During summer months, Alabama homeowners turn to their HVAC systems for cool relief. However, many homeowners also use ceiling fans to help keep them cool in the summer, but do ceiling fans help AC systems work better? When used correctly, your ceiling fans keep air moving and help your HVAC system keep your home feel cooler and use less energy. The team at Douglas Cooling & Heating explains the many benefits of using your ceiling fan in tandem with your HVAC system throughout the year.

The Function of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans do not create cool air but can help with the movement of air. Think about it this way: a hot summer day always feels worse when there is no breeze. The same is true for your home. Stagnant air can make you feel hotter than you actually are. Ceiling fans help with the circulation of air in your home and depending on which way the fans are spinning, can be used to help with the comfort of the air in your home in different seasons.

Do Ceiling Fans Help AC System Performance?

In the summer months, ceiling fans help your air conditioning system by reducing the cooling load in your home. As the blades of the fan rotate counterclockwise, they move air downward toward the spaces where we sit, sleep, and live.

This creates a wind chill effect and moves air across your skin. The breeze evaporates moisture from your skin which makes you feel warmer. When a ceiling fan is used, you can raise the thermostat setting by up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit without any reduction in comfort. Therefore, your AC unit gets a break and lessens the odds of requiring air conditioning repair service. This is a great way to help save on energy bills in your Birmingham area home.

Adding to this, ceiling fans also improve the overall circulation of air within a room. By doing so, they ensure a more uniform distribution of cool air, reducing hot spots and cold zones. This means your central air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the space.

It’s also worth noting that ceiling fans are incredibly energy-efficient in their own right. They use significantly less electricity compared to an air conditioner, making them a cost-effective way to stay cool in the summer.

Lastly, by reducing the workload on your air conditioning system, a ceiling fan can extend the lifespan of the unit. Less strain on the AC means fewer breakdowns and repairs, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

So, not only do ceiling fans help the AC system, but they also contribute to energy conservation, cost savings, and the longevity of your HVAC equipment.

Do Ceiling Fans Help Heating, Too?

In the winter, you can use a ceiling fan in combination with your heating system to keep your home more comfortable. Ceiling fans work to evenly distribute the air in the room. In the fall, grab a ladder and look for a switch on the base of the motor on your ceiling fan. Flip the switch to make the blades of your ceiling fan rotate in the opposite direction. When your fan spins clockwise, the fan’s blades draw warm air up toward your ceiling, and the rotating motion pushes this air out toward the edges of the room before circulating back to the ground. With air warmer pooling naturally at the top of a room, this air distribution helps the whole space feel warmer by pushing it back down to reach your body.

You benefit from more of the warmth produced by your heating system. This can reduce the amount of heat needed by helping you benefit from the warm air already produced by your heating system and can reduce the stress on your system. A less stressed system means a lower chance of needing heating system repairs.

Clockwise or Counterclockwise – Which Way Should My Ceiling Fan Turn?

Adjust the ceiling fan blade direction for each season to create the desired warming or cooling effect. Fans have a switch, typically located on the base, to adjust the direction of blade rotation. It is important you select the correct direction for each season to achieve the desired effect. Changing the rotation of your ceiling fan blades is simple, as most models are equipped with a switch on the unit to switch the direction.

In the summer, your ceiling fan blades are set to rotate counterclockwise; in the winter, the blades should be set to rotate clockwise. Ceiling fans shouldn’t be used in the same direction in the winter as they work in the summer. Otherwise, you’ll get the undesirable windchill effect indoors when you’re trying to stay warm.

Don’t Use Ceiling Fans with Your HVAC If…

Whenever a room is unoccupied, you should turn the ceiling fan off. The warming benefits the ceiling fan produces are realized by those in the room. When there’s no one in the room, there’s no need to waste electricity operating the fan. Ceiling fans don’t save energy if they operate in unoccupied rooms.

One exception to this rule exists a ceiling fan located at the top of a two-story stairwell or foyer. As heat rises to the second floor, the ceiling fan moves the stairwell’s heat down to the first floor to add warmth. If you have a two-story foyer or great room which feels cool while upstairs feels warm or stuffy, try a fan. An existing lighting fixture can easily be swapped out with a fan or a fan with lighting.

Using ceiling fans wisely throughout the summer can be a great complement to your HVAC system. Ceiling fans can help you feel cooler indoors and allow your HVAC system to operate less for great energy savings. Be sure your ceiling fan blades are rotating counterclockwise in the summer and you turn off your ceiling fans when a room is unoccupied!

