The 4 Signs You Need an HVAC System Replacement

December 5th, 2022

Now is the season of gift-giving which may mean that it might be a great time to upgrade your HVAC system. Getting a new, efficient, and highly effective HVAC system in your home is a gift that keeps on giving for many years to come, after all.

The thing is that you don’t want to get an HVAC replacement in Pelham, AL before you need one. This isn’t a low-cost endeavor, after all. Let’s look into some of the signs that you—and everyone else in your home—would benefit from replacing your HVAC system this season.

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How Do UV Air Cleaners Work?

December 2nd, 2022

Many homeowners are looking for ways to prevent airborne pathogens from spreading throughout their homes. A UV air cleaner could be the solution you’re looking for. Douglas Cooling & Heating explains what UV air cleaners are and how they work so you can improve your home’s indoor air quality and have confidence about the air you’re breathing in every day.

What is a UV Air Cleaner?

UV air cleaners and UV air purifiers refer to the same thing. They use ultraviolet light to sanitize particles in the air to cleanse it of contaminants that clog your HVAC system and circulate through your ductwork. You may see air purifiers that are able to sanitize the air in one particular room, but they cannot thoroughly cover your entire house. Douglas Cooling & Heating can install a whole-house UV air purifier that attaches to your home’s HVAC system. There is no exposure to UV lights.

How Does a UV Air Cleaner Work?

UV air cleaners are attached to your home’s furnace or HVAC system. They use special bulbs that emit UV-C light which is known for germicidal irradiation. Ultraviolet light exposure damages the DNA and RNA structure of microorganisms and pathogens so that reproduction cannot occur. If someone sneezes in your home and sends bacteria through the air, into your air ducts, and towards your furnace, that bacteria will be zapped by the UV light air purifier and will make the bacteria harmless. As a result, fewer people in your home will catch the disease that was brought home.

Benefits of UV Air Purifiers

Many people notice that once they have UV light air purifiers installed in their homes they notice a number of great benefits.

Fewer Odors In Your Home – UV air purifiers clean the air so well that they can even remove odor molecules from the air.
Reduced Cleaning Time – Many people notice that their house is cleaner. Improved indoor air quality means less dust in your home, meaning you’ll have to clean less.
Improved Health – Diseases won’t be able to spread as easily from person to person in your home once you have a UV air purifier installed.

UV light technology needs very little maintenance to be maintained. Since the system does not require a filter or a basin, there is nothing you need to change to refill on a regular basis. You may need to replace the bulb every few years, but that’s the most maintenance these systems require. Often, your HVAC technician will include inspecting your UV air purifier as part of their annual maintenance appointment for your furnace or heating system.

If I Have a UV Air Cleaner, Do I Still Need to Change My Air Filters?

Yes – air filters are still very important in improving indoor air quality. Air filters trap large particles like dog hair, dust, and dander. Air filters work to remove this kind of particle matter from your HVAC system, whereas UV air cleaners sanitize the air. You still want to make sure that your system is clean and free of pollutants so it runs efficiently.

Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating About Whole-House UV Air Cleaner Installation in Birmingham, Alabama

If you have questions about how you can make your indoor air quality better, talk to the experts at Douglas Cooling & Heating. We can answer all your question about air filtration systems, purifiers, and cleaners. Have confidence in the air you breathe and talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating today.

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What is the Life Expectancy of a Ductless Mini Split?

December 2nd, 2022

Do you have a ductless mini split in your Birmingham, AL home currently? Are you looking to get ductless mini split systems installed, but want to learn more before investing? Douglas Cooling & Heating has the answers to your most common ductless mini-split questions, including the typical lifespan of ductless mini-split systems.

How Does a Ductless Mini Split Work?

Ductless mini-split systems are like air conditioning systems in how they operate. Instead of generating heat like a gas furnace, they instead circulate the air in a room or a zone. Ductless mini-split systems that are connected to a heat pump can pull in warm air from the outdoor units and circulate warm air indoors. These systems are easy to install and do not require ductwork. They are connected through a 2-inch conduit between the indoor and outdoor units.

What Is the Average Lifespan of a Ductless Mini Split System?

Depending on your heating and cooling needs, and the size of your house, the number of ductless mini-split units may vary. It is not uncommon for a home in Birmingham, Alabama to be heated with a heat pump and ductless mini-split systems. Since these units are used year-round to heat and cool your home, they work a lot harder than other central HVAC units.

Ductless mini split lifespan tends to be between 10-15 years. However, it’s not uncommon for these systems to last longer if your ductless heat pump equipment is maintained properly. Whenever there is an issue with one of your air handlers, talk to a reputable HVAC contractor like Douglas Cooling & Heating right away to resolve your issues. The sooner your system is repaired, the sooner your home will be comfortable again.

Some ductless units don’t last nearly as long as 10 years. That can be due to improper usage, lack of maintenance, and purchasing low-quality ductless HVAC systems.

Protect Your Mini Split System’s Energy Efficiency with Proper Maintenance

Since you rely on your ductless systems throughout the year, you want to invest in maintenance services twice a year. This is to prepare your systems for the extremes of each season. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for maintenance services in the spring before extremely hot temperatures set in, or before the fall before temperatures begin to plummet.

Having maintenance done every year can ensure your ductless HVAC longevity as well as get ahead of any potential issues. During your seasonal inspection, your HVAC system technician will notice any parts that are experiencing wear and tear and replace them quickly to avoid a breakdown during the upcoming season.

