Here's How Often You Need to Change Your Air Filters

The air filters in your home are meant to capture dust, mold spores, pet dander, pollen, and other types of debris. They keep your air clean so that you can breathe freely. As filters do their job, they do slowly become caked with dust and grime. So, you need to change your air filter often to improve indoor air quality and to keep your HVAC system running efficiently. But how often does your air filter really need to be changed?

A good rough guideline is to change your filter every one to three months. Here are some factors heating and AC installation contractors consider in order to make more specific recommendations.

What Kind Of Filters Do You Use?

Basic, 1″ fiberglass filters really need to be changed every 30 days, in most cases. These filters do a decent job of catching larger particles, but they do become clogged and blocked rather quickly.

Pleated cotton filters last a little longer — at least 2 months, and up to 6 months in some cases. One pleated filter costs more than one fiberglass filter, but since pleated cotton filters last longer, they’re often the most affordable choice long-term.

Do You Have Pets?

Households with pets need to change their air filters more often than those without pets. Cats and dogs, especially, tend to shed a lot of hair and dander that get caught in air filters. With pets, you really want a high-quality, pleated filter. Heating and air service repair contractors generally recommend replacing it every 60 days.

Do Family Members Have Allergies?

People with allergies are more sensitive to small amounts of pollen, dander, and other substances that start to linger in the air once the filter fills up. Allergy sufferers really should invest in pleated filters and change them every 60 days, especially during allergy season.

How Many People Live In Your Home?

The more people who live in your home, the more particulate matter will be in your air. More people means more dust! If you have just one or two people living in a large single-family home, you can go a bit longer between air filter changes. Waiting 3 to 4 months is often fine if you have pleated filters, no allergies, and no pets.

If you have a larger family living in a home, then you may need to change your filter every 60 days, even if allergies and pets are not factors. Doing so helps keep your home from getting too dusty.

Changing your air filter more often will help improve your indoor air quality and ward off allergy symptoms. Plus, residential HVAC contractors find that it reduces the need for repairs over time. Stock up on filters now so you always have some extras on-hand. And don’t hesitate to contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning if you’re looking for a heat repair company to service your system.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heres-how-often-you-need-to-change-your-air-filters/

Water Heater Signaling Trouble? Do Not Delay Repairs!

Unfortunately water heaters do not last forever. Eventually your water heater will start to fail. It is important to recognize early signs of failure so you can promptly schedule either repairs or water heater replacement. Waiting too long could lead to extensive leaks, which can cause mold and other water damage. So, what are the key signs of water heater trouble? Take a look.

1. Lack Of Hot Water

If you turn on the hot water tap and the water that comes out is cold, this is a sure sign of water heater trouble. Unless your whole household just took back-to-back showers and depleted the hot water supply, you need to call a residential HVAC contractor. The heating element may have failed. Or, another problem may have triggered the water heater’s emergency shut-off function.

2. Strange Noises

Does your water heater rumble like an engine every time it kicks on? Perhaps you hear a crackling noise as it heats up. These noises usually mean there’s sediment buildup in the bottom of the tank. Often, a heat repair company can simply drain the tank to remove this sediment. But if you don’t do this soon, your tank will lose efficiency and possibly stop heating.

3. Leaks

Check around your hot water heater for any signs of leaks. Even a few drops of water near the base of the tank are a problem. If the leaks are coming from a valve, then a technician may be able to just replace that valve. If the leaks are coming from a hole in the tank itself, then you definitely need a new hot water heater.

4. Brown Or Reddish Water

If brown or red water is coming from your cold water tap, then the problem may lie in your pipes. But if you’re only noticing brown water coming from your hot water pipes, then the problem likely lies in your hot water tank. The discoloration is likely from rust that has formed inside of the tank. You should have the rusting tank replaced before it develops holes that could cause major leaks.

5. Old Age

Hot water heaters generally last about 10 to 15 years. Once they reach this age, they become less efficient. So, even if they are still capable of heating water, replacing them is often a smart way to save money on energy. Replacing an old hot water heater before it fails completely also means you won’t have to deal with a lack of hot water while you await replacement. You can take your time and shop around for the best model.

