Air Conditioning, Heating & Electrical Services Blog

Heating Problems? Lucky You Can Come to Us!

March 15th, 2021

When your heater starts to malfunction it is a good idea to reach out for professional service as soon as possible. Layering up on clothes and looking for other methods to help keep you warm or great for the short term but they will not keep you comfortable in the long run. Only an effective and efficient heating system can do that. If you are having trouble with your Trussville, AL heating system, you can come to our team to get the issue taken care of.

Our team of professional technicians can assess and address your heating systems problems, no matter what they are. All you need to do is reach out to us if you notice any indicators that something is wrong.

Tags: Heating, Heating Repair, Trussville
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Heating Problems? Lucky You Can Come to Us!

How HVAC Services Can Fight Spring Allergies

March 15th, 2021

There are several ways to control outdoor allergens from polluting your home, including leveraging your air conditioner and other air quality products for your house. You can better control outdoor allergens when you have the proper knowledge and help beside you. Douglas Cooling & Heating understands many homeowners need assistance with indoor air quality so we offer a variety of HVAC services, including preventative maintenance, duct cleaning, and installation of products to heighten indoor air quality. Contact us today for more information about our services.

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With Your AC System

More than 25 million Americans have asthma, many of whom are children. Protecting the air quality of your loved ones is possible with the right tips and tools at your disposal. Consider the options below for improved indoor air quality:

Schedule routine HVAC maintenance twice a year to reduce the amount of dust, dirt, and other allergens accumulating inside your air conditioner and throughout your home. During a maintenance call, heating and air conditioning technicians thoroughly inspect your unit and clean critical components, reducing allergen buildup. Your home’s air quality can be improved by establishing a healthier and cleaner HVAC system during the most active pollen times of the year.
The air filter housed in your air conditioner helps provide clean air in your home every day. When air filters are dirty, they can’t properly control outdoor allergens – which can cause seasonal allergies – from entering your house and its indoor air. When a dirty or clogged filter stops working, allergens can slip through your HVAC unit, the ductwork, and into your home. Checking the filter monthly and replacing or cleaning it as needed will control outdoor allergens from reducing your air quality indoors.
Invest in HVAC products dedicated to enhancing indoor air quality. Ultraviolet air cleaners, media air cleaners, HEPA filters, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers all work with your current air conditioner to control outdoor allergens before they affect your home’s air quality.

Air cleaners trap and kill various germs, bacteria, and viruses before they pass through your unit. These devices are extremely helpful if you feel every sickness going around stays in your home for weeks. Also, if a high pollen count prevents you from opening the windows, air cleaners and purifiers can make a dramatic difference for you and your family, helping you breathe clean and healthy air.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers work with your air conditioner to control the humidity level in your home, preventing mold, mildew, and dust mites from growing and spreading in your house.

Allergens and Other Pollutants in Your Home

Your Birmingham home is constantly at risk of pollutants and allergens from both outside and inside the home. These irritants are negatively impacting your home’s air quality. To effectively control outdoor allergens and pollutants, you need to know what is harming you and your family first:

Mold and mildew are common in homes with high humidity levels, which are conducive to the formation of condensation. It’s important to reduce the chance of mold or mildew growing and spreading in your house by looking for damp areas in your house. Basements, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are common places for mold and mildew to grow.
Dust mites are attracted to damp places, just like mold and mildew. Dust mites are hazardous for those already struggling with allergies and asthma. Increase ventilation by using exhaust fans in the damp areas of your house to prevent dust mites from multiplying.
Home renovations and remodeling projects emit harsh odors, chemicals, and materials inside your home. Proper ventilation will control outdoor allergens and pollutants from getting trapped in your home.
Cleaning products, air fresheners, and furnishings in your house emit fumes, reducing the quality of your air indoors. Open windows when fumes are high, allowing them to escape and not become stagnant in your home.

Once you’ve understood what might be causing pollutants and allergens, you’ll be able to find the solution. Reach out to the experts at Douglas Cooling & Heating today for IAQ services that will improve the allergy symptoms within your household, especially during prime allergy season.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating

Spring allergies are a problem for many people. Decrease the symptoms that those within your household experience by reaching out to Douglas Cooling & Heating for indoor air quality services. Our heating and air conditioning professionals have seen it all and know what it takes to improve the overall comfort of homes just like yours. Contact us today to see how we can help.

Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on How HVAC Services Can Fight Spring Allergies

Fireplace Care Tips You Should Know

March 1st, 2021

When it comes to keeping up your heating in Alabaster, AL, you need the help of a professional team. The professional technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating can offer the heating system services you need. This covers everything from your furnace repairs to your fireplace services.

We want to take a few moments to talk about your fireplace if you have one. Gas fireplaces are a great addition to any home because they are highly efficient. They can be a great source of warmth when you don’t want to turn on the heater and warm up the entire house too. If you have a natural gas fireplace then you want to make sure it stays in optimal condition. We’ll help you do that with these tips.

Tags: Alabaster, gas fireplace, Heating
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Fireplace Care Tips You Should Know

Why Does My Furnace’s High Limit Switch Keep Tripping?

February 19th, 2021

Your furnace has many parts that must function correctly in order to heat your home the way you like. When components malfunction, the system can lose efficiency or fail to operate entirely. One common problem that homeowners across the Birmingham, AL, area sometimes experience is a furnace high limit switch that frequently trips. Douglas Cooling & Heating explains what high limit switches do, why this issue occurs, and how to fix it.

What Is a Furnace Limit Switch?

The high limit switch is a furnace component that controls elements of operation and safeguards the system. This component is connected to the blower motor as well as the gas valve and consists of a probe that detects temperatures mounted to a metal plate.

The limit switch has two functions.

First, the limit switch tells the blower fan when to turn on and off. It does so by sensing air supply temperature, telling the fan to turn on once air is heated in order to circulate it into the home. It allows the blower to run even after the furnace has turned off its burners, so all heated air is distributed into the living areas.
Second, the limit switch detects the supply air temperature in order to identify overheating. If the supply air is too hot, the interior of the furnace overheats, which can cause damage to components. The limit switch trips when temperatures are too hot, effectively shutting down the system and locking furnace operation until the unit cools.

Why a Furnace High Limit Switch Trips

You’ll realize that your furnace high limit switch is tripping because heating cycles will end shortly after they begin. This issue is called short cycling, and it’s known to cause excess energy consumption and wear out your furnace faster.

When the furnace high limit switch trips, there are issues within the system that must be resolved in order to allow the limit switch to operate properly.

Dirty Flame Sensor

The high limit switch has a flame sensor rod that detects air temperatures in the plenum of the furnace. If it is dirty, it cannot properly detect temperatures, which is one reason why the furnace high limit switch trips.

To clean the flame sensor rod, carefully follow these directions:

Remove the furnace access panel to locate the high limit switch on the outside of the plenum.
Unscrew the switch from the plenum.
Use steel wool or sandpaper to gently clean away soot and other materials stuck on the rod.
Replace the switch and access panel.

If it is not possible to clean the dirty flame sensor, it can be replaced. Contact your HVAC technician to replace this part correctly.

Overheating

If the air inside your furnace gets too hot, the limit switch trips to prevent overheating. If the furnace high limit switch trips due to overheating, there is likely an airflow issue that is preventing proper air movement through the system.

Check your air filter, and replace it if dirty. A dirty filter is the most common cause of airflow issues.
Open all vents and registers throughout the home to ensure proper air movement through the system and ducts.

A dirty blower motor can also cause overheating, which is one reason why the furnace high limit switch continues to trip repeatedly. Schedule a maintenance tune up to have the entire system and the blower motor thoroughly cleaned.

Defective Limit Switch

If the furnace high limit switch is tripping, it will wear out at some point. Eventually, it will trigger a lockout mode, and your gas furnace will be unable to operate until the switch is reset or replaced. Make sure you contact your technician to perform this repair task.

Hire Douglas Cooling & Heating for Furnace Repair Services

If your gas furnace high limit switch keeps tripping, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for fast furnace repairs. Our technicians find the source of the problem and make accurate repairs to ensure your switch doesn’t trip and your furnace operates as it should.

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Why Does My Furnace’s High Limit Switch Keep Tripping?

What Are the Benefits of a Whole Home Water Filtration System?

February 19th, 2021

Does your tap water appear dirty or leave a bad taste in your mouth? Installing a whole house water filtration system for home use can provide the clean, fresh-tasting water supply your family wants and needs. For more information about having a water filtration system installed in your home, contact the plumbers at Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Benefits of a Water Filtration System for Home Plumbing

Installing a water filtration system for home use provides many benefits to your family, including:

Safe Drinking Water Supply

With a whole home water filtration system in place, impurities and contaminants are removed from your drinking water, sending only safe, clean water through your taps.

