Douglas Cooling & Heating Blog : Archive for November, 2017

Bad Indoor Air Can Affect Your Pet’s Health

Thursday, November 30th, 2017

When we think of indoor air quality and pollution, we typically only worry about their effects on humans. Humans have close to six million olfactory receptors in our noses, but pets have around 300 million. These furry friends have a great sense of smell, and unfortunately, that means they are affected even more by pollution indoors and poor indoor air quality.

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution

Even when your home is spotless, there are still allergens and other contaminants that float around. Your indoor air quality is compromised on a daily basis without you even realizing it. Allergens can drift through the air and land on surfaces you have already cleaned. Cleaning products, tobacco smoke and other allergens can settle on window coverings and floor rugs, contributing to indoor air pollution. Many homeowners invest in expensive air fresheners to keep their homes smelling nice. However, these items cause more harm than good when it comes to keeping your pet healthy.

Effects of Air Pollution

Poor indoor air quality increases respiratory issues, such as bronchitis and asthma. Chronic asthma and bronchitis sufferers may have worse symptoms if the indoor air quality isn’t improved. Humans may also experience increased allergy symptoms to dust mites, pollen, and dirt floating around in the air. Viruses and bacteria will thrive in a home with poor indoor air quality, leading to weakened immune systems.

The effects of air pollution on pets can be hazardous since most people aren’t aware their pets are susceptible:

  • Cigarette smoke affects pets even worse than humans because pets are closer to the ground where the smoke settles. Cats in homes where their owners smoke have reduced lung function compared to cats living in smoke-free homes.
  • Cleaning products used in your home leave carcinogens in your air that can cause several health problems for dogs, such as mesothelioma, lung, nasal, and bladder cancer.

Ways to Protect Your Pets

The good news is you can make improvements to your home’s indoor air quality to keep your pets healthier. Below are a few tips to improve your home’s air and keep allergens low:

  • Change your HVAC filter regularly. Typically, your filter should be cleaned or replaced once every three to six months for homes without pets. Pet owners should consider changing their HVAC filters once every two months, or more frequently if warranted. The filtration system inside your heating and cooling unit is responsible for trapping and eliminating allergens and other pollutants before they circulate throughout your home.  This will prevent your HVAC filter from clogging and pumping polluted air back into your home.
  • Vacuum regularly to remove pet hair, pollen, dust mites, and other allergens from carpets and rugs. When your pets are sneezing, it’s time to vacuum again!
  • Buy cleaning products that are safer for your pets. Natural cleaning products, such as baking soda and vinegar, don’t leave behind carcinogens that harm your pets. You can also look at the labels on products before buying them to ensure they aren’t harmful to your indoor air.
  • Consider smoking outside and creating a smoke-free environment for your four-legged family members. Secondhand smoke is dangerous for everyone, even your pets. Give your pets the best chance of breathing healthily by eliminating tobacco smoke. Your pets will have stronger lungs and will be healthier without the risk of respiratory issues.

Reduce allergens and other pollutants in your home to give your pets the best indoor air quality! Douglas Cooling & Heating understands how important your pet is to your family. Call us for preventive HVAC maintenance to keep your filtration system operating efficiently.

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You Get What You Pay For – How To Find A Quality HVAC Contractor

Tuesday, November 28th, 2017

It’s recommended to research your options before buying a new heating and cooling system. No one wants to buy the wrong kind of equipment for their home or have it incorrectly sized. The search for a new system can be overwhelming but with help from a reliable, trusted heating and cooling company, you can buy what you need with ease. You want to look for specific qualities when shopping around for an HVAC contractor near you.   

Reputation

One thing to consider when hiring an HVAC contractor nearby is their reputation. Reviews from other customers show a company’s commitment to customer service. Satisfied customers are quick to acknowledge when they’ve received prompt, affordable, and quality service.

You can also check out the Better Business Bureau website. The BBB rates businesses on a scale, A+ to F, which is easy for homeowners to understand. If the HVAC contractor has poor reviews and a low BBB rating, they don’t have a strong reputation in the community, among customers.  

Certified

Certified HVAC contractors are efficient, professional, and knowledgeable. You want to hire an HVAC contractor near you with the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. If a technician isn’t certified, you won’t know what type of knowledge they have or the kind of work they produce.

