Homes rely on electricity more and more in the modern day, so it’s incredibly important to keep your home’s electrical system in top shape. There is a wide array of electrical upgrades to consider for your home. These upgrades not only improve the quality of your home, but they can also help you lower your energy bills. If you need a great Hoover electrician, you need the expertise of an experienced technician from our team. If you’re interested in some possible upgrades for your home, keep reading below.
Electrical Upgrades to Consider for Your Home
November 12th, 2018Indoor Air Quality Tips for Better Sleep
November 8th, 2018Let’s learn how indoor air quality improvements benefit you because you cannot underestimate the importance of good sleep. Allergy and asthma symptoms can keep you up at night. Viruses or other illnesses worsened by poor air quality can prevent your body from getting the rest it needs to heal.
Douglas Cooling & Heating offers a range of indoor air quality solutions to help you sleep better throughout the year.
Indoor Air Quality Tip #1 – Air Filter Changes
As airborne contaminants circulate through your home, your air filter traps them. When the filter becomes clogged, it no longer effectively removes contaminants.
This means more allergens are left in your home’s air supply. These allergy triggers can cause discomfort and prevent a restful night of sleep.
Always change your air filter on a regular basis. First, check with the filter manufacturer to see how often you should be changing it. In homes with high allergen levels, such as those with pets, your filter ought to change a bit more frequently.
If you have allergy or asthma sufferers in your home, upgrade to a filter with a MERV rating between 8 and 13. It will give you increased allergen removal power to reduce symptoms among your loved ones.
Indoor Air Quality Tip #2 – HVAC Tune-Ups
An HVAC system tune-up is an invaluable tool for improving indoor air quality. During an HVAC tune-up, techs clean components to eliminate dirt, dust and debris. These pollutants are easily picked up by circulating air and transported back into your living areas.
An HVAC tune-up also helps your equipment perform better, so your home will receive the air circulation it needs to keep you comfortable as you sleep. Duct obstructions, leaks and other airflow-hindering issues are found during a tune-up.
This helps you rest assured your bedrooms remain comfortable overnight.
Indoor Air Quality Products
There are many indoor air quality products to help you gain a better night’s sleep. Some of the great solutions Douglas Cooling & Heating offers include:
- Whole home humidifiers: Dry air can cause great discomfort, from itchy skin to dry nasal passages which make it difficult to sleep restfully. Whole home humidifiers work with your heating system. They add needed moisture to the air and circulate it into your living areas and bedrooms.
- Air purifiers: Air purifiers offer enhanced contaminant control to drastically reduce those frustrating allergy symptoms which keep you from sleeping peacefully. They effectively remove up to 99 percent of common allergens such as pet dander, dust and dust mites, pollen and more.
- UV lights: With cold season upon us, we all know how difficult it can be to get the sleep you need when you’re feeling ill. UV lights can help you gain a better night’s sleep by killing pathogens to prevent illness.
They are installed within your HVAC system and use ultraviolet light to neutralize mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses and germs while preventing their regrowth. Keep your household healthier and prevent the discomfort of restless sleep while ill.
Rest Easy with Douglas Cooling & Heating’ Indoor Air Quality Products and Services
Ready for a better night’s sleep? Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today and find the indoor air quality solutions your home needs to create a healthy, restful environment to benefit your family.
Interested in new equipment or upgrades? Your health is important to us, as well as your comfort and safety. We provide finance options for your convenience. In addition, we offer free estimates for new HVAC and IAQ equipment, so call us today!
HVAC Repair Stops Money From Flying Out of Ductwork
October 31st, 2018It’s easy to forget about your ductwork, especially during the fall and winter when there are so many festivities. However, improperly maintained and serviced ductwork will lead to expensive HVAC repair needs in the future.
Your ductwork is hidden behind walls, in attics, and crawlspaces, which makes it easy to be out of sight, out of mind. Scheduling HVAC repair early on your ductwork keeps your home and family comfortable throughout the year. Discover the benefits of healthy ductwork and call Douglas Cooling & Heating now before your ductwork is too far gone.
The Importance of Healthy Ductwork
Clean ductwork keeps your indoor air quality healthy. Over time, your heating and cooling system circulates dust, dirt and other debris throughout your ductwork. This compromises the air in your home. When your ductwork is dirty or clogged you are more likely to experience allergy and asthma health issues.
The debris accumulates inside your ducts and without HVAC repair to clean your ductwork, you experience more respiratory infections, allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. Common pollutants inside your ducts include:
- Bacteria and virus particulates
- Rodent nest and fecal material
- Insects
- Dust
- Soot
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Mold or mildew spores
- Pet dander and hair
Healthy ductwork increases your comfort and allows your HVAC system to achieve ideal temperatures throughout your home. Obstructions in your ducts prevent adequate air circulation. This often results in uneven temperatures in your home.
