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 ac. 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 hvac 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 hvac 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 conditioning 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 contractor about your options.

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

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 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.

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