Rust in Your Furnace? Here's what you need to know

Your furnace doesn’t use water to operate like a boiler, and there aren’t any water leaks in the area – so why is it rusty? A rusting furnace can seem strange, but it could point to a larger problem. It’s one of the things an experienced, professional heating repair company will look for when performing maintenance and repairs. If you see rust on your furnace, you shouldn’t run it until it has undergone a professional inspection and earned a clean bill of health.

What Rust On Your Furnace Could Mean

• Surface rust
  While external rust from a nearby moisture source may not be a major problem, it could indicate serious internal issues. Even if you only see rust on the surface of your furnace, avoid using your system until safe operation is verified by an experienced HVAC professional.
• Rust on the heat exchanger
  Rust on the heat exchanger, an internal system component, often goes unseen by the typical homeowner. This is why annual preventative furnace maintenance is crucial. When spots of rust appear on the heat exchanger, it points to the potential risk of the heat exchanger cracking. A rusted, cracked heat exchanger should be replaced or repaired  immediately to avoid the possibility of toxic, potentially deadly combustion gases like carbon monoxide from infiltrating into your home.
• Clogged or blocked condensate line or flue
  When exhaust and drain lines are blocked, the small amount of fluid present as part of gas combustion are not properly transported away, creating a greater likelihood of moisture exposure and corrosion within the system (such as the aforementioned heat exchanger).
• Old age
  Long years of use can cause corrosion from extensive exposure to combustion, making old systems more likely to showcase rust on the heat exchanger. In furnaces more than 15 years old, furnace replacement is a wiser investment than repair. These systems may offer only 60-80% efficiency, compared to newer Energy Star systems boasting performance near 97%, ensuring a rapid return-on-investment and a more comfortable home climate.

How Does Rust Occur If There’s No Water In The System?

There is some water vapor present in the combustion gas collected in your furnace’s heat exchanger. As these gases cool, water vapor can develop. In high-efficiency condensing furnaces, this water vapor moves to a second heat exchanger, where it is condensed, releasing more heat. This is how the metal of the heat exchanger is exposed to water, causing rusting. However, with proper operation, this moisture should be vented out via the condensate line and flue.

Rust on your furnace? Schedule emergency service and repair right away. We offer 24/7 service at no additional cost to you, so you can rest assured of safe furnace operation. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule service and maintenance now.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/rust-in-your-furnace-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

Upgrading Your Thermostat May Help with Energy Efficiency and Savings. Learn How

Are you looking for ways to lower your electric bill this winter? Save money and improve the performance of your heating and air conditioning system with a new home thermostat. Upgrading the thermostat on your home heating unit to a new programmable smart thermostat model is an easy and inexpensive way to improve your system’s efficiency and save on your monthly heating costs.

How Do Smart Thermostats Help You Save?

Smart thermostat technology offers savings of 10-15 % on average. That’s no small amount since heating and air conditioning accounts for around 50% of the average homeowner’s utility bill. Smart thermostats offer these savings by:

• Adjust thermostat settings when your home is unoccupied
  Smart thermostats monitor when you are away from home, automatically adjusting settings for savings when you are away and ensuring a comfortable environment when you return.
• Offering season-specific settings
  Programming your HVAC system to a cooler setting in the winter (and a warmer setting in the summer) delivers savings. You could save up to 3% on heating and cooling costs for every degree that you adjust the setting.
• Monitoring the performance of your HVAC system
  Many smart thermostat models monitor your heater’s usage patterns and performance in real-time, offering suggestions that could improve savings and lengthen system life.

Save On Installation With Utility Rebates And Incentives

With the help of your local utility company, you could upgrade to a smart thermostat at little or no cost to you. Most utility companies across the US offer incentives of $50-100 for a new Energy Star smart thermostat. The small amount you’ll pay out of pocket for purchase and installation could be quickly recouped in as little as a couple of months.

Learn More About The Latest Smart Thermostat Options

Today’s smart thermostats are nothing like their predecessors. They are easy to set up and use – even for those upgrading from dial-up models. Talk to your local HVAC service pro for assistance finding the right smart thermostat model for your system and family’s needs, such as:

• NEST Learning Thermostat
  This smart Wi-Fi thermostat is a homeowner favorite. It features a sleek, circular, cutting-edge design and built-in motion sensors to learn your routine and preferences, helping you find the sweet spot between comfort and savings.
• Honeywell Lyric
  The budget-friendly Honeywell Lyric is easy to use. This Wi-Fi thermostat offers simple operation with no need for added sensors and no sophisticated learning modes.