Restricted airflow also forces your heating and cooling system to work harder and expend more energy to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. HVAC repair to remove any obstructions improves your air quality and system performance.
Gaps, holes or dents in your ducts also compromise airflow in your ductwork. When they perform HVAC repair, our technicians thoroughly evaluate ductwork and alert you if your ducts need to be sealed or sections replaced.
Neglected ductwork experiences sagging, cracks, holes and gaps over time. These flaws allow you to lose conditioned air and valuable energy. Properly-sealed ducts save you money on your energy bill. They prevent energy loss when the air is moved throughout your home.
Help Ductwork with HVAC Repair
The three different HVAC duct repairs which help you achieve ideal temperatures, lower your energy bill, and increase your comfort are:
- Cleaning Services: This HVAC repair cleans debris out of your ducts and eliminates allergens and contaminants affecting your indoor air quality.
- Clearing Services: Removing obstructions with a duct clearing HVAC repair will improve airflow and allow your home to maintain even temperatures.
- Sealing Services: Sealing leaks in your ductwork saves you on energy usage, keeps your home comfortable, and prevents contaminants from building up inside your ducts.
Douglas Cooling & Heating offers HVAC repair for cleaning, clearing and sealing your ductwork. We understand the importance of healthy ducts and how they impact the performance of your heating and cooling system. Don’t wait until your ductwork deteriorates before you call to schedule an HVAC repair.
So schedule your HVAC repair today on your ductwork and let our HVAC professionals take your home’s heating and cooling system to the next level of efficiency. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to take control of your home’s comfort and energy savings.
How to Get Your Home Ready for Heating Season
October 29th, 2018
The days are getting colder, which means now is the time to get your home ready for the onset of the heating season! There are a number of different ways you can make sure that your home is properly prepared, some of which are more effective than others. We’re going to cover some of the most common ways below. If you have any questions about preparing your home for the heating season that aren’t answered in this article, give us a call and we’d be happy to provide you with a full list.
Install a New Furnace in Your Historic Home
October 25th, 2018New Furnace Installations in Older Homes Require More Information
If you don’t do your research, a new furnace update in a historic home easily becomes a nightmare. Don’t worry though – at Douglas Cooling & Heating we’re unafraid of the challenge! Our professionals train to expertly assess and install modern equipment, like a new furnace, in older and historic homes.
For example, before you make any decisions, consider the insulation and ductwork available. Also review fuel, speed types and the restrictions of preservation rules. We encourage you to discuss all of these factors with our team before a new furnace installation.
Update Insulation During New Furnace Installation
Many older homes are not well-insulated. Even if insulation is present, it may be inefficient or unsafe for a new heating unit. An upgraded furnace requires modern insulation materials, so one of Douglas Cooling & Heating certified technicians will need to inspect your current insulation.
Douglas Cooling & Heating is equipped to recommend adequate insulation so you get the most value from your furnace upgrade.
Ductwork Available to Your New Furnace
The current heating system technology available today is vastly different. It can require more care when installing an updated furnace in your historic home. Our team helps you with the installation process, first with a current ductwork inspection.
Second, a modern furnace may require additional ductwork throughout your home. This prevents “cold spots” in the future.
Our team suggests which furnace is right for your historic home and determines what modifications may be necessary to customize your new heating system. If additional ductwork is necessary or if the current ductwork needs repairs, we notify you and make adjustments to fit your budget and heating needs. Our NATE-certified installers engage in continuous training to provide the best experience for you.
Fuel Types for a New Furnace
When choosing a furnace for your historic home, consider the fuel source. Older furnaces typically use oil, but newer furnaces have more efficient options available. A popular and cost-effective choice is a furnace powered by natural gas.
New Furnace Speed Options
Typically, older furnaces use a single-stage blower with only one speed. One speed makes it difficult for a furnace to achieve and maintain warmth throughout a historic home. This means higher energy bills and forces the furnace to operate harder than necessary.
New models feature two-stage blowers, so they operate at either full or half speed. Two stages of heating offer better temperature regulation and reduce the energy used to heat your home.
Variable-speed furnaces offer even more energy efficiency and greater accuracy with temperature control. We encourage you to consult with us if you plan to update your thermostat as well.
Certain thermostats work better with single-speed models versus variable-speed furnaces. Use our expertise to save yourself hassles and to pair your new furnace with the right thermostat for its design.
Historic Preservation Rules
Historic homes are sometimes governed by preservation rules intended to maintain the home and neighborhood historic integrity. If your historic home falls within these preservation rules, seek approval of upgrades and changes to the home by a historic preservation committee or municipal authority.
