Geo-Thermal Heating Installation - Things To Consider

Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) may not be new to you, but they are not as common as air source heat pumps. Gaining familiarity with geothermal heat pumps—what they can and cannot do in this region—can help you decide if they are wise choice for your home, and if they will save you money on energy bills in the future. 
​

Heat Pumps

Furnaces and boilers use combustion to release heat energy from fuels. Natural gas and oil are not the only sources of heat, however. Any mass has thermal energy—the total kinetic energy of all its particles—so air, water, and the ground itself has this thermal energy. Tapping this for heating our homes is tricky. You have to extract and transfer thermal energy affordably. 

One solution is a heat pump. Heat pump installation  and geothermal heat pumps transfer heat from the air, water or ground and bring it into your home. In summer, the process is reversed, and heat from indoor air is expelled outside. 

Geothermal Heat Pumps

The word “geothermal” may give you visions of natural springs or rivers of lava. We have very few sources of magma in Pennsylvania, so geothermal heat pumps use closed water loops to transfer ground heat into the water, bring it up, concentrate it and pass it into your home’s air. 

Water has a very high heat capacity—it holds a lot of thermal energy before you notice a rise in temperature. Air has a much lower heat capacity, meaning its temperature will rise more quickly than water when you add energy. 
This is your clue that GHPs are far more energy efficient than air source heat pumps: You are loading water with the free ground heat, then transferring all that heat into your home’s air at very little cost. To extract heat from outside air, an air source heat pump must work more often, and harder, than a geothermal heat pump. 

Pop Quiz

Which is larger, the mass of your Delaware Valley home or the Delaware Valley itself? Of course the thermal energy held in the ground is far greater than the thermal energy of your home, so even on the coldest days, the ground beneath you has ample heat to transfer into your home. This adds to the energy efficiency of geothermal heat pumps. 

The seasons do not affect the usefulness of GHPs:

• During heating season, the earth gives up heat to warm you and your family comfortably and affordably. 
• During cooling season, the heat pump gathers the heat from your home’s air and sends it down into the cooler earth below. You enjoy dehumidified, cool air with maximum energy efficiency. 
• Central air conditioners, by contrast, are only useful in cooling season. 
• Furnaces and boilers are only useful in heating season. 

Energy-efficient geothermal heat pumps use loops (horizontal or vertical) to run water, or a water and antifreeze solution, through the the earth at a pleasant year-round temperature of approximately 54 degrees below the frost line. The Delaware Valley is a great spot to take advantage of the natural heating and cooling properties of the earth. Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more. 

Building a Wine Cellar? Here are the top things to consider

No longer for the uber-rich, planning a wine cellar can be fun and exciting. Tailor-made cellars are more affordable than ever before, a trend that can be seen in their increasing appearance in new home construction. Before investing in in your wine cellar and cooling unit, be sure to consider these important facets of your wine cellar design:

• Cellar Size and Type
  
  
  The purpose of your cellar will determine its size. Storage-only cellars are compact and pack maximum storage into minimal space. Moderately sized cellars can offer storage and improved display capabilities. On the other end, large, customized cellars can be very elaborate and provide storage, display, tasting areas, themed décor, and more.

 System type

• Self-contained:
  Self-contained systems are economical and easy to install between existing wall studs without the help of a heating and air service and repair contractors, however they are noisier than other systems.
• Split system:
  Split systems are the most efficient, however their condensers are noisy and require significant space for ventilation. Luckily they allow for condenser placement away from the cellar when installed by a licensed heating and air conditioning company allowing for better heat dissipation/noise reduction.
• Ducted:
  Ducted systems offer greater installation options/flexibility, can reduce/eliminate noise with proper installation, and be installed up to 25 ducted feet from the cellar so you won't have to see the wine cooling unit in the cellar.
• Location
  Choose a room with as little exposure to direct sunlight for temperature control. Consider compressor noise when determining placement. The system will run 24/7, 50-60% of the day to maintain temperature.
• Venting
  Adequate ventilation is the key to climate management. Your unit will cool your wine only within a 30-55 degree F temperature differential of your exhaust room, depending on your chosen system. In a system with a 55 degree temperature differential, for example, the exhaust room must not exceed 110 degrees F to prevent wine from being compromised.
• Insulation 
  The better insulated the cellar, the less your cooling unit run to maintain climate. This makes garages and uninsulated spaces a poor choice. Concrete walls are also inappropriate as they absorb cooling. Framed walls with insulation are necessary: R13 for interior walls, R19 for exterior - though R30 is recommended. Glass cellars are poorly insulated and require larger systems.
• Humidity
  A vapor barrier protects your cellar from excess moisture and mold, as well as too little moisture that can result in dried corks and oxygen damage. It is imperative to choose a wine cooling system that maintains both temperature and humidity.
• Lighting
  Low voltage LEDs or fluorescents paired with a motion sensor are recommended to prevent unwanted heat buildup and light exposure.
• Wall covering
  Choose from standard drywall, green board for moisture resistance, tongue-and-groove wood paneling in redwood or cedar, or PVA paint.
• Flooring
  Slate, marble, tile, and vinyl are all excellent choices for the flooring of your cellar
• Racking
  Choose from rot-resistant mahogany, redwood, or cedar to protect your collection.
• Redundant cooling systems
  For high-value collections, a second cooling system such as your home’s air conditioner may be used as backup. A dedicated circuit is essential, and a backup generator a wise investment.

