Douglas Cooling & Heating Blog : Archive for June, 2018

Many things can interfere with AC compressor performance and efficiency during the summer months. Flying rocks from lawnmowers, damaging wind or hail during storms or overgrown plant life near the exterior unit are just a few examples of what can harm your cooling system. Some problems might be small, which means they can be repaired quickly at an affordable price.

However, the AC compressor housed in your outdoor unit is vital to the performance of your entire system. If the AC compressor overheats or fails, it’s an expensive HVAC repair or component to replace. Douglas Cooling & Heating wants you to know the basics of caring for your outdoor unit so you can protect the AC compressor against expensive damage.

Outdoor HVAC Equipment Can Help or Hinder Your Comfort

The exterior unit of your HVAC system is responsible for pulling warm air in and cooling it off, using refrigerant and evaporator coils. The AC compressor works to compress the refrigerant and deliver it throughout the unit. All outdoor units are designed to withstand Mother Nature’s temperamental weather, but it doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Protect your AC compressor and the other components in your exterior system by:

• Keeping It Clean:

When you mow, grass clippings spray out across your yard and, most times, the clippings get lodged inside your exterior unit. Grass clippings combined with dirt, dust, leaves and other debris accumulate on and around your outdoor HVAC unit. Debris restricts airflow around the unit.

The AC compressor needs proper ventilation around the exterior unit to cool off between cycles. When an outdoor unit can’t cool off, it overheats and shuts off. Frequent overheating results in the AC unit failing, and the only option is to replace the component. Prevent overheating by clearing away any debris. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating if you notice the outdoor unit working hard but not able to cool down.

• Landscaping Wisely:

Your outdoor unit needs to have room to breathe, which means two feet of space around the unit at all times. Trees, bushes and shrubs grow quickly during the summer, especially when the rain hits. They can quickly overrun your exterior unit and restrict proper airflow for the AC compressor. Trim any vegetation back to at least two feet away from the outdoor equipment.

If your home’s exterior unit was already installed when you moved into the house, make sure there are two feet of space between the HVAC equipment and the side of your house. If it looks like the system is too close to the house, call Douglas Cooling & Heating quickly! Our NATE-certified technicians offer suggestions to improve airflow and prevent the system from overheating.

• Creating Protective Shade:

Always install your outdoor unit in shade or indirect sun. Any time your outdoor equipment is shaded against the hot sun, the AC compressor can cool off before restarting to deliver cool temperatures throughout your home. If you don’t have tall trees or shrubs near your exterior unit, consider planting something to provide additional protection against direct sunlight.

The best sort of foliage is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves each winter and blooms in the spring. Trees with big leaves provide adequate shade during the hottest times of the day, and when the weather changes, the leaves fall, letting direct sunlight shine on the exterior unit when it’s cold outside. The right landscaping can boost your AC compressor performance and keep it healthy longer.

Concerned about Your AC Compressor? Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating in Birmingham

Take steps to protect your exterior HVAC unit and you will notice improved performance and more energy efficiency from your AC compressor. The compressor is durable but needs to be serviced at least twice a year during routine maintenance. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule service for your AC compressor before the heat waves start rolling.

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An air conditioner going out is never a planned event, especially when it happens in late June to Birmingham residents. Even though you can’t predict when your cooling system is going to break down, you can take preventative steps to keep it healthy and operating at its most efficient. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers emergency HVAC repairs for those surprise moments, but we also offer maintenance plans and air conditioner tune-ups to ensure your HVAC equipment lasts all summer long. 

How to Prevent Emergency Air Conditioner Fixes

The stress of waking up or coming home to a hot house in the middle of the summer can be crippling. There is a multitude of reasons why your air conditioner might break down and diagnosing the reason requires professional help. Residents in and around Birmingham, AL, can rest easy knowing Douglas Cooling & Heating is standing by and ready to help 24/7!

Invest in a Preventative Maintenance Plan:

Regular HVAC maintenance on your air conditioner diagnoses potential problems before they snowball into emergency repairs. However, many homeowners forget until the last minute to schedule service. During the hotter months, cooling systems operate harder to keep your home cool when the temperature and humidity reach unbearable levels.

Continuous operation puts unnecessary stress on the components inside your air conditioner. Too much stress causes wear and tear, which reduces the lifespan of your unit and compromises its efficiency. A healthy system will operate more efficiently and deliver even temperatures throughout your home.

Let Your Air Conditioner Breathe:

Both the indoor and outdoor unit of your air conditioner requires adequate airflow at all times during operation. When airflow is restricted, your HVAC system can’t effectively deliver cool air throughout your home. Airflow can be obstructed due to the air filter being dirty, excessive buildup of debris, dirt and allergens inside the ductwork, or the outdoor unit has debris accumulating on it.

