6 Reasons Why Your AC is Not Controlling Indoor Humidity Well

Is your home sticky and uncomfortable? With today’s COVID concerns, it’s more important than ever to maintain proper humidity levels in your home. COVID and other viruses and bacteria thrive and spread in both very low and very high humidity conditions. Keeping relative humidity levels in your home between 40-60% is best to safeguard your family’s health. How can you improve the performance of your air conditioner, gaining control of moisture levels in your home?

Change Speeds

Old or “economy” systems that offer only one fan speed (on or off) can experience the same problem as a system that is too large to offer effective humidity control, running at full blast in temperature is achieved, then cycling off again. When it’s time for a new air conditioner, consider upgrading to a modulating/variable fan system for more precise, efficient performance and improved comfort humidity control. Your wallet will thank you.

Use Different Thermostat Settings

While the movement of air in your home can make you feel cooler, using your “fan on” setting on your thermostat will not remove excess humidity. Instead, it can make humidity issues worse, blowing moisture your unit is trying to remove back into your home.

Add Whole House Humidification And Dehumidification Protection

Whole house dehumidifiers and humidifiers, added to your central comfort system, ensure ideal relative humidity in your home year-round. Dehumidification in the summer prevents the proliferation and spread of dangerous microorganisms. Humidification in the winter also reduces the incidence of airborne virus, bacteria, dust, and other irritants which easily spread in dry air.

Address Air Pressure Issues

If you feel a whoosh of air every time you open a door or window, your home could have negative air pressure issues. In this scenario, pressure attempts to equalize, drawing outside air into your home through every open door, window, crack, and crevice. In the summer, when humidity levels are high, this includes muggy air. If you fear your home is affected by this phenomenon, talk to an HVAC pro regarding ventilation system changes that can help you correct this issue.

Purchase A Smaller Unit

Improperly sized systems, specifically those too large for your home, are ineffective at removing moisture, and often struggle to maintain temperature. A telltale sign is a system that turns off and on frequently. In this case, the air conditioner never runs long enough to remove moisture from the air. Talk to a licensed, experienced HVAC technician – not a builder – to ensure a new system that’s a perfect fit.

Upgrade Your Aging Unit

Aging systems, particularly those over 10 years old, don’t run as efficiently as they did when new. When maintenance has been neglected, wear can increase exponentially, leading to inconsistent temperatures, inadequate cooling, and poor humidity control. If your older system is struggling to handle your home comfort needs, and preventative maintenance and a coil cleaning does not fix the issue, it may be time to invest in a new system.

Don’t sweat humidity issues in your home. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a system consultation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/6-reasons-why-your-ac-is-not-controlling-indoor-humidity-well/

AC Not Blowing Cold Air? Here's What May Be Wrong

What’s wrong with my air conditioner? If your air conditioner is not blowing cold air – or not blowing air at all – it may not mean the end of your ac unit. In fact, in many cases, this problem has a simple fix.

Why Isn’t My AC Blowing Cold Air?

• Reasons For AC Blowing Warm Air

  • Improper Thermostat Setting
    If your AC is alternating between blowing warm and cold air, check to see if your thermostat fan is set to “on.” In this setting, your system will blow air constantly – even if it is not cooling air. Simply switch your thermostat to the “auto” setting and the problem is solved.
  • Dirty Air Filter
    If your system is outfitted with a filthy home air filter, it can thwart proper circulation, forcing your system to work harder and impacting performance. If your air filter is very dirty, replace it and see if this addresses the problem.
  • Outside Unit Smothered by Vegetation or Debris
    Your unit needs breathing room to perform properly. Check for and clear weeds and detritus around your outdoor unit, ensuring ample circulation. If you notice your fan is not working, contact your local AC repairman for a professional assessment here.

• Reasons No Air Is Blowing From Supply Vents

  • Improper Temperature Setting
    If your system isn’t blowing air at all, make sure the temperature setting is at least 5 degrees cooler than the air in your home. Also, check and make sure other family members haven’t altered thermostat settings, turning the unit to “heat” or “off.”
  • Dirty Air Filter
    If your system has operated with a dirty air filter for a long time, or the filter is so dirty it has completely blocked air flow, it may have a frozen coil. In this case, after you change your air filter, you may have to turn your system off and wait a while – up to several hours – for the coil to thaw to verify proper operation.
  • Electrical Issues
    There are a number of ways electrical issues could impact air conditioner performance. A unit that has experienced a surge could trip a circuit breaker, cutting power to the unit. If this is not the problem, check the power switches at the outside unit and the air handler (inside unit). There are a number of scenarios in which they may have been turned off. If you are able to get your system back in operation, and this problem repeats itself, your air conditioner may be overheating. In this case, fast emergency repair service is highly recommended to prevent damage to the system.

Are you still puzzled as to why your AC is not blowing cold air? Get down to the source of the problem quickly, reduce snowballing repair costs, and safeguard your system’s lifespan. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for a system inspection today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/ac-not-blowing-cold-air-heres-what-may-be-wrong/

Is it Time to Replace Your Air Ducts? Signs You May Be Missing

Air ducts are a commonly overlooked component of residential AC systems. The hidden placement of these essential components, which shuttle conditioned air throughout your home to keep it comfortable, results in them being frequently forgotten when it comes to maintenance and repairs. How can you tell if your air ducts are ailing?

Signs It is Time to Replace Your Air Ducts 

• Age of ductwork
  AC ducts last about 10 years, on average. However, like other air conditioning components, they are also susceptible to wear and tear. Over time seals can deteriorate and joints can wear, affecting HVAC performance.
• Noisy operation
  Noisy ducts often indicate damage or obstruction and the need for repair or replacement.
• Poor airflow or uneven temperatures
  Damaged, dirty, or clogged ductwork can cause poor airflow, uneven temperatures, and an uncomfortable home. If you are experiencing hot and cold spots, schedule a ductwork inspection.
• AC struggles to maintain temperature
  If your air conditioning system is struggling to cool your home, and you’ve already tried changing your air filter to improve performance, it may be wise to have your ducts inspected and tested.
• High energy bills
  If your worn ducts are causing conditioned air to leak into uninsulated attic and crawlspaces, it will force your system to work harder to maintain temperature in your home, raising energy costs.
• Ductwork damage
  Dents and punctures can dramatically affect airflow and subsequently the effectiveness of your cooling system. If you can visibly see such damage, it’s a good idea to have the damage assessed by a heating and cooling pro. They will have the expertise to determine whether repair or complete replacement is the best way to handle the damage.
• Musty odors
  Any time your smell musty odors coming from your ductwork, this is a cause for concern and immediate attention. If your ductwork is moldy, every time your system runs it will distribute mold spores and musty odors, negatively impacting indoor air quality throughout your home. This could exacerbate asthma and allergies and potentially cause serious health issues. In this instance, though duct cleaning may help, complete duct replacement is a better solution.
• Improper design/poor installation
  Ductwork must be carefully designed and strategically placed to ensure optimal cooling performance throughout your home, as well as to preserve the lifespan of your HVAC unit. If the ductwork in your home was improperly designed or installed, replacement is a must. Even if your system is brand new, poorly constructed ductwork makes an efficient system and comfortable home difficult to achieve. This issue is a leading cost of energy loss in homes nationwide.

Don’t let your ductwork turn to dust. Keep things clean and sealed with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule a duct inspection today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/is-it-time-to-replace-your-air-ducts-signs-you-may-be-missing/

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/