5 Reasons Why DIY AC Repair is Never a Good Idea

Searching online for DIY AC repair video tutorials? Everything looks easy when you watch someone else doing it. But real life is often drastically different. When it comes to heating and air conditioning repair, you’re usually better off avoiding DIY solutions. Why should you avoid DIY AC repair?

You Don’t Have The Right Tools Or Training For AC Repair

Air conditioner repair requires specialty tools, diagnostic equipment, refrigerants, and more.

Professional AC technicians have the equipment and training to handle these issues, with a truck (or warehouse) offering fast access to all the specialty parts and equipment they need to fix your system. When you attempt to repair your AC yourself, you’ll often end up spending more in tools and aggravation than you would’ve to have your system addressed by a 24-hour HVAC service.

Mistakes You Make In DIY AC Repair Could Damage Your System

Air conditioners are made from a lot of parts – most of which will be foreign to you. If your system components work just slightly different from those in the internet video you watched, your repairs could rapidly multiply from accidental damage. If you do manage to find the correct part, you may not know what to do – Should you repair the part, replace it, or does the broken component point to bigger issues or more complicated repairs? Hiring a knowledgeable HVAC contractor is far faster and easier than studying and researching and potentially causing more damage.

You Could Suffer DIY AC Repair Injuries

AC units pull a lot of juice (electricity) and are chock-full of gases. If you don’t know what you’re looking at, you could find yourself electrocuted by faulty wiring or exposed to toxic chemicals. Instead of adding an emergency room bill to go with your AC repair bill, consider calling a trained technician rather than repairing it on your own.

DIY AC Repairs Void Your Warranty 

Professionally installed air conditioners come with a warranty. For many components, coverage is offered for parts and repair at little or no cost to you. But these warranties are voided in the event of DIY maintenance. If nonauthorized individuals perform any repairs during the warranty period, you’ll no longer enjoy the benefits of free or discounted repairs and maintenance when your unit breaks down.

Professional AC Repair Is Faster

Professional HVAC repair technicians have years of training under their belts and experience working with a variety of systems. They can quickly identify everything from common issues to weird problems that defy description but are common to certain brands and styles of units. They have fast access to parts and chemicals, such as refrigerants, that homeowners cannot obtain. Professional AC repairman can not only fix your problem faster but often improve performance in the process.

Avoid creating bigger issues with DIY AC repair. Contact the professional air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for fast, affordable AC repair services today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/5-reasons-why-diy-ac-repair-is-never-a-good-idea/

Wi-Fi Thermostats are a "Smart" Choice. Here's Why!

Are you intrigued by the idea of a new smart thermostat and shopping for a replacement? A Wi-Fi thermostat may make a better choice. Our central heating installation technicians know these two products slightly different, and people often confuse the two products, using the terms interchangeably. What’s the difference between smart and Wi-Fi thermostats?

Smart Thermostats Don’t Like To Be Questioned

Many homeowners purchase smart thermostats, hoping to be able to turn the system on/off and adjust temperature settings from anywhere. But sometimes our residential air conditioning repair experts get support calls from homeowners struggling to use this function. Why? Sometimes the “smart” thermostats think they’ve got your schedule figured out, it wants to make temperature adjustments on its own, without help from you, making the process difficult. If your schedule changes frequently and you want the autonomy to freely adjust thermostat settings without needing to convince your thermostat, or tech support from a 24-hour HVAC service, a smart thermostat is probably not the best choice for you.

Wi-Fi Thermostats Offer Flexible Operation For The Tech Savvy

Wi-Fi home thermostats let you change your thermostat settings using an app from your compatible mobile device. It is not “smart” and does not attempt to modify settings based on your schedule or energy savings, but offers the same key features:

• A sleek, modern look
• Quick, easy installation and setup
• App-driven control via your smartphone or mobile device
• Voice-command capabilities
• Customizable settings
• The ability to save you money on your electric bills

But there is another added bonus to choosing a Wi-Fi thermostat: They cost less – about $100 less than smart thermostat models. Paired with potential energy savings and available incentives from your local utility provider, Wi-Fi thermostats offer a rapid return on investment.

