8 Tips to Save Energy on your Summer Air Conditioning

'Tired of high energy bills and repeatedly calling for air conditioning service in your Villanova, PA home? Your system may be working overtime courtesy of your bad habits. Save money on your air conditioning while increasing comfort in your home with the help of these helpful cooling practices:

1. Get the most out of thermostat settings.
   For efficient operation and energy savings, HVAC units require continual adjustment. Adding a programmable thermostat makes this job a snap, adjusting your home to a comfortable 78°F when you are home, and raising temperatures while you are away. It also helps curtail bad habits, like cranking your thermostat to a colder setting when you first get home, which does not, in fact, cool things down any faster but instead results in excess cooling and energy expenses. Techno-phobic? Rest assured, the latest in affordable learning or “smart” thermostat technology doesn't even require programming, and can be operated from your mobile phone.
2. Stop shirking your maintenance duties.
   That nasty filter won’t change itself, and it can cause excess energy use and wear on system components as your system struggles to force air through its clogged surface. Skip needless HVAC repair costs and mark your calendar to change the air filter regularly – every 3 months, at a minimum. Additionally, don’t neglect annual routine maintenance before times of peak use, such as fall or spring, to ensures efficiency and proper operation. Neglected internal components and improper coolant levels are just as detrimental to your system as air filter maintenance.
3. Enlist the help of your fans.
   Ceiling, box, and rotating fans can keep you more comfortable, allowing you to raise thermostat settings 4°F without losing comfort thanks to the “wind chill effect.” They also help better circulate conditioned air through your home. Just remember: Fans cool people, not rooms – so turn them off when you leave.
4. Force the issue.
   Enlist the help of an air conditioning company you can trust to install a whole house fan in your attic. Best used in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler, whole house fans draw cool air in and force hot air out through attic vents to help reduce air conditioning use.  
5. Tie-up loose ends.
   Properly secure leaky, poorly insulated ductwork, and address air leaks around windows and doors. These can add up to the equivalent of a constantly open window.
6. Stop fighting physics.
   Rearrange furniture to prevent blockages of vents and registers that can destroy comfort and efficiency.
7. Live in harmony with nature.
   If you live in a climate where evenings cool, turn off your system at night to sleep, then close-up your home in the morning, shutting windows and blinds to capture cool air and block out solar heat gain.
8. Avoid heat buildup.
   Opt for cool LEDs and compact fluorescents over super-hot incandescents. Avoid using ovens, dryers, and dishwashers during the hottest part of the day. If you must cook, use your microwave or outdoor grill instead.

Can’t stand the heat? Kick it to the curb with the help of your friendly, Villanova area cooling experts. Contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. today.

Shopping for a new Air Conditioning System - What are my Options?

Purchasing a new or replacing an existing air conditioning system in your home?  H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. offers award-winning installation and repair alongside an array of quality, efficient and technologically advanced air conditioning products from the industry’s leading manufacturers.

What air conditioning system type is best for my home?
Our air conditioners from brands like Bryant, Lennox, Mitsubishi, Rheem and Amana have a lot to offer. What’s the best brand for you? That will depend on your climate and home’s amenities…

• Central Air Conditioners
  For homes with existing ductwork and a furnace, boiler, fireplace, or other heat source, standalone central air conditioning systems offer cost effective cooling comfort, installing virtually invisibly without distracting from your home’s décor. Split systems are the most common type of central A/C, circulating refrigerant between an indoor unit (housing the coil) and an outdoor unit (housing the condenser and compressor), then distributing conditioned air via a mechanical blower through ductwork and into your home. Newer models offer vastly improved efficiency over those just several years old, however proper sizing and ductwork installation by an A/C company you can trust is integral to efficient operation.
• Heat pumps
  A sub-type of central HVAC systems, in moderate climates, heat pump systems offer multi-functional heating and cooling. Typically used for cooling about 7 months per year, these systems operate by transferring warm air to where it is needed – or in the case of the summer months, not needed – by exchanging heat to move warm air outside in the summer, and inside in the winter.
• Ductless
  Ductless systems (also called mini-splits) from brands like Mitsubishi, consist of an outdoor component that sits next to your home, and an indoor component that mounts on the wall. If you live in a hot region and need to cool a large area inside your home, a ductless system may be a good fit for you. These systems are also a great option for older homes without existing ducts, as instead of ductwork, they use tubing to connect parts (electrical, drainage) and circulate refrigerant, only requiring about a 3 inch hole for tubing hidden behind each indoor unit. They are among the most efficient cooling options available today as no cooling is lost to leaky ductwork in unconditioned space. Multiple, programmable cooling units can cool up to 8 rooms (4 units) per system, offering efficient, zoned temperature control.
• Geothermal system
  Operating much like standard air conditioners, geothermal systems tap into thermal energy in the earth, taking advantage of more constant temperatures to keep your home comfortable. Highly efficient, these systems move air out of (or into) your home, transferring heat via polyethylene pipes filled with water. Bentonite grout surrounding these underground pipes maximizes thermal conductivity. Pumps in your home circulate the water through the pipes in the thermal unit, transferring or absorbing heat from the refrigerant in the system depending on the season, then distributing it with the help of a compressor and ductwork to meet your comfort needs.  

