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 HVAC replacement or installation services 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 air conditioners 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 Mitsubishi ductless air conditioning systems, 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 services provider 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 central air conditioner 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 provide air conditioning service and repairto 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 call to H&H for unplanned air conditioning service and repair 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 for spring air conditioner 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.

What is the ideal indoor humidity?

Healthy indoor air quality is a valuable facet of any home. After all, who doesn’t love relaxing in the comfortable environment of your home with family and friends? However, dry or excessively moist indoor air can put an end to this pretty picture. That’s why it is important for homeowners to ask themselves, what is the ideal indoor humidity?

Striking the balance

When it comes to managing your indoor humidity, it is important to strike the right balance. As a general rule of thumb, for a comfortable atmosphere, a level between 30% and 50% relative humidity is perfect. By maintaining a relative humidity below 50% you will be preventing the infestation of dust mites and other such pollutants. Moreover, for a closer understanding of the ideal indoor humidity, it is important to take the climate into account. For instance, in winter weather it is important to consider the condensation of windows which may result from high humidity levels. Thus, the ideal relative humidity is between 30% and 40%.

Why is it important?

Households with high or low humidity levels can suffer from a range of issues such as poor concentration, headaches, fatigue and more. Here are some common problems associated with unbalanced humidity levels:

Low humidity:

• Low indoor humidity can lead to a dry atmosphere around your home.
• A humidity level below 25% can lead to damage to wooden furniture as well as floorboards.
• Aside from damaging the contents of your home, low humidity can also have a negative impact on the health of your family. Such environments can lead to dry throats and eyes as well as skin irritation.

 

High humidity:

• High indoor humidity within your house can lead to mould and mildew.
• Consequently, this can also be disadvantageous to your health and wellbeing especially for allergy and asthma suffers.
• Due to the excessive moisture in the air, the atmosphere within the home can feel unpleasant while stains may appear on walls and ceilings.

 

Need a helping hand?

Balancing indoor humidity and achieving the perfect air quality can be a difficult task. So if you find yourself struggling and need a helping hand, contact your local heating and airconditioning specialist to test the humidity of your home and devise a suitable solution. In most cases, indoor air quality systems such as a humidifier or dehumidifier can be used.

Humidifiers: 

• Humidifiers are available in a range of options such as evaporators, steam vaporizers, central, impeller and ultrasonic humidifiers.
• They are effective in eliminating the feeling of dampness within the home as well as preventing dry throats, lungs, nose and eyes.
• Humidifiers need to be regularly maintained for optimal use. Be sure to refill the humidifier on a frequent basis to achieve best results.
• Whole house ducted humidifiers work the best as you don’t need to refill them and they can do the entire house not just a room.

 

Dehumidifiers:

• Dehumidifiers commonly employ two methods of decreasing indoor humidity levels. This includes refrigeration and absorption.
• Dehumidifiers can successfully remove any musty odours which may have been caused by high indoor humidity.
• Like humidifiers, dehumidifiers also need regular care to work efficiently. It is vital to thoroughly clean the unit regularly to insure it is working correctly.

 

If you are suffering from poor indoor air quality, contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning and speak to one of our certified technicians to see what you can do next.

Routine HVAC Maintenance: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

For many homeowners, routine heating and air conditioning maintenance can seem like an unnecessary hassle, especially if you’ve been lucky to steer clear of HVAC troubles in the past. However, it is important to the note that your air conditioner is one area in your home where it certainly pays to be safe.  So here are the top reasons how you can benefit from regular HVAC maintenance.

Extend the life of your unit
We’ve got to admit it, heating and air conditioning units are a major investment for any household. Thus, it is important to ensure that your beloved air conditioner is working in prime condition for as long as possible. Regular maintenance by your HVAC repair services company can extend the life of your air conditioner by making sure all the various components are thoroughly cleaned and in perfect working order. When organising a routine check-up by your heating and air conditioning company, explore the different service packages and check if they include repairs, diagnostic services and tune ups.

Detect problems before they get bigger
As mentioned earlier, you definitely want to take preventative measures when it comes to looking after your heating and cooling needs. Another advantage of routine maintenance is the ability to detect any problems before they expand into bigger issues. Ignoring the needs of your air conditioning unit can lead to bigger complications which require extensive repair bills or the trouble of replacing the unit itself.

Save on your electricity bill
As evident, the condition of your HVAC unit and your monthly electricity bills are interlinked. A unit that is neglected and in poor working condition is much more likely to use a greater amount of fuel to function. Contrastingly, a well looked after machine will require lesser fuel to function effectively, leading to substantial savings in the long term.

How to go about the maintenance?  
Aside from addressing why you shouldn’t ignore routine HVAC maintenance, it is also important to understand what needs to be done to keep your unit looking as good as new. Here are the top maintenance tips to keep your air conditioner working well all year round.