Check to see if a furnace installation interferes with any preservation rules before you make any decisions. When you’re ready to research a new furnace in your historic home, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating.
Our heating and cooling experts assess your home’s insulation and ductwork prior to installation. They also recommend any steps to take beforehand. We ensure your upgraded furnace works well with your home so you can enjoy warm temperatures throughout your historic house.
Lack of Furnace Maintenance Turns Homes Into Haunted Houses
October 23rd, 2018Don’t get scared by bumps in the night when your furnace kicks on and off – schedule furnace maintenance. Keep your home a scare-free zone when you book preventative furnace maintenance early and know which sounds mean trouble. Douglas Cooling & Heating is standing by to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs, even spooky ones!
Furnace Maintenance “Scares off” Strange Noises
A typical furnace makes some noises but nothing which should scare you or your family members. Furnaces are designed to operate quietly and not draw attention to themselves. Most make a sound when they start and stop.
You may notice the sound of air as it moves through the vents or a gentle hum in the background. If, however, you notice new or jarring sounds from your furnace at any time, call Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately. Here are some examples:
Screech Noises
This sound typically is due to motor bearing problems. Our technicians apply lubricant to the motor during routine furnace maintenance, which stops the offending sound. However, a screech or high-pitched noise might indicate a problem with a belt. We will inspect your furnace and diagnose which problem is causing the sound.
Scrape Noises
You might notice this noise if something is wrong with the blower wheel. It will sound like metal parts rubbing together or a scratching noise, like nails on a chalkboard. If you hear this noise, call Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately!
There are a number of reasons why the blower wheel is making this sound and our technicians know exactly what to do for any circumstance.
Click Noises
Gas furnaces which turn on and off repeatedly emit a clicking sound. The issue could be a problem with the compressor or control panel. Schedule furnace maintenance to catch the problem early before the clicking noises start.
Grind Noise
A grinding sound indicates something is wrong with the motor. Worst-case scenario, the motor needs to be replaced. Our NATE-certified technicians recommend the best solution for your motor issues so you can enjoy warm temperatures without the deafening grinding noise.
Hum Noises
A motor on its last legs emits a humming noise. Don’t wait too long; otherwise, you will start to hear a grinding noise. Furnace maintenance in the fall catches humming noises early and prevents your furnace from a breakdown in the middle of winter.
Furnace Maintenance Prevention Is Key
Whether your furnace is making noise due to something minor or major, you have the power to prevent the noise. Furnace maintenance with our licensed and knowledgeable HVAC technicians keeps your heating system operating smoothly throughout the fall and winter.
Preventative furnace maintenance allows our professionals to catch and diagnose problems early. This reduces the risk of expensive HVAC repairs in the future.
Stop scary noises before they escalate by scheduling furnace maintenance for your heating system. Catch problems now and save yourself money and stressful headaches before winter weather arrives. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to ensure your furnace is ready for the colder temperatures.
Douglas Cooling & Heating Supports National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
October 22nd, 2018Breast cancer affects millions of people worldwide, and it’s a disease that we’re determined to help eradicate as soon as possible. That’s why we are spending Breast Cancer Awareness Month doing everything we can to raise awareness of the disease and its treatment. If you see our team members sporting pink floor savers on all of their calls this month, that’s why! We hope that you will join us in supporting those engaged in the fight against breast cancer (including our own survivor and Customer Service/Warranty Specialist Terry Kizzire!) as well as those searching for a cure. 
Attic Ventilation For Central Heating and Air Systems
October 18th, 2018One easy way for Alabama homeowners to improve their home and save money is to keep the central heating and air unit healthy with proper attic ventilation. Let’s discuss how your attic ventilation affects your home’s comfort and the life of your HVAC system.
Saves You Money on Your Central Heating and Air Bills
An improperly ventilated attic causes inefficient performance in your central heating and air unit. This means you notice hot air entering your house during the summer and cold air during the winter.
The air which penetrates your home will force your central heating and air unit to operate harder to counteract the temperatures from outside. It’s likely your central heating and air unit won’t be able to keep up with the demands.
This leaves your home with uneven temperatures from room to room. Adequate ventilation and insulation in your attic work together to prevent air from entering your home.
When hot or cold air isn’t lost through your attic you have lower energy bills. Your central heating and air system operates less, meaning lower daily energy consumption.
Reduces Signs of Wear and Tear on Your Central Heating and Air
Your attic ventilation directly affects your central heating and air unit’s performance and signs of wear and tear. Our NATE-certified experts look for poor attic ventilation when they notice signs of excessive stress on your HVAC system during a tune-up or repair visit.
Stress on your heating and cooling unit comes from the constant temperature changes from your attic and this forces it to work harder and more often than necessary. The stress our professionals’ notice lead to frequent breakdowns, resulting in expensive HVAC repairs over time if not addressed.
