AC Unit Freezing up in Summer? Yes it happens.

It’s a common occurrence: Your AC system isn’t cooling your home, blowing warm air, or doing nothing at all. You scope out the situation, only to find your coils or refrigerant lines encased in ice. It’s pushing 100 degrees outside – how is it possible it’s frozen? An AC unit freezing up in the summer is a common issue. Fortunately, you can restore it to proper operation by getting to the heart of what caused the malfunction.

Why Does My AC Freeze Up In The Summer?

Airflow, system pressure, and temperature play major roles in the performance of your air conditioner. When issues occur that disrupt this balance, key components can freeze. Our air conditioning contractors see the following top culprits for this:

• Insufficient airflow

Clogged air filter

Dirty home air filters don’t allow sufficient airflow for your system to perform effectively. This is the most common reason for HVAC system repair – and it’s preventable. We recommend checking your air filter first. If it’s caked with dust and dirt, replace it – especially if it’s been more than 3 months since you last changed it. Turn your system off until it defrosts. Then your system should return to normal operation.

Fan or blower motor malfunction

Constant airflow is essential to prevent humidity from settling (and freezing) on coils. When electrical or mechanical issues lead to fan or blower malfunction, the lack of airflow can quickly lead to a frozen AC unit. To identify and address this situation, you’ll need the help of a pro.

Vent or ductwork blockages

Closing or blocking supply or return ducts with furniture or blockages in ducts can reduce airflow and cause a frozen unit. Clear all return ducts and close no more than 2-3 supply ducts, ensuring free flow of air.

• Low refrigerant pressure

Low refrigerant levels impact pressure in the system, causing coil temperatures to plummet and nearby water vapor to freeze, forming frost and eventually ice. Finding the leak and restoring refrigerant to proper levels is essential to permanently addressing this issue. As with fan/blower malfunction, professional assistance is necessary to manage refrigerant issues. Keep in mind, however, for some older systems wearing in dated components may make eliminating leaks difficult. Due to the cost of refrigerant, HVAC system replacement may be the most cost-effective solution.

• Clogged drain lines

Clogged drain lines cause water to back up, creating a high moisture environment that makes your evaporator coil more susceptible to freezing. A wet/dry vac can help you quickly dislodge algae and debris causing clogs. Once your system thaws, it should be back in action.

• Cool summer evenings

Less than optimal operating temperatures can lead to frozen components. When evenings are cooler than expected (near or below 60 degrees), there may not be enough heat to absorb during the cooling cycle.

Frozen AC system leaving you all hot and bothered? Get it repaired in a flash. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule air conditioning repair and maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/ac-unit-freezing-up-in-summer-yes-it-happens/

What Is An Air Scrubber And How Does It Work?

What is an Air Scrubber, and how does it work? An Air Scrubber can improve indoor air quality throughout your entire home. This whole-house air purification system is installed in the ductwork of your home HVAC systems. It features next-generation technology that can purify every cubic inch of air pumped through your home.

How Does The Air Scrubber Work?

The Air Scrubber by Aerus neutralizes contaminants instantly. It provides an ideal solution for sick building syndrome. Unlike traditional air filtration methods, which require particles to pass through a medium to eliminate pollutants, it operates proactively, removing contaminants from the air as well as those on surfaces throughout your home. Patented Active Pure technology, originally developed for use on the International Space Station, destroys 99% of airborne and surface pollutants, providing clean, fresh air with no need to open windows.

The Air Scrubber system uses light waves and a catalytic process, producing “scrubber” ions and hydroperoxides that neutralize contaminants. The power of microscopic oxygen and water molecules in the air transforms into powerful oxidizers that attack and destroy pollutants in the air and on surfaces throughout your home. This purification power reaches every crack and crevice, offering “no-touch” cleaning never seen before.

What Contaminants Can The Air Scrubber Remove?

Double-blind studies show the Air Scrubber can improve indoor air quality and reduce surface contamination, effectively removing:

