4 Ways to Improve Air Conditioner Efficiency

April 2nd, 2021

During the summer, your air conditioning system is working hard to keep you and your family cool, especially as temperatures continue to rise. However, with your cooling system working harder to keep you comfortable indoors, your energy bill will be higher and may cost you money that you can’t afford to lose.

Douglas Cooling & Heating understands summers are for fun in the sun, which is why we want to help your AC unit before it’s too late. Follow some of our tips below to improve the efficiency and performance of your air conditioning unit while saving you a little bit of money this summer.

How to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

Everyone loves to save money, especially in the summer when they are planning vacations and family gatherings. However, blasting your air conditioner during all times of the day can drive up quite the energy bill. The last thing you want to deal with is a high energy bill due to your air conditioner working harder than necessary to keep you cool.

There are several ways to make your air conditioner more energy efficient without sacrificing your comfort. Below are suggestions to save you money and keep you smiling all summer long:

Check Your Outdoor Unit 

Clear away debris from the exterior unit, which can restrict the airflow around your AC compressor and reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency. You can visually inspect and remove leaves, twigs, feathers and other pieces of trash lodged in or around your unit.

Landscaping, such as trees, bushes, and shrubs, needs to be at least two feet away from the outdoor component. If you notice anything overgrowing and interfering with your unit’s ventilation, trim it back so the AC compressor can breathe.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Air movement from ceiling fans can make a room feel much cooler without touching the thermostat. Use ceiling fans in rooms where traffic is high.

They push cool air out and down, allowing your skin to evaporate sweat faster and leaving you feeling cooler. A ceiling fan increases your air conditioner’s efficiency throughout the summer by keeping you cool so you don’t touch the thermostat.

Schedule a Tune Up

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is affected by how clean it is and the amount of wear and tear it suffers during the cooling season. Air conditioner tune ups or scheduled maintenance with our NATE-certified technicians will keep your system healthy.

Our technicians check and/or replace dirty filters, clean the interior components, and notify you of issues potentially leading to expensive HVAC repairs in the future, such as air leaks. They will also inspect all electrical connections and wiring, and check for refrigerant leaks during a routine tune up.

Finally, the technician lubricates any moving parts to reduce friction and excess wear and tear on your air conditioner’s parts.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A regular old-fashioned dial thermostat lets you adjust the temperature in your house, while a modern thermostat can be programmed to reflect the routines of your household.

Wi-Fi-enabled models allow you to control the temperature from anywhere remotely, whether it’s at the airport or after you’ve settled into bed. Your air conditioner’s efficiency is amplified with a programmable or smart thermostat, especially when it informs you of your energy consumption, excessive humidity, an anomaly in your HVAC system, or the need for new air filters.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Air Conditioner Efficiency Help

Don’t blow your hard-earned money on high energy bills this summer! Improve the efficiency of your air conditioner with these tips, and contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for all your heating and cooling needs.

We offer HVAC maintenance services, tune ups, and repairs to keep you cool all summer long. Interested in a new air conditioner or heat pump? We offer free estimates and can arrange financing to spread out the payments.

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3 Ways to Curb Your Allergies this Season

March 29th, 2021

Seasonal changes affect trees and flower buds in a positive way. They bloom and flourish during this time of the year, but if you’re among the millions with seasonal allergies, it could also mean coughing, sneezing, congestion, and other unpleasant symptoms. Seasonal allergies, if left untreated, can make your life a little miserable.

Here are three ways to nip those seasonal allergies in the bud and find relief from bad symptoms.

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When Should I Replace My Home’s Water Heater?

March 15th, 2021

Hot water is a necessity in every single home. From doing laundry to washing clothes, we use hot water in many different ways throughout the day. However, many of us take advantage of the fact that hot water always seems to be there when we turn or lift the handle.

As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone.” Laundry, showers, dishwashing, and more can be made more difficult than before without hot water. However, there are ways to know when your water heater should be replaced before it completely breaks down, leaving your home only with cold water.

Signs It’s Time to Replace the Water Heater

The system is around 10 years old

Just like every appliance within your home, your hot water heater has a limited life expectancy. As much as we all wish that water heaters lasted forever, that simply isn’t the case. As a general rule, water heaters last around 10 years. If your water heater is creeping up to 10 years of age, or if it has already passed that milestone, consider replacing it now to ensure that you won’t be left without hot water when you need it most.

Leaks are present around the water heater

Water heater leaks can cause a variety of issues, including water damage to your home. A leak around your water heater will often signal that the metal within the system itself has expanded. As metal expands within the system, it can cause holes and gaps to form. As the gaps begin to grow, it will leak more water until the issue is ultimately addressed or altogether replaced.

The water heater is making strange, loud noises

Water heaters that seem to rumble and tumble whenever they heat water signals that the system needs to be replaced soon. These noises, usually seen exclusively in older systems, often indicate that the system is putting more effort into heating your home’s water than it previously had to. While annual water heater maintenance can help your water heater stay functional and at its peak for longer, an old water heater should be replaced sooner than later in order to avoid a complete breakdown.

Rust is present on the exterior of the water heater tank

Aside from just being ugly to look at, rust on the exterior of a system signals that issues are present within the water heater. Rust on the exterior can eat into the system and into the hot water supply, creating rusty water. On top of being smelly and unpleasant, rusty water can be unhealthy to use or consume. Inspect the exterior of your hot water heater to ensure that rust isn’t forming or beginning to take place.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to Replace Your Water Heater

Water heaters are essential to our everyday lives. If you suspect that your water heater might be starting to break down, or you’re noticing other issues with your system, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to inspect the system. Our water heater replacement and repair professionals will completely inspect the system and recommend the best course of action for your unique situation. Contact us the Douglas Cooling & Heating at Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule an appointment for hot water heater repair, request emergency service, or to have us install a new water heater.

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Heating Problems? Lucky You Can Come to Us!

March 15th, 2021

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

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

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How HVAC Services Can Fight Spring Allergies

March 15th, 2021

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

Improve Your Indoor Air Quality With Your AC System

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

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

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

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

Allergens and Other Pollutants in Your Home

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

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

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

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating

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

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Fireplace Care Tips You Should Know

March 1st, 2021

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

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

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

February 19th, 2021

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

What Is a Furnace Limit Switch?

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

The limit switch has two functions.

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

Why a Furnace High Limit Switch Trips

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

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

Dirty Flame Sensor

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

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

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

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

Overheating

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

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


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

Defective Limit Switch

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

Hire Douglas Cooling & Heating for Furnace Repair Services

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

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

February 19th, 2021

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

Benefits of a Water Filtration System for Home Plumbing

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

Safe Drinking Water Supply

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

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

Protection for Your Plumbing

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

Healthy Skin

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

Clean Better with Less Soap

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

Preserve Your Clothing

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

Save Money

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

Reduce Waste

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

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Better Water Quality Today

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

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Why You Should Consider Installing a Surge Protector

February 15th, 2021

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

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

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What You Should Know About Your Outlets

February 1st, 2021

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

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

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