Self Help Guide To HVAC That Everyone Should Know

While routine preventative maintenance is an essential part of a well-functioning HVAC system, not every task requires the skills of a professional. There are many crucial maintenance tasks that can be easily performed by homeowners. How can you keep your system healthy and reduce air conditioning repair and maintenance costs?

Regularly Replace Home Air Filters

Replacing your home air filter is the single most important thing you can do to keep your system in good working order. A dirty filter puts strain on your system, forcing it to work harder to move air, reducing its efficiency. Change filters every 30-90 days ensures optimal performance.

Keep Your Outside Unit Clear of Weeds & Debris

Check your outdoor unit weekly, keeping it clear of grass, weeds, and debris that can restrict airflow and reduce the efficiency and lifespan of the system. It’s best to leave two feet of space surrounding the unit.

Clean Vents & Registers

Wipe down the vents and registers on your air conditioning system regularly. Clearing this dust and debris keeps it out of your system.

Turn Off Your Humidifier in Humid Summer Months

While humidifiers are great on cold, dry winter days, they can make your home uncomfortable and muggy during hot summer months. Once the cool weather passes, give your humidifier a summer break.

Be Mindful of Noises

If you notice any odd noises when your system is operating, try to identify the source. Noises are often caused by blocked vents and registers, debris stuck in vents or loose bolts on registers. If you can’t find the source, this handy guide may help you narrow down the culprit.

Use Fans to Take a Load Off Your System on Summer’s Hottest Days

Use fans whenever possible to give your air conditioner a break on summer’s hottest days, lengthening the lifespan of your system and saving on energy bills. Fans can help circulate cool air through your home, bringing the temperature down more quickly. They also produce a wind-chill effect, making you feel up to 7 degrees cooler, allowing you to adjust settings on your system while remaining comfortable.

Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home

Air leaks directly impact the performance of your system. Prevent wasting energy and money, keeping as much cold air in your house as possible, sealing leaks around windows, doors, plumbing, and more with weather-stripping, caulk and spray foam.

Maintain Your Warranty

Annual professional maintenance is required to maintain the warranty on your heating and cooling system. Scheduling maintenance in the spring or fall, before your system will see heavy use, is all it takes to check it off your HVAC to-do list.

Manage maintenance with a single call. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/self-help-guide-to-hvac-that-everyone-should-know/

Quick Tips To Keep Your HVAC Running This Summer

A cool, air-conditioned room on a hot summer’s day is a beautiful thing. By paying your HVAC system a little attention, you can ensure continued comfort and enjoyment through the season while reducing the costs of cooling your home. Which AC maintenance tasks will help you improve system performance?

Frequent Air Filter Changes

When airflow is obstructed by dust and debris in the filter, your system has to work harder to maintain temperature. This simple maintenance task has a huge impact on the health of your system, reducing energy usage up to 15%. You should replace your filter monthly unless you have a special filter and are otherwise advised by your local AC technician.

A Clear Zone Around Your Outside Unit

Clearing grass, weeds, and debris from the areas surrounding your outside unit once a month during summer when the plants and weeds are growing fast, ensures adequate airflow and better temperature control.

A Smart Thermostat Addition

Smart thermostats are an excellent way to improve comfort while reducing your energy bill. Smart thermostats allow you to set your home to a warmer temperature when away, later shifting to a cooler temperature so you can be comfortable when you return. The best smart thermostats also offer suggestions on how to further reduce energy use.

Clear Drain Lines

Drain lines must be kept clear to ensure optimal performance and comfort. When clogged, moisture collected by your air conditioning system will not be shuttled out of your home, resulting in comfortably humid temperatures and the potential for damaging leaks. To ensure proper flow, check drain lines regularly, clearing mold, mildew, and algae blockages with a wet-dry vac.

Whole House Dehumidifier Maintenance

While your air conditioner does provide some dehumidification, it is not a complete solution. For homes with a whole-house humidifier, performing routine dehumidifier maintenance is crucial to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate and good indoor air quality.

Annual System Maintenance

Your air conditioner is the largest consumer of energy in your home. Routine system maintenance, at least once per year, will pay you back many times, reducing unexpected repair bills and ensuring safe, efficient operation.