Filtration systems remove biological organisms and parasites that can be present in a home’s water if the water treatment process is not performed correctly, causing digestive issues in those who consume it.
Contaminants including fluoride, chlorine, and others which are potentially harmful when consumed are removed.
The pH level of the drinking water is lowered, so your water smells and tastes better!

Protection for Your Plumbing

A water filtration system for home plumbing doesn’t just benefit your family members; it benefits your plumbing pipes, fixtures, and appliances, too! By filtering out minerals and chemicals, buildup inside plumbing components is reduced. By slowing down buildup, you’ll reduce the need for plumbing repairs and help your appliances and fixtures stay in service longer.

Healthy Skin

Installing a water filtration system has many health benefits, too. Many people don’t realize that some skin conditions can be worsened by poor water quality. Heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, and other particles in water irritate your skin when bathing, washing your hands, and even wearing clothing that was washed at home! Removing these contaminants can improve eczema and psoriasis symptoms, especially in children. Also, avoid allergic reactions and skin rashes that occur upon contact with these particles.

Clean Better with Less Soap

Another way a whole house filtration system for home use helps your skin is by reducing the amount of soap needed for bathing. It also cuts the amount of soap and detergent needed for laundry, doing dishes, and other cleaning tasks. Mineral deposits and soap scum are eliminated, protecting your skin, clothing, and dishes. Save money on soaps and detergents by using less to get the job done!

Preserve Your Clothing

By removing minerals and using less soap in the washing machine, your clothes are cleaner and stay in good shape longer. Soap scum and minerals can stick in fabrics, breaking down fibers and causing clothing to deteriorate sooner.

Save Money

When tap water tastes funky, many homeowners turn to bottled water for drinking. Buying bottled water eats up a considerable portion of your household grocery budget, but installing a water filtration system for home use can eliminate this expense altogether!

Reduce Waste

By eliminating your family’s dependency on bottled water for drinking, you won’t be contributing dozens of plastic bottles to the waste stream each month. Even if you recycle, energy is still needed to facilitate the process. Cutting the use of bottles altogether conserves this energy for the benefit of the environment.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Better Water Quality Today

Are you ready to gain the peace of mind that comes with improving your home’s water quality? Douglas Cooling & Heating will install a water filtration system for home use to treat all water that flows through your plumbing pipes. Contact us today for an estimate to install a new water filtration system at your Birmingham residence.

Posted in Plumbing | Comments Off on What Are the Benefits of a Whole Home Water Filtration System?

Why You Should Consider Installing a Surge Protector

February 15th, 2021

You are enjoying a nice night in with your family and watching a movie when the wind decides to kick up something awful. So it comes as more of an annoyance than a surprise when a tree takes down a power line later on in the evening, leaving your house dark without electricity.

Your first focus is of course to get the lights back on but what about after that? Are you going to check on your major home appliances? You certainly should because a power outage can create a power surge which can lead to some serious damage to your air conditioner, heater, and other home appliances. And that is a problem that is preventable.

Tags: Alabaster, Electrician, whole-house surge protection
Posted in Electrical | Comments Off on Why You Should Consider Installing a Surge Protector

What You Should Know About Your Outlets

February 1st, 2021

When you go to plug in your laptop you should be able to do so without fear of electrocution. The same applies to plugging in a hairdryer or another electrical appliance. A big factor in providing that peace of mind for you can actually lay with your home’s outlets.

We know it might sound strange but it’s true. Your outlets are important not just for providing power. They are vital to your safety and the safety of your home overall. That is why you should know at least a bit about what outlets go where to ensure your home runs well and is as safe as possible.

Tags: Birmingham, Electrician, Outlets
Posted in Electrical | Comments Off on What You Should Know About Your Outlets

Should You Install Filters in Your Home’s Vents?

January 26th, 2021

Dust, pet dander, and other allergens can wreak havoc on your household if they’re not controlled properly. From coughing and sneezing to dry eyes and an itchy throat, the symptoms caused by allergens can range in severity. To limit or even completely remove common allergens from your home, consider adding filters to your home’s vents as an extra line of defense.

