Douglas Cooling & Heating Blog : Archive for the ‘HVAC’ Category

Many homeowners don’t think about their ductwork because it’s out of sight, and therefore, out of mind. However, your ductwork plays a pivotal role in the heating and cooling needs of your home. One size does not fit all when it comes to your HVAC ductwork and the size of your heating and cooling system determines the size ductwork you need. If you suspect the quality and size of your HVAC ductwork is a problem, call Douglas Cooling & Heating today. We offer preventative maintenance plans, HVAC repairs, emergency service and installation for all your heating and cooling needs.

The Importance of HVAC Ductwork Sizing

Proper sizing of your HVAC ductwork is imperative to the efficiency of your system and your energy bill. Higher energy bills are common when the ductwork is too small or large. Another common issue from ductwork sized incorrectly is more wear and tear on a heating and cooling system, resulting in your unit failing earlier than it should and forcing you to install a replacement unit before you are financially ready. Other common problems of incorrectly sized HVAC ductwork include:

• Forces your HVAC system to work harder
• Creates hot and cold spots throughout your home
• Decreases the rate of airflow
• Contributes to uneven heating and cooling between floors
• Furnaces have to work in overdrive to breathe
• Causes the motor to wear out faster and
• Increases the chance of a breakdown.

Types of HVAC Ductwork Materials

The material used for your ductwork is another element impacting your home’s heating and cooling system. Before you install new ductwork, discuss your ductwork options with our Douglas Cooling & Heating technician to ensure you get the best material for your new ductwork. The different materials all come with their own pros and cons and not every material works well for every situation. The different HVAC ductwork options include:

• Flexible ducts, also known as flex ductwork, are made from reinforced plastic. They are tube-shaped with a wire coil inside the bendable plastic. Homes with tight spaces are ideal for flex ductwork. They are cheaper and easier to install and require proper support to prevent snagging and snaking.
• Sheet metal ducts are made of galvanized steel and aluminum, with aluminum being the lighter and easier material to install of the two. They are less likely to have mold or mold growth occur in them due to their non-porous surface.
• Fiberboard ducts are the quietest and most efficient material for ductwork. They are made from fiberglass strands crushed and joined with a resin. The resin is then covered with a sheet of foil laminate to protect against moisture.

The Importance of HVAC Ductwork Quality

The quality of your HVAC ductwork is just as important as the sizing. Healthy ductwork ensures even temperatures, reduces the wear and tear on your HVAC system, and increases energy savings. Ductwork with long runs between the heating and cooling system and a desired location causes uneven temperatures in different areas of a home. Sharp bends in ductwork prevent airflow from circulating effectively and decreases the amount of cool or warm air delivered to a space.

If ductworks aren’t properly sealed or supported it will lead to air leaks within the ducts. Valuable warm or cool air will be lost through the air leaks, resulting in wasted energy and higher energy costs. Another issue of poor quality ductwork is the lack of returns installed in your home. Returns help balance the air pressure and air movement within a room. When there aren’t enough air returns, the room temperature and comfort within a room is compromised.

If you are noticing increased energy bills and more repairs on your heating and cooling system, regardless of continued maintenance, your HVAC ductwork might be the problem. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule an HVAC repair to diagnose the problem. Our NATE-certified technicians will inspect your ductwork and determine if there is an issue with the size of your ducts or if the quality of the installation is at fault.

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In today’s homes, smart heating and cooling products are all the rage! They offer many benefits, such as easy installation, increased energy efficiency, and seamless integration. However, the question is whether smart vents or a whole-home zoning system is best for your home comfort and ventilation needs. Discover the purpose of both options, their benefits, and which is right for your home.

What Is Whole-Home Zoning

A whole-home zoning system works with your HVAC system to allow independent control of temperatures throughout your home. It sends conditioned air to each area of your home while avoiding buildup in your system.  Your home is divided into zones with thermostats communicating directly with a central control panel. Programmable thermostats are the best thermostat for optimized zoning temperature control in your home, allowing more flexibility and customization to meet the demands of your family’s lifestyle.