If you notice your central heating and air unit experiences more breakdowns than usual or operates more often, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule maintenance. Problems diagnosed early help prevent future repairs and save you money.
During maintenance, our trained professionals thoroughly inspect your system. They let you know if the attic ventilation is responsible for unseen issues.
Extend the Lifespan of Your Central Heating and Air System
Proper attic ventilation saves you money on your energy bill and reduces signs of wear and tear, plus it lengthens the lifespan of your HVAC system. Your central heating and air unit operates as necessary to keep your home at ideal temperatures.
Less wear and tear lets your system breathe and take a break when it’s not repeatedly cycling due to varying temperatures from the attic. In the long run, your central heating and air unit performs more efficiently and lowers the risk of system replacement before you are financially ready.
Other Central Heating and Air Benefits of Attic Ventilation
Besides energy efficiency and the performance improvements, proper attic ventilation offers you other advantages in your home. The structure of our house will be more sound and reduce the risk of structural deterioration. Excess moisture compromises wood rafters and the roof’s decking if unchecked. Attic ventilation is an effective way of removing moisture and heat from your attic throughout the year.
Know the ins and out of your attic’s ventilation by calling our HVAC professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating. We will gladly inspect your central heating and air unit for signs of wear and tear. We’ll determine if your attic ventilation is the problem. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today!
Say No To Pests with an HVAC Inspection
October 16th, 2018Winter is almost here, and critters will soon be searching for a place to hide during the colder weather. Typical places they love to invade are warm, dry heating and cooling systems. Protect your equipment from an infestation by scheduling an HVAC inspection now! Douglas Cooling & Heating is qualified to perform an HVAC inspection, evaluate any signs of pest problems and remove any debris, feces or nesting.
Various gaps and holes allow rodents, pests, and other insects to crawl through to make a hiding place during the winter. Our NATE-certified technicians will stop the pests before they become a problem. Let’s review the benefits of an HVAC inspection and other ways you can protect yourself against harmful pests.
HVAC Inspection First
An HVAC inspection performed by our licensed professionals detects signs of an infestation early during the fall months. Pests, rodents and insects leave behind an assortment of debris, including their dead bodies.
These remnants in your heating and cooling system impact your indoor air quality and increase health risks inside your home. You will notice strange smells whenever your HVAC system operates, and the odors won’t dissipate until the offending pest or detritus is removed.
We will clean your outdoor and indoor unit, including the ductwork, to ensure all traces of the infestation are gone. Not only will an HVAC inspection prevent pests from hibernating in your unit, it will improve its performance for the winter months.
Potential problems are caught early so you can plan accordingly and schedule HVAC repairs if necessary. Problems diagnosed early keep your heating and cooling system from malfunctions during the holidays and keep your loved ones comfortable indoors.
Common Pests Found in an HVAC Inspection
There are several indicators pests, rodents and insects are inside your heating and cooling system. If you notice strange odors coming out of your vents? Blowflies appearing out of nowhere? Evidence of nesting? You probably have something living inside your heating and cooling system. Common pests which like to seek shelter in your HVAC system include:
Mice and Rats
You might be shocked how these small animals love to crawl into the tightest spaces, which of course includes your heating and cooling system. Additionally, they are incredibly destructive and can chew through refrigerant lines and other components. This easily leads to expensive repairs in the future.
Mice and rats often use duct material to build nests. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for an HVAC inspection. This will help eradicate them completely from your home.
Spiders
These small, pesky creatures like to crawl into small areas, like your ductwork, vents and indoor HVAC unit. Reduce the risk of spiders when you keep these areas clean and schedule routine HVAC maintenance.
Snakes
Finally, when the weather turns cold, snakes crawl into your HVAC system because it’s warm. Because they aren’t able to regulate their own body temperature, nesting in ductwork provides them with the warmest place in your home. Often snakes breed inside ductwork, too.
Snakes coil themselves inside the condenser unit and when the fan blade starts up, the snake dies. This can damage your blades and lead to a foul stench circulating throughout your home.
Make the smart choice this fall and schedule an HVAC inspection with Douglas Cooling & Heating! We will inspect your system and remove pests which might interfere with its performance and your comfort. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule your inspection with our NATE-certified technicians.
How to Keep Your Electrical System Safe and Efficient
October 15th, 2018
Of all the various appliances and other systems that run throughout your home, probably the one that you want to malfunction the least is the electrical system. Not only is your electrical system something that most every other home system relies on, but it also can cause some very dangerous problems of its own when it starts to malfunction. House fires and electrocution are not something that anyone wants to deal with. So, in the interest of avoiding those issues in your own home as much as possible, here are some tips on keeping your electrical system both safe and efficient.
