The Signs & Symptoms of a Bad Capacitor on a Gas Furnace

Your furnace works by warming air and then blowing that warm air through your ducts. The fan, specifically, is responsible for the blowing part of this function. Inside that fan, there is a motor, and inside the motor, there is a part called the capacitor.

Your furnace capacitor works to regulate the amount of electricity that the fan motor receives. It’s a small part, but if it is not working properly, your furnace won’t be able to heat your home until a heating contractor replaces the capacitor. So, what are the signs that something’s wrong with your furnace capacitor?

1. Humming Noises

The capacitor allows electricity to flow to your furnace’s fan motor, permitting the motor to turn on. If the capacity is not functioning properly, you may hear a strange, low-humming noise when your furnace first turns on. Sometimes, after a few seconds of humming, the furnace may start blowing air. Other times, the humming noise may continue indefinitely and you won’t get heat at all.

2. Clicking Sounds

If you listen closely when your furnace is working well, you’ll hear a single “click” when the furnace turns on. This is normal.

When your furnace capacitor is malfunctioning, you may instead hear click after click, but the furnace won’t turn on. The clicking might go on for a few minutes before ceasing, or it may happen just a few times before the furnace “stops trying.” In either case, repeated clicking means you need to call a residential heating repair contactor about your capacitor.

3. Short-Cycling

Sometimes when a capacitor is not working well, the furnace will turn on, but it will quickly overheat. When the furnace overheats, there is a limit switch that turns it off in order to prevent fires and additional damage to the unit.

What this looks like to the homeowner is the furnace turning on, then off, then on, then off — in quick succession. This furnace behavior is known as short-cycling, and it can indicate a number of furnace problems, but a bad capacitor is definitely one of them. Have a residential HVAC contractor come take a look to prevent future furnace damage and the high energy bills that can come with short cycling.

4. No Heat

Another potential sign of a bad capacitor is a total lack of heat. Your furnace won’t kick on at all. If you try turning the thermostat up a few degrees, you still don’t get results.

Now, a lack of heat can mean almost anything. You could have a bad gas valve, a faulty thermostat, or even a broken heat exchanger. However, the capacitor is one of the most common furnace parts to break, leading to a loss of heat, so it’s an important possibility to consider.

Keep an eye out for these signs of a bad capacity, and make sure you schedule a yearly furnace tune-up to keep your heating system in good shape. Contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning if you’re looking for a heating and air conditioning company to service your equipment.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/the-signs-symptoms-of-a-bad-capacitor-on-a-gas-furnace/

Should I Turn Off My Heater When I Go on Vacation?

When your on vacation, you may feel like it’s wasteful to keep heating the home you’re not spending time in. But should you really turn the heat off before you leave town? In most cases, heating contractors agree the answer is “no.” However, there are other ways you can more safely save on heating bills during travel.

Why Turning The Heat Off Is A Bad Idea

You might figure that since you’re not home, it doesn’t really matter if your home’s indoor temperature falls to 40 or even 30 degrees F. However, your heating system exists for reasons other than simply keeping you warm. Allowing your home to become too cold could cause damage to building materials, appliances, and even decorative items like paintings and photos.

Even in the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder, there may be the occasional freezing day. You don’t want to turn your heat off and potentially subject your home to those freezing temperatures.

Another reason not to turn the heat off is your pipes. Your plumbing system is designed to be kept warm to some degree. Residential HVAC contractors do not recommend turning your heat off while your on vacation because this may cause your pipes to freeze. As the water expands inside your pipe, it can cause the pipes to burst, leading to extensive flooding. Keep the heat on, and you’re far less likely to come home to a flooded home.

Safe Ways To Save On Heat While Traveling

What you can do to save money on heat while traveling is turn your thermostat down. If you set it to 55 degrees F for the duration of your stay, the home won’t get cold enough to allow pipes to freeze. Most appliances and building materials do perfectly well at 55 degrees, too.

If you’re leaving pets at home while you’re away, you’ll want to set your thermostat a bit higher. Most dogs and cats do just fine at 60 degrees F. If your pet is older or has short hair, you might want to leave the home a bit warmer.

Pay close attention to the thermostat settings as you adjust the temperature before travel. After adjusting the setting to your desired temperature, push the “hold” or “vacation mode” button. Otherwise, the thermostat will return to its regularly scheduled program while you’re away.

To save more on heating, it’s also a good idea to schedule a furnace tune up. This way, you can be confident your furnace is working as efficiently as possible while you’re away. Additionally, you can turn your water heater temperature down and unplug other electronics to save energy during your trip.

