Spring HVAC Service Checklist

April 18th, 2019

Spring is officially here and it’s time for your annual HVAC service call checklist. Do you know what all is performed when a Douglas Cooling & Heating technician visits your Birmingham home? Our HVAC service call checklist tells you what to expect and why these steps are important.

Have you signed up for a preventive maintenance agreement with Douglas Cooling & Heating? Our 24/7 Club membership is the best way to guarantee your heating and cooling equipment are maintained correctly, season after season.

With our 24/7 Club membership, your spring and fall maintenance tune-ups are covered, plus you receive additional savings and priority service!

HVAC Service Call Checklist

During your spring preventive maintenance tune-up, our technicians work through the following HVAC service call checklist to thoroughly care for your cooling system.

Outdoor coil cleaning

Your system’s condenser coil (the one outside in your air conditioner condenser unit) becomes caked with dirt and grime over the course of normal use.

This buildup reduces the coil’s ability to release the heat absorbed from inside, lowering cooling efficiency and stressing the system. We clean the coil to remove buildup, providing plenty of surface area for heat exchange.

Indoor coil inspection

The indoor coil is responsible for absorbing heat in your home. If it’s not working right, you won’t receive the cooling power you need. We inspect the indoor coil to make sure it’s clean and in good working condition.

Electrical inspection

Air conditioning systems are powered by electricity. For your safety, we inspect the system’s electrical elements to ensure there is no damage or other malfunctions that could pose a danger when in use.

Capacitance check

The air conditioner’s capacitator stores energy to power the unit when it’s time to start up. To ensure it does its job, we measure capacitance to learn if it needs repair or replacement before cooling season starts.

Oil motors

The blower motor inside your home is responsible for the circulation of cooled air. We oil the necessary components to keep the motor working smoothly and efficiently.

Tighten connections

Your air conditioner has many electrical connections within. We examine each connection and make sure it is tight for good contact because it aids performance and safety.

Filter change

Start cooling season with a clean air filter for better cooling system performance and efficiency. We change your filter, installing a new basic filter within the filter compartment.

Clean and treat drain line

The drain line allows condensation from the cooling process to cleanly exit your home. We examine the drain line, clean it, and treat it to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Check pressure levels

For your air conditioner to run efficiently, it needs precise refrigerant pressure levels. We measure these levels to ensure proper performance and efficiency.

Vacuum air handler

Dust and debris often settle within the air handler or blower motor compartment, where they may cause damage to components. We clean these chambers to prevent future problems and keep your system clean.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Preventive HVAC Maintenance in Birmingham

In conclusion, make sure your cooling system is ready for warmer temperatures. Schedule a preventive maintenance tune-up with Douglas Cooling & Heating today. We go through every item on our HVAC service call checklist to ensure your cooling system will work efficiently this season and provide the performance you expect. Contact us today to learn more.

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Helpful Plumbing Tips for Spring: Keep Your Home Dry

April 17th, 2019

With April showers, it’s time to think about plumbing tips for spring. Here at Douglas Cooling & Heating, we know how to avoid inconvenient plumbing problems in your Birmingham, Alabama area home. Your home deserves the highest quality plumbing available and we know how to get you there. In this blog, we’ll review common plumbing problems, plumbing tips for spring for homeowners and how to prevent issues.

Potential Springtime Plumbing Problems

Spring arrives with its own difficulties for your plumbing, especially in Birmingham, Alabama. Spring marks a shift in temperature from cold to warm, sometimes with sudden temperature changes overnight. As a result, your pipes function differently. Here are some things to watch for before we share our plumbing tips for spring.

Excessive condensation

First, the change in temperatures causes condensation on your pipes and plumbing fixtures. Though this seems like a small issue, prolonged moisture build-up damages areas around the condensation.

Leaky pipes

Winter wrecks your plumbing. The cold causes pipes to freeze and potentially burst, even in the South. When spring rolls around, the new problem lies with discovery. In spring, you see all the cracks, breaks or leaks the harsh winter left behind.

Extra clogs

Next, your drains experience more use in the winter. Between long showers and holiday parties, your plumbing gets used more often in the winter months. Because of this, your drains in the spring have more issues with clogs.

Hair and food get stuck in your drains the more you use them, so springtime reveals all the clogs created in the winter.