Estimates

Before giving you an estimate, a contractor should come out and survey your home. They will check for leaks in your current ductwork and measure your house for a new unit. If the contractor gives an estimate before inspecting your home, you might get the wrong type of system for your home, or it might not be adequately sized to fit the needs of your house. A trusted heating and cooling company will check your home out first and then offer a reliable estimate on a new unit and installation.  

Knowledgeable

A contractor from a trusted heating and cooling company should be knowledgeable about the latest advancements in the HVAC industry. They should know the proper installation methods for each system before committing to a job. You should also hire an HVAC contractor near you that knows how to size new equipment for your home correctly. You may have a current system that isn’t the right size so the contractor should measure your home regardless of the size of unit you already have.  

Heating and cooling technology continues to change from year to year, and a reliable HVAC contractor near you won’t discourage you from buying a higher efficiency system. If a contractor deters you from buying a more efficient system, the technician may not be knowledgeable regarding how to install it. They also may not be able to give you information on how a higher efficient model operates or how much money you will save. An experienced contractor won’t hesitate to perform HVAC repairs on advanced heating and cooling equipment or install these systems.

Hire an HVAC contractor near you that is reliable, certified, and employed with a trusted heating and cooling company. Douglas Cooling & Heating hires only the best NATE-certified contractors. Call us today for new installations, HVAC repairs, and preventive maintenance.

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Why Your Heat Pump Isn’t Heating

Monday, November 27th, 2017

heat-pumpHeat pumps are just as prone to developing issues under the strain of winter use as any other heating system. This can manifest in a number of ways, but the most common is simply a loss of heating output. If your heat pump isn’t heating as well as it should be, there are a number of possible reasons why.

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Why HVAC Preventive Maintenance Can Keep Your Newborn Healthy And Comfortable

Thursday, November 23rd, 2017

New parents have a whole new set of worries when it comes to bringing their newborn home. Indoor air quality shouldn’t be one of them. Proper HVAC preventive maintenance keeps your home’s indoor air clean and healthy for everyone, including a newborn. Before your newborn makes his or her appearance into your lives, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to have your system inspected and maintained by a trusted professional.

Clean Filters Are Key

Clean filters keep your indoor air quality high and allow your heating and cooling system to perform without straining. During HVAC preventive maintenance, a professional will inspect your filter and replace it during the service call. In between your scheduled maintenance, you should clean or change your filter once every 3-6 months. The filter traps and eliminates dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold every day.

When the filter becomes clogged, your HVAC system circulates contaminated air back into your home. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder because the airflow is weakened in your system. If your filter goes too long without being cleaned or changed, you will need an HVAC repair for your heating and cooling unit. HVAC preventive maintenance is the best option for keeping your newborn healthy and increasing indoor air quality.

Check Your Thermostat Settings

Newborns can’t regulate their internal temperatures as well as adults and older kids. Thermostat settings play a significant role in keeping your baby comfortable every season. A baby is healthy and happy when he or she is warm so adjusting your thermostat settings higher during the summer is recommended. Consider setting your thermostat between 76 and 78 degrees when you are home. When you are away, adjust the thermostat setting back a few degrees. Your thermostat during winter weather should be set between the high 60s and low 70s to keep your newborn cozy and warm.

If you only have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat in your home. You can program settings into either type of thermostat for when you are home, away, or asleep. You can rest easier knowing your heating and cooling system is on a schedule from your thermostat, saving you energy while maintaining indoor comfort. For more information on which thermostat is best for your home, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating and speak to one of our professionals. A programmable/smart thermostat also reduces HVAC repairs in the future because your system isn’t continuously running.

Keep Humidity Levels Right

A new baby is significantly affected by humidity in a home. Southern temperatures during the hot months present high humidity levels on a daily basis. Most air conditioners can handle and maintain a comfortable humidity level, but if moisture levels are still too high, a whole-home dehumidifier may be warranted.

What about the winter? Your heating system tends to dry your home’s air out once colder temperatures hit. Dry air can affect newborns more than others in your home since they are so small and have weaker immune systems. Newborns may suffer from stuffy noses and cracked skin in a dry home. Viruses can live and thrive in a sterile environment, so your newborn will be exposed to germs, even more, when your humidity levels are low. If your home gets extremely dry during the winter, invest in a whole-home humidifier from Douglas Cooling & Heating. We offer installation, so the whole-home humidifier works with your current HVAC system.

Increase Ventilation

Since newborns cannot regulate their body temperatures, they don’t sweat like older kids and adults. They become overheated quickly in hot, stuffy rooms. Schedule an HVAC repair to have your home’s ventilation checked before your baby comes home. A professional can boost your ventilation in your home to keep every room in your house comfortable.