Get in touch with a heating and air conditoning company when you notice signs of water heater failure. If you’re in the Philadelphia region, contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer residential heating repair, AC repair, water heater services, and more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/water-heater-signaling-trouble-do-not-delay-repairs/

4 Signs Your Furnace Has a Gas Leak

Natural gas furnaces are efficient, affordable, and relatively easy to maintain. However, when you have a gas furnace, there is always some potential for gas leaks. A leak may develop in the furnace itself or in the gas lines leading to the furnace. Unfortunately, these leaks can cause illness and home fires. If you know the key signs of a gas leak, you can call a gas heater repair company before disaster strikes.

Hissing Noises

Occasionally the pipes that carry natural gas into and through your home will develop tiny cracks or holes. Because the gas inside the pipes is under pressure, it comes out of these cracks very quickly, often making a hissing noise.

These hissing noises may be tough to hear when your furnace is running, so wait until your furnace is off to listen for them.

Rotten Egg Smells

People often say natural gas smells like rotten eggs, but this is not quite accurate. Natural gas does not have a scent at all. However, gas companies add sulfur to the gas before sending it out to homes. The sulfur does smell similar to rotten eggs or dirty gym socks. If you’ve noticed a suspicious stink in your home, then you may have a gas leak — especially if the smell is strongest near your furnace.

Dying House Plants

If you don’t already have house plants, consider investing in a couple. Not only are they attractive, but they also serve as helpful indicators for gas leaks. Natural gas tends to seep into the soil that indoor plants are potted in. As it does so, it interferes with the plant roots’ ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. This causes the plants to wither, then die.

If you’re confident your house plants are getting enough water and sun, and yet they are still dying, then have a heating contractor come take a look.

Flu-Like Symptoms

Inhaling natural gas is not good for your health. While brief exposure to natural gas may not cause any symptoms, spending an extended period of time in a home with a gas leak can cause you to become ill.

The key symptoms of natural gas exposure mimic those of the flu and include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Headaches

Sometimes pets will develop these symptoms before their human owners. If your pet is unexplainably ill, consider whether a gas leak might be behind their illness.

If you do notice the above signs of a gas leak, leave your home immediately. Call both your local gas company and a 24-hour HVAC service. A technician can come inspect the furnace and associated gas lines for leaks and make any necessary furnace repairs.

Are you looking for reliable heating and air contractors in Philadelphia or the surrounding area? Contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer furnace repairs, tune-ups, installation services, and more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/4-signs-your-furnace-has-a-gas-leak/

Air Scrubber vs UV Light Purifier

Air Scrubbers and UV Lights both purify the air inside our homes. So what’s the difference? Our HVAC contractors address this question a lot. Though both options improve indoor air quality, they are not identical in the way they work or the results they achieve. Understanding the differences between the two will help you choose the right equipment to address your needs.

UV Lights

When included as part of your HVAC system installation or added to your existing system, UV light purifiers effectively remove harmful household contaminants like  mold spores, bacteria and viruses, smoke, and odors from the air entering your spaces through the ductwork. These purifiers use the UV-C light to harm the microorganisms present in air and their cells by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, which either kills them or leaves them incapacitated. With an air purifier with UV-light technology, air is pulled into the appliance and passes through a fine filter, such as a HEPA filter. The air then passes through a small internal chamber where it is exposed to UV light. After prolonged exposure to UV light, these cells are unable to perform their vital functions thus rendering them harmless to humans. In the entire process, the UV-C light is not released into the room, so you won’t see it nor will you be exposed to it.

Air Scrubber

Air scrubbers are installed in your ductwork, working with your HVAC system to clean the air throughout your home. Aerus air scrubbers dispatch invisible, supercharged submicroscopic particles at tremendous speed into your indoor spaces. These particles collide with viruses, bacteria, and other contaminants, neutralizing them and turning them into harmless byproducts. It has been proven by independent FDA compliant lab tests to reduce up to 99.99% of airborne pathogens and contaminants after 60 minutes of treatment. This includes a broad spectrum of clinically significant viruses, bacteria, and fungi, such as:

SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19)

Avian influenza

Swine flu

E. coli

MRSA

Hepatitis

Legionella

Norovirus

Staph

Candida

Mold

And more.