Roots

Lastly, spring marks the beginning of plant growth. While plant life makes your home a more beautiful place, plants also present a problem for your plumbing. Roots grow as the weather warms.

Occasionally, these roots grow through your underground plumbing. If you notice excessive amounts of water in your backyard, not from rain, it’s because roots have likely damaged your pipes.

How to Prevent Problems with Plumbing Tips this Spring

The problems listed above don’t have to ruin your spring. With these helpful hints, keep your pipes, drains, faucets, and toilets in great condition.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #1 – Regular maintenance

The best way to combat potential springtime plumbing threats stems from consistent maintenance. Check on your drains and pipes by yourself, then call a professional for added security. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers free estimates on service checks to help you plan your tune-ups.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #2 – Keep plumbing dry

To combat condensation, wipe down exposed plumbing fixtures regularly. As a preventative step, invest in insulation for your pipes. Insulation keeps the temperature regulated so condensation never forms.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #3 – Be conscientious in winter

Next, stay aware of your water usage in the winter months. Prevent excessive clogging in the spring with limited water use in the winter. Long showers after a day in the cold are great, but drain blockages counteract all those good feelings.

Homeowner Plumbing Tips for Spring #4 – Check underground plumbing

When it comes to tree roots, you want to leave the exploration for professionals. When you call with Douglas Cooling & Heating, ask us to check out where your main plumbing lines are during the visit. We determine if your trees present a risk to your plumbing.

If your home was built in the 1970s or earlier, you might have something called Orangeburg pipe. Many of these pipes are at the end of their useful life and eventually crumble. If you’re unsure, we can verify then come up with a plan to protect and preserve your pipes if possible.

It’s better to be proactive than to discover you have a preventable, massive plumbing and sewer problem.  

Best Plumbing Tips for Spring? Call Douglas Cooling & Heating

In conclusion, it’s best to perform regular maintenance, keep plumbing dry, be mindful during winter and stay ahead of underground pipe issues. These plumbing tips for spring are sure to help when the warm weather hits.

You don’t have to worry about plumbing problems in Birmingham if you get regular maintenance checks and regularly check on your plumbing.

Our licensed plumbers handle a variety of plumbing needs, including leak repairs, water heater services, plumbing fixture repairs and installations, drain clearing and water quality products. We serve customers in Vestavia Hills, Helena, Pelham, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Calera, Hoover, Homewood and Bessemer.

So call Douglas Cooling & Heating today if you notice any problems. We provide great service and understand plumbing needs during spring. We look forward to serving you!

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Do You Need a New AC System This Spring?

April 15th, 2019

Spring has officially sprung! The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and the sound of cool air whooshing out of AC units can be heard all across Alabama. Of course, this isn’t necessarily the case if you own a less-than-great air conditioner. If you are in the unfortunate position of having to replace your air conditioner, don’t fret! Replacing your system doesn’t have to be so scary, especially if you have a great team of HVAC professionals on your side!

Investing in a new air conditioner can definitely be worth your while, especially if your current system is no longer of keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient. But of course, knowing when to invest in a new system isn’t always easy. Therefore, we have listed just a few of the signs that suggest it’s time for AC system replacement in Birmingham. Keep reading below to find out more. 

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Central Air Conditioner Prices Change Due to New Rules

April 11th, 2019

New federal regulations are going into effect likely to impact new central air conditioner prices as early as this summer. What do these regulations mean for Birmingham homeowners? Douglas Cooling & Heating shares more information about the new regulations and how they impact new cooling system upgrades.

New Regulations Affecting Fan Efficiency

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has placed into effect July 3rd new regulations impacting the energy efficiency level of furnace fans, known as the fan efficiency rating (FER) ruling. Newly manufactured systems must use electronically commutated motors, also known as ECMs. While ECMs were in use prior to the regulations, most furnaces utilize a standard induction motor, which offers a much lower efficiency level (typically between 60 and 65 percent).

What is the purpose of the new regulations? ECMs offer a much higher blower motor efficiency than standard induction motors, improving the overall energy efficiency of a home’s heating and cooling system.

What the New Regulations Mean for Central Air Conditioner Prices

The DOE expects the new fan efficiency rules to greatly impact HVAC energy efficiency in American homes. In most systems, cool air created by the cooling system circulates using the furnace’s blower motor.