Avoid Thermostat Adjustments That Inflate Your Energy Bill

Regardless of whether you choose a smart or a Wi-Fi thermostat, it’s essential to avoid frequent thermostat adjustments that cause your AC system to consume energy rapidly. Adjusting the temperature up and down repeatedly causes your system to work harder, inflating your utility bills and putting unnecessary stress on your AC system that could shorten its lifespan. The beauty of smart and Wi-Fi thermostats is setting your temperature to maintain home comfort while achieving optimal AC performance. To accomplish this, it’s best to put your thermostat on a schedule and only change it if your schedule varies from day to day.

Get smart. Save energy and make operating your heating and cooling system more convenient with the addition of a Wi-Fi home thermostat. Learn more about available Wi-Fi thermostat models from the knowledgeable air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning, or schedule the installation of a new, high-tech Wi-Fi home thermostat today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/wi-fi-thermostats-are-a-smart-choice-heres-why/

What's a Good SEER Rating?

What’s a good SEER rating? If you feel lost in a sea of HVAC statistics and acronyms, you’re not alone. Shopping for a new heating and air conditioning system can be an overwhelming task. But the residential air conditioning repair and installation experts at H & H are here for you, breaking down SEER ratings into information you can understand so you can make the best possible home investment.

SEER Ratings Explained

SEER ratings measure how efficiently a heating and cooling system works. Air conditioning contractors often refer to it as Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit is in certain conditions. For you math experts, it’s the output of a system over the entire cooling season and the energy it uses to maintain a specific indoor temperature throughout seasonal temperature fluctuations (from 60-100+ degrees), divided by the energy consumed in watt-hours.

How SEER Rating Impacts Performance

HVAC systems just 10 years old typically offer SEER ratings around 8-9. Most of today’s heating and air systems have a SEER rating between 13 and 21, though some high-efficiency ductless mini-split systems offer ratings far higher. The higher the number, the more efficient the system – but keep in mind this is the maximum possible efficiency based on near-ideal operating conditions. Like the gas mileage rating on your car, depending on conditions, performance may vary. As our 24-hour HVAC service techs can attest, like city traffic and excessive idling, a dirty air filter and leaky ductwork can impact efficiency.

What SEER Rating Should I Choose?

There is a wide range of SEER ratings, from a minimum of 13 to a max of 26 for traditional central AC units and up to 38 for ductless mini-split style systems. Higher SEER units typically cost more – but they also offer the most efficient performance, saving you energy over the long run and offering a fast return on investment. When determining the best option for your home and budget, our central heating installation experts recommend that you meet the minimum SEER requirements set by the US Department of Energy for your region, which is a minimum SEER rating of 13 for the northeast. This ensures the purchase of a system suited for your area’s climate.

When it comes to bang for the buck, the SEER sweet spot is around 17-18 SEER. Unlike lower SEER systems with a single-stage compressor and blower, these higher SEER systems usually offer added features such as a 2-stage/variable speed compressor and a variable-speed blower, providing better humidity control and improved comfort without breaking the bank.

Still Unsure What SEER Rating You Should Choose?

We can assess your needs and help you find the right size system for your home and budget so you can be comfortable year-round. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning at 610-546-7123 and talk to one of our experienced HVAC installation specialists today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/whats-a-good-seer-rating/

SOS! Why Is My House Hot Upstairs and Cold Downstairs?

As you travel through your home, does it feel like you’re visiting different regions of the world? Our air conditioning contractors understand when your basement feels like a snowy New Hampshire winter and your second-floor bedrooms feel like Key West at the peak of summer heat, it can be a little frustrating. But the laws of physics make it difficult to keep temperatures constant in every room in your home: Heat rises and transfers. However, there are things you can do to even things out.

DIY Fixes For Uneven Home Temperatures

• Address ductwork leaks

Our heating and air conditioning repair contractors know ductwork leaks are common. Damaged, loose, poorly connecting, leaky ducts allow conditioned air to escape into your attic or basement before it reaches your living space, wasting your energy dollars and leaving you with an uncomfortable home. Obvious leaks can be identified by the appearance of dirty, dark insulation and the feel of escaping air and repaired with foil-faced tape. If you struggle to move around your attic or crawlspace safely, contact an HVAC contractor to manage these tasks.