Our knowledgeable heat repair companies know what truly sets this air scrubbing technology apart, however, is its ability to eliminate 99.9% of surface contaminants as well. Because air scrubbers can continuously clean and protect surfaces and air 24 hours a day, like invisible personal protective equipment (PPE) for you and your family, they are a favorite for remodelers and mold remediation companies, as well as in commercial/industrial settings.

Which Is Better – A UV Purifier Or An Air Scrubber?

Both UV air purifiers and air scrubbers do an excellent job of improving indoor air quality. However, air scrubbers are capable of removing more contaminants from the air and surfaces faster. Air scrubbers are affordable, easy to install, and require little maintenance (catalyst cell needs replacement every two years) They come in portable and whole house built-in units suitable for any space. This makes an air scrubber the optimal choice for those happy to invest a little more in making sure the air within their home is as clean as possible.

Ensure a safe, healthy home with help from the experienced heating and air contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us to schedule an indoor air quality test and discuss ways to improve the air quality in your home today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/air-scrubber-vs-uv-light-purifier/

Are Your Heating Problems Caused by Your Thermostat?

When your heating system is not behaving the way it should, it is easy to assume the worst. Yet oftentimes, the solution to your HVAC system woes is right in front of your face. Our emergency HVAC repair technicians respond to many calls in the winter. And many of them are due to the thermostat. Some of the problems are what we jokingly refer to as “operator error,” while others are from thermostats that have just reached the end of their useful life. Is your thermostat causing your heating problems? These scenarios could point to thermostat troubles.

Insufficient Heating Or No Heat

If your system is not running or it is not warming your home as well as usual, the first thing to check is your thermostat settings. The on/off switch may have been bumped, or your children or significant other may have adjusted the settings on your home heating installation unit.

Heater Frequently Cycles On And Off

While frequently turning on and off – dubbed “short cycling” – is common in extremely cold weather as your system works to maintain temperature, a faulty thermostat could cause your HVAC unit to cycle on and off repeatedly. In this case, damaged wiring resulting in a poor connection may be the culprit.

High Energy Bills

If you’ve noticed your energy bills are higher than usual, your thermostat could be to blame. A thermostat that is not correctly reading the temperature could cause your home heating unit to overwork. The more it cycles on and off, the more energy your heater consumes. To head off high electric bills, schedule a seasonal maintenance check, including a thermostat evaluation from your local HVAC technician to identify issues before seasonal temperature extremes take a toll on your finances.

Blower/Fan Runs Constantly 

A fan setting in the “ON” position will cause your blower/fan to run constantly. If the blower/fan on your heating and cooling system will not turn off, check your thermostat settings and make sure the fan setting is set to “AUTO” so your fan will only run when your system is heating your home.

Constant Operating Problems

If your furnace is over or underheating your home despite thermostat settings, you could have a mismatched thermostat and furnace. These two devices must be properly paired. Having your local heating repair contractor verify your furnace is compatible with your millivolt, low voltage, or line voltage thermostat is an easy way to correct frustrating operational issues.

Thermostat issues can be frustrating to diagnose. Fortunately, we’ve got the tech support you need to quickly get to the heart of thermostat issues. Contact the HVAC repair services experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning and schedule a system evaluation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/are-your-heating-problems-caused-by-your-thermostat/

Top 7 HVAC Myths – Busted!

Have you fallen for these common HVAC myths? Don’t suffer the consequences of these common misconceptions. Get the facts from knowledgeable HVAC contractors.

Myth #1: Using A Heating & Air Conditioning System Is Always Expensive

While you can’t run a system for free, that doesn’t mean maintaining comfort in your home with a heating and cooling unit can’t be done affordably. HVAC system installation of a new, high-efficiency Energy Star-rated system can offer substantial savings over units 8-10 years old. Take advantage of the latest ductless heating and cooling technology, which offers higher SEER and eliminates energy loss via leaky ductwork, and savings can be even more substantial.

Not ready for an upgrade? A smart programmable thermostat can also help you keep costs under control.

Myth #2: You Should Only Run Your System When You Need It

Systems utilizing variable speed technology run more efficiently at lower, steady speeds rather than being cranked on/off for immediate temperature control. Worried about the costs of running your system when you don’t need it? A smart thermostat can help you avoid heating and cooling your home when you’re away.