It’s best to replace your indoor components (furnace or air handler) at the same time you replace your outdoor components (central air conditioner or heat pump). So, when you upgrade your cooling system, your heating equipment should be upgraded as well. In the HVAC industry, we call this a matched system. It means the entire HVAC system and its components are paired together for best energy efficiency and performance.

Therefore, central air conditioner prices will likely go up, as manufacturers expect price increases due to the new fan efficiency ratings. If you’re not ready to upgrade to ECM technology, you may repair your induction motor when called for, if possible. This is the more affordable upfront option, but you will not benefit from the drastic efficiency improvements that upgrading to an ECM provides.

Energy Savings Balance Higher Central Air Conditioner Prices

The initial investment will likely be higher to purchase new cooling equipment. The improved fan efficiency, however, will generate more energy savings for your Birmingham home. Through a reduction in energy consumption, systems using ECMs are also better for the environment.

The DOE anticipates the fan efficiency rating ruling to positively impact American households. With an ECM fan anticipate the following savings:

  • Energy savings of approximately 50 percent in the home
  • More than $9 billion in residential electricity savings through the year 2030
  • A total of 3.99 quads of energy saved
  • Approximately 34 million metric tons of carbon pollution eliminated

Experts expect the improved efficiency of an ECM to generate consumer savings between $340 and $500 over the component’s service life.

Ready to Get An Estimate? Call Douglas Cooling & Heating and Be Prepared

The new fan efficiency regulations impact Birmingham homeowners in improved energy efficiency as well as higher central air conditioner prices. Is an air conditioner upgrade the right move for your home? Douglas Cooling & Heating is happy to help determine if a new central air conditioner is right for your home. Contact us today to learn more.

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HVAC Help: AC Starts and Stops

April 4th, 2019

If your AC starts and stops, your system is most likely short cycling. Certain system issues cause short cycling and it negatively affects your comfort as well as the energy bills for your Birmingham, AL home. Learn what it is and what to do to prevent it. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers the help you need to stop short cycling and improve indoor comfort.

What Is AC Short Cycling?

AC short cycling is a term that describes when an air conditioner prematurely ends its cooling cycle, then starts it back up soon after. These frequent starts and stops cause early wear and tear, which damages the air conditioner’s components. Left unchecked, short cycling may lead to early compressor burnout and the need for early system replacement.

In addition to the damage done to your air conditioning system, frequent AC starts and stops cause the cooling system to consume a greater amount of power. Once your air conditioner starts short cycling, your utility bills will drastically rise. Excessive electricity consumption will go on until the issue behind the short cycling is resolved.

What Causes Short Cycling?

There are multiple causes behind AC starts and stops, which the expert HVAC technicians diagnose. Common causes of AC starts and stops include:

  • Refrigerant leaks: Leaking refrigerant causes numerous problems within a cooling system, one of which is short cycling. Short cycling is one tell-tale sign that your system suffers a refrigerant leak. The short cycling combined with low refrigerant levels pose a damage threat to your system’s compressor.
  • Dirty air filter: When an air filter is clogged with debris, not enough air is able to move through the system. This prevents the evaporator coil from absorbing heat, causing the cooling cycle to abruptly stop.
  • Thermostat issues: Faulty thermostats may communicate early stops to cooling equipment. If the thermostat doesn’t take accurate temperature readings, it signals AC starts and stops at inappropriate intervals.

Prevent AC Starts and Stops

Prevent AC starts and stops when you take these steps to safeguard your Birmingham home’s cooling equipment:

  • Change air filters regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filter change frequency. This is anywhere from one to 12 months, depending on the filter.
  • Properly position your thermostat. Do not install it in direct sunlight or drafty areas, such as by the front door.
  • Sign up for a service plan. Annual preventative maintenance performed by Douglas Cooling & Heating’ technicians ensures your cooling equipment is tuned-up and working properly. HVAC techs change filters, check refrigerant levels and note signs of stress. They repair minor issues before they cause short cycling and extensive damage to your system. They clean, maintain and check all vital components of your air conditioner. This improves the performance and energy efficiency of the cooling system over the course of the warmer months.