Regular System Maintenance Prevents Problems

With routine homeowner maintenance, you can prevent little AC issues from becoming big problems, reducing repair bills and lengthening the lifespan of your system. It also improves system performance, cooling your home faster, and reducing energy use. Having your unit serviced by a professional technician also ensures your warranty is protected in the event of future problems.

Has it been a while since your last maintenance visit? Now is the time to schedule air conditioner service before system failure leaves you sweating an emergency repair bill on the hottest day of summer. Ensure comfort and efficiency all summer long. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule summer service today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/quick-tips-to-keep-your-hvac-running-this-summer/

Common HVAC Problems In Summer

Air conditioning system malfunctions during the unbearable heat of the summer are very common. They often take homeowners by surprise, leaving you sweating the cost of a repair bill. What could be the problem? Your AC system may be down due to one of these common issues.

1. Clogged AC Filter

This is a common reason for service calls. If your system is running, but your home is not cooling properly, check for a dirty air filter. When airflow is obstructed, it makes it difficult for your system to maintain temperature. If left unaddressed, this can lead to a frozen coil and abnormally high energy bills.

2. Improperly Set Thermostat or Tripped Breaker

In these events, your system won’t respond at all. However, this is an easy fix, requiring the simple flip of a breaker and verification of proper thermostat settings.

3. Faulty Thermostat

If your HVAC system keeps running long after your home has reached temperature, you could have a faulty thermostat. This problem is common with old, non-programmable thermostats. A knowledgeable AC technician will be able to recommend a compatible alternative in your price range.

4. AC Capacitor Burnout

The capacitor stores energy needed to operate the AC compressor. Your system has two capacitors – one to start the system and the other to run it. If either burns it, your air conditioner will no longer function. It is dangerous to check or manually replace a capacitor, as these devices store electricity. Always leave this job to a pro!

5. Clogged Drain Lines

Clear drain lines are crucial to maintaining proper humidity levels within your home. As moisture is filtered out of the air by your system, it is collected and shuttled out of your home via the drain lines. If they become clogged with dirt, mildew, mold, or algae, water could backflow inside your system, possibly damaging other AC components. A wet-dry vacuum is an easy way to clear blockages from clogged drain lines, and can save you the cost of emergency repairs.

6. Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant is an essential component of your air conditioning system, absorbing heat and facilitating the cooling and dehumidification of air. If your system is struggling to maintain temperature or not cooling your home at all, you may have a refrigerant leak. This is a common problem. It’s not enough to simply top off your system, as costly refrigerant will just leak back out. Finding and fixing the leak before refilling your system is essential to protecting your bottom line – and the environment.

Are you still scratching your head over air conditioner malfunction? We have the resources and know-how to solve even the trickiest AC problems. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule fast repairs today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/common-hvac-problems-in-summer/

Save Energy & Money This Summer! 8 Tips To Improving Comfort & Efficiency

Keeping your home cool isn’t cheap. Fortunately, there are ways to stay cool and comfortable without breaking the bank – with and without your Bryant AC system. What are the secrets to controlling your energy bills while maximizing comfort?

Budget-Friendly Ways to Stay Cool this Summer

1. Create shade.
   Reduce solar heat gain indoors and out. Landscape around your home with tall shrubbery or trees. Indoors, seal sunlight out with blinds or insulated curtains. For summer, drapes with a white backing are best for deflecting the sun.
2. Block sunlight.
   Tinted or reflective window coverings block solar heat, preventing it from warming your home.
3. Cool off with cross ventilation.
   If you live in a single-story home, cross ventilation is another way to stay cool without running the AC. Choose two windows on opposite sides of your home, placing a box fan in one, blower side in. In the opposite window, place the other fan, blower out. This will help move warm air out of your home as cooler outdoor air moves in.
4. Save with ceiling fans.
   Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect on your skin, helping you feel up to 7 degrees cooler without air conditioning. Too hot for fans alone? Running them in conjunction with your air conditioning will allow you to adjust settings for energy savings while still enjoying a cool, comfortable home.
5. Improve the performance of your air conditioner.
   On the dog days of summer, when AC use is a must, make sure you get the most bang for your energy buck with a well-tended system. Make sure ductwork is sealed, as leaky ducts can reduce system efficiency by up to 40%. Likewise, plug leaks that allow cool conditioned air to escape, like those around doors, windows, and plumbing. Change your air filter, and clean the space surrounding your outside unit. These easy tasks allow your AC system to flow more freely and efficiently.
6. Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.
   Today’s programmable thermostats are extremely affordable, offering large paybacks in energy savings. They automatically switch to warmer temperatures when your home is unoccupied, changing to a cooler temperature to ensure a comfortable return after work/school hours.
7. Step up to a more efficient system.
   When it’s time to replace your ailing AC system, look to a high SEER model with an Energy Star label. Energy Star air conditioning systems offer significant savings on monthly energy costs and often qualify for rebates and tax incentives.  