Benefits of Whole-Home Zoning

Whole-home zoning temperature control offers several benefits, such as:

• Increased airflow management throughout your home, whether it’s heated or cooled air. Airflow is managed within numerous zones in your home. Dampers are utilized to direct the flow of air to each zone based on the thermostat in that zone’s orders. The other zones that don’t need extra airflow won’t be affected by the new air supplied by your system.
• Customized comfort with enhanced zoning temperature control for each room in your home. Each zone is designed based on the number of occupants, pets, and appliances in the area. The ceiling height is also taken into account for increased customization in each zone.
• Increased energy savings go hand-in-hand with a whole-home zoning system. It allows your heating and cooling system to operate less often while still providing consistent temperatures throughout each zone in your home. Energy isn’t wasted by your system continually cycling to provide heating and cooling to every room in your house.

What Are Smart Vents

Smart vents are used as a simple and effective way for homeowners to reduce heating and cooling in areas of their home that aren’t in use. This type of zoning ventilation utilizes a smart thermostat to decide which rooms need more air than others. Smart vents still offer zoning temperature control, but there are vent sensors that communicate with other sensors in an area to redirect the airflow if necessary rather than a control panel, dampers, and thermostats.

Benefits of Smart Ventilation In Your Home

Smart vents offer several benefits, including:

• Wireless system control that allows the system components to communicate
• Advanced algorithms offer extended battery life up to 2 years
• Through the use of a louver system, the airflow is controlled quietly
• Zoning temperature control and pressure drops are monitored through embedded sensors to protect the system
• Sleek, modern design to match the décor in any home
• Increased energy savings
• Easy installation with reduced initial cost

Why Zoning Temperature Control Is Important

According to the United States Department of Energy, 50% of a home’s energy bill is spent on heating and cooling costs and up to 90% of all single-family homes only use one HVAC zone. This allows, on average, 2 to 4 rooms in a home receiving insufficient air to either decrease or increase the temperature. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to learn more about zoning ventilation and smart vents. We will help you decide which is best for your home and our NATE-certified technicians will install your new ventilation and zoning temperature control system quickly.

Invest in a zoning temperature control system for your home and boost your HVAC system’s performance and efficiency. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today and schedule maintenance, service, and installation by our NATE-certified technicians for all your heating and cooling needs!

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Just like residential homes, businesses have heating and cooling systems that need to be maintained to keep them operating at their highest efficiency and to lengthen their lifespan. Even though both residential and commercial systems are similar, they have significant differences that business owners should understand. When scheduling commercial HVAC maintenance on your system, contact a licensed and experienced central heating and air contractor that specializes in commercial equipment. Our NATE-certified technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating are qualified and knowledgeable to handle any commercial HVAC repair or maintenance you need!

What Makes Commercial HVAC Systems Different?

Even though commercial and residential HVAC systems are similar when it comes to heating and cooling methods, as a business owner you need to understand what makes your commercial unit different so you won’t experience costly breakdowns when you least expect them. The significant differences between commercial and residential systems are:

• Different locations for commercial systems

The size of commercial heating and cooling systems require unique placement compared to the typical location of residential units. Residential equipment is installed behind or next to a home, but commercial HVAC systems need more space due to the large size of the unit. Installation of a commercial system is on the roof of your building where ample space is available. Placing your commercial system on the roof also protects it against vandalism and offers easy access for commercial HVAC repairs and maintenance without disrupting daily business operations.

• Ventilation for commercial systems

Extra ventilation for residential homes is achieved through the use of windows, but commercial units don’t always have windows available for extra ventilation. Instead, commercial equipment utilizes other types of components for more complex ventilation to provide consistent temperatures throughout your building and increase indoor air quality for your employees and customers.

• Commercial systems are packaged

With a residential system, the equipment is often split with the blower, evaporator, and condensate drain housed indoors and the compressor, condenser, and condenser fan housed outside. Commercial HVAC units are packaged with everything in one single cabinet. The only part of the commercial system housed indoors are the zone dampers and ducts. Only an experienced central heating and air contractor should perform commercial HVAC repairs considering the system is more complicated with all the major components grouped in one place.

• Commercial drainage systems

The drainage system for residential equipment is much smaller than the drainage system of a commercial system. There are multiple pipes and pans utilized to ensure complete evaporation and reduce the possibility of overflow from your commercial system.