Ready to build your cellar but don’t know where to start? H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. can help. Contact us today.

How Often should you Replace your Home Air Filters?

As easy as it is to neglect the maintenance needs of your heating and air conditioning system, it only makes the job harder in the long run. Like most parts of your heating and air conditioning installation, home air filters need to be replaced and cleaned on a regular basis. While many homeowners are aware of this fact, they find themselves struggling to realize the best time to replace them.

So how often should you replace you HVAC system’s filters? As every heating and air conditioning system is different, consulting the manufacturer’s guide is the best way to make sure you are doing what is best for your machine and avoiding any unnecessary issues. However, if you are looking for a general guideline to follow, replacing your home air filters once every three months, allows them to be clean and fresh all year round. Despite this, it is important to be diligent and keep an eye on your filters every month to see if they are getting clogged with dust or dirt. Lastly, if you live in a household with allergies or pets, you may have to replace your filters more frequently to avoid pet dander lingering around. 

Why should you change your home air filters?

Changing your heating system’s filters may seem like an unnecessary hassle but it is a little bit trouble that’s worth a whole lot of benefits. Here are some ways you and your household can benefit from this type of maintenance:

•    Clean filters ensure your unit is free of any dirt and debris. The cleaner the filters, the better the air flow and the healthier the air you breathe.

•    If you or a member of your family suffer from allergies or asthma, replacing your filters will allow them to breathe easier. Clogged filters can significantly deteriorate the air quality in your home, impacting the overall health as well as aggravating allergies.

•    With cleaner filters, there is a greater chance that your HVAC unit will function more efficiently, thereby decreasing your energy usage and consequently your electricity bills.

•    Finally, heating system maintenance services can go a long way in extending its life span. A well looked after unit will serve your household for a lot longer, adding up to greater savings in the future.

Aside from frequently replacing your comfort systems filters, here are some ways you can improve its overall efficiency. 

•    Yearly check-ups- Although there are many ways of looking after your system yourself, calling in the experts to take a look annually can be extremely beneficial. HVAC technicians can test your unit to ensure its functioning well and also share their professional insights on maintenance and usage.

•    Carbon monoxide testing- Booking a carbon monoxide test can also be an excellent way to secure the health and wellbeing of your home. As carbon monoxide leaks are tough to detect, getting a professional to take a look will give you the added reassurance. 

• Clean the outdoor unit- Another DIY method of heating and air conditioning repair is by cleaning the outdoor unit. Ensure the unit’s air flow is not being obstructed by plants and foliage and clean any build-up of dust or debris.

•    Services Agreement- Don’t want the stress of constant maintenance? A service agreement with your local HVAC company can help. By committing to a service agreements, you can take the pressure away from heating and air conditioning maintenance and also get great savings on a range of services.

If you want more information on how to maintain your indoor air quality services, contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning, the experts in all things HVAC.

HVAC Service Agreements With Your Local Heating And Air Conditioning Company May Save You A Lot Of Hassle And Costs This Winter.

Maintaining a comfortable and cozy environment in your home isn’t always cost effective. However this doesn’t have to be the case. Getting in touch with your local HVAC company to organize a HVAC service agreement can be a great way of saving money and time as the winter months approach.

​What are HVAC service agreements?

Most home heating repair companies offer their customers the option of service agreements to meet the needs of your air conditioning unit all year round. Choosing to invest in a maintenance agreement can lead to great savings this winter as many companies offer discounts on such plans. Look for plans that offer additional benefits such as free repairs, precision tune ups and diagnostic services.