Can’t stand the heat? Stay cool and save money with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact for a system performance check today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/save-energy-money-this-summer-8-tips-to-improving-comfort-efficiency/

Buying A New HVAC? Here Are Some Smart Shopping Tips

Purchasing a new heating and cooling unit is a big investment – one of the largest ones you’ll make in your home. Gathering basic knowledge on terminology, system styles, and brands, and pricing will ensure you get the most out of your HVAC purchase.

Know Your AC System Types

Central Air Conditioner (typically start at $3,500)

Central air conditioners are typically installed as part of a “split system,” paired with a heat source such as a furnace or boiler. Central air units use refrigerant, compressors, and coils to cool air, distributing it via ductwork through your home with the help of a fan/blower system.

Air Source Heat Pump (typically start at $5,500)

This variation on a central air conditioner can provide both heating and cooling. They cost a bit more upfront, but are extremely energy-efficient, quickly recouping this extra expense. In the case of air source heat pumps, they work by transferring heat, moving it outside in the summer, and inside in the winter. Like central AC systems, they also use refrigerant, compressors, and coils, and distribute air via ductwork with the help of a fan/blower.

Geothermal Heat Pump (typically start at $25,000)

Geothermal heat pumps work much the same way as air source heat pumps but rely on the constant temperatures within the ground. They are super-efficient, using 25-50% less energy than conventional systems. Like air source heat pumps, ground-source heat pumps provide both air and heat, and can also be used to heat water and operate radiant heat flooring systems.

Ductless Mini Split Heat Pump (typically start at $3,000)

Mini-split heat pumps also work by shuttling heat. They are easier to install than central and heat pump systems but cost more upfront. However, they are extremely efficient, making them an increasingly popular choice. Mitsubishi ductless air conditioners feature multiple indoor units, which distribute air within the home, connected to a compressor located outdoors. Because they require no ducts and components connect via only small refrigerant lines, they are a great choice for small/historic homes with little space for these structures. They also work well for cooling garages and new home additions and are an ideal solution for those who want independent control of room temperature across multiple areas of the home.

Talk To A Knowledgeable Contractor

Your local air conditioning company will be able to help you determine which of the units above is best for your home size, area climate, budget, and comfort needs. Once you decide on the type of system you want for your home, you’ll want to compare air conditioner brands and get estimates on installation costs. At H & H, we’ve been providing trusted A+ BBB and Angie’s List Super Service Award-winning services to Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery County residents for over 30 years.

Learn more about our 100% no lemon, money-back guarantee, available purchase incentives, 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/buying-a-new-hvac-here-are-some-smart-shopping-tips/

Guide To Staying Safe While Calling Your HVAC Technician

If your air conditioner is broken and you find yourself weighing the pros and cons of suffering through the summer with air conditioning against potential coronavirus exposure, you’re not alone. The need for HVAC service is stressful enough without the added complication of potential ramifications of system service during a global health pandemic. Fortunately, it is possible to get AC work done safely during the pandemic, even with a service technician inside your home.

Tips For COVID-Safe HVAC Service

• Only work with companies with a pandemic safety plan in place to ensure your safety.
• If you’ve been sick in the last 14 days, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends rescheduling your appointment. We are happy to assist you with a later appointment to stop the potential spread of COVID 19.
• If you’re healthy and need air conditioning service or repair, the DOH recommends maintaining the typical 6-foot social distancing recommendations.
• Do not touch your face with unwashed hands, and wash your hands well with warm soap and water at least 20 seconds before/after touching any potentially contaminated surfaces.