Take The Leap With Smart Thermostat Technology

Smart thermostats are operable from your mobile device from anywhere using a simple Wi-Fi connection. Adjust settings, check performance, inquire about upcoming maintenance, and more with the quick touch of a button. Most models integrate with other home automation products as well, including Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and more.

Enjoy the performance and savings of a new thermostat. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about adding a smart Wi-Fi thermostat to your home today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/upgrading-your-thermostat-may-help-with-energy-efficiency-and-savings-learn-how/

Furnace Tune Up: Make Sure It's Done Right With This Checklist

Regular furnace maintenance increases the efficiency of your system and offers significant savings. It costs very little in time and money, giving you the peace of mind your system will perform reliably all winter long. Keep your furnace in peak condition and reduce the need for expensive emergency repair with routine furnace maintenance conducted by a licensed professional who knows what they are doing. What steps will your local furnace maintenance pro go through to make sure your system is in peak operating condition? Here’s what it would look like:

Powering Off The Furnace

A no-brainer, but make sure they turn off the power to the furnace before proceeding with anything else!

Taking Off The Combustion Chamber Door

In most units, lifting up and pulling outward would be all they would need to do to remove the combustion chamber door, but some units may also have a burner cover, held in place by two screws, which they would be removing.

Turning The Power Back On

Once the door and cover are removed, power is turned back ON, along with the temperature setting, to activate your furnace.

Checking The Burner Flames And Carefully Cleaning Burner And Blower Cavities

Burner flame quality is inspected carefully without breathing on flame (which can affect results). By looking at the color of the flame, the  pattern of the flame and by performing a combustion analysis. A furnace maintenance professional will  be able to tell if the burners are dirty or clean. With the power off they will clean and adjust the burners as needed and clean the blower cavities. This cleaning should be careful and thorough, as haphazard cleaning can damage the system or throw it off balance.

Changing The Furnace Filter

Your home air filter should be changed at the start of the season and every 1-3 months for optimal performance. As part of the furnace tuneup, they will typically also replace the filter while they are there.

Clean The Pilot And The Flame Sensor

The pro would clean any dust off the pilot, and clean the flame sensor as well to prevent any potential ignition problems. If the system has a hot surface ignitor instead of the standing pilots/electronic igniter, they would know exactly how to clean it as well, as the cleaning technique for those is different.

Sealing Leaky Ducts

Any leaky ducts they discover would be sealed with metal tape or high-temp silicone.

Adjusting Dampers

If your furnace and AC share ductwork, dampers tpically require adjustement for seasonal changes in use. Summer/winter settings should be marked on the damper handle.

Checking For Backdrafting

The pro should be checking the potentially dangerous backdrafting of carbon monoxide and other dangerous fumes, and immediately address if there seems to be a cause for concern.

Remember, for the safety of yourself and yours, it is best to let a licensed professional handle your furnace maintenance needs. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive annual professional furnace maintenance and inspection today. Ensure a warm, worry-free winter with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/furnace-tune-up-make-sure-its-done-right-with-this-checklist/

Dangers of Furnace maintenance neglect

Are you trying to save a few bucks by stretching the time between furnace maintenance? Like your family’s automobile, your home heating system requires routine care to operate safely, efficiently, and reliably. When you let maintenance routine slide, you run the risk of your system breaking down in the worst of the winter weather, much like you run the risk of ending up stuck roadside at night in your vehicle.

The Dangers of Furnace Neglect Are More than an Inconvenience

With regular, timely furnace maintenance, you can prevent a host of serious issues, including:

