your system from becoming a precautionary tale, keep white slime away with proactive system maintenance.

e aiDon’t live in fear. Exorcise slime from your system and safeguard the indoor air quality in your home with the help of the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on 

Air Filter Vs. Air Purifier - Do They Do the Same Thing?

What’s the difference between an air filter and an air purifier? If you want to ensure the best indoor air quality in your home, the air filter on your heating and cooling system is not enough. Though both components affect the quality of the air inside your home, they function quite differently.

Air Filter vs. Air Purifier

• Air Filter

Though ac filters trap large dust and dirt particles from the air, they are not designed to make the air you breathe in your home perfectly clean. They are designed to keep your HVAC components clean, reducing wear and tear on your system and improving system performance. However, they do impact indoor air quality, making choosing the right air filter important.

Learn more about the best air filter for your home, such as those from Nature’s Home, Micropower Guard, and Fantastic Filter.

• Air Purifier

If you or a family member suffers from allergies or chronic lung issues, and you want the cleanest possible air in your home, adding an air purifier takes indoor air quality to the next level. Air purifiers help cleanse and rid your home of dangerous viruses, mold and volatile organic compounds  the air. By removing a wider variety of airborne contaminants, air purifiers produce cleaner, fresher smelling indoor air that supports improved respiratory health.

How Many More Contaminants Can Be Removed With An Air Purifier

An standard air filter alone isn’t enough to clean the air circulating throughout your home. Most standard home air filters fail to remove many common airborne contaminants that can worsen allergy, asthma, and respiratory symptoms. Air purifiers along with air cleaners can help remove pollutants. What additional pollutants could be removed from the air in your home with a standalone or whole house air purification along with air cleaner systems?

• Dust particles and dust mites
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Mold & mildew
• Bacteria and germs
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Air Purification System Options

We specialize in indoor air quality systems, including the latest air cleaners and UV germicidal lights. Unlike standalone systems, which clean the air of a small area or only a single room, our efficient, effective whole house air purification systems work in conjunction with your heating and air conditioning system, quickly and efficiently removing airborne contaminants and distributing clean, fresh air throughout your home via your ductwork.

Paired with UV germicidal lights to further reduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms, and dehumidification and humidification systems to provide optimal humidity levels throughout your home, our indoor air quality systems are a great way to support your body’s immune system, ensuring optimal health.

Create a healthy home environment for you and your family. Contact the indoor air quality system experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about ways to achieve cleaner, fresher indoor air year-round.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/air-filter-vs-air-purifier-do-they-do-the-same-thing/

3 Top Reasons Your Heating Bill is Too High & how to get back on Track/How to fix it?

If you’ve recently come to dread the arrival of your electric bill, and are lamenting your loved one’s gratuitous light use, you’re likely pointing blame at the wrong culprit. Heating and cooling units are the largest consumer of energy in your home and are more than likely the reason you’re rapidly consuming kilowatts. How can you reduce your energy bill and get things back on the right track?

Top Reasons Your Heating & Air Conditioning Bill is Too High & How to Reduce Costs

