Now is the Perfect Time to Schedule AC Maintenance!

March 16th, 2020

Finally! Spring is well on its way and before you know it, it’ll be summer. Of course, no summer in Alabama is complete without a great air conditioner, so it is important that yours is in tip-top shape. One way to do that, of course, is with annual maintenance services!

There are plenty of reasons to schedule your maintenance services now, and below, we have listed a few of them. All you have to do is keep reading to find out more—and, remember to call our team when you need AC repair in Birmingham, AL.

Continue Reading

New Heater? Now it’s Time for a New Thermostat!

March 2nd, 2020

So, you just bought a brand-new heater for your home and you couldn’t be happier, right? Well, what if we told you that your new heating system is only going to work efficiently and effectively so long as you have a great thermostat controlling it.

See, what many homeowners don’t realize is that their thermostat is just as, if not more, important than the heating system itself, which is why we recommend upgrading to a smart thermostat. In fact, there are many benefits of upgrading your thermostat, and below, we have listed some of them for you. All you have to do is keep reading to find out more, and of course, remember to schedule your heating services in Birmingham with us!

Continue Reading

Is It Time for Electrical Rewiring?

February 17th, 2020

outletImagine what the world would be like if Benjamin Franklin didn’t discover electricity? Imagine not having a refrigerator, or lightbulbs, or an air conditioner, or your phone? Of course not! See, your electrical system is extremely important to your overall comfort, so you definitely don’t want to take it for granted!

Over time, the wires that deliver electricity all over your home can begin to fray, leading to all sorts of other issues. Therefore, it is important to have a professional inspect your system on a regular basis to see if rewiring is necessary. In fact, there are a number of signs that suggest its time for rewiring and below, we have outlined some of them for you. All you have to do is keep reading below to find out more, and of course, remember to contact our team when you need a Birmingham electrician!

Continue Reading

We’re Generac Certified!

February 4th, 2020

Our employees here at Douglas Cooling & Heating are awesome. Why? Well, besides helping countless homeowners with their air conditioning and heating services, they traveled all the way to the Generac headquarters in Wisconson to take the Generac Air-Cooled course, and now, they’re certified!

What does this mean for you?

Well, this means that three members of our team can now provide Generac generator services! So, go ahead and schedule those services with our experts today.

 

Continue Reading

Ceiling Fans are NOT Just for the Summer!

February 3rd, 2020

Homeowners are constantly asking us for tips on how to lower their energy bills during the winter. And almost always, without fail, they’re shocked when we say to them, “Have you tried turning on your ceiling fan?”

While its 100% true that ceiling fans are great for keeping us cool in the summer, and that the number 1 reason why people have them installed is to lower their AC bills, they’re AWESOME for boosting heating efficiency, too! Don’t believe us? Well, keep reading below to find out more! Oh, and of course, remember to call our team when you need electrical services in Alabaster, AL!

Continue Reading

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR AC COMPRESSOR THIS SUMMER

January 31st, 2020

Many things can interfere with an AC compressor’s performance and efficiency during the summer months. Flying rocks from lawn mowers, damaging wind or hail during storms or overgrown plant life near the exterior unit are just a few examples of what can harm your cooling system. Some problems might be small, which means they can be repaired quickly at an affordable price.

However, the AC compressor housed in your outdoor unit is vital to the performance of your entire system. If the AC compressor overheats or fails, it’s an expensive HVAC repair or component to replace. Douglas Cooling & Heating wants you to know the basics of caring for your outdoor unit so you can protect the AC compressor against expensive damage.

Outdoor HVAC Equipment Can Help or Hinder Your Comfort

The exterior unit of your HVAC system is responsible for pulling warm air in and cooling it off, using refrigerant and evaporator coils. The AC compressor works to compress the refrigerant and deliver it throughout the unit. All outdoor units are designed to withstand Mother Nature’s temperamental weather, but it doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Protect your AC compressor and the other components in your exterior system by:

Keeping It Clean

When you mow, grass clippings spray out across your yard and, most times, the clippings get lodged inside your exterior unit. Grass clippings combined with dirt, dust, leaves and other debris accumulate on and around your outdoor AC unit. Debris restricts airflow around the unit. Dirty air conditioner coils cause your AC compressor to work harder to facilitate heat exchange, which places the compressor under excessive stress.

The AC compressor needs proper ventilation around the exterior unit to cool off between cycles. When an outdoor unit can’t cool off, it overheats and shuts off. Frequent overheating results in the unit failing, and the only option is to call for Birmingham air conditioning repair service to replace the component. Prevent overheating by clearing away any debris. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating if you notice the outdoor unit working hard but not able to cool down.

Change your air filter regularly to maintain proper airflow through your cooling system – keeping all of the system’s key components, including the compressor, in good working order.

Landscaping Wisely

Your outdoor unit needs room to breathe, which means two feet of space around the unit at all times. Trees, bushes and shrubs grow quickly during the summer, especially when the rain hits. They can quickly overrun your exterior unit and restrict proper airflow for the AC compressor. Trim any vegetation back to at least two feet away from the outdoor equipment. Protective shade helps your AC compressor cool down between cooling cycles.