• Astronomical energy bills
  Home heating systems that are not properly maintained do not operate as efficiently as well-maintained systems. Because neglected systems have to work harder to heat your home, they will require much more energy to provide heating, which can dramatically impact your energy bills – and your finances.
• Costly heating system repairs
  Your local hvac company knows many homeowners delay furnace maintenance to save money. However, when small problems are overlooked, they lead to added stress on the system, leading to larger, more costly repairs later.
• Reduced furnace life
  When well cared for, quality furnaces last 15-20 years. However, neglected systems pushed to the limit are more likely to run the risk of total breakdown. This usually happens during winter weather extremes and could leave your family without heat when you need it most, while you’re left waiting in line for a new system installation.
• Frozen and burst pipes
  If your heating system completely goes out in the dead of winter, problems can snowball real fast. A broken-down furnace can quickly lead you down the path to frozen pipes in a matter of hours, causing significant water damage in your home.
• Carbon monoxide dangers
  Furnace heat exchangers, which expand and contract as temperatures change, often develop cracks over time. If overlooked, colorless, odorless carbon monoxide gas can leak, undetected, into your home, putting your family in danger. This problem in most cases can be quickly identified with a simple furnace safety inspection.
• Poor indoor air quality
  Poorly maintained furnaces negatively impact the indoor air quality in your home. Though this is not as serious as carbon monoxide dangers, pushing excess dust, allergens, and pollutants throughout the air in your home is not a recipe for good health.
• House fires
  Loose, worn wires, pilot light issues, and more can spark fires – or explosions – in neglected furnaces. These safety issues can be addressed with routine maintenance.

While we offer emergency service 24/7, much like the roadside assistance plan you have on your automobile, it’s best not to need it. Schedule your furnace maintenance now to avoid costly repairs in the height of the winter season when the waitlist for HVAC maintenance is long. Contact H & H Heating & Cooling to schedule home heating system maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/dangers-of-furnace-maintenece-neglect/

4 Common Heat Pump Problems and What You Should Do

Heat pumps have a reputation as a reliable, energy-efficient home heating solution. If you own a heat pump and properly care for it, you shouldn’t experience too many issues. That being said, it’s not uncommon for the occasional technical problem to occur. What are some of the most common heat pump issues?

Heat Pump Won’t Turn On

An inoperable heat pump is often due to a lack of power. First, check the settings on your home thermostat to verify that your system is in heat mode and set to a temperature warmer than the current conditions in your house. Then, check to see if your circuit breaker has tripped on your electrical panel. If you’ve recently purchased a new thermostat, it may not be compatible with your heat pump or may have been wired improperly, which can destroy sensitive thermostat and heat pump components, causing thermostat failure. If you or a general handyman installed your heat pump, a call to an experienced HVAC service professional might be in order.

Heat Pump Blows Cold Air In Heat Mode

If your heat pump is blowing cold air, first make sure it is in heating and not cooling mode. It may also be in defrost mode if the weather is cold. If the latter is the case, after the defrost cycle completes in 10-15 minutes, your system should return to normal operation. If your system continues to blow cold air, try checking for a dirty air filter. Anything that blocks airflow can impact the performance of your heat pump. A dirty air filter is typically the most common culprit, though other offenders may include debris smothering the exterior unit or dirty coils in need of professional cleaning. If none of these solutions fix the issues, it is best to call your local heating repair service to diagnose the problem further.

Heat Pump Is Struggling To Warm Your Home

This situation can be caused by many of the same problems as a system that blows cold air in heat mode, including a dirty home air filter, ductwork that needs to be cleaned, debris like weeds/grass blocking airflow around the exterior unit, or dirty coils. It can also be caused by physical blockages inside your home, such as furnishings blocking vents and registers. All of these issues reduce airflow and system performance.

Strange Smells

Odd smells typically spell trouble for your system and require professional attention. Worrisome odors include:

• A musty smell, which could indicate mold growth inside your unit.
• A rotting smell or the smell of excrement, pointing to animal infiltration into your unit or ductwork.
• A burning smell, indicating serious electrical issues.

Avoid snowballing heat pump repair costs. Don’t wait to fix heat pump problems. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule service for your system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/4-common-heat-pump-problems-and-what-you-should-do/

Did you know a bad thermostast can ruin your HVAC?

Are you hanging on to your persnickety old thermostat because you’re trying to get your money’s worth? You could be doing harm to your home heating system – and costing yourself more in the long run. Your thermostat is part of your HVAC system, not a separate component. When it’s not working right, it could lead you to believe you’re having heating system troubles when it’s really just your faulty thermostat. How can a bad thermostat ruin your HVAC?

Mis-Calibrated Thermostats That Read The Wrong Temperature Impact Comfort

Miscalibrated thermostats that read the temperature in your home as either too hot or too cold can cause your heating system to turn off before your home reaches your preferred temperature or keep running long after it achieves the desired warmth. This may not mean you need a new thermostat. In many cases, an HVAC professional can recalibrate your thermostat to monitor the temperature correctly.