Play it safe with your newborn and schedule HVAC preventive maintenance to improve your indoor air quality and the performance of your heating and cooling system. Douglas Cooling & Heating wants your baby and your family to be healthy in any season. Call us today for experienced and trusted HVAC service.

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National Lung Cancer Awareness Month – 3 Tips To Keep Indoor Air Quality High

Thursday, November 16th, 2017

According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the second most common cancer in Americans today. Close to 14% of new cancer diagnoses are lung cancers. In fact, more people die of lung cancer each year than any other cancer. There are a few ways you can reduce the risk of lung cancer in your home. Lung cancer awareness is critical to your help, so consider these 3 tips from Douglas Cooling & Heating to keep your indoor air quality from affecting your health.

Smoke-Free Zone

The most significant tip is to make your home a “no-smoking” zone. Second Hand smoke doesn’t just increase your chances to develop lung cancer. It also increases the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Smoke from cigarettes clogs your system’s filter. Preventive HVAC maintenance cleans and replaces filters, but if you smoke in your home, change the filter more often. Raise lung cancer awareness in your home by not smoking indoors and spreading secondhand smoke.

Radon Testing

According to the EPA, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Radon is a radioactive gas that is colorless, tasteless, and doesn’t smell. Radon can be in the ground surrounding your home, in your water, or in the building materials of your home. Radon levels in a home can be very high due to lack of proper ventilation.  

The only way to know for sure if your home has radon is with testing. You can test your home for radon yourself, or you can hire a professional to perform the test. Start with a short-term test to determine your radon levels. You want to perform the test at the lowest level of your home for the most accurate results. If the radon level in your home is a 4 or higher, consider testing again with a long-term test. A long-term test will give you the best information about your home’s radon levels.  

Increase Indoor Air Quality

Increase your home’s indoor air quality with equipment that works with your HVAC system. You will get healthier air and added efficiency with your heating and cooling system. Here are a few things to boost your indoor air quality:

  • Air Cleaners/Purifiers: These devices work to pull your indoor air in and clean the air before circulating it back into your home. High-efficiency purifiers can remove higher amounts of contaminants from your indoor air. They improve allergies, asthma, and respiratory functions when used with a high MERV filter.
  • Ultraviolet (UV) Lights: UV lights eliminate and prevent the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, germs, and viruses in your home’s air. They are installed in your duct system to work with your heating and cooling system.
  • Dehumidifiers: Humidity breeds dust mites and mold inside your home. Dehumidifiers help control humidity in your air to prevent these allergens from growing. The humidity levels inside your home shouldn’t be above 50%, otherwise your indoor air quality is reduced drastically.  

Aside from investing in air cleaning options for your home, you should have seasonal HVAC maintenance performed on your heating and cooling system. HVAC maintenance keeps your system clear of dust, dirt, debris, and other contaminants. A dirty unit decreases efficiency, increases your monthly electric bill, and leads to expensive breakdowns in the future.

Now is the time to raise lung cancer awareness in your home. Douglas Cooling & Heating’ technicians will provide you with options for increasing your indoor air quality and perform quality HVAC maintenance annually. Contact us today for healthier, cleaner air!

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Do I Need a New Furnace?

Monday, November 13th, 2017

furnaceFor most people, preventive maintenance and prompt repairs when necessary will be sufficient to keep their furnace in good condition throughout the winter season. For some, though, their current furnace is not going to be able to make it through the new few months. If your furnace is on its last legs, it’s a good idea to replace it now rather than waiting for it to fail completely. If you’re not sure whether or not your furnace will last you through the rest of the winter, have a look at the warning signs listed below.

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Why Did My Coils Freeze Up On My HVAC System?

Thursday, November 9th, 2017

Winter’s in full swing, and you might have noticed some issues with your HVAC system malfunctioning or not working at all. Poorly maintained heating and cooling systems suffer tremendously when colder temperatures hit.

A product of severe weather is a frozen HVAC system in your home. More specifically, you could have frozen HVAC coils that need to be defrosted and cleaned off. Here are some preventive measures you can take to keep your HVAC system from freezing over.

Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter is the number one cause of a frozen HVAC system. The air filter is responsible for cleaning the air circulated into your home. It becomes clogged with dirt, pollen, debris, and other allergens over time. When the filter becomes clogged, airflow is restricted, causing frozen HVAC coils in your unit.