If your home’s exterior unit was already installed when you moved into the house, make sure there are two feet of space between the HVAC equipment and the side of your house. If it looks like the system is too close to the house, call Douglas Cooling & Heating quickly! Our NATE-certified technicians offer suggestions to improve airflow and prevent the system from overheating.

Creating Protective Shade

Always install your outdoor unit in shade or indirect sun. Any time your outdoor equipment is shaded against the hot sun, the AC compressor can cool off before restarting to deliver cool temperatures throughout your home. If you don’t have tall trees or shrubs near your exterior unit, consider planting something to provide additional protection against direct sunlight.

The best sort of foliage is deciduous, meaning it loses its leaves each winter and blooms in the spring. Trees with big leaves provide adequate shade during the hottest times of the day, and when the weather changes, the leaves fall, letting direct sunlight shine on the exterior unit when it’s cold outside. The right landscaping can boost your AC compressor performance and keep it healthy longer.

Checking for leaking refrigerant

Over time, the refrigerant line can develop cracks, which can lead to a leak. A leak lowers the refrigerant level and causes the compressor to work harder, which can eventually damage it. Fixing this issue as soon as possible can prevent you from replacing this expensive part.

Protect your AC compressor from summer storms

Turn the AC off

Before a summer storm or hurricane hits, turn off the entire AC system. This prevents damage to the AC compressor if a power outage occurs. Outages can cause circuits to blow when the power turns back on. Leave the AC off until the storm has passed.

Cover the exterior unit

In the most severe weather, covering the outdoor unit with a tarp will stop water and other harmful debris from getting inside and damaging the AC compressor. 

Keep the unit clean

After the storm, check the unit for damage from falling tree branches, leaves, sticks or other debris.

Maintaining Your AC

Hiring a reputable HVAC technician to routinely maintain your AC system will keep your compressor in good shape for years to come. Aside from cleaning the coils and checking the refrigerant levels, a routine maintenance will also address:

  • Oil levels. Oil lubrication is vital to the function of your AC compressor. A technician will change the oil and make sure it’s at the right level.
  • Suction lines. The suction line is responsible for transporting the refrigerant between the evaporator and condenser. HVAC technicians can check that the line is clear. If the AC isn’t cooling well, the line could be blocked, which can cause the compressor to overheat and break down.
  • Electrical issues. Routine maintenance will also inspect to see if there are any electrical issues that can damage the compressor.

Concerned about Your AC Compressor? Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating in Birmingham

Take steps to protect your exterior HVAC unit and you will notice improved performance and more energy efficiency from your AC compressor. The compressor is durable but needs to be serviced at least twice a year during routine maintenance. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule service for your AC compressor before the heat waves start rolling.

Continue Reading

Is Your Generator in Good Shape?

January 20th, 2020

generator-installationSure, you may not need to use your generator often, but in the event that you do need it, you want to be certain that it’s working properly! Didn’t you buy your generator to keep you and your family comfortable safe in the event of an emergency?

There are a number of signs that suggest your generator is in need of repairs, and below, we have outlined some of them for you. All you have to do is keep reading below to find out more (oh, and of course, remember to contact our team when you need an electrician in Hoover, AL!)

Continue Reading

Our Not-So-Comprehensive Guide to Furnace Installation

January 6th, 2020

Are you in the market for a new furnace? Yes? Well then, you’ve come to the right place! We are your furnace experts and we are here to help!

We know just how overwhelming investing in a new furnace can be, and let’s face it: it’s no small task! In fact, we find that many homeowners don’t quite know where to start. But, you’re in luck!

Below, we have provided you with our Not-So-Comprehensive Guide to Furnace Installation, that way, you’ll know just what to do when the time comes. All you have to do is keep reading to learn more (and of course, remember to call our team when you need a great furnace contractor in Birmingham, AL!)

Continue Reading

Why is My Furnace Blowing Cool Air?

December 23rd, 2019

Of course, the last thing you need during a chilly winter day is another air conditioner, right? So, if your furnace is blowing cool air, it can seem like quite a big deal! Fortunately, you needn’t worry too much—with a team like ours to handle your furnace repairs in Birmingham, AL, things will be back to normal in no time!

There are a number of things that can cause a furnace to blow cool air, and below we have outlined some of them for you. All you have to do is keep reading to find out more! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Continue Reading

A Homeowner’s Guide to Plumbing

December 12th, 2019

If you’re new to homeownership, or if you’ve had a run of good luck, you may be unfamiliar with many of the plumbing services commonly used by homeowners. Recently, Douglas Cooling & Heating, a heating and cooling company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, brought plumbing services to their many heating and cooling clients.

Owner Blake Sanders says, “from conversations with customers, we knew there was a need. We’re thrilled to offer plumbing services so we may comprehensively serve the Birmingham community.” Now when Birmingham residents need a plumber, they can Call Douglas! Let’s review some of the most requested plumbing services.

