Douglas Cooling & Heating Blog : Archive for January, 2018

If Not, Is Your AC Ready For the Warmer Weather?

Punxsutawney Phil will soon be coming out to predict the early spring season, and you need to be ready for the warmer weather that’s coming! Your air conditioner or other cooling system need to be prepared to battle the extreme heat and high humidity levels that arrive with seasonal changes in the spring. HVAC maintenance for spring weather goes hand-in-hand with Groundhogs Day temperature predictions.   

Why Schedule HVAC Maintenance for Spring Weather?

When Phil does his famous Groundhogs Day temperature and season prediction, many things come to mind about the early spring. The most thought of is spring cleaning, which tackles every nook and cranny of your home. Just like spring cleaning, your cooling system needs to undergo maintenance in early spring for several reasons:

• Avoid the Rush

It’s better to schedule your maintenance for spring sooner rather than later, especially before the hot temperatures hit. You don’t want to make a frantic, emergency phone call during extreme highs and intense humidity. Plus, most people wait to schedule their HVAC maintenance for spring right before summer arrives or when their system goes out because of the extreme temperature change. Then you will have to deal with waiting for an appointment.  

• Replace Worn-Out Parts

Regardless of how durable modern HVAC systems are, you will still experience components that are worn out and need to be replaced. You could have damaged parts in your cooling system that you aren’t even aware of since you last used it. Our technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating will inspect your cooling system, identify any damaged components, and repair or replace them before the heat hits. This will save you money, in the long run, considering you won’t have to make a last-minute call for an HVAC repair when your air conditioner stops working altogether.

• Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

Preventative maintenance in early spring allows your system to perform efficiently and struggle-free during spring and summer. With maintenance, your unit is properly lubricated and cleaned, which is important after low winter temperatures. Future breakdowns and costly replacements are also limited with spring maintenance. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers preventative maintenance plans, so our NATE-certified technicians will extend the life of your cooling system and boost your cooling efficiency during heat waves!

• Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your furnace produces dry air inside your home during the winter weather. If you had your home winterized, you might even suffer from extreme stale indoor air trapped indoors. Aside from opening windows and letting fresh air in, HVAC maintenance for spring weather eliminates clogged filters and dust buildup inside your unit, and removes any obstructions in your ductwork. If you have anything blocking or restricting your airflow in your unit, your indoor air quality is compromised, leading to poor indoor quality and health issues.

• Increase Energy Savings

HVAC maintenance on your air conditioner or heat pump not only extends the life of your unit but it can save you money on your energy bill. Properly maintained equipment will meet the demands of your thermostat despite the outside temperature. Systems that have dirty air filters, restricted airflow, or damaged parts have to work harder to provide cooler temperatures in your home, consuming more energy.

Early spring savings and improved efficiency are guaranteed when preparing for Groundhogs Day temperatures! Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today and schedule your HVAC maintenance for spring weather with our NATE-certified technicians.  

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Keeping your home warm when the temperatures drop is already a big job for your heating system. However, when heating problems happen, your system has to work harder to keep your house warm. Here are the 8 most common heating problems with your furnace that can be resolved with simple preventative maintenance or repair from a qualified professional. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers preventative maintenance plans to keep your heating system functioning smoothly even when it gets extremely cold outside.  

• Dirty Air Filters

Clogged air filters restrict airflow in your home, causing your furnace to work harder to circulate heat to every room. Dirty filters can even damage the limit switch that controls the fan, as well as other components. You should clean or replace your air filter once every three to four months to keep your HVAC system healthy and running smoothly. During preventative maintenance, our technicians will change or clean your filter to ensure your airflow isn’t obstructed.  

• Frequent Cycling On and Off

A common furnace problem is the unit cycling on and off repeatedly. This indicates there could be a clogged filter, restricted airflow, or a problem with your thermostat. All three of these problems are addressed with preventive maintenance, but when your unit isn’t taken care of, frequent cycling of your furnace may occur.

• Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks in your home cause problems with your furnace’s performance and affects the heating dispersed throughout your home. Air leaks in your home can be found in several places, such as around windows, doors, recessed lighting, attic hatches, and even in your ductwork. A technician will inspect your ductwork for any air leaks during a preventative maintenance call. If air leaks in your home are found via the ducts, they will either be sealed, or the damaged section will be replaced.

• Moldy HVAC System

A moist climate can cause problems inside your HVAC system regardless of the season. Even in the winter, moisture can build up, and mold will begin to grow in your heating system. Douglas Cooling & Heating’ technicians will inspect your whole unit and determine if you have mold inside your unit or the air ducts during maintenance. When mold is found, we will eliminate the mold and properly insulate and seal leaky ducts to prevent mold growth in the future.