• Commercial systems are more powerful

A residential system only has to provide enough cooling and heating to a small number of people living in a home. Commercial equipment is much larger and more powerful to provide sufficient climate control to a higher number of employees and customers during peak operating hours, and sometimes are used to facilitate production. Installation of a correctly sized unit for your business should be done by a commercial central heating and air contractor that understands the power you need to create a comfortable indoor environment.

• Commercial units are more complex

An HVAC system for a residence is simple with the outdoor unit and indoor unit working together. When one fails, generally both are replaced to create a matched syste,. A commercial system is more flexible and sophisticated compared to a residential unit. An HVAC system for a business is more adaptable to the building’s structure, the number of occupants, and how often the building is in use. Commercial HVAC repairs are performed on components independently in a commercial system, which offers easy replacement for damaged parts without replacing the entire unit.

Why Commercial HVAC Maintenance Is Important

Commercial buildings spend a significant amount of energy with their HVAC systems, and routine maintenance keeps your equipment operating at its highest efficiency. Just like with residential systems, commercial units will perform longer with fewer breakdowns when they are serviced on a regular basis. Replacing a commercial system is far more expensive than a residential unit, which is why maintenance should be high on your priority list for your business. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers commercial HVAC maintenance plans to keep your equipment operating efficiently for a long time.

Douglas Cooling & Heating has experienced and skilled commercial central heating and air contractors that will keep your system performing efficiently year-round! Contact us today to schedule your commercial HVAC maintenance with our NATE-certified technicians.  

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UPDATED July 2019 – Finishing your basement adds value to your home, offers additional square footage to enjoy and offers refuge for severe weather but have you considered your basement HVAC? 

Before you can finish your basement and choose decor, consider what it needs to maintain comfortable temperatures. Do you already have basement HVAC ducting installed or will you need to decide where and how to install more?

If your HVAC system impacts your remodeling, discuss your plans with a professional HVAC contractor. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to have our NATE-certified technicians inspect your current system. We offer affordable suggestions so heating and cooling your finished basement goes smoothly. 

In this blog, we’ll cover what you need to know about remodeling and basement HVAC.

Keep Your Basement HVAC System Hidden but Safe

Many homes have air handlers, furnaces, water heaters, water softeners and other mechanical equipment housed in the basement. While planning how you will finish your basement, consider how to enclose your HVAC system and mechanicals. This keeps the focus on the entertainment areas. Incorporating a utility room, for example, conceals the equipment but allows access via a door for maintenance and repairs. 

Many homeowners find they like having some unfinished space too, for seasonal decor and other storage. Just be sure to allow for adequate space around your mechanicals. They need proper airflow. 

In addition, gas furnaces need to meet gas code requirements for ventilation. The National Fuel Gas Code specifies the number of cubic feet required to vent your furnace based on the BTU output. Your design must allow proper room around the heating unit for safety.

Know Your HVAC Codes and Permit Considerations

Building codes vary depending on different factors. If you don’t have windows in your basement or you don’t have enough for proper ventilation, installation of a mechanical ventilation system might be required to create a healthy and safe environment.

Most unfinished basements don’t have ductwork present for heating and cooling. We recommend you determine what and how much new basement HVAC ducting you need. Put it on paper. 

If you need to obtain a building permit, it usually requires you to provide a visible plan. Include in your plan the location of your current system, the supply and return ducts, plus additional basement HVAC ducting you plan to install. Contact your local municipality to find out if you need a building permit. 

If you choose a professional HVAC contractor like Douglas Cooling & Heating, our team designs the system and helps with any plans for permits. 

Click to Schedule a Free Estimate

Determine the Size of Basement HVAC System You Need

This is important. It’s critical to plan the appropriate size and design of the ductwork to match the capacity of your HVAC system. If the addition of your basement HVAC is more than your heating and cooling system can handle, it creates new problems. 

We see this in cases in older homes and buildings, especially, which have had additions over the years. 

If your system is over or undersized for the heating and cooling needs of the building, you’ll have uneven temperatures. It also strains your system to keep up and sets you up for more repairs and even early replacements. 

Avoid that when you use a qualified and skilled heating and cooling technician to determine the correct size HVAC system needed. If you add supplemental heating and cooling equipment, size only the new finished space for the add-on basement HVAC. Lean on our NATE-certified team for success.