While your HVAC system likely has a filter built into the system itself, many homeowners are beginning to install return air filters in their home’s vents as well. This will help to remove any allergens that might have accumulated within your vents, as well as catch any allergens that might’ve slipped through the cracks and gotten through your HVAC system’s filter.

Benefits of Return Air Filters in Your Home’s Vents

Allergens such as dust, pet dander, and airborne bacteria can cause common allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and dry eyes, but the issues don’t stop there. Common household allergens can also develop sicknesses like the flu or the common cold in anybody who breathes in the contaminated air.

By adding air filters to your home’s vents, you’ll catch and remove any allergens before they reach your loved ones within your home. Those within your home will likely notice the difference in the air quality almost immediately, as their allergy symptoms are greatly reduced.

Negatives of Air Filters in Your Home’s Vents

While the benefits are certainly noticeable and important, it’s also a good idea to consider the drawbacks in adding filters to your vents.

After adding an air filter to your vents, you’ll likely notice decreased airflow. This can cause your HVAC system to stay on longer as it tries to match your thermostat’s set temperature, leading to higher energy bills and consumption.

Additionally, vent filters are more of a short-term solution. In order for your filters to work effectively and limit the airborne allergens within your home, you’ll have to change the filters quite frequently.

How to Install Filters

Clean and Clear Your Vents

Before installing filters within your vents, you’ll need to turn off your heating or air conditioning system and make sure that your vents and return air vents have been cleaned and cleared of any dust or debris. Properly cleaning your vents before adding a vent filter will help to reduce the immediate workload that your filter will have to endure.

Cut Sheet Appropriately

Typically, vent filters will come in the form of one large sheet. You’ll have to cut the sheet down to an appropriate size for your individual vents and return air vents. Make sure that the vent filter you’ve cut out is the proper size and that there are no openings where non-filtered air can leak out.

Apply Filter

After you’ve cut the sheet appropriately, apply the supplied tape or velcro to the grille of the vent and simply press onto the areas where the adhesives are attached. The filter should be secure on the grille of the vent.

Where Can You Buy Return Air Filters?

Vent filters are becoming far more popular among homeowners, leading to increased availability at affordable prices. Check your local hardware or home improvement stores to find vent filters. If they don’t have any in stock, you’ll surely be able to find them on their website.

How Often Should Filters Be Replaced?

While filters for vents and return vents are certainly a great way to reduce the number of indoor allergens within your home, they’re not a long-term or permanent solution. As a general rule of thumb, vent filters should be replaced once a month or every other month.

For a more long-term solution to limiting your home’s indoor allergens, consider installing a media air cleaner or a UV air purifier.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Indoor Air Quality Services

For more information on how to improve your home’s indoor air quality, or to inquire about media air cleaners or UV air purifiers, get in touch with the professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating. We’ll provide you with any information you’re seeking and will let you know how our IAQ products can positively benefit your home.

Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on Should You Install Filters in Your Home’s Vents?

How to Identify a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

January 26th, 2021

You notice a strange smell coming from your gas furnace – could it be a cracked heat exchanger? Upon further inspection, you also see that there is rust along the exterior of the system. You wonder: Is this something I need to call an HVAC company about?

The answer: Yes, immediately! Both of those signs could point to a cracked heat exchanger, which, if not handled soon, poses a serious health and safety risk to your family.

Heat exchangers are the largest component of your home’s heating system, and over the course of its lifespan, it can begin to develop cracks. When you have a cracked furnace heat exchanger, the system may leak combustion gasses. This can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide entering your home.

What Do Heat Exchangers Do?

A furnace heat exchanger is a crucial component in home heating systems, responsible for a vital role in maintaining indoor comfort. Its primary purpose is to transfer heat generated during fuel combustion (like natural gas or oil) into the air circulated throughout your home. This process ensures warm and comfortable indoor temperatures during cold seasons.

What Causes a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger?

A heat exchanger’s lifespan can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and the quality of the unit. On average, well-maintained furnace heat exchangers typically last 15 to 20 years. However, some may reach 20 to 30 years or more with proper care.

If your furnace’s heat exchanger is between 10 and 20 years old, any cracks that have developed are likely from normal use. If your heat exchanger is less than a decade old, however, other factors may be to blame, including:

Poor Maintenance

Neglecting regular furnace maintenance can contribute to a damaged heat exchanger. Accumulated dirt, debris, and corrosion can weaken the metal over time, making it more susceptible to cracking. An overly clogged or dirty furnace filter or obstructed air ducts can also cause heat exchanger cracks.