• Airborne particulates, including:
  • Dust
  • Dander
  • Pollen
• Airborne microbials including:
  • DNA Viruses
    • Adenovirus
    • Smallpox
    • HPV
    • Herpes virus
    • Hepatitis B
    • Phi-Xq47 bacteriophage
    • And more
  • RNA Viruses
    • Influenza
    • Common cold
    • SARS-CoV-2
    • Hepatitis C and E
    • Ebola
    • Rabies
    • Polio
    • West Nile
    • MS2 baceriophage
    • And more
  • Gram Positive Bacteria
    • Listeria spp.
    • Streptococcus spp.
    • Microococcus spp.
    • Staph epidermidis
    • And more
  • Gram Negative Bacteria
    • E Coli
    • Pseudomonas
    • Salmonella
    • Haemophilus
    • Enterobacter
    • And more
  • Bacterial Spores
    • Bacillus subtilis
    • Clostridium difficile
    • Sporolactobacillus dextrus
  • Fungal Spores & Mold
    • Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold)
    • Aspergillus versicolor
    • Cladosporium herbarum
    • Aspergillus niger
    • Candida auris
• Surface contaminants
  • H1N1 (Swine Flu)
  • H5N8 (Bird Flu)
  • Norovirus
  • Hepatitis A
  • E Coli
  • Staph aureus (MRSA)
  • Streptococcus spp. (Strep)
  • Bacillus spp.
  • Pseudomonas spp.
  • Listeria
  • Candida albicans
  • Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold)
  • And more
• Gases and odors like VOCs from:
  • Cleaning solutions
  • Cooking fumes
  • Pet odors
  • And more

How Is The Air Scrubber Installed?

Our air conditioning contractors can quickly and easily install the Air Scrubber into your ductwork. It works alongside your HVAC system, helping you remove airborne and surface contaminants throughout your home. Like our other home comfort and indoor air quality products, it is backed by our industry-renowned 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Keep the air and surfaces in your home continuously clean 24 hours a day. Protect your home from top to bottom with an Air Scrubber. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about this cutting-edge in-duct home air purification system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/what-is-an-air-scrubber-and-how-does-it-work/

Get the Most Comfort from Your HVAC system with Some Simple Steps

Stifling summer temperatures are just around the corner. How can you stay comfortable without breaking your budget? Our heating and cooling technicians have a few cool tips for improving the performance of your air conditioning system so you can survive the summer heat in comfort.

Keep Your Air Filter Clean

A dirty air filter forces your system to work harder to cool your home. Regularly changing your home air filter every one to three months is one of the simplest, most inexpensive things you can do to keep your system running at peak efficiency. It also an easy way to improve indoor air quality.

Clear Weeds And Debris Around Your Outdoor Unit

Ample airflow surrounding your outdoor unit is essential to efficient operation. Be sure to keep this area clear of grass, weeds, and debris.

Don’t Block (Or Close) Vents

Keep furniture, blinds, curtains, clothes, and toys away from AC vents to maintain steady airflow through the system.

Adjust Your Thermostat For Summer Temperatures

Set your thermostat 5-8 degrees higher in the summer for optimal savings, especially during times when you’re away from home. Constantly forgetting? Smart learning thermostats do the work for you, automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. Our customers are often surprised by how affordable and easy to use they are.

Keep Your Thermostat Out Of The Heat

Your thermostat should never be located next to heat-generating appliances like lamps and stoves, or in direct sunlight. This results in readings that are out of line with temperatures in the rest of your home, causing your system to work harder than necessary to maintain temperatures.

Insulate Ductwork

Ductwork left exposed in unconditioned spaces like your attic or basement drastically reduces the performance of your system. Talk to your home HVAC company about sealing ducts with the appropriate duct sealing tap to prevent AC leaks, then insulate ductwork for optimal performance.

Close Curtains And Blinds During The Hottest Part Of The Day

Keeping curtains and blinds closed prevents solar heat gain from warming your home and putting added stress on your air conditioner.

Plan Your Chores

Do your best to avoid operating your dryer and oven during the hottest parts of the day. Run heat-generating appliances in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler to prevent putting excess stress on your system.

Keep Your Drain Line Clear

Flush a cup of bleach, followed by a gallon of water, through your drain lines annually to prevent blockages. If your system overflows, it could lead to a frozen coil and poor performance – or flood your home.

Schedule Annual Maintenance

Annual HVAC system maintenance ensures potential problems, like a dirty coil or low refrigerant, are uncovered before summer weather extremes occur, helping you avoid the need for emergency AC repair.

Avoid high energy bills and keep your system running smoothly all summer long. Contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule preventative AC maintenance today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/get-the-most-comfort-from-your-hvac-system-with-some-simple-steps/

Here's How to Find your Optimal Sleep Temperature

Are you experiencing trouble sleeping or waking up feeling exhausted? It may be the temperature in your home. The temperature in your room affects more than comfort, impacting the quality of REM sleep. Trouble falling asleep, night sweats, frequent waking, and poor-quality sleep may be the result of your current thermostat setting. With a simple temperature adjustment, you could be sleeping like a baby. When it comes to thermostat settings, how do you find the magic number for a quality night’s sleep?