Common Plumbing Services for Birmingham Homes

Water Heater Services

Need to replace a traditional storage tank water heater? Interested in upgrading to a modern tankless water heater? Either way, we’ve got you covered. If you’re curious about tankless water heaters, they’re more energy-efficient than the traditional storage model.

Simply, they heat water on demand. There’s no utility cost to constantly heat a large tank of water. Also, because there’s no tank, your tankless water heater produces nearly an infinite amount of hot water.

How many times have you had a couple of family members take showers in a row and left you with no hot water because the tank was empty? With a tankless water heater, that’s unlikely to happen. A regular tankless model adequately serves an average household.

Larger homes opt to get a larger model or to install multiple units, such as one upstairs for laundry and bathing, and one downstairs for kitchen and other uses.

Leak Repairs

Whether it’s a leaky faucet or pipe, we can put a stop to it. Did you know Alabama is one of 12 states to collectively account for more than 50 percent of the total water withdrawals in the U.S.?

It may not seem like much, but a drip per minute in an average home wastes more than 100 gallons in a year. Repairs for a leaky faucet or pipe are one of the most common plumbing services we provide. Don’t put it off – schedule an appointment today. It will start to show up in your water bill!

Drain Cleaning

This term is often misunderstood. Drain cleaning is often confused with drain clearing. Drain clearing clears your main drain. If you have low water pressure in your home, you may have an obstruction between your home’s plumbing system and the main line which travels to the street or another municipal outlet.

To clear drains, the tools and methods used depends on the type of clog and its severity, as well as the location of the clog within your plumbing system. Clearing penetrates the obstruction to improve water pressure and flow. Drain cleaning, on the other hand, is more comprehensive. We may use one of several tools, including hydo jetting to fully flush the pipes clean.

If you have blockages causing drains to back up or drain slowly, you may need drain cleaning over clearing. Our team of plumbing services pros will carefully evaluate your situation with special tools, such as a camera, to fully assess the problem.

Hydro jetting

Hydro jetting is a specific process we use to clean out the inside of your plumbing drain lines and also break up blockages. The process uses a high-pressure water stream which detaches debris from the interior walls of your pipes. This offers effective removal for materials that have built up over time and are affecting drainage quality.

What does hydro jetting remove?

  • Mineral scale
  • Grease
  • Undissolved food
  • Tree roots

Specialized equipment is used to blast water through your drain lines and remove buildup. The waste removed from your pipes naturally flows out of your home to the common sewer system or septic tank.

Sewer Line Services

Your home’s sewer lines can be impacted in a number of ways which result in poor drainage and backup across the entire house. Homeowners notice that sewer line issues are different than other blockages that just affect certain drainpipes of the home – a sewer line blockage causes poor drainage and backup throughout all drains, whereas other blockages typically cause drainage issues or backup in one fixture or area.

Often these issues are caused by tree roots that have penetrated the drainpipe, or damage to the drainpipe caused by age and the resulting blockages. To assess sewer line issues, our licensed plumbers utilize camera inspection equipment to see down into your lines and determine the exact cause of the issue at hand before developing a plan to correct it. Once the source is found, our plumbers use a combination of expert plumbing services at their disposal, which often includes hydro jetting and other drain cleaning methods discussed above and sewer line repairs.

Plumbing Fixture Repair and Installation

Want to update your bathroom or kitchen? Plumbing services include swapping out old, dated or inefficient plumbing fixtures with new ones. Get more use from your kitchen sink with a spray attachment central faucet.

Enjoy baths or showers more with handheld sprayers or “rain shower” shower heads. We can help you save money and water here too. Ask us about water-efficiency in plumbing fixtures, such as aerators or low-flow toilets.

Water Quality

Want to improve water quality in your new home? We install products like a water softener or a whole-home water filtration system. Water quality systems remove mineral deposits and contaminants from the incoming water supply to provide your taps with cleaner water. Enjoy fewer spots on your dishes, cleaner laundry and a cleaner you! Filtered water tastes better and makes your skin and hair feel better too.

Plumbing Maintenance

Beyond the installation and repair of your home’s plumbing system and its fixtures, we also offer plumbing services that help you maintain them! Plumbing maintenance is a crucial component of homeownership – you want these components to last as long as expected, and to be in good shape to prevent the risk of water damage.

Our plumbing maintenance solutions help you care for your entire plumbing system as well as specific components. If you have a tank style water heater, for example, did you know that yearly maintenance is a must? Maintenance services for your plumbing system help improve its performance to deliver better comfort, energy and water efficiency, lower costs, higher value, and more protection for your new home.

Plumbing Services from Douglas Cooling & Heating

Next time you need assistance with your plumbing system, whether it’s toilets, faucets, water heaters or water quality, call Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our plumbing services team is eager to show you the same commitment to customer service our heating and air customers enjoy. If you live in the Birmingham area, such as Bessemer, Homewood, Hoover, Pelham or Helena, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for your plumbing needs.

Continue Reading