• Be sure to replace the filters of your unit on a monthly basis to avoid dust and debris building up and clogging the system.
•  Additionally, cleaning the furnace of your unit thoroughly is also a vital part of maintaining the efficiency of your air conditioner.
• Entering into a service agreement with your trusted HVAC repair services company is also a great way to avoid any issues with your unit. Choose a trusted heating and air conditioning company that offers flexible payment options and is inclusive of a range of services and repairs.
• If the option of a service agreement isn’t the right one for you, ensure you get a professional to inspect your air conditioner once a year. Doing this prior to its peak periods of use is also a good prevention method.
• Be sure to ask the HVAC technician to inspect all components of your unit as well as search the machine for any leaks that may cause future issues.
• For the additional peace of mind, contact your HVAC repair services company for a carbon monoxide testing to make sure your family’s health is well looked after.

Don’t put off maintaining your air conditioner any longer! Contact H&H Heating and Air conditioning for routine repair and maintenance services.

What to do when your Air conditioner is leaking water?

Although household issues can be a real downer, they are unfortunately inevitable. One such common problem often bothering homeowners is if the air conditioner is leaking water. If you find yourself in such a situation and are at a loss for what to do next, here is all the information about some common reasons for your air conditioning leakage and how you can fix them.

Drainage problems:

One likely reason behind the leakage may be due to a blockage in the drain hole of your unit. The blockage may be a result of a build-up of algae, dirt or debris that is causing the water to backflow into your home. If you fancy yourself a DIY job, your can opt to clean out the build-up on your own with a wet dry vacuum. However, if you lack the equipment or wish to get a professional to have a look, contact your local HVAC services company to give it a good clean.

Installation issues:

Leakage issues may arise if the air conditioning unit is installed incorrectly. Similarly, water can also leak from your air conditioner if there are problems with the duct work. Non-insulated or poorly insulated ductwork can leak water. In both cases, solving the issue yourself may be difficult and it would be best to contact your air conditioning service and repair company to get your machine back to working order in no time.

Clogged Filters:

Dirty and clogged filters are another reason for your unit leaking water. Dust build up on filters can result in the evaporator coils freezing up, in turn leading to water leakage. If this is the case, a quick replacement of filters will set your machine right in no time.

Weather woes:

A common reason behind your air conditioner leaking comes from the temperature outside. Has the weather been on the chilly side lately? A spike in the temperature outside can have an impact on your air conditioning unit. In colder weather, the cooling coil may frost up, or there may be an excess of water within the unit due to it not evaporating.

Low Refrigerant:

Another culprit behind your unit leakage is your refrigerant running low. If your refrigerant is low, this is an indication that there is a refrigerant leak. To confirm that there is a leak and subsequently device a solution to stop and fix the issue before it deteriorates, contact your air conditioning contractor to organise a leak test.

Why call H&H?

If you’re facing any of the above issues and want reliable service you can trust, here is why you should choose H&H:

• At H&H, you can rest easy knowing that we provide air conditioning repairs 24/7.
• Highly qualified, trained and drug tested technicians to make sure that the comfort of your home is in the best hands.
• 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

Want trustworthy heating and repair service at affordable prices? Contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning today and speak to one of the experienced technicians on how you can fix your air conditioning problems.

How to Troubleshoot Bryant Air Conditioners

Before you contact your local Bryant air conditioning and heating professional for service, there are a few simple items you can check for yourself, which if found, could save you a service call.

 

5 Steps for a Homeowner to Troubleshoot your Bryant air conditioner before calling a service professional:

1. Have you changed your furnace filter recently?
   An extremely dirty filter can reduce or block proper airflow, causing your outdoor unit to shut down. If it has been more than three months, change your filter. Safety First! Please note before checking your furnace air filter make sure the power is turned off to the equipment

1. Are your air return grilles blocked?
   To allow for adequate air supply, furniture, drapes, and other objects must be at least four inches away from air returns. (Not sure which grilles are the returns? Look for the wide, flat grilles, typically on the walls.) Also check supply registers and ensure they are open, unblocked, and flowing air.
2. Is your thermostat in the “cool” position?
   Always verify thermostat settings before scheduling air conditioner service and repair. Perhaps a family member has recently reprogrammed your system, or your thermostat is in need of new batteries or repair. Make sure your  thermostat is in the “cool” position and set at least two degrees below the temperature in your home.
3. Is the blower motor in your furnace running?
   If your thermostat is in the “cool” position, your furnace blower should be running. If not, verify the switch at the furnace is in the “on” position, and that there are tripped circuit breakers.
4. Is your condensing unit running?
   Your condensing unit is located outside your home . If your condensing unit is not running, check that your system’s circuit breaker box/electrical panel is in the “on” position inside your home  If the breaker is on, also check that the “outdoor disconnect switch” (located near the outdoor unit in an 8” x 16” by 4” deep gray box) is switched to the “on” position as well.