• Blower Continuously Runs

If you notice that your blower is continuously running, you might have a problem with your limit switch. The best way to handle a blower problem is to call a professional to have the switch replaced and have your furnace inspected for other issues that might cause your blower to run non-stop.

• Furnace Is Too Noisy

Furnaces aren’t always quiet, but they shouldn’t make squeaking, squealing, rumbling, or rattling noises while operating. If you hear these noises, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately! These sounds indicate something needs to be diagnosed quickly, such as a mechanical problem, clogged burner, or airflow obstructions.

• Malfunctioning Thermostat

A faulty thermostat will give false readings, causing problems with your furnace’s performance and leading to cold spots in your home. During a maintenance call, your thermostat is checked to make sure it is communicating correctly with your furnace, and the settings are checked to ensure your home comfortable in every room. If an issue is detected during service, our NATE-certified technicians will offer suggestions to resolve the problem.

• High Energy Bills

Energy bills that spike point directly to your furnace and other heating equipment’s efficiency. There are several reasons why your energy bill might be high, which is why maintenance is so important for your HVAC system. A professional will inspect your unit for potential problems and keep your system operating at its highest efficiency. Douglas Cooling & Heating will keep your system functioning longer and operating efficiently during the coldest time of year!

Keep problems with your furnace at a minimum this winter and schedule preventative maintenance with Douglas Cooling & Heating! Our technicians are the best in the industry through NATE-certifications, experience, and continued learning. We want you to keep warm by avoiding unexpected heating repairs!

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Fresh indoor air is improved with either a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) installation, but deciding which is best for your home and current HVAC system can be confusing. Understand the difference between the two to make a wise investment for your home and indoor air quality.

What Do They Do and How Do They Work:

Ventilators are used to pull fresh air into a home while pulling stale air back out.  The fresh air is typically delivered to the living room or bedrooms, and the stale air is removed from the laundry room, bathrooms, and at times, the kitchen. Both ERVs and HRVs reduce stress on your HVAC system, which boosts your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy. Ventilators help your home and HVAC system by:

• Lowering your humidity levels indoors
• Removing odors and fumes from your indoor air
• Diluting indoor air pollution inside your home
• Providing enough fresh air to keep your family healthy

Heat Recovery Ventilator Installation:

A heat recovery ventilator installation pulls both fresh air and stale air from your home through its core, transferring the majority of the heat from the warmer exhaust air to the incoming cooler air. The HRV uses a heat exchanger that prevents the two air streams from mixing. During the hotter months, the warm air coming in is cooled by the air conditioning inside, and during the colder months, the heat from indoors is transferred to the cold fresh air coming in. The HRV recovers lost energy while providing your home with fresh air and exhausting stale air without mixing the two types of air.

Heat Recovery Ventilators are best for:

• Homes where humidity is lower during the warm months
• Small homes with colder climates and more occupants

Energy Recovery Ventilator Installation:

Installing an ERV does the same thing as a heat recovery ventilator, but it also transfers moisture to and from the air depending on the season. The air streams have to mix slightly for the moisture to be pulled from one stream and added to the other but the cross-contamination rate is usually below 10% and is barely noticed. This type of ventilator is commonly used in warmer climates where humidity is an issue. Just be aware, an ERV is not a dehumidifier. It just helps transfer moisture not reduce moisture in your indoor air as a whole-home dehumidifier does.

An energy recovery ventilator installation is best for:

• Humid climates where the ERVs can transfer moisture during the cooling season
• Large homes with fewer occupants in colder climates

How To Decide:

If you live in an area where the climate is well-balanced, either ventilator will work well for your home. The most important factor for the ventilator you choose is the installation. You should hire a licensed professional who knows the ins and outs of both types of ventilators and which will be the best for your current HVAC system. Douglas Cooling & Heating employs only the best technicians who are NATE-certified, experienced, and knowledgeable about the latest technological advancements in the HVAC industry.

If you aren’t 100% sure which ventilator is right for you, call the professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating! We will help you decide which ventilator is best for you and your current HVAC system. Whether it’s a heat recovery ventilator installation or an energy recovery ventilator installation, our NATE-certified professionals will fill your home with fresher air in no time!

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Across the United States, homeowners are seeking ways to maximize efficiency with their heating and cooling systems. Your HVAC system is the biggest energy hog in your home, consuming up to half of your energy used every year. Central air and heat conservation can be achieved with a few simple changes in your home.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Manual thermostats aren’t just outdated; they are a huge reason why your heating and cooling system wastes so much energy. Upgrading your thermostat to a programmable or smart thermostat drastically improves your HVAC’s energy consumption. Advanced thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures during the day while the house is empty. Depending on the season, you can adjust your thermostat up or down while you sleep, which cuts back your energy usage tremendously. Programmable thermostats allow you to program settings for when you are away, asleep, or on vacation. Upgrading your thermostat creates a more environmentally safe HVAC system in your home.