If Your AC Starts and Stops Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Help

Put an end to AC starts and stops today with the help of Douglas Cooling & Heating. Contact us for quick repairs that resolve short cycling, and preventative maintenance agreements to prevent it season after season. We are here to help you create a more comfortable and energy efficient Birmingham home!

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You Need Electrical Repair if You Notice Any of These Issues

April 1st, 2019

If you are like many homeowners, you probably don’t think about your electrical system too much, and that’s understandable. Though you rely on it every day, the majority of it is hidden. Wires and circuits are tucked away behind walls, which is great for aesthetics, however, this means that it can be quite difficult to tell when there is a problem.

Of course, of all the problems that can afflict your home, electrical problems are perhaps the most dangerous and problematic, which is why it is important to be aware of the signs that suggest that something is wrong. You should be familiar with some of these telltale signs so that you can contact a professional electrician in Hoover, AL right away. Keep reading below to find out more. 

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How Regulation Changes to Air Conditioner Refrigerant Affect Birmingham Homeowners

March 28th, 2019

Less than a year remains before a law banning the production of a common air conditioner refrigerant goes into effect. As part of Sections 601-607 of the Clean Air Act, manufacturers aren’t allowed to make Freon, also known as HCFC-22 or R-22, and must phase it out of use completely by January 1, 2020.

What does this mean for Birmingham homeowners with HVAC units that rely on Freon air conditioner refrigerant? Below we help clear the air about the upcoming R-22 ban and ways to stay in compliance with the new regulations.

Air Conditioner Refrigerant 2020 Regulations

For decades, residential air conditioners used R-22 as the main air conditioner refrigerant chemical. Studies found HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), the chemicals refrigerators and air conditioners use to cool, contribute to ozone depletion and climate change.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a mandate phasing out the production of R-22 by January 1, 2020.

What the Air Conditioner Refrigerant Regulations Mean for Homeowners

The good news for Birmingham homeowners? Air conditioning systems made after 2010 no longer rely on R-22. Instead, most new units use a more environmentally-friendly air conditioner refrigerant called R-410A. Also called Puron, it’s an HCFC harmless to the ozone.

If you had an HVAC technician install a new air conditioner sometime over the past decade, it’s possible it’s compliant.

However, it’s still best to look for your air conditioner’s refrigerant type on your condenser’s nameplate, consult your user’s manual, or check with an HVAC technician just to be safe. Have you scheduled a tune-up for your air conditioner yet? Now’s a great time. You can verify refrigerant compliance as well as benefit from maintenance services. 

If you cool your home with a pre-2010 AC unit that uses R-22, you have a couple options:

Option #1: Retrofit Your Current AC System

You’re not required under the mandate to buy a new air conditioner. However, you cannot drain your unit of R-22 and switch to an ozone-friendly air conditioner refrigerant.

Different refrigerants operate at different pressure levels and need different components to run. The retrofit process requires an HVAC technician to replace parts of your system to coincide with a new environmentally friendly refrigerant. Skipping this step may lead to system failure, in which case you have to purchase a new system anyway.

However, if your older AC unit’s coils are compatible with R-410A refrigerant, it’s possible for an HVAC professional to replace the condenser without modifying other components throughout your house. While costly, it keeps your current system working and in compliance with the mandate.

Option #2: Replace Your Older AC Unit

Retrofitting older air conditioners often costs as much or more than a new unit installation. Therefore, many homeowners replace their AC unit with a new system designed to use R-410A or other permitted coolants.

The average lifespan of an HVAC system is 15 years. A new unit ensures greater long-term savings through increased efficiency. Plus, system replacement eliminates the R-22 replacement cost and higher energy bills for the next several years.

Count on Douglas Cooling & Heating to Keep You Up-to-Date with Air Conditioner Refrigerant Rules

In conclusion, proper installation, servicing and air conditioner refrigerant replacement requires special training to prevent leaks of harmful chemicals. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for professional advice about the type of air conditioner refrigerant in your HVAC unit or the best solution for the older air conditioner unit in your Birmingham home. If you’re ready to upgrade, we offer finance options as well. 

We serve customers in Bessemer, Homewood, Hoover, Calera and Mountain Brook. You’ll also see our trucks en route to customers in Chelsea, Pelham, Helena and Vestavia Hills. Need a plumber? We recently expanded our services to include plumbing such as water heater installation, leaky faucet repairs as well as water quality and drain cleaning. 