How to Choose a Ceiling Fan

• Ceiling fans work best in rooms with ceilings at least eight feet high. Optimal ceiling fan installation places blades seven to nine feet higher than the floor and 10 to 12 inches away from the ceiling.
• Blades should not be closer than eight inches from the ceiling and 18 inches away from the surrounding walls.
• Choose a ceiling fan appropriately sized for your room. Larger fans are capable of moving more air than smaller models. For rooms of 225 square feet, ceiling fans with a diameter between 36 and 44 inches are sufficient.
• Larger rooms need a fan with a diameter of 52 inches or more. In rooms longer than 18 feet, multiple fans should be used for the best results.

When It Comes to HVAC Systems – We’re Huge Fans!

These ceiling fan best practices give your HVAC system a needed break this winter and help it operate more efficiently. For more energy-saving tips, schedule service from Douglas Cooling & Heating today.

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We may have hot weather, but even in Birmingham, you should know what to do when your AC unit freezes up. It’s so hot outside, how is it possible that my AC has ice on it? Before you call us crazy, it happens frequently.

In this blog, the team at Douglas Cooling & Heating will review why an AC freezes even on the hottest days of the year, and what you should do when you notice this happening. We’ll also include tips to prevent frozen HVAC coils. With our tips, you may avoid an AC repair visit but if you need us, a friendly Douglas Cooling & Heating HVAC tech is ready to help!

What to Do When Your AC Unit Freezes Up in the Summer

Luckily, it only takes 2 steps to restore your air conditioning system back to normal after it freezes. Follow along to help your system.

Step One: Thaw It Out

Turn off your AC unit at the electrical breaker and let the ice thaw. Be advised, it could take a whole day for a frozen air conditioner to completely thaw. Pick a day when you plan to spend time elsewhere, just be mindful of any pets in the house and the forecast. If a day’s rest is impractical, turn the AC off but leave the blower running which will continue to move warm air over the coils and help them thaw.

Make every effort to avoid using the AC while the evaporator coils are frozen. Running the AC with frozen coils strains the AC compressor. The air conditioning system compressor is the most expensive component in your air conditioning unit. The strain may damage this valuable part and set you up for an unplanned expense.

Finally, don’t listen to advice that you should break up the ice with a heavy object or sharp tool. This easily damages components and creates new problems. Instead, you can try to use a hair dryer to help with the melting process.

Step Two: Dry the Coils

Once the ice is gone, dry the evaporator coils. If off, restore the power to your system and turn the blower on. Set the thermostat to only run the blower or fan. This circulates air around and through the coils to dry them quickly.

Once the coils are dry, your system should operate normally. It’s important, however, to prevent it from happening again, even if you now know what to do when your AC unit freezes up.

Why Does My AC Freeze Up?

Air conditioners freeze all the time, but it can be a major inconvenience, not to mention expensive to fix. Many homeowners may not know what causes this issue to arise and how to prevent it. Here are some of the common causes of air conditioner freezes.

Dirty Air Filter

The first common cause of frozen air conditioners is due to restricted airflow. This happens when the air filter is clogged or dirty, and the air conditioner cannot efficiently remove heat from your home. When restricted airflow occurs, the evaporator coils become too cold, leading to the formation of ice on the coils. This problem could be resolved by simply replacing the air filter. Air filters should be changed on a regular basis, usually between every 30-90 days.

Dirty Evaporator Coil

Your AC’s evaporator coil is really just a cluster of refrigerant coils. As the refrigerant passes through, the chemical reaches temperatures as low as 10 – 20 degrees Fahrenheit. During normal operation, warm, unconditioned air passes over the coils. The existing warmth in your household’s air prevents ice or frost formation. If, however, there’s a lack of warm air moving across the evaporator coils, they ice over. The ice even travels along the refrigerant lines. As humid air, which we have a lot of here in Birmingham, meets the coils and condenses, it freezes even faster.

Mechanical Issues

Another reason for air conditioner freezing could be related to mechanical issues, such as a malfunctioning blower fan, which causes the air conditioner to work incorrectly, leading to ice buildup. When these components do not work properly, airflow is restricted and the coils become too cold.

Refrigerant Leak

Air conditioner refrigerant leaks are another common cause of freezing. Refrigerant is the substance that cools the air in your AC. When there is not enough refrigerant in the air conditioning system, it will cycle too often, causing a rapid decrease in temperature and increasing the chances of the evaporator coils freezing. When your refrigerant levels are low, your system has to work harder to cool your home, which can cause the coils to become too cold and freeze up. If your system continues to run with low refrigerant levels, it can cause permanent damage to the compressor, resulting in a costly repair. This problem can only be fixed by a professional AC repair technician.