Additions Versus Upgrades

You have two options if your current HVAC system doesn’t meet the capacity needed for heating and cooling your finished basement:

1. Upgrade your existing HVAC system to a larger capacity unit
2. Add a second HVAC system to provide the necessary heating and air to your finished basement

The best option depends on your situation and personal preferences. If your HVAC system is fairly new, an upgrade might not be the most cost-effective choice. 

However, if your system is old and requires more frequent repairs, upgrading to a higher capacity HVAC unit might be the perfect choice for your home and basement. This might be the perfect excuse to upgrade your system’s efficiency too! 

Technology and energy efficiency in heating and air continues to evolve. Previously, an 80 percent efficiency furnace was standard. Now, you can get a gas furnace that uses 98 cents of every dollar spent to heat your home. 

Air conditioners and heat pumps are also more energy-efficient. At Douglas Cooling & Heating, we offer Bryant central air models like the popular Evolution ® 189BNV. It’s quiet and thanks to its variable-speed compressor, it offers an ENERGY STAR-qualifying SEER up to 19. 

If you prefer a heat pump, we recommend the Bryant Evolution ® 288BNV or 280A. Both use variable-speeds for greater comfort and efficiency. They offer top-of-the-line SEER and HSPF ratings. The 288BNV was named to the list of Most Efficient of ENERGY STAR 2019 while the 280A is specifically known for excellent dehumidification.

New Kid on the Block: Ductless Heating and Cooling

What to do when basement HVAC ducting isn’t available, complex or when a system’s capacity can’t meet the needs of the additional square footage? Try a ductless system. Ductless, used for decades in Europe and Asia, continues to win fans in the U.S. 

The heat pump condenser installs outside while the indoor air handler installs on a wall or ceiling. This allows you to comfortably heat and cool your newly-finished basement without ductwork. 

The indoor units offer flexibility for installation, and they can be set up on a zoned system for increased efficiency. Depending on the model, you can connect up to six indoor units to a single outdoor AC compressor. 

At Douglas Cooling & Heating, we install Bryant ductless heat pumps with cooling efficiencies up to 30.5 SEER and heating ratings up to 10.3 HSPF.  

Basement HVAC Design and Installation Experts: Douglas Cooling & Heating in Birmingham, AL

Make the best choices when it comes to heating your finished basement! Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule a free estimate for a new unit or to schedule service. Questions about whether your current system is sized correctly? We’re happy to help. Our HVAC technicians are NATE-certified and the best in the industry. 

After basement HVAC installation, make routine maintenance easy with a service plan membership. We offer three different plans to fit any budget. So call Douglas Cooling & Heating today and schedule an HVAC maintenance visit for your heating and cooling system. 

Our team serves homeowners throughout the Birmingham, Alabama area, including Vestavia Hills, Pelham, Mountain Brook, Homewood and Hoover. You’ll also find us in Bessemer, Calera, Chelsea and Helena, Alabama. 

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Home automation, also known as smart home technology, allows you to control your home’s appliances, lighting, security, and temperature anywhere via the internet. The face of HVAC technology is constantly changing and adapting to meet the needs of homeowners. To integrate your HVAC system to be more automated, you need to understand what home automation is, what HVAC technology is compatible with home automation, and how smart heating and cooling will benefit you in the long run. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to find out more about automated HVAC technology and how our NATE-certified professionals will help you with the integration process.  

Home Automation Is Revolutionizing Homes

Home automation has been around for several decades in terms of lighting and simple appliance control. Now due to technological advancements, you have control of your entire home through the internet from anywhere at any time. You now have the power to control the temperature in your home through smart heating and cooling via automated HVAC technology.

Your personal preferences are assimilated through this HVAC technology, allowing you to save money, increase your heating and cooling performance, and know when changes happen inside your home even when you aren’t there. Home automation is the way of the future, so don’t get left behind!

The Best Automated HVAC Technology Available

An integrated HVAC system offers ideal climate control, varying between zones in your home.  Smart thermostats are the best way to integrate your current heating and cooling system for home automation. They offer advanced technology that learns your routine, adjusts the temperature based on your preferences, and are controlled remotely through your smartphone. Most smart thermostats are controlled through an app that can be accessed from a Wi-Fi connection on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Smart thermostats offer more than just remote access and control of your home’s climate. They offer:

• Occupancy sensing:

Awareness of when and how many occupants are in a room is communicated to the smart thermostat via wireless sensors. The sensors utilize motion detection technology combined with humidity/temperature levels to automatically adjust your thermostat based on your preferences.  