• Leaky ductwork
  Leaky ductwork can increase your monthly bill. Insulation surrounding leaky ductwork in basements, crawlspaces, and attics could look dirty. When the system is running, leaks may also be heard or felt. All that conditioned air is not getting where it is supposed to go, reducing system performance. Duct leaks can also impact indoor air quality, grabbing contaminants from these spaces that can clog filters, pollute the air, and damage system components. Fixing these leaks is not for amateurs, however. It’s easy to fall between attic beams and damage ductwork components, causing costlier repairs. Leave leaks to a pro with the right skills and tools for your unique ductwork configuration to ensure lasting repairs.
• Poor maintenance
  Routine maintenance prolongs system life and impact performance. Clogged air filters, improper coolant levels, and worn components can all make your system work harder than necessary, inflating energy bills. Annual maintenance in the spring and the fall, before weather extremes, ensures peak performance and stable bills.
• Inefficient HVAC system
  The average lifespan of a heater is 12-20 years; 10 years for an air conditioner. While a new system may seem like a tough pill to swallow, it won’t take long to pay one off if you reinvest your inflated energy bill funds into a replacement. New systems offer efficiency levels of 96% or more, delivering savings up to 35% on your monthly energy bills. Tax and utility incentives may also be available to reduce costs.
• Thermostat malfunction
  Our air conditioning service and maintenance professionals know thermostat malfunction is a frequent cause of system issues. If your thermostat never seems to reflect the temperature reality in your home, there’s ample opportunity for energy savings with an upgrade to a smart thermostat. For as little as $90, you could save up to 20-35% annually.
  Learn more about smart thermostats and leading thermostat brands.
• Insufficient or damaged insulation
  Hot and cold spots and wet, worn, or pest-infested insulation is not effective, allowing conditioned air to escape. If your system’s running nonstop, upgrading or replacing your insulation is a wise investment.
• Active air leakage
  Drafts around windows, doors, plumbing, and outlets waste your energy dollars. These are easily addressed with inexpensive caulking and weather stripping.

Electric bills still sky-high? Schedule a professional system evaluation from the local heating and air conditioning service experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/3-top-reasons-your-heating-bill-is-too-high-how-to-get-back-on-track-how-to-fix-it/

Know Why H & H is the Most Trusted Heating Company in the PA Suburbs? Hear It All From Our Clients!

Why do our customers rate us the most trusted heating company in the Pennsylvania suburbs? We’ll let them tell you in their own words! Just check out our hundreds of 5-star Google ratings.

Robert Clifton wanted fast heating service in Conshohocken. He was impressed with our professional staff and quick service by our technicians. –“Always a great experience when dealing with H&H Heating & A/C! The office staff is professional and responsive. Field Technician Jim J. let me know he was en-route and then quick and clean when serving my heating system. Recommend them highly!”

Mary Ruegg was looking for value in Villanova HVAC repair services. She was relieved by our prompt service and affordable prices. –“Great company. I called this morning as I had no heat. Mary was so friendly and got me on the schedule right away. In fact, James showed up within an hour and a half. He was super professional. Explained what was going on with our system. He fixed it, inspected it, and gave us a great recommendation. Since we signed up with H & H, their response time to calls had been fantastic, and they are also very reasonable in price.”

Nzingha Abdul-Wahid was searching for trustworthy heating repairs in Garnet Valley. She was impressed by our experienced technicians and friendly service follow-ups. –“James is a very knowledgeable and helpful technician. I like that he answered all my questions and even came back out the next day to guarantee the quality of his work. This was a great first experience getting my heaters serviced.”

Scott Nester had grown tired of lackluster service. He was amazed by our friendly, helpful staff and was pleased when he found out about our annual maintenance plans in Newton Square. -“James was awesome. Very friendly, explained everything in a way I could easily understand and gave me plenty of opportunities to ask questions if needed. We signed up for an annual contract, feeling confident James would keep our HVAC unit running perfectly. I’d be thrilled to have him for any future service visits.”

Art Blender was looking for a cutting edge heating system conversion in Malvern. He couldn’t believe the difference his new system made, or the lengths we went to ensuring customer satisfaction. –“H & H replaced my ancient, converted coal, oil system that burned out several years ago. They also added a Mitsubishi air condition unit to the first floor of my home from my initial meeting with their Salesperson until the day the crew wrapped everything up. I was totally impressed with their professionalism and workmanship! They brought my house out of the Dark Ages and modernized it in a matter of days! I have already recommended them to one friend of mine and would not hesitate to do so again!”

Jack Nixon was hoping for an incident-free new system installation in Media. He was impressed with our attention to detail. –“Chris was our salesman, and he did a perfect job scaling the project and providing all the information we needed. Very nice and professional install team led by Nick. Even patched a ding they made on the wall by accident. Couldn’t have asked for smoother installation. The units work perfectly to cool the ground floor in our split level home. Will definitely recommend.”