We’ve Instituted A Number Of Safety Measures To Ensure Pandemic Protection 

To keep our customers and employees safe we’ve instituted a number of new procedures, including:

• Monitoring our team members’ health daily, taking regular temperature checks, and practicing social distancing.
• Contacting our customers prior to performing heating and air conditioning service to ensure everyone in the household has not been sick within the last 14 days.
• Scheduling appointments only in households where members have been symptom-free for two weeks after exposure or signs of illness.
• Wearing masks, safety glasses, and new shoe covers and gloves in each house.
• Routinely utilizing hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes on mobile devices used in the field.
• Specialized chemicals used for the disinfection of items such as tools, gauges, repair parts, within our service and parts trucks.
• Continual monitoring of the pandemic and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure adherence to the latest guidelines.

We Excel At “No Contact” Communication

To meet the needs of our concerned customers, we now offer the option of Virtual HVAC Estimates using video conferencing software. We can also complete any necessary paperwork digitally, sending estimates via email/text and using electronic signatures on contracts.

We’re Here For You Through The Pandemic

We will continue to provide 24/7 HVAC repair at no additional cost, so you can access affordable heating and air conditioning repairs, even those that occur outside ‘normal’ 9 to 5 business hours. We’ve been ensuring our customers’ homes are safe, healthy, and comfortable for over 35 years, and will continue to provide trusted service throughout the pandemic. We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure health and safety as we navigate the evolving COVID crisis. Our highest priority is the safety of your family and our team.

Schedule COVID-safe service. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/guide-to-staying-safe-while-calling-your-hvac-technician/

What could those noises coming from your air conditioner mean? Today’s high-efficiency cooling units are exceptionally quiet, featuring sound dampening technology and variable speed compressors that keep noise levels low (below 55 decibels). Noises emitted by your system during operation should be unnoticeable, so if you hear strange sounds, they shouldn’t be ignored.

Why Is My AC Making Noise?

These sounds could indicate your system needs to be repaired or replaced.

• Clicking
  The clicking on and off of system components at start-up and shutdown can be a normal part of operation – but these noised should not be constant. If you hear repeated clicking, you may have a failing thermostat or other electronic control. Because there are many electrical components in your system, it is essential to manage clicking noises quickly to avoid bigger issues down the road.
• Buzzing
  Buzzing can be caused by many issues, including loose or out of balance parts (blower, fan, copper lines), or the near failure of components. Buzzing can also be a sign of neglected simple maintenance needs, such as home air filter replacement, coil cleaning, or inadequate refrigerant levels.
• Humming
  Humming usually isn’t serious unless it’s a compressor that hums and refuses to start. In most cases, it points to electrical issues (loose wiring).
• Banging
  Banging noises often indicate a loose or broken part in the compressor, such as a pin, rod, valves, piston, or crankshaft. In the case of compressor issues, it could mean replacement. Banging can also be a sign your indoor blower is unbalanced.
• Clanking
  Clanking also typically indicates a loose part or component. It can also indicate out of balance components, such as blower or fan blades out of alignment coming in contact with other parts. These issues often lead to bigger problems when ignored. Once parts inside the unit have failed, or the compressor has become loose, system replacement may be necessary.
• Rattling
  Rattling, chattering sounds can indicate loose parts (fan, electrical components, casing screws/bolts), or indicate your system is deteriorating and may soon require replacement. Like buzzing, rattling may also result from twigs clogging the system, the need for a coil cleaning, or air filter replacement.
• Squealing
  A quick squeal on startup can be normal for some systems, occurring from day one.  Squealing, squeaks, and rattles with a rapid onset, heard through the duct system, however, could indicate fan or blower motor malfunctions.
• Screaming
  High pitched screaming or whistling noises indicate a potentially dangerous situation. Turn off your system immediately. Contact your local air conditioning service company ASAP. Screaming noises may indicate dangerously high pressure in the compressor. Your system may shut itself off as a safeguard.

Don’t Ignore Strange AC Sounds

Ignoring the sounds your system is making could result in minor issues turning into major repair costs. Oftentimes, a simple tune-up or minor maintenance will remedy issues and prevent repair costs from spiraling.

Is your system crying for help? Get it the attention it needs fast. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/why-is-my-ac-making-noise/