• Location services:

Similar to Bluetooth technology, your phone’s location is synced with your smart thermostat. This allows you to set your thermostat to a preset temperature whenever you leave or enter a specific space close to your home. Your thermostat modifies your indoor temperature based on your movements.

• Homeowner alerts:

Once a smart thermostat is installed and synced to your smartphone, you will receive notifications to alert you to several things. With a smart thermostat, you can set up an alert based on your heating and cooling system’s temperature settings. If the temperature gets too warm or cool, the system will alert you so you can call a professional to inspect your HVAC system. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers 24/7 emergency service so even if you aren’t home, your system will notify you there is a problem, and you can schedule service with us before you get home.

• System reminders:

Smart thermostats also send you reminders through the smart app for when your system needs the air filter replaced. Alerts will also be sent to remind you when to schedule maintenance for your heating and cooling system.

• Energy analysis:

Many smart thermostats send you detailed energy logs so you can see where you are wasting energy and offer suggestions to save money on your energy bill. By controlling your home’s HVAC system with a smart thermostat, you will save money, increase the efficiency of your system, reduce potential breakdowns, and extend the life of your unit.  

Discover the benefits of smart heating and cooling in your home! Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating now to talk with our NATE-certified technicians and schedule a free estimate for your new HVAC technology.

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The Super Bowl is just around the corner, and you need to prevent gas furnace breakdowns or other heating disruptions from affecting your party plans! HVAC maintenance for all types of furnaces and heating equipment is the best way to catch a problem before it escalates. Several benefits come with furnace maintenance, including detecting a problem before you discover your electric furnace isn’t working correctly. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to find out more about our HVAC maintenance for furnaces and other HVAC products!  

Prevent Breakdowns with HVAC Maintenance for Furnaces:

The best way to keep a home warm this winter and avoid furnace failure is to:

1. Schedule preventative HVAC maintenance for furnaces, boilers, and other heating equipment. Maintenance is instrumental in extending the lifespan of your unit and boosting its performance efficiency. Douglas Cooling & Heating’ professionals are licensed and NATE-certified to perform maintenance on any heating system and will catch anything that might lead to problems in the future.  
2. Replace or clean your filter every month. A dirty furnace filter is a leading cause of why your electric furnace isn’t working, and it’s a simple problem to fix. As your system runs, dirt and debris get trapped inside your filter and can cause even more problems due to restricted airflow throughout your home.
3. Check your vents to ensure they are open and not blocked by couches, beds, nightstands, or other furniture. Furnaces and other heating equipment are sized to meet the needs of every square foot in your home. When vents are blocked, the air that is supposed to be delivered to a set room gets trapped behind the vents, building pressure and causing furnace failure.
4. Call a NATE-certified specialist if you think there is a problem with your heating system. It’s not easy to detect when your electric furnace isn’t working correctly, but there are signs you can watch for and call for help before your system shuts down. Douglas Cooling & Heating technicians are all NATE-certified and experienced to handle any problem you might encounter with your heating system. We even have emergency service 24/7 for those times when a breakdown happens unexpectedly.
5. Consider investing in a new heating system if your current system is older than 15 years or experiencing constant breakdowns and failures. Replacement of your heating system ensures you will have many winters ahead of you without surprise repairs or malfunctions with your unit. Prevention also includes being proactive about your current system and replacing it when necessary.

Signs an Electric or Gas Furnace Breakdown Is In Your Future:

• Hearing noises: Both gas and electric furnaces create some level of noise when operating, but strange noises indicate a more devastating breakdown is imminent. Sounds, such as popping, hissing, squealing, and banging should be handled by a professional. Call the professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating if you notice weird noises coming from your furnace!  