The benefits of HVAC service agreements:

Not convinced? Aside from the ease of guaranteed appointments and the benefit of discounted prices, getting a service agreement from your local heating and Air Conditioning Company can also offer additional advantages. Even the best air conditioning units need a little help sometimes and the maintenance plan will do just that. Here are some ways you can benefit from a service agreement:

• Service agreements ensure that your machine will be handled by skilled technicians to give you the best results and that all important peace of mind.
• Aside from the discounts that come with these plans, regularly having your HVAC unit maintained will lead to it working more efficient thereby adding up to greater savings on your next electricity bill.
• The winter months are one of the peak periods of use for heating and cooling companies in any home. Therefore it is important to make sure that your machine is working perfectly before the bitter and uncomfortable chill arrives.
• Additionally, service agreements ensure that any problems within your unit will be dealt with swiftly and promptly without any stress for the customers.

Tips for finding the perfect local contractor:

• Check online for customer reviews for the heating repair service companies in your local area. Word-of mouth goes a long way when it comes to finding the contractor who meets your HVAC needs!
• Check their credentials - are they rated by the Better Business Bureau? How long have they been operating in the area? What services do they offer?
• Survey the market- Exploring all the options available to you is the best way to go. Weigh up the various contractors on the market to see where you can get the best value for your money.
• Speak to the customer representative about the different service plans and consider your needs. Do you require an extensive plan that has added benefits like free repairs with absolutely no exclusions and guaranteed appointments within as little as eight hours or are you happy to settle for a plan that covers the basics?

H&H Heating and Air conditioning offer flexible and effective service agreements such as their Platinum or Silver packages, which ensure that the comfort of your home is well looked after. So if you want the best in heating and air conditioning repairs and services, contact them for more information.

The Benefits of Ductless Air Conditioning Systems

In today’s day and age, there are very few household problems technology can’t solve. The same is true when it comes to your home’s heating and air conditioning needs. With the latest in HVAC technology, home owners can achieve the perfect temperature in their home without the hassle of ductwork. So if you want to know how you can cool your home in a hassle-free way, keep reading. 

What is a Ductless Air Conditioning System?

As the name suggests, a ductless air conditioning system is a simplified take on the tradition air conditioning unit that eliminates the need for ducts to be placed throughout the property. A ductless or mini split system utilises two main components to give you the perfect home temperature. It consists of a compressor unit which is situated on the exterior of your home coupled with an indoor unit consisting of a fan.

Why Should You Get a Ductless System?

For many homeowners, deciding whether to invest in your home’s heating and cooling needs can be a tough call. Many hesitate due to the hefty cost of heating and air conditioning repair and wonder if the hassle is worth it. To help you in deciding why opting for a ductless system is the right choice for you, here are some of the benefits you can reap from this investment.

• Quick and Easy: Ductless hvac system installation are often favoured by home owners due to the quick and easy installation process. Since they eliminate the need for extensive ductwork, a ductless system can be installed in a timely manner.
• Quiet and Peaceful: Just as the perfect temperature is vital to creating a welcoming home, the peace and quiet is also very important. With units like ductless mini split installation, you can rest assured that your nights won’t be interrupted by the cooling!
• Upgrade Away: Since this variety of HVAC units do not require any ductwork, they are the ideal solution for cooling areas where installing a traditional air conditioner is not feasible. This is also a great option for those living in older homes.
• Small Size and Big Savings: A ductless system will offer you both a compact size that won’t take up a lot of room in your house as well as great savings your wallet will thank you for. As this form of technology gives you the freedom to cool specific areas of your home, you can customise the settings to save you big bucks.
• Energy Efficient: Switching to a ductless system is a great way of increasing your home’s energy efficiency. Thanks to its filters, this system will remove larger allergens and particles, leaving you with cleaner air to breath. Controlling the areas of your home that you want to cool, also helps increase the energy savings.

If you have made up your mind about the ductless system, finding the right air conditioning installation is very important. If you are living in Garnet Valley and surrounding areas, contact H&H air conditioning about their ductless HVAC systems and get the best service at affordable rates.

How to winterize your air conditioner for winter

Even with a few intermittent warmer days here and there, we have all felt the chill of fall in the air. With cold weather coming, now is the time to button up your air conditioning unit installation for winter. Making sure you winterize your air-conditioner unit properly also lessens the expense of unwanted air conditioning service later.