Using Your AC When It’s Too Cold Outside

Lastly, if the temperature outside is below 60 degrees, and your AC’s temperature is set below 68 degrees, this can cause the evaporator coils to freeze as there is not enough warm air in the house for the AC to sufficiently cool. In this case, it is best to just turn off the air conditioner and wait for the temperature to improve before turning it back on.

Get Help for Frozen AC Issues

If you are asking why my AC freeze up, you might be tempted to try and fix the issue yourself. Beyond changing your air filter and making sure your system is only used when it’s warm enough outside, you should leave the repairs to the professionals. Freezing coils are often a symptom of a larger problem that requires the expertise of a licensed HVAC technician. Calling a professional is not only the safest option; it’s also more cost-effective in the long run.

It’s important to note that while frozen coils are a visible symptom of an issue, the underlying cause may not always be as apparent. A licensed technician has the training and expertise to inspect all of your system components including your blower fan, condensate pan, refrigerant coils, and more to identify the root cause. They will be able to provide an effective solution that will prevent the problem from happening in the future. Working with a professional HVAC company will ultimately save you time and money in the long run. Don’t let your AC continue to freeze up; call Douglas Cooling & Heating for air conditioning system repairs today.

How to Prevent a Frozen AC Unit

Now you know what to do when your AC unit freezes up and the common causes. How can you stop it from happening in the first place? We have some preventative tips to stop ac freezing from happening again.

1. Change Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter is a top cause of a frozen HVAC system. The air filter cleans the air circulated into your home. Over time, it clogs with dirt, pollen, dust, and other allergens. This restricts the airflow and the HVAC coils freeze.

Typically, we recommend you check your filter monthly. Change it as needed. For most folks, this is one to every three months. Filter changes vary based on factors, such as:

• The type of filter you have
• Presence of children or pets in the home
• The season and if you live in a high-pollen count area
• Whether a household member smokes
• A household member lives with asthma, allergies, COPD, or congestive heart conditions
• If you frequently run your system

During regular HVAC maintenance, Douglas Cooling & Heating professionals inspect your filter and will change it for you if a new one is available.

2. Schedule Regular Maintenance to Check Coolant Levels

As part of a seasonal tune-up, a professional HVAC contractor performs a comprehensive inspection. This includes checking coolant levels and charging if necessary.

Think you might have a coolant leak? There are a couple of signs. For example, does your AC blow hot air? Do you hear a hissing? Douglas HVAC techs use measuring instruments to check levels as well. Avoid handling coolant chemicals, because they can be toxic. Leave it to the professionals if possible.

3. Get an Airflow Inspection

Obstructed airflow is a major reason heating and cooling systems malfunction or function inefficiently. Similar to a clogged filter, blocked vent returns and registers prevent adequate airflow.

This causes your system to work harder without a way to release the cooled or heated air. Are vents and registers clear from any obstructions? Your problem may be poorly designed or installed ductwork. In some cases, the ductwork is installed well but the wrong size for your house or the capacity.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for HVAC maintenance. Our trained professionals inspect your ductwork and offer redesign solutions, if necessary. If there is a clog, like nesting material or other signs of pests, we clear obstructions blocking proper airflow.

4. Clean Evaporator Coils

The condensate lines drain excess moisture from your HVAC system. If there’s a clog in the line, the water becomes stuck and the excess water freezes. With frozen water in your lines, you could be left with frozen HVAC coils as well.

Over time, evaporator coils attract dust, hair, and grime can form a clog. If there is moisture trapped inside the clog, the moisture freezes and the coils freeze as well. Frozen coils restrict airflow. This causes your system to struggle or not work at all.

The best prevention for frozen HVAC coils is to schedule preventive maintenance. Douglas Cooling & Heating checks the evaporator coils and the rest of your unit’s lines during an AC tune-up.

Save money, avoid AC repairs, breakdowns, and a frozen HVAC system in the future with routine air conditioning service.

Call Douglas For Air Conditioner Repairs in Birmingham, AL

A proactive and preventive mindset saves you money throughout the year on your energy bill and keeps your air conditioning running well. If you ever notice your AC unit freezing up, follow our tips to thaw your system yourself, and then call Douglas Cooling & Heating for an AC inspection or repairs.