• Flame isn’t blue: The flame on a furnace should be bright blue when it’s functioning correctly. If the light is yellow or is flickering, the furnace isn’t burning the fuel completely, and carbon monoxide could be leaking into your home’s air supply. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating if your flame isn’t bright blue and ensure you and your family remain safe from carbon monoxide poisoning this winter!
• Overworked furnace: If your gas or electric furnace isn’t working efficiently it is a sign that your system is overloading itself to provide warmth throughout your home. An overworked heating system could be due to a faulty thermostat or something much more severe. Schedule service with our NATE-certified technicians to assess your furnace performance and diagnosis where the problem is before it’s too late.
• Increased heating bill: An increase in your heating bill is a noticeable sign that something is wrong with your furnace or other heating equipment. When a furnace is running smoothly and efficiently, your heating bills are low. A system that has damaged components, pressure buildup, or other malfunctions manifest their problems with performance through your energy use. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today, and we will inspect your system for damaged components, leaks in your ductwork, or anything that might be affecting your system’s performance.

Prevent gas or electric furnace breakdowns and other malfunctions with your heating equipment before you invite everyone over. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule maintenance with our NATE-certified professionals.  

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If Not, Is Your AC Ready For the Warmer Weather?

Punxsutawney Phil will soon be coming out to predict the early spring season, and you need to be ready for the warmer weather that’s coming! Your air conditioner or other cooling system need to be prepared to battle the extreme heat and high humidity levels that arrive with seasonal changes in the spring. HVAC maintenance for spring weather goes hand-in-hand with Groundhogs Day temperature predictions.   

Why Schedule HVAC Maintenance for Spring Weather?

When Phil does his famous Groundhogs Day temperature and season prediction, many things come to mind about the early spring. The most thought of is spring cleaning, which tackles every nook and cranny of your home. Just like spring cleaning, your cooling system needs to undergo maintenance in early spring for several reasons:

• Avoid the Rush

It’s better to schedule your maintenance for spring sooner rather than later, especially before the hot temperatures hit. You don’t want to make a frantic, emergency phone call during extreme highs and intense humidity. Plus, most people wait to schedule their HVAC maintenance for spring right before summer arrives or when their system goes out because of the extreme temperature change. Then you will have to deal with waiting for an appointment.  

• Replace Worn-Out Parts

Regardless of how durable modern HVAC systems are, you will still experience components that are worn out and need to be replaced. You could have damaged parts in your cooling system that you aren’t even aware of since you last used it. Our technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating will inspect your cooling system, identify any damaged components, and repair or replace them before the heat hits. This will save you money, in the long run, considering you won’t have to make a last-minute call for an HVAC repair when your air conditioner stops working altogether.

• Extend the Lifespan of Your HVAC System

Preventative maintenance in early spring allows your system to perform efficiently and struggle-free during spring and summer. With maintenance, your unit is properly lubricated and cleaned, which is important after low winter temperatures. Future breakdowns and costly replacements are also limited with spring maintenance. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers preventative maintenance plans, so our NATE-certified technicians will extend the life of your cooling system and boost your cooling efficiency during heat waves!

• Improve Indoor Air Quality

Your furnace produces dry air inside your home during the winter weather. If you had your home winterized, you might even suffer from extreme stale indoor air trapped indoors. Aside from opening windows and letting fresh air in, HVAC maintenance for spring weather eliminates clogged filters and dust buildup inside your unit, and removes any obstructions in your ductwork. If you have anything blocking or restricting your airflow in your unit, your indoor air quality is compromised, leading to poor indoor quality and health issues.

• Increase Energy Savings

HVAC maintenance on your air conditioner or heat pump not only extends the life of your unit but it can save you money on your energy bill. Properly maintained equipment will meet the demands of your thermostat despite the outside temperature. Systems that have dirty air filters, restricted airflow, or damaged parts have to work harder to provide cooler temperatures in your home, consuming more energy.

Early spring savings and improved efficiency are guaranteed when preparing for Groundhogs Day temperatures! Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today and schedule your HVAC maintenance for spring weather with our NATE-certified technicians.  

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Keeping your home warm when the temperatures drop is already a big job for your heating system. However, when heating problems happen, your system has to work harder to keep your house warm. Here are the 8 most common heating problems with your furnace that can be resolved with simple preventative maintenance or repair from a qualified professional. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers preventative maintenance plans to keep your heating system functioning smoothly even when it gets extremely cold outside.  