• Adjust dampers

Adjust dampers to mediate airflow in each room. Open all vents/registers in your house. Test the temperature in each room after a few days, adjusting dampers in uncomfortable rooms open/closed as needed to maintain the desired climate. However, never completely seal off rooms, as this can cause air pressure imbalances that put excess stress on your system and inflate energy bills.

• Add a ceiling fan

Adding ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect and circulate and distribute air can be an inexpensive way to improve comfort.

• Improve insulation

Insulation improvements will not only help you keep temperatures throughout your home more even and comfortable, but they are also a great way to reduce your energy costs.

When DIY Solutions Aren’t Enough

• Zone your home with the addition of a ductless mini-split

With the help of a ductless mini-split system installation, you can create zones in your home. Ductless systems run separately from your central system, adding supplemental heating and cooling and allowing you to adjust the climate in unoccupied areas for energy savings or family member temperature preference. Some units offer both heating and cooling technology, allowing you to maximize comfort year-round.

• Upgrade your HVAC system

For old and ailing or incorrectly sized systems, a new HVAC system may be the best solution. You’d be surprised by the performance difference of a new, properly sized system. Today’s latest heating and air conditioning technology is quiet and much more energy-efficient, offering a rapid return on investment.

Not sure why your home is so uncomfortable? Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning at 610-546-7123 to schedule an appointment with our 24-hour HVAC service team today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/sos-why-is-my-house-hot-upstairs-and-cold-downstairs/

HRV-ERV Systems Offer a Breath of Fresh Air

Improve indoor air quality in your home, filtering in fresh air without sacrificing comfort and inflating your energy bills with HRV-ERV technology. Heat recovery/energy recovery ventilation systems are increasing in popularity due to COVID and concerns to improve indoor air quality. Should you add one to your home?

How HRV-ERV Ventilation Systems Work

Using an HRV-ERV system is like opening a window without affecting the temperature in your home. HRV-ERV systems like Bryant ventilators bring fresh, filtered outdoor air into your home, recovering energy to influence the temperature of inbound air. In the winter, heat is delivered into your home. In the summer, it is shuttled out, controlling the impact on the temperature inside your home.

Heat (HRV) and energy recovery ventilator (ERV) technology are pretty similar. These systems rely on balanced ventilation: One fan blows in fresh outdoor air while another simultaneously blows out the polluted indoor air. Most units offer programmable controls, adjustable fan speeds, and filters to further improve comfort and air quality in your home.

It takes a skilled HVAC technician with advanced technical knowledge to install HRV-ERV technology so that it recovers as much energy as possible from exhaust air without inflating your monthly utility bill. When these systems are added, they are typically designed to share existing ductwork with your central heat to save on installation costs.

Benefits Of Heat And Energy Recovery Ventilators

HRV-ERV systems offer a host of advantages, delivering:

• Fresh air

Improve the indoor air quality in your home when it’s hot or cold outside without worrying about stressing your heat and air system.

• Energy savings

HRV-ERV systems allow you to recover about 80% of the energy typically lost to fresh air circulation, improving air quality while conserving energy.

• Comfort

By transferring heat to maintain the temperature inside your home, HRV-ERV systems keep your home comfortable, even in extreme summer and winter weather.

Do I Need HRV Or ERV Tech?

The biggest difference between heat recovery and energy recovery ventilators is the method of heat exchange. HRV systems only transfer heat. ERV systems, on the other hand, also transfer a certain amount of water vapor, moving moisture from the air to the location where it’s lacking. In the winter, moisture is transferred into your home, keeping winter humidity levels more constant. In the summer, the reverse is possible when you run ERV systems in tandem with your home AC.

Not Sure What System Is Best For Your Needs?

A knowledgeable H & H Heating & Air Conditioning heating and cooling technician can help. Take advantage of the latest HRV-ERV technology, keeping the air in your home clean and healthy. Contact us to schedule a consultation and quote on a new HRV-ERV system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/hrv-erv-systems-offer-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Do you Keep your AC On or Off for Summer Vacation ?

Now that the weather is warm and COVID restrictions have finally eased, you’re venturing out for a well-earned summer vacation. As you prepare your home for absence, how should you manage your air conditioner settings? Should you keep your AC on or off while you’re away?

Tips For Managing AC Settings While You’re Out Of Town

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to leave your air conditioner on or off while you’re away.