Poorly Located Thermostats Can’t Get A Good Read On The Actual Temperature

A thermostat located in direct sunlight, installed on exterior drafty walls, near appliances like stoves or in other inopportune locations won’t give an accurate reading of the actual temperature in your home. Thermostats must be properly located in the center of your home near a return register, away from windows, direct sunlight, and heat/cold producing appliances for proper function. Otherwise, your heating system will think it is hotter or colder than it is and turn on and off at the wrong times, creating an uncomfortable home environment.

Thermostats With Loose Wiring Cannot Power Essential Components

Most home thermostats have four wires: Two to turn the blower on and off, and two to turn the heater on and off. If these wires loosen with age or are damaged, the thermostat will no longer be able to control these essential parts of your home heater. If your system won’t stop running or fails to respond to changes to your thermostat settings, it could point to wiring troubles. Scheduling a timely assessment with your local heating repair company is strongly advised to prevent system damage.

Software Issues With Smart Wi-Fi Thermostats Can Cause System Malfunctions

Like your mobile device or home computer, smart Wi-Fi thermostats that run using software can malfunction or glitch. The manufacturer may be aware of these issues, offering troubleshooting advice via their user manual or website. However, if you can’t solve the problem by following these instructions and you’ve tried a system reboot (turning the thermostat off and back on again), you may need expert assistance.

Not Sure If Your Thermostat Is Bad? Watch For These Signs

• The thermostat has no power.
• HVAC won’t turn on or constantly runs without stopping.
• No temperature change after thermostat adjustment.
• Setting and home temperature don’t match.

Unsure of what’s behind your heating system issues? Trust the experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to the bottom of system malfunction mysteries. Contact us to schedule a diagnostic visit today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/did-you-know-a-bad-thermostast-can-ruin-your-hvac/

Here's How to Prepare your HVAC for a Home Renovation

Are you excited about your much-awaited home renovation? Don’t rush-in without preparing your HVAC system first! Whether you’re removing a wall, revamping your bathroom, or gutting your kitchen, construction debris can wreak havoc on your heating and air conditioning system. How can you protect your HVAC system from harm?

Change Your Air Filter At The Beginning And End Of Home Renovation

Renovation activities release massive amounts of dust and debris, which can circulate throughout your home in the air your family breathes. Changing your hvac filter before you begin renovating can reduce airborne particles, helping your system trap the maximum amount of dust and debris. Changing the filter again when the project is done will ensure any captured dust and debris from the renovation is removed from your home. A clean filter is essential to a well-performing system, facilitating the free flow of air and reducing energy costs and strain on your system.

Remove Furnishing That Can Trap And Redistribute Construction Debris Later

Fabric items around the home, such as curtains, throws, and rugs, can trap construction dust, releasing it back into the air, into your ducts, and into your HVAC system after renovations are complete. To prevent the unnecessary accumulation of contaminants:

1. Remove and store as many of these items as possible.
2. Cover those you cannot remove with plastic tarps.
3. When your project is complete, wipe down all hard surfaces and deep clean those you are unable to protect, such as wall-to-wall carpeting.

Don’t Run Your HVAC System During Home Renovation 

To prevent contaminants and dirt from damaging your system and being distributed throughout your home, do not run your heating and air conditioning system during construction. Close your air vents and registers to prevent the need for duct cleaning later. Airborne contaminants that get into your HVAC unit can impact indoor air quality in your home and decrease the efficiency and lifespan of your system.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance Once Renovation Is Complete

Particles like drywall dust and sawdust are quite small, and despite your best efforts, may still make their way into your system, affecting its performance, and causing:

• Filthy, clogged air filters.
• Poor performance and unusually high energy bills.
• Frequent temperature fluctuations.
• Excess dust throughout your home.
• Poor indoor air quality that impacts the health of your family.

To reduce the likelihood of unexpected heating and air conditioning system repairs, scheduling a professional cleaning and inspection after your project is complete is highly recommended. Your local HVAC pro can quickly manage debris and dust buildup on key system components such as your blower, coils, and ductwork, heading off problems at the pass.

Keep your system safe during home renovation, and year-round, with the help of H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to learn more about our affordable Comfort Club agreements for maintaining your system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heres-how-to-prepare-your-hvac-for-a-home-renovation/