Myth 3: Heating And Cooling Systems Recycle Dirty Air

Modern HVAC systems actually help clean the air of pollen, dust, dander, smoke, and more – especially those with high-quality home air filters. Heat repair companies recommend filters with higher MERV ratings for trapping smaller particles. Looking for even better air quality? Consider incorporating a whole-house air purifier or air scrubber to boost your air cleaning capacity.

Myth 4: You Only Need To Change Your Air Filter Once A Year

Air filters should be replaced every three months, at a minimum. Your home air filter keeps the air in your home clean. Dirt buildup also restricts airflow through the system, decreasing performance and causing your system to work harder.

Myth #5: All HVAC Systems Are Noisy

If your older unit is loud and distracting or you are sensitive to noise, researching before investing in a new model could save your sanity. Shop carefully for models with the lowest decibel ratings, which include sound-reducing features like variable speed operation, a compressor sound blanket, more aerodynamic fan blades, and vibration-reducing hardware.

Myth 6: An Investment In A New HVAC System Won’t Last Long

A heating and cooling system can provide lasting comfort, operating for 10-15 years when properly sized, professionally installed, and regularly serviced. If your system is making odd noises or operating it is draining your bank account, calling for emergency air conditioning service is essential to ensuring it reaches this ripe, old age.

Myth 7: When Choosing An HVAC System, Bigger Is Better

Oversized units cycle on/off more frequently, doing a poor job controlling humidity and putting excess stress on costly system components.

Reliable, affordable heat and air is not a myth. Ensure you get the most out of your HVAC investment. Contact the heating and air contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning for help servicing or upgrading your system today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/top-7-hvac-myths-busted/

The High Cost of Improper Furnace Installation

Trying to save money on new furnace installation? Choosing the cheapest HVAC installer could cost you dearly. Correct installation is as crucial to the performance of a heater as the quality of the unit you choose. Proper HVAC system installation is essential to ensure monthly energy savings and a lasting investment.

Wrong Sized Furnace That Fails To Meet Your Needs

HVAC contractors must accurately calculate the Manual J load or heating capacity of a furnace based on factors like square footage and the leakiness of a home’s building envelope. Without this essential information, you could end up with an over or under-sized HVAC system, causing:

• Reduced performance and efficiency

Trustworthy heat repair companies often know there’s something wrong when they get complaints of high energy bills, especially with new, high-efficiency systems. Sizing issues are common with systems that frequently cycle or run longer than they should. The right size system keeps temperatures even and constant.

• Uncomfortable home temperatures

If your unit’s output capacity doesn’t match the size of your ducts, you could suffer air distribution issues that cause uneven indoor temperatures and hot and cold spots. Furnaces also need to be fine-tuned following installation, from the blower fan to ductwork distribution and exhaust pressure, to run well. This process is called commissioning, and if it’s overlooked, you’ll never achieve the maximum performance and energy savings your system is capable of achieving.

• Premature furnace failure

A properly installed furnace should last 15-20 years – or more. However, excessive wear-and-tear caused by a poorly sized system that cannot meet your home’s demand could rob you of your investment, leading to premature failure.

Serious HVAC Safety Issues From Poor Furnace Installation

Performance issues aren’t the only problems you’ll suffer from because of an improperly sized system. Serious safety issues can occur with a furnace that is not the right size, such as:

• Gas leaks

Issues with overly long or improperly angled vent pipes and gaps between joints could prevent furnace gases from exhausting outside and lead to carbon monoxide buildup in your home. This colorless, odorless gas can seriously impact your health and even cause death. If you have even minor concerns about gas leaks, don’t wait – call for emergency air conditioning service ASAP.

• Electrical problems

Bad wiring jobs by inexperienced contactors can cause a host of problems, draining excess power, inflating energy bills, tripping circuit breakers and preventing proper operation, and increasing the risk of a home fire.

• Poor indoor air quality

The performance of your furnace heavily influences the air quality in your home. Systems with poor drainage designs can lead to water accumulation and structural damage, including mold and mildew growth that could negatively impact indoor air quality.

Ensure proper furnace installation from licensed, NATE-certified heating and air contractors. Don’t fall victim to unscrupulous or inexperienced installers. Contact H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to get a quote on a professional furnace installation today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/the-high-cost-of-improper-furnace-installation/