To prevent frozen HVAC coils, you should change your filter often. Typically, you should change your filter once every 3 to 6 months (depending on your filter) but how often is really needed depends on a variety of factors, such as:

  • What type of filter do you have?
  • Are children or pets in your home?
  • Is your home in the city or country?
  • What season is it?
  • Is your system running often?

If you aren’t 100% sure when to change your filter, check it monthly to keep an eye on how dirty it gets. During regular HVAC maintenance, our professionals will inspect your filter and replace it before it leads to major problems, like a frozen HVAC system.

Airflow Inspection

Airflow issues can be a significant reason for why your heating and cooling system isn’t functioning correctly. Blocked vent returns and registers prevent adequate airflow, causing your system to work harder with no way to release the cooled or heated air. If your vents and registers are clear from any obstructions, your problem may be poor duct design during installation. The ductwork could also be incorrectly sized.  

If you have a frozen HVAC system due to inadequate airflow, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for HVAC maintenance. Our trained professionals will inspect your ductwork and offer solutions if the design is faulty. If there is a clog, we will clear out any obstructions blocking proper airflow to your home.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

The condensate lines drain excess moisture from your HVAC system during the hotter months. The water can become stuck in the line if there is a clog and then when colder temperatures set it, the excess water freezes. With frozen water in your lines, you could be left with frozen HVAC coils as well. Evaporator coils become clogged with dust, hair, grime, and other contaminants over the course of a season. Dirty coils can easily become frozen if there is moisture trapped inside all of the materials clogging it. Frozen coils restrict airflow and cause your system to malfunction or not work at all.

The best prevention for frozen HVAC coils is to have your coils cleaned by a professional. Douglas Cooling & Heating checks the evaporator coils and the rest of your unit’s lines during scheduled HVAC maintenance. You save money and can prevent a frozen HVAC system in the future when the problem is caught early.

The leading cause for a frozen HVAC system is restricted airflow in your unit. Keep your airflow clear with help from Douglas Cooling & Heating. Schedule HVAC maintenance before the cold sets in and freezes your unit up.  

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Do You Know What Your Carbon Footprint Is? Here’s How To Reduce It With Your HVAC System

Tuesday, November 7th, 2017

A household’s carbon footprint is becoming a growing concern among American homeowners. The electric and fuel-consuming appliances and systems in your home all have an environmental impact.

Central heating and cooling systems contribute to a home’s carbon footprint – as they operate, they consume fossil fuels and emit carbon into the atmosphere. New HVAC system technology reduces energy consumption to lessen your environmental impact. Douglas Cooling & Heating has excellent central heating and cooling options to shrink your carbon footprint.

Reducing Your HVAC Environmental Impact

Replace your old HVAC system with a more efficient model. New central heating and cooling options lower residential power and fuel consumption. Between 1990 and 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency recorded an increase in carbon emissions by 28% because of lighting, appliances, and central heating and cooling systems. Due to this increase, the HVAC industry has developed energy saving options for your home.

    • HVAC Zoning: Zoning allows you to control the temperature in specific rooms and cut your energy expense. Zoning systems utilize a control panel operating several different thermostats and dampers. The thermostats control the dampers in your ductwork to distribute hot or cold air to your rooms. The dampers stay closed unless a thermostat opens them, conserving energy by not heating and cooling all areas of the home.
    • High-Efficiency HVAC Systems: New technology allows furnaces and air conditioners to operate more efficiently in your home. High-efficient systems have ratings that show their energy efficiency. The seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating shows the unit’s cooling output versus the amount of electricity consumed. The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) rating measures how efficient your heat pump operates. The ratio measures the heating or cooling generated by electricity consumed. The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measures the heating efficiency of furnaces. The higher these ratings are, the more efficient your system is.
    • Programmable and Smart Thermostats: Programmable and smart thermostats save you close to 10% on your annual energy bill. Higher energy savings mean less energy spent and lower carbon emissions. You can set the thermostat on a schedule to eliminate the need to run your HVAC system when you aren’t home or set the thermostat to a lower setting while you sleep. Smart thermostats go an extra step by learning your preferred settings for effortless comfort control and allowing you to control your home’s temperature with your phone or other Wifi connected device.
    • Geothermal Heat Pumps: Geothermal heat pumps use lines in the ground to harness natural energy to heat and cool your home. They are similar to forced-air systems, except they are more efficient as they use the Earth’s constant temperature as an energy source versus gas or electricity. The EPA has determined that geothermal heat pumps offer the best efficiency and produce the lowest carbon dioxide emissions compared to other HVAC systems.  