Excessive Heat

High temperatures within the furnace, often caused by issues like restricted airflow from blocked registers or a malfunctioning thermostat, can accelerate wear and tear on the heat exchanger, potentially causing cracks.

Improper Sizing

Improperly sized furnaces may turn on and off frequently. This is known as “short cycling.” Short cycling causes your heat exchanger to expand and contract more than necessary. This overuse of your system may eventually lead to cracks before you’d normally see them if your heating system was the correct size for your home.

Corrosion

Exposure to moisture and corrosive substances can lead to rust and corrosion, weakening the metal and making it more prone to cracking.

Manufacturer Defects

Though rare, manufacturing defects or the use of poor-quality materials can contribute to premature heat exchanger failures.

Why Are Cracked Heat Exchangers a Problem?

If you suspect your gas furnace has a cracked heat exchanger, it’s important to call a heating and cooling technician to diagnose the issue immediately. A cracked heat exchanger poses serious health risks for a couple of very important reasons:

Carbon Monoxide Leaks

The furnace heat exchanger contains and burns off carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. A leak means they could escape into your home’s air ducts. Carbon monoxide poisoning is known to cause illness, including flu-like symptoms, or, in extreme cases, death.

Flame-Outs

When a mixture of gas and hot air combust in the heat exchanger, uncombusted gas builds up until it reaches a high enough volume to be explosive. When it becomes explosive, it combusts and forces flames and air pressure out of any accessible hole, such as a cracked heat exchanger. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is to blame for one in six home structure fires across the U.S.

Signs of a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

Detecting a failed heat exchanger is crucial for your safety and the proper functioning of your heating system. Signs of a cracked heat exchanger may include:

Unusual Odors: Cracks can allow combustion gasses to escape into your home, producing unusual smells.
Visible Rust: The presence of rust on the exterior of your furnace or on the heat exchanger itself can indicate potential cracks.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Alerts: If your carbon monoxide detector goes off or indicates elevated carbon monoxide levels, it’s a sign of a potential issue with your heat exchanger.
Soot Accumulation: Cracks can disrupt the combustion process, leading to soot or black residue on or near the furnace.
Visible Cracks: In some cases, you may physically see cracks on the heat exchanger if you inspect it closely enough.
Inconsistent Heating: If certain rooms in your home are consistently colder than others, it could be due to a cracked furnace heat exchanger as it may struggle to distribute heat evenly.

What Do You Do If Your Heat Exchanger Is Cracked?

You may be unaware of a cracked furnace heat exchanger unless your carbon monoxide detector beeps, but you may also notice some of the other signs mentioned above. Unfortunately, you can’t really know for sure that your heat exchanger is cracked without an HVAC technician’s professional inspection.

A cracked furnace heat exchanger typically cannot be repaired and usually requires a complete furnace replacement.

Schedule a Furnace Check-Up with Douglas Cooling & Heating Today

If you suspect a cracked furnace heat exchanger, contact your local HVAC technicians for assistance right away. In the Birmingham, Alabama area, Douglas Cooling & Heating has earned a reputation as the most trusted heating company, boasting years of experience in the field.

Our regular furnace maintenance and professional inspections are instrumental in preventing and detecting potential heat exchanger issues before they become safety concerns. Better yet, enrolling in our 24/7 Club Membership provides year-round care for your home’s heating and cooling systems, ensuring their continuous performance.

Don’t hesitate to give us a call or reach out online to schedule a heating tune-up today. You can also schedule service for your other heating, air conditioning, or indoor air quality equipment to ensure your entire HVAC system operates efficiently and safely.

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on How to Identify a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

Why Late Maintenance is Better Than None

January 18th, 2021

Late maintenance on your teeth can turn that cleaning into an appointment to fix a cavity. Delayed maintenance on your vehicle can lead to expensive repairs. And, as you may have guessed, delayed or skipped heating maintenance in Birmingham, AL can lead to a host of issues for your system and your home comfort.

Around this time of the heating season, we discover plenty of people have simply forgotten to get their yearly maintenance taken care of. If that’s you, it may help to know you aren’t alone—it happens! And it may also be great to know that there is no end date for when you can get maintenance done. As long as your heater hasn’t broken down, it isn’t too late to schedule a tune-up!

Tags: Birmingham, Heating Maintenance
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Why Late Maintenance is Better Than None