• Filter Replacement:

First, check your air filter often and replace it every two to three months. When it’s dirty or clogged, it stops filtering pollutants from the air, and the debris starts to build up on the components inside your air conditioner. Layers of dirt, grime, and dust prevent parts from cooling off and increases the risk of overheating.

• Duct Cleaning:

The ductwork is the second area, which can hinder airflow. Schedule duct cleaning with Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our NATE-certified technicians will thoroughly clean your air ducts, registers, grilles and vents. Obstructions inside the ductwork cause your air conditioner to deliver temperatures unevenly throughout your home. This results in hot spots and triggers your air conditioner to cycle on more often, without getting a break to cool off.

• Exterior Unit:

Your air conditioner’s outdoor unit houses the air compressor, evaporator coils and other components, which work together to extract heat and moisture from the outside air before sending on to the indoor component. Leaves, grass, twigs and other debris get blown around your yard, landing near or on top of the exterior unit. Even rodents can seek shelter in your outdoor equipment, leaving behind chewed wiring and scratch marks. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately if you suspect issues with your outdoor unit. The air compressor is essential for cooling your home, and it’s expensive to replace when it breaks down.

Don’t get blind-sided by your air conditioner suddenly breaking down! Prevent emergency HVAC repairs by investing in a preventative maintenance plan and taking steps towards improving the airflow. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for air conditioner maintenance and emergency HVAC repairs.

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Great customer service goes beyond a pretty smile, which is why Douglas Cooling & Heating’ customers keep coming back for all their heating and cooling needs. Whether our team is taking calls or repairing, servicing, or installing something in the field, we go the extra mile and do “Whatever it Takes!” All our HVAC technicians provide quality services and products we stand by. Learn what we expect from our HVAC technicians and see why Douglas Cooling & Heating is Alabama’s most trusted heating and cooling company.

Our Team Makes the Douglas Cooling & Heating Difference!

Going into someone’s home requires honesty, trust and professionalism. When we hire a new HVAC technician, they undergo a rigorous vetting process to determine if they have what it takes to become a part of the Douglas Cooling & Heating team. As a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, we hire only HVAC technicians with NATE certification.

The North American Technician Excellence organization (NATE) is a non-profit certifying organization. HVAC technicians go through extensive testing and in-field training before they earn their NATE certification. However, their training doesn’t stop once they are certified. Our HVAC professionals continue on-going training over the latest advancements in the heating and cooling industry.

The industry continues to evolve, and our HVAC technicians are expected to know the ins and outs of any heating and cooling product ever made. By hiring only NATE-certified HVAC technicians, Douglas Cooling & Heating delivers first-rate service, 24/7!

• Heating and Cooling Repair: Scheduling an HVAC repair with Douglas Cooling & Heating provides prompt, reliable assistance day or night. Our HVAC technicians understand the stress and worry when a furnace or air conditioner suddenly breaks down. All our HVAC professionals will inspect the situation and provide solutions within your budget. Our goal is to provide you with reliable heating and cooling without breaking the bank.
• Heating and Cooling Maintenance/Service: The best way to reduce heating and cooling repairs is by scheduling annual maintenance or service for your HVAC equipment. Our NATE-certified technicians are trained to deal with any system, old or new. Every tune-up and maintenance call is treated with the highest priority. Maintenance with our HVAC technicians ensures your equipment will be cleaned top to bottom and inside-out. We will:
  • Inspect the indoor coil and all electrical components
  • Check the efficiency, capacitance, gas pressure, flue pipe and pressure levels
  • Tighten all connections and lubricate all moving parts to reduce friction, which causes excess wear and tear
  • Clean and treat the drain line
  • Vacuum the air handler
  • Clean all burners
  • Check and replace all filters
  • Inspect and clean the outdoor coil
• Heating and Cooling Installation: As a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, our HVAC technicians are trained, experienced and licensed to install any Bryant product in your home. Due to Bryant’s own high expectations, our HVAC technicians can and will offer solutions about what system is right for your home and size new equipment correctly the first time. We aren’t satisfied until our customers are satisfied, which means the Bryant motto of, “Whatever it Takes!,” is delivered with every installation.  

Discover why our HVAC technicians are important the Douglas Cooling & Heating team! Exceptional customer service, NATE certification, and commitment to the Bryant motto are just a few reasons why customers keep coming back for their heating and cooling needs. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today and see why we’re the most trusted heating and cooling company in all of Alabama!

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July 4th and Juneteenth are right around the corner this summer, which means parties, guests, and cookouts are on the horizon. Make sure your home is ready for the busy activities ahead by scheduling air conditioner service. Your guests will appreciate how cool and comfortable your home is when they seek shelter from the rising temperatures outside.