Air conditioner still not running properly?
If you have exhausted all of the above avenues, it is time to consult your local air conditioning company. Be sure to have your model number on hand prior to phoning for service and repair.

Locating your model number
Knowing the model number of your Bryant air conditioner will help make troubleshooting and sourcing parts easier. You will find your air conditioner model number in the owner’s manual and paperwork that came with your Bryant system. It can also be found on the rating plate sticker located on the unit above the back-seated service valve connections. Can’t find the model number? Contact your area Bryant dealer for assistance prior to scheduling your service appointment.

Looking for the best Repair Services for Bryant HVAC Systems in Chaddsford? H & H Heating and Air Conditioning has your Bryant equipment needs covered, bringing professional, reliable service to the Delaware valley since 1985. For friendly, prompt service with 100% satisfaction guarantee, contact H & H today.

Questions To Ask An Air-Conditioning Contractor

You will face three main issues that compel you to reach out to an air conditioning contractor: purchasing a central air conditioner, having equipment installed, and repair. You need to know what questions to ask about each issue to find the right air conditioning company.

Before Purchasing

In the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry, you are known by the companies you keep. A reputable firm should maintain professional relationships with industry-leading brands:

• Bryant
• Rheem
• Lennox
• Amana

Ask a prospective air conditioning company if, in addition to strong American and international brands, they offer more than just central air conditioners. Modern, ductless split systems minimize disruption to your home and work if you have a boiler (no existing furnace ductwork).  Dependable Mitsubishi ductless split systems are notable for their economy and efficiency.

Before Installation

You finally have had enough with muggy nights, humid days, and stuffy weekends. You want central air conditioning, and you want it as soon as possible. Ask a prospective air conditioning contractor:

• Do you offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee? A few superior companies offer 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
• What safeguards do you have to protect my home and family?  —Look for certified, drug-tested, background-checked and uniformed technicians; ask about money-back guarantees on work performed

Before Air Conditioning Repair

When you call for service, any HVAC company can send technicians to your home…eventually. Ask if they offer
24-hour service and same-day service. Other questions to ask:

• How long have you been repairing A/C systems in the service area? 
• How do you deal with refrigerant? —The best companies recovery old refrigerant to protect our environment, obeying federal laws regarding proper disposal and recycling
• What brands can you repair? —Versatile companies train their technicians to repair many brands, not just the ones they sell
• Do you offer a warranty on your service? A few superior companies offer two-year warranties

The best question to ask any Delaware Valley air conditioning company is, “How do I get in touch with H&H Heating and Air Conditioning?”

Make Sure to Choose an Air Conditioning Company with Experience

Amongst the sea of HVAC contractors, homeowners can sometimes find it difficult to choose the air conditioning company they should rely on. As a rule of thumb, nothing is as valuable as experience, so choosing a company with ample industry experience is important. H&H Heating and Air Conditioning has been serving homeowners in the Delaware Valley since 1985 and this experience translates into our excellent services. From stocking the latest technology to delivering quality repairs and installation, here are some reasons why you should opt for H&H.

A Wide Variety of Services

Over the years, we at H&H have understood the importance of maintaining all the comforts of your home. This is why we have trained professionals who are skilled in a range of services. Here are some of the things that we can help you with:

• Installing and repairing the latest central air installation such as ductless mini split installation
• Duct, boiler, Furnaces cleaning
• Installing hot water heaters and boilers
• Installing wine cellar cooling units
• Providing the latest in home heating such as radiant floor heating and geo-thermal heating
• Testing heating systems carbon monoxide levels

With our 24-hour emergency service available seven days a week, we are sure to be there whenever the need arises.

Customer Comes First

Over the years, we have grown to understand and value the importance of customer satisfaction. Our aim as an HVAC contractor is to provide quality services to our residential, commercial and industrial customers at an affordable cost. To ensure we uphold our customer responsibility, we offer a range of initiatives.

• Professionalism: Being treated respectfully and professionally is vital to good customer service. Our technicians are NATE-certified, carry identification cards and are background checked and drug tested to ensure that your home is in capable hands. To make sure you receive the best service possible, our technicians will not swear or use tobacco products during their visit to your property.
• Excellent Service: We firmly believe that no one should have to pay for a service they are unhappy with and to stand by our word, we provide our customers with a 100% money back guarantee. To go the extra mile, we also offer a two-year warranty on our residential repair services and provide a No Lemon guarantee on Installations, promising to replace your air conditioner’s outside unit, should the compressor fail twice in the first five years of use.
• Great prices: Lastly, we think every home deserves quality heating and air conditioning, regardless of its budget. This is why we provide a range of flexible payment options to suit as many households as possible. We provide our customers with great discounts and deals through our Comfort Club Membership. We also cater for a range of families through our financing options such as the Keystone HELP® Energy Efficiency Loan that is available to eligible customers.