Uncover why our services speak for themselves and our customers speak for us! Contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule routine service and maintenance or schedule a system replacement consultation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/know-why-h-h-is-the-most-trusted-heating-company-in-the-pa-suburbs-hear-it-all-from-our-clients/

7 Tips for Maximizing Heat Pump Performance in Winter

Are you wearing out your heat pump with a heavy-handed heat pump operation? Heat pumps operate differently in the winter than they do in warmer months. To make the most of your energy dollars and safeguard the lifespan of your system, it pays to take precautions when using your heat pump system in the winter months.

Why Does My Heat Pump Work Differently in the Winter?

Heat pumps don’t generate heat, they move it from one place to another, pulling heat from the outdoors for use in your home. Despite chilly temperatures, they can still manage to pull a bit of heat from the air. However, below freezing, they lose a bit of operational efficiency. Fortunately, you can ensure performance with mindful winter heat pump use.

7 Tips For Maximizing Heat Pump Performance In The Winter

1. Stop cranking up the temperature.
   Pumping the temperature settings up to the 90s won’t heat your home any faster. It will, however, burn a lot more energy, particularly if your system is equipped with an auxiliary/emergency (electric) heat back up. Equipping your system with a smart home thermostat designed specifically for use with a heat pump system can help you ensure comfort and savings, turning your system off when you are not home, and helping you develop a schedule to ensure a cozy, warm home when you return.
   Learn more about the savings and comfort benefits of smart thermostats.
2. Don’t rely on emergency heat.
   Save emergency heat for real emergencies. This mode is notoriously inefficient and will quickly drive up your energy bills.
3. Keep your filter clean. 
   A dirty filter forces your system to move air. A clean filter safeguards the lifespan of your system, and more importantly, ensure good indoor air quality.
4. Keep leaves and debris clear of your outdoor unit.
   Your outdoor unit must be free to circulate air as well. Regularly clear dead, fallen leaves and debris surrounding your system for optimum performance.
5. Do NOT cover your system. 
   Your system is designed to survive outdoors and does not need to be covered in the winter. In fact, covering your system at this time can lead to serious problems, such as mold growth and pest infestation. In frigid weather, leave ice alone. It is sharp and dangerous to your and your system, and your heat pump should manage this in defrost mode.
6. Don’t worry about the defrost mode.
   This mode scares some homeowners, however, defrosting frozen system components is part of normal winter operation. Be aware, though, this cycle is typically short, and if your system stays in this mode for a long time, it may require heating repair services.
7. Follow a regular maintenance schedule.
   Regular professional cleaning and maintenance, at least once a year, ensures efficient performance and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Winter heat pump questions? Talk to a pro at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning about the best way to operate your heat pump for your area climate, or schedule routine heat pump maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/7-tips-for-maximizing-heat-pump-performance-in-winter/

How Does a Furnace Humidifier Work?

Is your furnace missing essential home comfort equipment? Furnace mount humidifier installation in Chaddsford can protect your family and home from the extreme dryness winter weather brings. These conditions surprisingly make your home feel colder, as well as impact your health and the structure and contents of your home. Why do you need a humidifier for comfort if your furnace heats the air in your home?

Proper Humidity Levels Make Your Home Feel Warmer

With the right amount of humidity in the air (35-55%), your home will feel warmer and more comfortable.

Proper Humidity Levels Ensure The Health Of Your Family & Home

There are many signs you need a humidifier. You will know you can benefit from humidifier use when you notice static electricity issues in your home. Left unaddressed, these dry conditions can cause skin and lips to dry and crack, predisposing you to infection and illness. They can also increase airborne dust and worsen asthma/allergy symptoms. Your home structure and furnishings can also dry, crack, and split.

How A Furnace Humidifier Works

Furnace humidifiers connect with a water source and mount to the hot air supply of your furnace, distributing moisture via system ductwork. Furnace humidifiers work in tandem with your furnace or heating unit, turning on/off based on your chosen humidistat/thermostat settings, typically when the relative humidity drops below 30-50%. When in-use, they produce moisture, infusing it with furnace-heated air.