Tips For Determining Your Ideal Sleep Temperature

According to experts, the optimal temperature range for sleep falls between 60-72 degrees. Why such a wide range? As you probably know from refereeing the frequent thermostat adjustments of warring family members, everyone’s ideal home climate is different. Air conditioning companies recommend starting in the range of 65-70 degrees and adjusting from there.

• Signs the temperature is too hot

If your room feels stuffy, making you uncomfortable and restless so that you struggle to fall asleep, or if you wake up sweating, a cooler setting may be in order.

• Signs the temperature is too cold

Though a comfortably cool room is better than a slightly warm one for achieving a good night’s sleep, shivering or waking up with freezing feet indicates a temperature setting that is too cold.

Easiest Ways To Adjust AC Temperature When You Sleep

Rather than getting up and down constantly and fiddling with thermostat settings, the best HVAC repair companies recommend considering one of these smart home additions:

• Smart programmable thermostat

Smart home thermostats automatically adjust your central HVAC system to your preferred temperature settings each evening, so you never have to get out of bed to adjust settings. They provide significant energy savings while improving home comfort, conserving energy throughout the day when you are away from your home. Learn more about this surprisingly affordable technology, finding the best smart thermostat solution for your home.

• Smart AC controller

Smart AC controllers work with existing home automation technologies and air conditioning system styles that operate via a remote, such as Mitsubishi ductless mini-split systems. They simulate remote control signals, allowing you to adjust the settings on your air conditioner conveniently from an app on your mobile device or smartphone.

Family Thermostat Wars? Consider A Zoned AC System

If quarrels over preferred thermostat settings are keeping you up at night, consider zoning for better temperature control. With a zoned system, you can set different temperatures for each specific area of your home. Zoned setups not only improve comfort, they also offer significant energy savings, allowing you to adjust the temperature in unoccupied spaces to reduce the load on your air conditioner without sacrificing comfort.

Curl up for a more restful night’s sleep with help from H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to learn more about ways to ensure a more comfortable, healthy home today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heres-how-to-find-your-optimal-sleep-temperature/

The Answers to Your Top HVAC Concerns

Are you tired of searching the internet endlessly for answers to your HVAC questions and concerns? We’ve got you covered with this list of common questions about all HVAC issues, from repair issues to new system installation concerns.

The Answers To Your Top HVAC Questions

• What can I do to my AC system to improve air quality in my house?

There are many ways you can modify air conditioning and heating units to improve indoor air quality, including:

• • Upgrading your home air filter.
  • Incorporating a UV light air purifier.
  • Neutralizing contaminants throughout your home with an Air Scrubber.

• How can I tell when it’s time to replace my AC system?

Air conditioners last 10-15 years on average. While simple, inexpensive issues may warrant waiting on replacement, costly problems, and especially those involving coolant leaks, warrant timely replacement. Such advances have been made in cooling technology, newer systems offer substantial monthly energy savings and a rapid return on investment.

• How can investing in a new HVAC system save me money?

If your system was installed before 2005, you could see as much as 50% savings on cooling with a new unit. Choosing a system 16 SEER or higher variable-speed system increases savings. Ask your technicians about available rebates and tax incentives to offset costs.

• Why does SEER rating matter?

SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio measures the ratio of cooling output during a typical cooling season and divides it by the energy used in watt-hours. The higher the rating, the more efficient a system and the less energy it uses. Put simply, higher SEER = lower cooling bills and improved comfort.

• How often should I schedule routine maintenance for my system?

It’s best to have your system service twice a year, in the spring and fall, To avoid the need for unnecessary HVAC repair expenses and the need for emergency service in weather extremes.

• What maintenance can I do myself?

Safely DIY maintenance tasks include:

• • Monthly air filter check (and replacement if dirty)
  • Clearing the space 2-3 feet around and 5 feet above your outdoor unit

• Why should I upgrade to a smart thermostat?

Air conditioner repair professionals suggest upgrading to a smart thermostat to save money on cooling expenses. Smart thermostats allow you to control settings from anywhere, adjusting the thermostat when your home is unoccupied. They also provide maintenance alerts, filter change reminders, and suggestions for additional savings. Learn more about the benefits of smart thermostats.

• How can I manage hot and cold spots in my home?

You can reduce hot and cold spots in your home by choosing a system with a variable-speed or two-stage blower, zoning your home, or by integrating a ductless system for added comfort in problem areas.