Four Steps to Take

We at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning are happy to hvac system repair to customers, but we are also happy to help you avoid unnecessary service calls and costly repairs. With that in mind, here are the basic four steps for winterizing the outside half of your central air conditioner:

1. Shut Down

Inside, at your wall thermostat, switch from cooling mode to heating mode so you do not accidentally force the central air conditioner to work in cold temperatures. 

On your home’s side is a circuit breaker box for the outside unit. Lift the plastic lid and move the breaker switch from ON to OFF. Tripped breakers are a common source of springtime air conditioning service and repair calls. However, when you plan to turn your unit on in the spring, make sure the breaker is turned on for 24 hours before turning the thermostat to cool in case the unit compressor unit is equipped with protective device known as a crankcase heater.

2. Clean Up

Remove all grass clippings, twigs, branches, weeds and yard debris for an area several feet wide all around your central air conditioner’s outdoor cabinet. Use a garden hose to wash off the unit. If you like, you can use a gentle nylon bristle scrub brush to remove droppings and dirt from the cabinet.

Do not attempt to open any part of the cabinet or remove any panels; doing so could result in a heating and air service and repair contractors to fix what you “fixed.” Let the unit dry completely.


3. Cover…or not!
There are some pros and some cons to covering your outside unit during winter and so there are different opinions among experts on whether you should cover it or not. We at H & H recommend that you don’t cover the unit, and if you do, use an approved cover by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers of central air conditioners have custom-made, ventilated covers you can purchase to protect your outdoor unit. Avoid covering the sides completely to discourage rodents and other pests from taking up residence or to risk corrosion resulting from any trapped moisture. 

4. Call

In the spring contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning hvac tune up. We provide inexpensive HVAC comfort club agreements which help keep your units in tip-top shape, thereby minimizing the need for costly air conditioning service and repair later on.

Getting your HVAC System Ready for this Winter

Throughout the Delaware Valley signs of autumn yielding to winter are unmistakable. Leaves turn color and fall, and then cold mornings call for heat from your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Have your affordable hvac repair and winter’s worst weather will never take away from your cozy home comfort. You and your best heating and air conditioning companies make a great team!

Parts of a Whole

The elements of your HVAC system—furnace and central air conditioner, a boiler and mini-split AC, or some other combination—still do three things:

• Heat
• Ventilate
• Air Conditioning

With summer behind us, your air conditioning system must be bundled up for hibernation. Your ventilation system must be cleaned, and your heating system (wood stove, boiler, heat pump, or furnace) needs preparation. Think of the whole process as three distinct jobs.

Away with the AC

Window units should be brushed off and removed from windows. You lose energy efficiency when your window units remain and heated air escapes. Mini-split units need the outside unit cleaned off, the top protected with a small cover to prevent snow and ice damage. Do not close off the bottom or most of the sides—air circulation prevents corrosion and moisture build-up. Sweep debris away from the unit, and consider wrapping the exposed pipes or hoses in foam insulation. A large central air conditioning unit needs similar, though more extensive, treatment to prepare it for winter.

Ventilation

Your home’s air handler helps draw fresh air in and push stale air out. Keeping it clean and dust-free improves indoor air quality in winter. Talk to your reliable HVAC heating and air conditioning company to make certain you know which parts of your central air conditioner installation are where—some homes, such as those with boilers and hydronic heating, may not have any air handling equipment.

Heater

Getting your heating system ready for winter means a  residential hvac contractors at H&H Heating & Air Conditioning. Our trained technicians will inspect, service and repair your heating system so that is operating efficiently at the first call for heat.

Whether boiler, furnace or heat pump, a trained technician will approach four general areas:

1. Heating element—The heart of your heater, whatever is used to heat water or air requires careful cleaning and adjustment. A complete inspection for signs of corrosion is vital.
2. Air handling or water handling—Furnaces and heat pumps, heated air moves through ducts; the service technician will check for proper air flow and balance. In boilers and hydronic systems, heated water moves through pipes and the technician will verify proper flow and possibly bleed air from the lines
3. Safety equipment—The technician will deliberately trip safety features, such as cut-off switches, breakers and gas valves to make certain you are safe from gas leaks, oil fires or electrical fires.
4. Sensors—A programmable thermostat only saves you fuel costs and lowers your energy bills if it set correctly; the technician can inspect and reprogram the unit if needed.

Contact H&H Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a service call to help you close up the air conditioning, clean out the ventilation, and tune up the heating system in your Delaware Valley home.