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Douglas Cooling & Heating is Going to Celebrate Hoover Day!

March 27th, 2019

Guess what?! Jay Douglas and Keith Posey of Douglas Cooling & Heating will be attending the Celebrate Hoover Day event that takes place on April 27th!

In case you don’t know what Celebrate Hoover Day is, it is a family-friendly event that Hoover Chamber puts on every year to celebrate their wonderful city. This is the first year that members of our team will be in attendance, and we are definitely excited. Jay and Keith will be setting up a booth at the event, so please stop by and say hello! More details about prizes, giveaways, and the location of our booth are to follow, so be on the lookout for those.

Douglas Cooling & Heating has been proudly serving the city of Hoover since 1972 and we look forward to celebrating its wonderful residents.

For more information about this event, please visit their website. 

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Better Sleep with HVAC Service in Birmingham

March 26th, 2019

Improve your sleep experience when you hire Douglas Cooling & Heating to perform your HVAC service in Birmingham! Whether your home is too warm, too dry, too humid or has poor air circulation, HVAC service helps.

Stop tossing and turning all night and wake up refreshed in the morning. Try any of these HVAC services and solutions designed to help you maximize comfort levels and get a peaceful night’s sleep.

Use HVAC Service & Products to Control Humidity

Optimize your home’s humidity level for ideal sleep conditions. Too little humidity leads to itchy, dry skin, which wakes you up. Too much leaves you uncomfortable and clammy. You won’t be able to relax, and you may not be able to breathe well.

Besides, thick, sticky air attracts insects and promotes mold and dust mite growth. That’s truly a nightmare for anyone in your home who suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues.

Eliminate this problem when you install a whole-home humidifier or dehumidifier. In Birmingham, we have unique challenges with humidity at different times of the year. Ask your Douglas Cooling & Heating consultant for a customized plan based on your needs.

Wi-Fi Thermostats

As you approach sleep, your body temperature decreases. You need your bedroom’s temperature to do the same. For this reason, the National Sleep Foundation recommends setting your room’s overnight temperature to between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Set it warmer or cooler and potentially negatively affect the quality of your REM sleep.

Install a programmable thermostat to make temperature control an automatic part of your bedtime routine. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature to fall automatically every night just before bedtime.

Fans and Zoned Air Conditioning Systems

Ceiling fans are a great solution to help combat the higher energy costs of turning down the temperature a few degrees to promote restful sleep in the summer. The continuous air circulation they offer results in a cool and comfortable night’s sleep with a downdraft.

The hidden benefit is the soothing white noise helps many fall asleep. Zoned air conditioning systems are another option. They allow you to set different temperatures in different rooms or sections of the house.

This promotes targeted air circulation and temperature regulation in your home. By dropping the temperature in just your bedroom, you have the option of keeping it comfortable without spending money to cool the rest of the house at night.

Basic HVAC Service: Air Conditioning Tune-Up

No matter your home’s heating and cooling system setup, your HVAC system should function as efficiently as possible to help you get high-quality rest each night. It starts when you hire a licensed expert for HVAC services such as a heat pump or an air conditioner tune-up.

We recommend one every spring before temperatures climb. This makes it easier for your system to maintain your preferred temperature, humidity levels and air circulation. It also helps reduce your energy bills — great peace of mind as you drift off to sleep!

Trust Douglas Cooling & Heating for All Your HVAC Service Needs

The team at Douglas Cooling & Heating is happy to provide HVAC services to keep your system running smoothly and your family resting easily. From general maintenance to major repairs and installation, we have the skills and expertise to make HVAC product recommendations and handle any heating and cooling issues you’re experiencing. Contact us today to schedule a HVAC service appointment or consultation.

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Trust Our Award Winning Team!

March 25th, 2019

As you may have noticed, we have been celebrating success after success with our team of expert technicians here at Douglas Heating, Cooling, & Electrical. This week, we are proud to announce that we have been awarded three different awards, and we wanted to share this success with you, our valued customers.

Recently, we have won the following:

We are so proud of our team and all of their hard work. We will continue to work towards creating a comfortable and efficient environment for every customer. With the best products on the market today, and with our NATE-Certified technicians, we are sure that we will only see more success.

 

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