Douglas Cooling & Heating wants you to avoid emergency HVAC repairs, which means your cooling system needs to be in tiptop shape at the beginning of summer. Our technicians are best in the industry and NATE-certified. We will keep your parties going long into the summer with quality air conditioner service done right the first time!  

Can Your Air Conditioning Keep Up with the Alabama Heat and summer Parties?

Schedule routine maintenance on your heating and cooling system at least twice a year to prevent unexpected breakdowns in the future. Better still, invest in an air conditioner service plan, which offers convenience and hassle-free scheduling. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers different service plans to meet budgets with discounts available for each plan.

Air conditioner service offers many advantages besides keeping your unit operating smoothly during the summer months. Other benefits include:

• A More Energy-Efficient Unit:

Over time, your air conditioning system suffers from wear and tear on its components. Some wear and tear is normal, and a system not maintained will experience more stress and operate harder to cool a home. Routine air conditioner service reduces grime, dust, and other particulates from accumulating inside the unit. When a system is kept clean, it will operate easier due to enhanced airflow. A more energy-efficient unit is just the icing on the cake for why air conditioner service is essential for your party-planning.

• Prevents Emergency HVAC Repairs:

A well-maintained air conditioning unit experiences less stress on the interior components, which means wear and tear is kept low. When a unit is properly cared for, it experiences more stress by working harder to keep your home cool. The added stress causes excessive wear and tear on your air conditioning components, which eventually break and force you to call for emergency HVAC repair service. You will love the money you save on expensive repairs when you are in the midst of family vacations or other summer fun.

• Extends the Lifespan of Your System:

Your air conditioning system is designed to operate between 10 to 15 years, while no expiration date is guaranteed. Units don’t usually last past 10 years without regular air conditioner service. If you take care of your cooling system and schedule semi-annual maintenance, it can last close to the 15-year mark. The cost of an air conditioner service call is chump-change compared to the expense of a brand-new cooling system. Get the most out of your current unit and extend its lifespan before it’s too late.

• Improves Indoor Air Quality:

Not only will you enjoy cooler temperatures in your home after air conditioner service, your indoor air quality will be healthier. Excess debris is eliminated inside your unit, and the air filter is replaced so you can experience healthy airflow throughout your home. The air filter traps and kills particulates, which cause increased asthma and allergy issues. Live healthier and breathe easier this summer with air conditioner service from Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Prepare for your Fourth of July festivities by scheduling air conditioning service! Your guests will appreciate your cool home after soaking up the sun. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to find a NATE-certified technician and schedule air conditioner service before the rush.

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Technological advancements are common in almost every aspect of modern life, including your HVAC thermostat. Consider giving a new Wi-Fi thermostat to your dad this Father’s Day. Whether he loves electronics or not, he will love saving money whenever he heats or cools his home. Check out the benefits a Wi-Fi thermostat has to offer to your father this June.

Need a Father’s Day Gift Idea? Try a User-Friendly Wi-Fi Thermostat

Older analog thermostats are a thing of the past, which means it’s time to embrace the future of programmable Wi-Fi thermostats. With multiple programming options, your father can adjust his Wi-Fi thermostat settings based on when he is home, asleep, away and on vacation. They offer many advantages for your father or any other man in your life:

• Remote Access at Your Fingertips: Your dad will love how easy it is to monitor and adjust his heating and cooling system from anywhere at any time. Wi-Fi thermostats stay connected to your father’s HVAC system with remote access via an internet connection. Some Wi-Fi thermostats offer a mobile application, which can be utilized through any tablet or smartphone. Having access to his heating and cooling system 24/7 gives your father peace of mind and added convenience when he is away from home.
• Increased Efficiency: Your father will experience improved efficiency with his air conditioning system with the use of a Wi-Fi thermostat. Monitoring and adjusting the thermostat allows his HVAC system to operate less frequently. He can change the settings when he is at work or on vacation so his air conditioning system doesn’t operate as often since no one is at home to enjoy the cool temperatures. A Wi-Fi thermostat still allows him to program settings, which fit his schedule and some advanced models will email him energy reports. The energy reports are customized based on his unit’s performance and include suggestions for ways to save energy on future bills.
• User-Friendly Interface: Wi-Fi programmable thermostats utilize different designs and styles and all of them are user-friendly, which will make your father happy he doesn’t have to learn some confusing system. The displays are brightly lit with easy to read numbers for temperature settings. With how easy a Wi-Fi thermostat is to use, there is less chance for human error in the future.
• Zoning Possibilities: Some Wi-Fi thermostats are capable of zoning abilities. This offers greater flexibility for your father’s air conditioning and heating system year-round. Each zone can be programmed for a specific temperature, which doesn’t affect other areas of your father’s home. With zoning capabilities, your father can enjoy different, energy-saving temperatures throughout his house.
• Extended Lifespan: Another money-saving benefit with a Wi-Fi thermostat is helpful maintenance reminders. Not everyone thinks to replace their air filter or schedule routine maintenance when their air conditioner needs it. Your father will appreciate filter replacement and maintenance reminders with his new Wi-Fi thermostat. Another notification a Wi-Fi thermostat delivers is when your father’s air conditioner needs HVAC repair service. The thermostat helps keep your father’s heating and air conditioning unit operating smoothly, which keeps it healthy for years to come.