• Energy savings

If controlling your energy costs is your primary concern, turning your AC system off is the way to go, especially if you’ll be gone for more than a week.

• Vacation length

However, if you’re only going away for the weekend, leaving the air conditioner on at a higher temperature setting may be best.

• Weather

If temperatures will remain mild, it’s okay to turn the AC off. However, if scorching temperatures are forecasted, HVAC companies recommend keeping the AC on at a setting of 80 or lower to prevent excess heat and humidity from taking a toll on your home’s structure, cooling appliances, and contents.

There are many factors to consider that make turning the thermostat setting to a higher temperature while you’re away, a better option, which we’ll discuss below.

Avoid Putting Excess Strain On Your System By Leaving The AC On

When you’re on vacation, your local heating and cooling companies recommend that leaving your thermostat set at your normal comfortable temperature is wasteful and unnecessary. You can save energy, manage excess humidity, and return your house more easily to a more comfortable temperature when you return with a simple thermostat adjustment, setting the temperature 7-10 degrees higher when you’re away.

Avoid Stressing Yourself By Upgrading To A Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are an easy way to manage temperature settings when you’re home or away. They allow you to set your system to the desired temperature at varying times, such as when you’re home or away at work. Smart Wi-Fi enabled thermostat models allow you to do this from anywhere via a compatible mobile device. But the biggest reason why HVAC pros recommend these nifty little devices is for energy savings. Using a smart programmable thermostat offers 15-30% savings off your annual cooling costs, delivering a rapid return on investment.

Additional Tips For Managing Your AC While On Vacation

• Close the curtains before you leave to keep your home cooler and reduce strain on your system.

• If you’re leaving for a week or more, turning your system off saves energy. To ensure comfort, set your programmable thermostat to cool your home the day before you return.

• For the health and safety of your pets, never turn your system off if your animals will be staying home while you are away.

Is your AC system ready to manage your home alone while you’re away? Schedule a preventative air conditioner maintenance check from the local air conditioning contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/do-you-keep-your-ac-on-or-off-for-summer-vacation/

Is your AC Leaking Water?

Your air conditioner has become an essential summer appliance, particularly with the ever-increasing frequency of severe heat waves nationwide. When the weather makes you sweat, your AC can too. Some of the moisture produced by your system is not a cause for concern, like the condensation draining from your outdoor unit during normal operation. However, larger amounts of water can indicate a problem. This is one of the most common service calls our air conditioner repair contractors see, and it can have many causes.

Common Reasons Why Air Conditioners Leak Water & How To Fix 

1. Dirty air filter

The filter in your air conditioner keeps the system and the air in your home clean, removing dirt and particulates from the air. Dirt from neglected filters can block airflow over evaporator coils, causing them to freeze, drip excess water, and overfill the drain pan.  Clean or change the filter regularly, at least every 3 months – more often if you have children or pets – to prevent leaks and ensure optimal performance.

2. Clogged drain line

Mold, algae, dirt, or debris blocking your drain lines can cause AC leaks. Routine cleaning is an easy way to prevent this problem. However, if the damage is already done, you can remove the clog yourself with the help of a wet/dry vac or your friendly local HVAC repair technician.

3. Improper installation

If your HVAC system is newly installed and you’re experiencing significant leaking, you’re likely the victim of faulty ac installation. Drainage pipes that are not properly sized for the system or angled improperly can cause water to backflow or get stuck. If an installation problem is what’s caused your system to leak water, reinstallation by a trained professional is the only solution.

4. Low refrigerant

Low refrigerant levels can cause your evaporator coil to freeze, leading to an overflow of water in the drainage pan. A system that is not blowing cold air or hissing and bubbling sounds indicate a leak or low refrigerant. Contact a pro to identify and address the leak ASAP. If you wait too long, the operational stress put on your system could lead to the need for a new unit.

5. Drain pan damage

If your system is over 10 years old, the drain pan that collects condensation from the system can become damaged or rusted, resulting in leaks. Replacing the drain pain as soon as possible is best, but HVAC replacement is better. Not only will you fix your leak, but you’ll enjoy significantly lower energy bills, a more comfortable home, and the peace of mind that comes with a warranty that covers most major repairs.

Is your AC leaking water? Clean up the mess with help from the best AC company in Philadelphia. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for service today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/is-your-ac-leaking-water/