• Dirty Air Filters

Clogged air filters restrict airflow in your home, causing your furnace to work harder to circulate heat to every room. Dirty filters can even damage the limit switch that controls the fan, as well as other components. You should clean or replace your air filter once every three to four months to keep your HVAC system healthy and running smoothly. During preventative maintenance, our technicians will change or clean your filter to ensure your airflow isn’t obstructed.  

• Frequent Cycling On and Off

A common furnace problem is the unit cycling on and off repeatedly. This indicates there could be a clogged filter, restricted airflow, or a problem with your thermostat. All three of these problems are addressed with preventive maintenance, but when your unit isn’t taken care of, frequent cycling of your furnace may occur.

• Air Leaks in Your Home

Air leaks in your home cause problems with your furnace’s performance and affects the heating dispersed throughout your home. Air leaks in your home can be found in several places, such as around windows, doors, recessed lighting, attic hatches, and even in your ductwork. A technician will inspect your ductwork for any air leaks during a preventative maintenance call. If air leaks in your home are found via the ducts, they will either be sealed, or the damaged section will be replaced.

• Moldy HVAC System

A moist climate can cause problems inside your HVAC system regardless of the season. Even in the winter, moisture can build up, and mold will begin to grow in your heating system. Douglas Cooling & Heating’ technicians will inspect your whole unit and determine if you have mold inside your unit or the air ducts during maintenance. When mold is found, we will eliminate the mold and properly insulate and seal leaky ducts to prevent mold growth in the future.

• Blower Continuously Runs

If you notice that your blower is continuously running, you might have a problem with your limit switch. The best way to handle a blower problem is to call a professional to have the switch replaced and have your furnace inspected for other issues that might cause your blower to run non-stop.

• Furnace Is Too Noisy

Furnaces aren’t always quiet, but they shouldn’t make squeaking, squealing, rumbling, or rattling noises while operating. If you hear these noises, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately! These sounds indicate something needs to be diagnosed quickly, such as a mechanical problem, clogged burner, or airflow obstructions.

• Malfunctioning Thermostat

A faulty thermostat will give false readings, causing problems with your furnace’s performance and leading to cold spots in your home. During a maintenance call, your thermostat is checked to make sure it is communicating correctly with your furnace, and the settings are checked to ensure your home comfortable in every room. If an issue is detected during service, our NATE-certified technicians will offer suggestions to resolve the problem.

• High Energy Bills

Energy bills that spike point directly to your furnace and other heating equipment’s efficiency. There are several reasons why your energy bill might be high, which is why maintenance is so important for your HVAC system. A professional will inspect your unit for potential problems and keep your system operating at its highest efficiency. Douglas Cooling & Heating will keep your system functioning longer and operating efficiently during the coldest time of year!

Keep problems with your furnace at a minimum this winter and schedule preventative maintenance with Douglas Cooling & Heating! Our technicians are the best in the industry through NATE-certifications, experience, and continued learning. We want you to keep warm by avoiding unexpected heating repairs!

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Fresh indoor air is improved with either a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) installation, but deciding which is best for your home and current HVAC system can be confusing. Understand the difference between the two to make a wise investment for your home and indoor air quality.

What Do They Do and How Do They Work:

Ventilators are used to pull fresh air into a home while pulling stale air back out.  The fresh air is typically delivered to the living room or bedrooms, and the stale air is removed from the laundry room, bathrooms, and at times, the kitchen. Both ERVs and HRVs reduce stress on your HVAC system, which boosts your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy. Ventilators help your home and HVAC system by:

• Lowering your humidity levels indoors
• Removing odors and fumes from your indoor air
• Diluting indoor air pollution inside your home
• Providing enough fresh air to keep your family healthy

Heat Recovery Ventilator Installation:

A heat recovery ventilator installation pulls both fresh air and stale air from your home through its core, transferring the majority of the heat from the warmer exhaust air to the incoming cooler air. The HRV uses a heat exchanger that prevents the two air streams from mixing. During the hotter months, the warm air coming in is cooled by the air conditioning inside, and during the colder months, the heat from indoors is transferred to the cold fresh air coming in. The HRV recovers lost energy while providing your home with fresh air and exhausting stale air without mixing the two types of air.