Reducing Your HVAC Environmental Impact Now

Installing a new, efficient central heating and cooling system can be expensive if it’s not in your budget. There are a few ways to improve your current system’s energy efficiency that are inexpensive:

  • Install a MERV filter in your HVAC system with a rating between 8 and 12. The higher the MERV rating on the filter, the more efficient your filter is trapping pollutants and airborne particles. Clean filters allow your system to continue performing efficiently and reduces the chance of a breakdown.
  • Adjust your thermostat settings to reduce energy usage. Raise or lower (depending on the season) your thermostat settings as much as you can without sacrificing comfort. Adjusting your thermostat setting this way allows your system to work less, saving energy.
  • Schedule preventive maintenance with Douglas Cooling & Heating at least twice a year. We inspect your central heating and cooling system to make sure nothing is preventing your system from operating at its best. A clean and cared for HVAC system will reward you with energy savings throughout the year.

Reduce your HVAC environmental impact on the ozone and call Douglas Cooling & Heating! We offer the most efficient HVAC systems on the market, and our NATE-certified technicians have the knowledge and experience to reduce your energy usage.

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What Do You Do if Your HVAC System Floods?

Thursday, November 2nd, 2017

After a flood, there can be damage to multiple areas of your home and property. Wrecked siding, soaked drywall, and carpets coated in mud are just a few catastrophes that come with a flood. What isn’t always visible is the devastation that can happen to your HVAC system after a flood. An HVAC inspection is the best way to determine the amount of damage to your unit and if an HVAC repair is necessary.

Starting Your HVAC After a Flood

Things aren’t always what they seem when it comes to your heating and cooling system. After a flood, your outdoor and indoor unit may look completely normal. However, there could be serious problems and safety concerns that you can’t see visibly. Call an experienced professional from Douglas Cooling & Heating to perform an HVAC inspection before you start your heating and air unit. Below are a few HVAC areas that can be affected by a flood:

  • Flooded Outdoor Equipment: The electronic wiring for heat pump systems and split air conditioners travel between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. They also contain condenser coils and piping for the refrigerant that runs from outside to inside.
      • If the unit is running during a flood, the electrical components may be damaged. You may experience malfunctions from fuses, wiring, and circuits that have shorted due to contact with water. Hold off on doing anything if there are shorts in your outdoor unit. Call an expert HVAC technician to inspect your flooded HVAC system to prevent electrocution or complete breakdown of your unit.
      • Flood water damages the condenser coil. Dirt, grime, and other debris can cling to the coil and reduce its efficiency. An inefficient, dirty condenser coil leads to premature failure of your entire system. An HVAC inspection can determine how damaged your condenser coil is and if an HVAC repair is needed to boost efficiency.
      • The refrigerant lines of a split system can break after flooding because the indoor or outdoor unit may be moved. Both components will require significant HVAC repair to fix the line or, worst-case scenario, a full replacement.
  • Flooded Indoor Equipment: A flooded HVAC system inside is extremely dangerous. The valves and controls on a natural gas furnace are vulnerable to water damage. The damage is hard to detect, especially when the outside of the unit is dry. Corrosion from water damage builds inside the valves, controls, and electrical components of the indoor system. Without an HVAC inspection, the damage will result in immediate problems with operation and reliability in the long run.
  • Damaged Ductwork: Forced-air heating and cooling systems rely on proper airflow through ductwork. You should not salvage damaged ductwork. Flood water carries all sorts of bacteria and other contaminants that are a health risk to your family. A Douglas Cooling & Heating professional should inspect your ductwork and determine what contaminated ductwork should be replaced. During an HVAC repair on your ductwork, Douglas Cooling & Heating’ technicians will properly seal all your ductwork joints and improve insulation.  

HVAC Repair or Replacement

Your HVAC system can handle many of nature’s elements, but flooding isn’t one of them. Consider replacing your heating and air unit when too much damage is present. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating if you are in doubt about fixing your unit or replacing it. Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians can determine if your system is beyond repair after an HVAC inspection.

Don’t risk your safety or the performance of your heating and cooling system after a flood. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for help with your flooded HVAC system. We will perform a thorough HVAC inspection and suggest the best options for HVAC repairs or a full replacement of your home’s unit.

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