HVAC Maintenance

Another way to improve your central air and heat conservation at home is to schedule maintenance with an HVAC contractor near you. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your system is performing at its optimum efficiency and inspects the unit for future problems. A trusted HVAC contractor near you is Douglas Cooling & Heating, offering affordable maintenance plans. Our preventative maintenance is performed by the best NATE-certified technicians in the industry.

Air Filter Replacement

A standard maintenance item is changing the air filter in your system. A dirty filter decreases airflow in your system, forcing your HVAC unit to work harder than necessary and waste more energy in the process. When a filter becomes clogged, dust and other particles build up inside your HVAC system, causing mechanical failures and decreased performance. A small thing like the air filter affects the lifespan of your unit, its energy consumption, and overall performance. Clogged air filters are the leading cause of heating and cooling failures.

Seal Your Ducts

Another way to create an environmentally safe HVAC system is to have your ducts sealed by a professional. You can lose up to 30% in energy through cracks and holes in your ductwork. An HVAC contractor near you can inspect your ducts, vents, and registers for any leaks. Improving your central air and heat conservation, sealing those leaks will improve your airflow and prevent wasted energy.

Invest in a New HVAC System

If you are in the market for the best way to control your home’s energy use, considering installing a new heating and cooling system. As HVAC systems age, they lose efficiency and cost you more money on your energy bill and repairs. Just make sure, whatever system you choose, it’s correctly sized for your home. When a system is too small, it repeatedly cycles on and off, causing increased energy consumption.

New systems are far more efficient than older units but to really “go green” with a new system, install an ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling unit. An ENERGY STAR system can save you up to 50% on your energy consumption. You may even qualify for a tax credit depending on where you live. Regardless of the system you install, make sure it has a high SEER rating, EER rating, and HSPF rating for the best energy efficiency.

Create an environmentally safe HVAC system in your home with maintenance and a programmable thermostat. For the best central air and heat conservation methods, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating! We know how to lower your energy usage and save you money in the long run.

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A thermostat is the command center for your heating and cooling system. It helps your system control the temperature, humidity, and energy usage in your home. Investing in a thermostat for your HVAC system can be overwhelming. There are several kinds available and different features for each kind. Depending on your system’s needs, you want to make sure you install the best thermostat for your HVAC system.

What System Do You Have?

Before you invest in a thermostat, you need to consider what type of heating and cooling system you have. Not all thermostats are compatible with every HVAC system, which can cost you money in the future on your energy bills and HVAC repairs. The best thermostat for your HVAC system depends on if you have a:

• Single-Stage: This type of system is traditional gas heat and electric air conditioning systems. Single-stage means your furnace has only one level of heat. This is the most common system in residential homes.
• Multi-Stage: Multi-stage systems mean you have more than the average one level of heating or cooling. The multi-stage system has the ability to operate at different levels to heat your home efficiently, and provides more evenly dispersed heat throughout your home.
• Heat Pump: This system is a single system that controls both your heating and cooling in your home. Traditionally a heat pump is used as the emergency heat source if you have a multi-stage system. It produces heat faster than any other system and is popular in the Northeast.
• Multi-Stage Heat Pump: Similar to a multi-stage system, but it uses a heat pump as the heat source. Your heat pump is able to operate at two performance levels to heat or cool your home most efficiently depending on conditions.

Thermostat Types:

There are three common types of thermostats that work with heating and cooling systems: smart thermostats, programmable thermostats, and manual thermostats. Below are the different types and an overview of their characteristics:

• Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat offers easy programming with three different setting options. Most homeowners have switched to programmable thermostats because of its convenient programming, user-friendly interface, and it offers energy efficiency with their HVAC system.

• Smart Thermostat: A smart thermostat learns temperature preferences of a household and makes automatic temperature adjustments for comfort and efficiency.
• Mechanical/Manual Thermostat: Users must manually set and adjust manual thermostats to change temperatures in the home.

Programmable Thermostat Options:

One of the best thermostats for HVAC systems is a programmable thermostat. It offers energy efficiency, and easy management of your heating and cooling needs based on a set program.

• 7-Day:

You can set unique settings for each day, up to 7 days. This setting offers ultimate flexibility with up to four periods per day for every day of the week. If you have a busy schedule, this setting is perfect for you and your family.

• 5-1-1 Day:

This setting allows you to program one setting through the week and then two different settings for Saturday and Sunday. You can program up to four periods per programmable session with this type of programmable thermostat.

• 5-2 Day:

This version allows programming up to four sessions with separate settings for the weekends and weekdays.

Choose the best thermostat for HVAC system efficiency, controlled humidity, and even temperatures in your home! Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating and learn more about the benefits of installing a programmable thermostat.  

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