When your system is in heat mode, simply engage your humidifier by adjusting humidistat dial settings. Turn until you hear a click to determine current humidity levels in your home, changing settings accordingly. If your heating system has a bypass damper, make sure the damper is in ‘open’ or ‘winter’ position and parallel to the duct. If you see water draining from the humidifier while your system is running, your humidifier is in operation.

Types Of Humidifiers

• Steam
  Steam humidifiers are the most efficient style and also require the least maintenance, however, this comes at a higher initial cost. They self-generate steam, boiling water on-demand, and injecting steam into the heated air from your furnace.
• Flow-Through
  Moderately priced flow-through humidifiers are more reliable than reservoir systems and require less maintenance. They rely on water tapped into the system from an existing water pipe, which drips across a specially coated screen. The furnace blower induces evaporation while the system is running, distributing moisture through your home.
• Reservoir
  Reservoir systems use a rotating drum of water to create moisture. They are inexpensive, but the least efficient furnace humidifier style. Because they remain full of water, they are also prone to mold issues, requiring more frequent disinfection maintenance.

A Whole House Humidifier Is An Affordable Addition

A whole house humidifier, added to your furnace, uses a nominal amount of energy, adding and distributing moisture via evaporation, and allowing you to operate your system at a lower thermostat setting, saving energy and money.

Ensure comfort, health, and energy savings with a furnace humidifier. Contact your local air conditioning service company to learn more today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/how-does-a-furnace-humidifier-work/

Keep Your Basement Warm in the Winter with these Tips

If you use your basement for more than simple storage, you know it can get pretty chilly down there in the winter. For those with bedrooms or recreational areas in the basement, keeping them warm in the winter can be a challenge. Despite the natural insulation of the earth, which keeps your basement comfortable in moderate temperatures, in the bitter cold of winter, this earthen insulation is not enough. Fortunately, there are a few ways to keep your basement warm and comfortable in the winter.

Tips for Keeping Your Basement Warm without Inflating Your Energy Bill

• Infrastructure improvements
  These improvements cost less over the long-term, and don’t involve a heating and cooling system overhaul or added energy expenses:
  • Seal leaks and cracks in the basement structure.
    Seal cracks in concrete flooring and walls, and gaps surrounding windows and doors with the appropriate foam insulation, caulk, or weather stripping.
  • Add more insulation.
    Outfit your basement walls with rolls or spray foam insulation covered by drywall or paneling sheath for a warmer environment and sleek, finished looking.
  • Replace dated, worn, windows and doors with more energy-efficient options.
    If your basement windows and walkout doors are warped or broken, or hold single-pane glass, replacing them with new, more efficient, double or triple-paned glass options that more effectively seal can make a noticeable difference.
  • Add carpeting or area rugs.
    Throw rugs and carpeting add warmth and insulation in dry basements.
• Home heating unit additions
  Sometimes infrastructure improvements are not enough for a comfortable basement environment. In these cases, additional heating may be required, such as:
  • Installing basement vents.
    Depending on the design of your home and your system, incorporating a heating vent into your basement may solve your comfort issues.
  • Floor heating.
    Adding a radiant heat system to your basement floor will not only make your basement warmer but the floor and furnishings as well. These electrically-powered systems circulate hot water beneath your basement floor, warming the cement with heat, which rises throughout the room. Floor heating is easily added with new construction, however incorporating it into existing basements can be more involved.
  • An additional heating unit.
    A basement specific heating unit, such as a Mitsubishi ductless air conditioner or electric baseboard heater, may offer the comfort you are yearning for. You may also consider wood and pellet stoves, however keep in mind, these require the hauling of fuel and frequent maintenance.
  • A space heater.
    Electric space heaters are easy to use, but not without expense and risk. If you use these heaters frequently, you will definitely see a difference in your energy bill. Use them with care to avoid fire dangers, locating them far from flammable materials and turning them off and unplugging them when not in use.

Stay comfortable all year long with the help of the home comfort experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to learn more about affordable basement heating additions today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/keep-your-basement-warm-in-the-winter-with-these-tips/