While turning your heat off while you’re on vacation is not wise, turning your thermostat down is a safe, smart way to save. If you’re in need of residential heating repair before you go away, contact H&H Heating and Cooling. We’re a heating and air conditioning company serving the Delaware Valley since 1985.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/should-i-turn-off-my-heater-when-i-go-on-vacation/

Identifying Your Home's Heating System

When you call a heating and air conditioning company to schedule service, one of the first questions they typically ask is “what kind of heating system do you have?” If you recently moved into your home and the system was installed by a previous homeowner, you may not know the answer to this question off-hand. Luckily, it’s easy enough to find out. Keep reading to learn about the most common types of home heating systems and how to identify them.

Furnaces

Forced air furnaces are really common across the country. These systems burn fuel — usually natural gas, but sometimes propane or oil — to generate heat. The heat warms the air, which is then blown through a system of ducts to the various rooms in your home.

Furnaces are usually paired with a separate air conditioner. If you have one piece of equipment that generates heat, plus an indoor and outdoor unit that provides air conditioning, then you probably have furnace heating. Scheduling a furnace tune up or repairs should be easy since almost all HVAC companies work on these common systems.

Boilers

Boilers heat water. Either that water or steam generated by heating it are then forced through a series of pipes and into radiators, which are located throughout the home.

If your heating system includes radiators, which are metal units that get hot when the heat kicks on, then you probably have a boiler system. Sometimes these radiators are long units that stretch across a baseboard, and other times they are compact, rectangular units situated in the corners of rooms.

Boilers are not as common as they once were, but they are a good choice for allergy sufferers since they don’t blow air and dust through the home. Not all residential heating repair companies work on boilers but may do.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump is a type of heating equipment that is reversible. In the winter, it pumps heat into your home, and in the summer, it pumps heat out of your home. Heat pumps are electric, and they work similarly to refrigerators.

If you have a heat pump, there will typically be an outdoor component to your HVAC system. It may sit on a concrete pad, or it may be mounted on your wall. Heat pumps and air conditioners look similar, but if you read the label on the equipment, you can tell which one you’re looking at. Also, if you have one of these units and no separate furnace or boiler, you can assume it’s a heat pump, not an AC unit.

Knowing which type of heating system you have will make it easier for you to work with heating contractors to schedule repairs and services. If you’re having trouble identifying what type of system you have, feel free to contact us. H&H Heating and Cooling employ knowledgeable residential HVAC contractors who have experience working with furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/identifying-your-homes-heating-system/

Heat Pumps vs Furnaces

Forced air heating systems are very common. These systems work by warming air, then sending that warm air through your home. However, there are two different appliances that can be used to heat the air: furnaces and heat pumps. Which appliance is the better choice for your home? Well, that depends on your needs and preferences. A good understanding of both systems and their advantages will help you pick the best one.

Furnaces

A furnace is a device that burns fuel to generate heat. The heat warms the air, and the warm air circulates through the home via a system of ducts. Most furnaces these days burn natural gas, but you can also find furnaces that burn oil or propane.

Generally, a furnace is paired with a separate air conditioner, which is used to cool air in the summer. The furnace and air conditioner usually share a fan and ductwork.

Advantages Of Furnaces

Furnaces are capable of generating more heat than heat pumps. They can keep a home warm even on the coldest of days. Air coming out of the vents will feel very nice and warm when you have a furnace.

Furnaces have fewer intricate parts than heat pumps, which means they tend to last longer and are easier to repair. You can get decades out of a furnace if you have a furnace repair company service it regularly.

Furnaces are also very common in our part of the world, which means there are a lot of brands and models available for various needs and pocketbooks.

Heat Pumps

A heat pump works by extracting heat from the outside air and funneling that heat into your home. Then, in the summer, you can reverse the direction of the pump to cool your home. Heat pumps run on electricity. They don’t technically generate heat; they just move it.

Advantages Of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are incredibly energy-efficient. If you live in an area where electricity is cheaper than gas, a heat pump often costs less to run.

Since a heat pump heats and cools, you only need to buy one appliance, rather than two. Buying a heat pump often costs less than buying both a furnace and an air conditioner. You also only need your heat pump repair service to maintain and repair one unit.

A Comparison

Which system is best depends largely on where you live. In a really cold climate, a furnace is often best as a heat pump may struggle to keep up on the coldest days. Furnaces also tend to require fewer visits from a heating unit repair company as they age.

If you live in a more moderate climate, a heat pump may be the more affordable, energy-efficient option. Most heat pumps do come with a backup electric heater that will kick on if temperatures fall too low. You simply don’t want to rely on this too often as it will increase your energy bills.

Many HVAC companies install and repair both furnaces and heat pumps. It can be helpful to talk through your preferences with HVAC technicians and get a professional opinion. Contact the heating and air service and repair contractors at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a consultation soon.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.delcohvac.com/blog/heat-pumps-vs-furnaces/

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/