Heat Recovery Ventilators are best for:

• Homes where humidity is lower during the warm months
• Small homes with colder climates and more occupants

Energy Recovery Ventilator Installation:

Installing an ERV does the same thing as a heat recovery ventilator, but it also transfers moisture to and from the air depending on the season. The air streams have to mix slightly for the moisture to be pulled from one stream and added to the other but the cross-contamination rate is usually below 10% and is barely noticed. This type of ventilator is commonly used in warmer climates where humidity is an issue. Just be aware, an ERV is not a dehumidifier. It just helps transfer moisture not reduce moisture in your indoor air as a whole-home dehumidifier does.

An energy recovery ventilator installation is best for:

• Humid climates where the ERVs can transfer moisture during the cooling season
• Large homes with fewer occupants in colder climates

How To Decide:

If you live in an area where the climate is well-balanced, either ventilator will work well for your home. The most important factor for the ventilator you choose is the installation. You should hire a licensed professional who knows the ins and outs of both types of ventilators and which will be the best for your current HVAC system. Douglas Cooling & Heating employs only the best technicians who are NATE-certified, experienced, and knowledgeable about the latest technological advancements in the HVAC industry.

If you aren’t 100% sure which ventilator is right for you, call the professionals at Douglas Cooling & Heating! We will help you decide which ventilator is best for you and your current HVAC system. Whether it’s a heat recovery ventilator installation or an energy recovery ventilator installation, our NATE-certified professionals will fill your home with fresher air in no time!

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Across the United States, homeowners are seeking ways to maximize efficiency with their heating and cooling systems. Your HVAC system is the biggest energy hog in your home, consuming up to half of your energy used every year. Central air and heat conservation can be achieved with a few simple changes in your home.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Manual thermostats aren’t just outdated; they are a huge reason why your heating and cooling system wastes so much energy. Upgrading your thermostat to a programmable or smart thermostat drastically improves your HVAC’s energy consumption. Advanced thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures during the day while the house is empty. Depending on the season, you can adjust your thermostat up or down while you sleep, which cuts back your energy usage tremendously. Programmable thermostats allow you to program settings for when you are away, asleep, or on vacation. Upgrading your thermostat creates a more environmentally safe HVAC system in your home.

HVAC Maintenance

Another way to improve your central air and heat conservation at home is to schedule maintenance with an HVAC contractor near you. Regular HVAC maintenance ensures your system is performing at its optimum efficiency and inspects the unit for future problems. A trusted HVAC contractor near you is Douglas Cooling & Heating, offering affordable maintenance plans. Our preventative maintenance is performed by the best NATE-certified technicians in the industry.

Air Filter Replacement

A standard maintenance item is changing the air filter in your system. A dirty filter decreases airflow in your system, forcing your HVAC unit to work harder than necessary and waste more energy in the process. When a filter becomes clogged, dust and other particles build up inside your HVAC system, causing mechanical failures and decreased performance. A small thing like the air filter affects the lifespan of your unit, its energy consumption, and overall performance. Clogged air filters are the leading cause of heating and cooling failures.

Seal Your Ducts

Another way to create an environmentally safe HVAC system is to have your ducts sealed by a professional. You can lose up to 30% in energy through cracks and holes in your ductwork. An HVAC contractor near you can inspect your ducts, vents, and registers for any leaks. Improving your central air and heat conservation, sealing those leaks will improve your airflow and prevent wasted energy.

Invest in a New HVAC System

If you are in the market for the best way to control your home’s energy use, considering installing a new heating and cooling system. As HVAC systems age, they lose efficiency and cost you more money on your energy bill and repairs. Just make sure, whatever system you choose, it’s correctly sized for your home. When a system is too small, it repeatedly cycles on and off, causing increased energy consumption.

New systems are far more efficient than older units but to really “go green” with a new system, install an ENERGY STAR certified heating and cooling unit. An ENERGY STAR system can save you up to 50% on your energy consumption. You may even qualify for a tax credit depending on where you live. Regardless of the system you install, make sure it has a high SEER rating, EER rating, and HSPF rating for the best energy efficiency.

Create an environmentally safe HVAC system in your home with maintenance and a programmable thermostat. For the best central air and heat conservation methods, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating! We know how to lower your energy usage and save you money in the long run.

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Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Go Green – Top Tips for Green Energy Use With Your Central Heating and Air