Your father deserves a gift, which is innovative and will help him in the future. A Wi-Fi thermostat offers user-friendly, remote access to help him save money every month on his energy bill. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today and show your father how much you love him by giving him access to his indoor comfort from anywhere.

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Summer is a busy couple of months for residents in Alabama. There are events full of music, like Rock the South in Cullman, the Hank Williams Festival in Georgiana, and the Alexander City Jazz Fest. Don’t forget the festivals surrounding delicious fruit, such as the Chilton County Peach Festival in Clanton and the Blueberry Festival in Brewton.

With all the outdoor community events, coming home to a cool home makes for a relaxing end to the hectic activities. Boost your home’s cooling and take advantage of these efficient air conditioning tips from Douglas Cooling & Heating. We want you to enjoy all Alabama has to offer this June without struggling to stay cool at home.

Visiting Alabama Festivals? Come Home to Cooling Comfort

Enjoying all the community festivities can be exhausting, which is why it’s so important to come home to a cool environment. The summer heat and humidity can add stress to your cooling system when it tries to combat the rising temperatures. Luckily, you can take preventative steps to strengthen your HVAC system with these efficient air conditioning tips:

Feel the breeze with ceiling fans:

Embrace your ceiling fans this summer by running them counterclockwise. Ceiling fans push the cool air from your air conditioner down towards the floor, creating a cool breeze to float across the room. The cool air evaporates the perspiration, creating a wind chill effect leaving you cooler without touching the thermostat.

You can experience increased efficient air conditioning by raising the thermostat a few degrees and not notice the difference in temperature. The result saves you money while still relaxing comfortably in your home.

Improve the airflow of your exterior unit:

During the summer months, storms deliver strong winds and rain, which can hinder your exterior unit’s ability to cool your home adequately. Branches, twigs, leaves and other debris get blown around the outdoor component, which interferes with the airflow. Restricted airflow doesn’t allow the air compressor to cool down when it’s operating, forcing it to work harder and overheat.

The air compressor will eventually fail, resulting in an expensive HVAC repair and the other components in the outdoor unit experience excessive wear and tear when forced to work harder to compensate. More energy is used to maintain ideal temperatures in your home when the airflow is compromised. Keep your exterior unit clear of debris to create efficient air conditioning and to avoid expensive HVAC repairs in the future.

Eliminate allergens and prevent airflow restrictions:

The air filter in your cooling system needs to be checked every month and replaced every two to three months. As your air conditioner operates, it pulls in dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens clogging your filter if it isn’t changed regularly. Dirty or clogged filters not only stop filtering contaminants in your home’s air but it also restricts the airflow inside your unit. Just like with the outdoor unit, restricted airflow forces the air conditioner to work harder, expending more energy than necessary to cool your home. Check your filter and regularly replace it to keep your indoor air healthy and create more efficient air conditioning in your home.

Prevent energy loss in your ductwork:

The ductwork in your home experiences a high volume of air and pressure during the year. Schedule duct sealing to catch holes or gaps in your ductwork to prevent energy loss during the summer. The cool air escaping through damaged sections of your ductwork creates uneven temperatures throughout your home, which triggers your air conditioner to operate more often. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers professional duct sealing to reduce energy loss and improve efficient air conditioning during the hottest times of the year.  

Schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year:

You shouldn’t go on vacation without having your car serviced beforehand, and the same is true of your cooling system. Your air conditioner needs maintenance before the heat and humidity arrive. Schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year to keep your unit and its components clear of dust, grime and other debris. During service, the electrical parts and wiring are inspected, and potential problems are diagnosed early. A healthy cooling system provides efficient air conditioning all summer long, extends its lifespan, and reduces the risk of emergency HVAC repairs.

Take advantage of efficient air conditioning this summer by using ceiling fans, changing the air filter and clearing away debris from the outdoor unit. These simple tasks drastically reduce your cooling system’s efficiency. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule routine maintenance or professional duct cleaning from our NATE-certified technicians.

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