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Air conditioning systems come in various types, each with its unique features and benefits. With different cooling systems available on the market, choosing the right type of air conditioning system for your home can be overwhelming. There are many factors that come into play when choosing a cooling system for your home, and Douglas Cooling & Heating breaks down each type so you can figure out which is the best for you. Continue reading to learn more about the different types of air conditioning systems and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Window Air Conditioners

The most economical cooling system, window air conditioner units can only cool a space of a certain size. You may need multiple window units to cool your home effectively. However, these systems are very expensive to run, and if you need more than 2 you probably should have a central air conditioning system installed or a heat pump. Window air conditioning units are also an eye sore and can make a vulnerable entry point into your home if not installed securely.

Central Air Conditioners

The traditional air conditioning system is the most common type of cooling system in homes and commercial spaces. The split AC system comprises two parts: an indoor unit that circulates cool air through air ducts, and an outdoor unit that expels heat from your house.

Central Air conditioning units work by absorbing heat from warm air and expelling it outside, using a refrigerant. These units are great for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home during hot seasons. However, air conditioning systems tend to use more energy and can be more expensive to install and maintain. A central air conditioning system can cool your home faster than other types of cooling systems and is the most common, so it’s often easier to find an HVAC company that can fix your system for you when it breaks down.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are a two-in-one cooling and heating system that uses electricity to regulate temperatures in homes. Unlike a traditional air conditioning unit that only cool the air, heat pumps can both cool down air during summer and warm up air during winter. They work by extracting heat from the outside and transferring it indoors during the winter season. During the summer months, they work in reverse, extracting heat from inside the house and expelling it outside.

A big advantage to heat pumps over air conditioners is that they often provide better indoor air quality and are much more energy efficient to run throughout the summer.

Ductless Mini Splits

Ductless mini splits, also known as ductless heating and cooling systems, are great alternatives to traditional ducted air conditioning systems. These units do not require ductwork; hence they’re perfect for cooling spaces without a central duct system.

Ductless mini-split systems include a compressor that is installed outside the house and one or multiple air handling units installed inside the house. The outdoor compressor can be a heat pump or an air conditioner. If your mini-split is connected to your air conditioner, it can only cool a space, making it ideal for sunrooms or finished attics, rooms that are particularly hot in the summer. If your mini-split is connected to a heat pump, it can provide both heated and cooled air to a room. This makes them ideal for rooms used year-round that are separate from your HVAC system like a new addition or a workshop.

The air handling unit is mounted on a wall or within the ceiling and cools the air in the space that surrounds it. These units are energy-efficient and are perfect for homeowners who want a more targeted cooling solution.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Air Conditioning Installation

Homeowners can choose between air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless mini splits for air conditioning installation by considering the following factors:

• Heating Requirements: If your home requires both heating and cooling, a heat pump or ductless mini split heat pump may be a cost-effective solution as it can reverse its operation to provide heating during colder months. If heating is not needed, an air conditioner might be more suitable.
• Existing System: Consider the compatibility of the new system with your existing HVAC setup. If you have a functional duct system, an air conditioner or heat pump might be more appropriate. For homes without ductwork or with limited space, ductless mini splits are a great option.
• Energy Efficiency: Compare the energy efficiency ratings of various systems (SEER, HSPF, and EER) to determine which option will provide long-term savings on energy bills.
• Installation Cost: Assess the installation costs for each system, including labor and materials. Ductless mini splits generally have lower installation costs compared to heat pumps and air conditioners if your duct system needs to be replaced.
• Zoning Capabilities: If you desire individual temperature control for different rooms, ductless mini splits offer an advantage as they allow for multiple indoor units connected to a single outdoor unit, facilitating independent temperature regulation. To create zoned cooling with heat pumps or air conditioners, additional equipment is required.
• Aesthetics and Space: Consider the visual impact and space requirements of each system. Ductless mini splits have a sleeker design but are visible in living spaces, whereas central air conditioners and heat pumps may require more space for installation but are usually installed out of sight indoors.

Ultimately, consulting with an HVAC professional can help you make an informed decision based on their specific needs, budget, and home layout.

Schedule a Quote for Air Conditioning Installation in Birmingham

With this information in mind, it’s essential to consider which type of air conditioning installation best suits your needs. At Douglas Cooling & Heating, we are committed to providing the best installation services for homeowners in Birmingham, AL, and surrounding areas. Whether you need a traditional AC system, a heat pump, or a ductless mini split, our team of experienced technicians are here to guide and advise you on the best options for air conditioning installation that meet your needs and preferences. Contact us today!

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