Feeling the heat? Cool off with an expertly designed system from the professionals at H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Contact us today.

Choosing the Right Heating and Air Conditioning Company

Did you know that choosing the right heating and air conditioning services provider is integral to the health of your HVAC system? The knowledge, care and skill of your technician will reflect in your system, in everything from equipment installation to system service and routine maintenance.

Don’t let choosing the wrong heating and air conditioning company come back to haunt you…

• Installation
  Properly sizing your system is essential to home comfort and efficiency. Heating/cooling load calculations must be based on your home’s size, insulation levels, and windows for reliable, efficient operation. Indoor and outdoor system components must also be properly matched. In addition, ductwork must be properly installed and located to prevent leaks and the loss of conditioned air.   
• Repair
  Quality, OEM parts, trustworthy quotes and warranties, reliable repairs are integral to protecting your system’s operation – and your wallet. Opt for value over bottom line price to prevent paying for cheap, unreliable equipment – and multiple service visits to correct the same issue.
• Routine maintenance
  Overlooked routine maintenance items could take their toll on your system:
• Improperly operating thermostats…
  Can leave you uncomfortable and have your system working overtime, costing you in high energy bills.
• Inadequate refrigerant…
  Too much or too little in  your cooling units can reduce efficiency – and system life.
• Poor component maintenance.
  Overlooked routine maintenance tasks can lead to unexpected repairs down the road. A good air conditioning services technician should:
• Check your system controls for proper operation.
• Check for faulty electrical connections.
• Lubricate all moving parts.
• Inspect the condensate drain for plugs that can cause humidity and water damage.
• Clean evaporator and condensing coils.
• Clean/adjust blower components to ensure proper airflow.

What should you look for in an HVAC repairs and installation professional?

• A great rep.
  Including a courteous and prompt demeanor, and local referrals from friends, relatives, or your local professional organization. A great technician should also provide you with a written, itemized repair and installation estimate following an on-site, in-person home evaluation, inclusive of all costs and warranties, and stating the efficiency and annual operating costs on new system estimates.
• An inquisitive mind.
  Superior contractors will ask you about problem’s you’ve experienced with your system – and offer solutions.
• Proper licensing and insurance…
  As required by your state, and an office where you can visit them should the need arise, indicating their longevity and intention to remain in business.
• Certification.
  Leading contractors should have one or more of the following professional affiliations:
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
• Air Conditioning Contractors of America ((ACCA)
• Energy Star qualified products.
  Energy Star heating and air products meet or exceed the strict efficiency guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offering significant long-term energy savings.

Ensure installation and service that’s second to none. Trust in the friendly heating and air conditioning experts at H & H Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact us today.

How to keep your Home Cooling Costs low this Summer!

Summer’s heat is already setting in, and with it, your constant desire to crank up the air conditioner. How can you protect your checkbook but still stay cool? These simple, inexpensive tips can help cut your cooling costs by up to 50% – while still keeping you comfortable…

Program yourself for success.
Programmable thermostats offer better temperature control – and lessen your desire to keep playing with the thermostat numbers. And with today’s smart and learning thermostats, adding one to your home to reduce energy costs has never been easier. Save on cooling easily by turning up the temperature while you’re not at home. For every degree above 78, you can save 5-8% of your total energy bill.

Go for a spin.
Spinning those ceiling fans can really reduce your cooling needs, but adding whole house fans can slash your energy costs up to 50%.

Add some shade.
Learn more about properly adding shade trees to your landscaping, or simply install curtains and blinds to reduce cooling bills by as much as 20%.

Ditch those ancient lights.
More than 90% of the energy produced by incandescent lights is heat. Unless you really enjoy changing bulbs, swap them out for uber-efficient and cool CFLs or LEDs.

Change it up.
Your home air filters need to be changed regularly – at least every 3 months – to keep your system from struggling for breath, ruining efficiency. Check filters monthly and replace them if they look dirty.  

Keep it sealed.
When was the last time you had your heating and air conditioning company inspect your ductwork? Ducts that are poorly insulated, improperly installed, or leaky could cost you up to 30% efficiency. Ensure your conditioned is getting where it needs to go – effectively.

Don’t air condition the whole neighborhood.
Ensure leaks around windows and doors, as well as those in your attic, basement, and crawl space, are sealed, (they are often the equivalent of an open window), and check that insulation levels are optimal.

Live in harmony with nature.
Open and close windows and doors in the morning and evening, when temperatures are cool, being certain to close them before they rise to save on cooling the old-fashioned way.

Stop procrastinating on maintenance.
You could be paying more to keep your home cool due to system inefficiencies that could easily be addressed by your air conditioner service and repair company. An annual, professional inspection is necessary at least once a year to:

• Clean and maintain system components that can affect efficiency (and the lifespan of your system.)
• Verify optimum refrigerant levels.
• Identify thermostat malfunctions and ductwork leaks.
• And more…

Consider an upgrade.
Energy Star certified systems can keep you cooler, for far less cost, saving you 20-40% compared to systems that are just 10 years old. With available tax incentives for high efficiency systems and the monthly savings you’ll see, there’s never been a better time to talk to your local air conditioning company about your options.

Feeling the heat? H&H Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Contact us today!