 

Still have questions? We have answers. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a free service estimate today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/the-answers-to-your-top-hvac-concerns/

The "Must-Do's" While Hiring a HVAC Company

If you want to safeguard your investment, there’s a lot more to hiring an HVAC service company than picking the name of a nearby contractor off the internet. A little research and asking the right questions before committing to hiring an AC technician is crucial. Your heating and cooling system is the most expensive appliance in your home and, with proper care, can last you more than a decade, so you want to make sure you get the most out of yours. How can you be sure you make the best possible decision when hiring someone for HVAC system repair or new system installation?

Investigate The Reputation Of Local HVAC Contractors

Talk to your friends and family, asking about area contractors they’ve used and their experiences. Before choosing air conditioning or heating companies, make sure they’re:

• Licensed and insured in your state
• OSHA, NATE, ACCA, and PAACCA certified
• BBB accredited
• Have stellar online reviews from many customers
• Hold a reputation for providing quality products and services
• Offer maintenance plans,
• Offer maintenance plans, which indicates a company that intends to be with you for the long haul
• Warranty the products and services they provide
• Have been in business long enough to trust they’ll be around to warrant those products and services

Get A Free Quote

Schedule estimates from multiple contractors so you can compare your options. Reputable companies will not pressure you into an immediate sale. Ask lots of questions about why particular services cost what they do and what to expect during and after service or hvac system installation so there are no unwelcome surprises.

Research What To Expect Before AC Service Or Installation

Information is your best defense. Guard yourself against surprises by researching solutions to your current AC repair problems, emergency HVAC service costs, or learning about the steps in new system selection and installation.

Relax And Let A Trusted Local Heating And Cooling Pro Work For You

At H & H, we understand how stressful the process of finding a reputable HVAC company can be. Our team goes above and beyond to take the pressure off, making sure our customers never experience any surprises that make them nervous or uncomfortable. You can trust us always to communicate clearly what to expect, ensuring a smooth process. After you’ve done all your research and selected a trustworthy contractor, sit back and relax and let your HVAC professional work for you, resting assured you’ve hired the right person for the job.

Need system repairs or a quote on a new system? H & H Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered, providing A+ BBB-rated services and hundreds of 5-star customer reviews. Contact us to schedule a trustworthy, obligation-free estimate today.

 

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/the-must-dos-while-hiring-a-hvac-company/

AC Problems Caused by Dirty Filters and How to Deal With Them

Your home air filter does more than impact the air quality in your home. Air filters play an essential role in the performance of heating and cooling units, impacting energy efficiency and system lifespan. This small, inexpensive component of your system impacts so much, it’s essential to clean or change it regularly to avoid system repair headaches. What can happen if you neglect air filter maintenance?

8 Common AC Problems Caused by Dirty Air Filters

1. Frozen Coils

A clean filter facilitates the free flow of air through your system. When clogged with dust and debris, airflow is restricted, causing the system’s internal temperature to drop, eventually causing the coils to ice. When we get calls from our customers to fix AC unit because their AC is blowing warm air, this scenario is a prime suspect.

2. Uneven Heating And Cooling

If your system is struggling, but your coils are not quite at the point of freezing, you may notice uneven temperatures throughout your home.

3. Constant Cycling Off And On

Before you call for HVAC repair services because your system is short cycling – constantly turning off and on – check to see if your air filter is dirty. Letting this problem continue unaddressed could leave you with a pretty hefty energy bill.

4. Poor Indoor Air Quality

Dust, pollen, mold, dander, germs, and debris that a clogged air filter can no longer filter out will be recirculated back into your home. This is especially dangerous for people with allergies and respiratory conditions.

5. Dirty Ductwork

Allergens from a dirty air filter can buildup, potentially leading to mold growth in your ductwork over time.

6. Frequent Repairs

Dust and dirt can also get into internal system components, causing wear and tear, resulting in the need for costly emergency ac repair down the road. In fact, a dirty air filter is the most common culprit found by technicians attending repair calls.

7. Shortened System Life

The added wear and tear from dirty filters will shorten your system lifespan, leading to the need for early replacement. The nominal cost and inconvenience of replacing an AC filter pales in comparison to the thousands it will cost for a new system.

8. High Energy Bills

Ignoring the need to change your air filter due to the cost will cost you more in the long run. A dirty filter forces your system to run longer and work harder to cool your home, inflating your energy bill.

Prevent Painful Problems With Routine AC Filter Changes

Checking your filter just once a month and replacing it if it’s dirty can save you some serious repair issues. Make it part of your HVAC regular maintenance.

Has a dirty air filter taken a toll on your heating and cooling system? Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for fast, affordable repairs today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/ac-problems-caused-by-dirty-filters-and-how-to-deal-with-them/