At H&H, the comfort and safety of your family are important to us. So if you want an heating and air conditioning repair company that is highly experienced and reliable, give H&H a call and speak to one of our friendly technicians about your HVAC needs.

What does an Air Conditioning Tune-up include?

Regular maintenance is a critical part of keeping your air conditioning equipment running efficiently. One of the most important parts of any maintenance program is an annual tune-up of your equipment, which should be done by a qualified local air conditioning service company. Having this vital job performed by an experienced technician helps avoid breakdowns, keeps the system operating safely and ensures that your home stays cool and comfortable. Here is a look some of the key tasks included in your tune-up.

Thermostat 

Thermostat issues are often a cause of air conditioners failing to function properly. Your tune-up service technician will test the device to determine if it’s is working as it should. He will ascertain that no loose wires are present and that the thermostat is programmed to your preferred setting. The technician will also check to see whether the device is connected securely to the wall.

Refrigerant 

If your air conditioning installation does not have the proper amount of refrigerant, then it’s not going to operate at peak efficiency. Having the refrigerant level checked during a tune-up prevents this type of problem from interfering with your family’s comfort during the cooling season. The service person will inspect the system thoroughly to ascertain that no refrigerant is leaking and the amount of refrigerant is at the recommended level.

Electrical   

Sometimes an air conditioner fails to cool effectively because of loose electrical connections. All of the electrical wires must be securely attached for the equipment to function properly. These connections will be thoroughly inspected during the tune-up and any loose wiring will be tightened.

Air Filter  

A common problem in many air conditioning systems that are not cooling as they should is a dirty air filter. The improve indoor air quality in your air conditioner will be inspected by the technician to determine if it’s clogged by dirt and debris. If necessary, the old air filter will be replaced with a new one if the homeowner has a spare filter on site.

Coils  

Your air conditioner contains coils that play a key role in the unit’s efficiency. If the coils are dirty or have been damaged, then your comfort is going to suffer. A tune-up will include an inspection of your coils and a cleaning if necessary. The inspection covers the coils on outdoor and your indoor unit providing there is access to the indoor coil. The indoor section is called the air handler and the outdoor unit, called the condenser.

Shrubs   

The condenser unit must have space to operate without interference. If any shrubs or other plants are too close to the unit, the air conditioner’s performance could be negatively impacted. Your HVAC service technician will inspect your landscaping around the condenser to ensure that no plants are hindering the air conditioner’s efficiency.

These are some of the crucial tasks that are part any tune-up from an outstanding air conditioning company. To schedule your tune-up and make certain that your home is cooled efficiently, contact the trained experts at H & H Heating & Air Conditioning. Call 610-655-3555 for a free quote

Do Air Conditioners Dehumidify?

A curious homeowner recently contacted H&H Heating and Air Conditioning with a great question: Do air conditioners dehumidify? This was not only a good question but a timely one, since the dog days of summer are in full force. The short but unsatisfying answer is, Yes, air conditioners most certainly dehumidify. For more on the story, you have to know a little about the behavior of gases and some basic science.

Humidity

During hot summer months, our Delaware Valley air masses are laden with moisture because warmer air holds more water vapor than cooler air. You notice in winter, your house dries out, your throat gets itchy; you may need to improve indoor air quality with a humidifier. In summer, the opposite is true, and you need to pull humidity out of your home’s air.

Dehumidification

The secret to ridding homes of excess moisture is to chill the air as it circulates through ductless mini split installation or larger central air conditioners (single packages or split systems). Cooler air holds less moisture, and the water vapor literally drops from the gaseous mix.
Air conditioners’ evaporator coils are extremely cold; warm, moist house air passes over them. The chill condenses the water vapor out of the air, allowing it to drain from the evaporator coil to outside (or down a drain). This is why you may see water around large split system air conditioners, outdoors—the units’ condensate tubes are draining.

Benefits
​
Dryer, cooler indoor air is enjoyable in summer. You feel cooler because perspiration evaporates quickly into the dry air. The temperature need not be down to a budget-busting 68°F for everyone to feel comfortable. Most homeowners set their central air conditioners for 74°F or 76°F and let the evaporator pull excess humidity from the air.
To learn more about energy efficiency and dehumidifying your Delaware Valley home’s indoor air while optimizing your home’s central air conditioner, contact H&H Heating and Air Conditioning today.