If it’s hard for you to remember to make HVAC system maintenance appointments, don’t worry, Douglas Cooling & Heating has you covered. Our 24/7 Club membership offers regular seasonal services on your ductless heat pumps, other HVAC units, and plumbing systems. Your home will be in peak condition, no matter what mother nature throws at it. Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating to sign up today.

Where Are the Best Places to Install a Ductless System?

Many homeowners are hesitant to drop their traditional air conditioners and furnaces for a ductless mini-split system. At Douglas Cooling & Heating, we understand that you might not want to change your entire heating and cooling system all at once. This is why we encourage our customers to try installing a mini-split system one room at a time.

A three-seasons room could become an all-season room with a ductless mini-split system added to it. If your garage doubles as your workshop, add a mini-split system so you can finish that project you’ve been working on without freezing during the late hours of the night. Add some new space to your home with a new addition or finish your attic and add a mini-split system to keep you comfortable.

Mini split systems are easier, safer, and more aesthetically pleasing than window air conditioning units. They can also heat a room whereas a window AC unit can only keep a room cool. Once you’ve experienced a system in one room of your home, you’ll consider adding systems around your home.

Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating About Ductless HVAC systems

When you’re ready to improve the comfort of one room, or the whole house – talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating. We specialize in the comfort of homes around Birmingham, Alabama and we’re ready to help you next. Give Douglas Cooling & Heating a call today.

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Count On Us For These Electrical Services

November 21st, 2022

Without a good electrical system in your house, there’s very little modern technology that would end up working right. Issues with your electrical services can not only leave you in an uncomfortable or even dark home, they can even create safety hazards.

Keeping your electrical system in good working order is important. That’s why you need to work with professionals to keep your electrical appliances and system in check. When you need expert electrician services in Shelby County, AL, you can trust our team to provide whatever you need.

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4 Reasons To Install a Whole-House Generator

November 7th, 2022

When something goes wrong with the power supply feeding your home, what will happen? For someone without a whole-house generator, this can lead to a loss of electricity to parts of the home or the home as a whole. You won’t have much to worry about if you do have a generator, though.

If you’ve been trying to figure out if you should opt into a whole-house generator installation in Birmingham, AL we can provide the information and service to help you out.

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Why is My Thermostat On But I Have No Heat?

November 1st, 2022

You come home from work on a winter day and are shocked to find that it’s just as cold inside your house as it is outside. Having no heat on a cold day is an emergency. Without heat, your pipes could freeze and burst causing expensive damage. If your heat is out there are a few troubleshooting steps you can perform to try and fix the issue. By using these troubleshooting tips you can help pinpoint the cause of the problem. If these do not fix it, or you are uncomfortable doing these steps yourself, call Douglas Cooling & Heating right away for heating emergency services.

Troubleshooting Why Your HVAC System is Not Heating Your Home

When your furnace or heat pump isn’t supplying your home with heat, there are a few possible causes for this. In order to narrow down the source of the problem, and possibly fix it yourself, follow our guide to see why you have no heat in your home.

Your Thermostat Is On, But is it On The Right Setting?

While your thermostat may be working properly, make sure it is set to “heat.” While it may seem silly, thermostats can be accidentally tampered with all the time. Checking the thermostat to make sure it is on the right setting is always a great first step to take when your home isn’t comfortable. If you find that your thermostat isn’t working, see if you can replace the batteries if applicable, or make sure the unit is receiving power.

Does Your System Have Power?

Another thing you should check when you don’t have heat is your circuit breaker. Check to see that you haven’t suffered a tripped circuit breaker, or that the fuse for the thermostat or heating system hasn’t burned out. A blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker can cause your system to not receive any power and therefore no heat.

When Was The Last Time You Changed Your Air Filter?

If your system is receiving power, now it’s time to check the unit itself. Regardless if your heating system is a furnace or a heat pump, it will have an air filter. Air filters should be changed on a regular basis, usually every 90 days, or three months. You can buy air filter replacements at your local hardware store. A clogged filter can prevent air from flowing into your heating system and cause it to stop working. Oftentimes, switching out your dirty air filter with a clean one can restore heat to your home.

Is Your Outdoor Unit Blocked Or Frozen?

If your home has a heat pump, another reason it’s not heating your home is that the outdoor unit is blocked. Lawn debris, leaves, and other things can restrict the airflow to your outside unit. Make sure to keep the unit clear of debris and do not store any items against it. Check also to see if your heat pump is frozen. Frost and ice can build up inside the outdoor unit, try running your system on defrost mode to see if that helps.

It’s also a good idea to walk around your home and see if there are other things restricting airflow to your heating system. Make sure your exhaust vents are clear outside your home, and that your indoor registers are unrestricted.

Still No Heat? Time to Call Douglas Cooling & Heating

If you’ve tried all of our solutions and still experiencing a heating problem, now is the time to call Douglas Cooling & Heating for help. We provide 24/7 emergency heating repairs to our neighbors in the Birmingham community. Being without heat is an emergency. Don’t hesitate to call Douglas Cooling & Heating right away to restore heat to your home quickly.

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How Long Does a Sump Pump Last?

November 1st, 2022

Your home’s sump pump is an appliance that you rely on heavily without really noticing it. Sump pumps are often located in your home’s basement, the lowest level of your home, or in the crawlspace. While they may seem like a mysterious motor in a pit, they are your home’s last line of defense to protect it from flooding. If you’ve just moved into a home, or maybe have lived in your home for a while, but haven’t paid much attention to your sump pump, the Douglas Cooling & Heating at Douglas Cooling & Heating share the common signs it’s time to replace your sump pump as well as long you can typically expect a sump pump to last.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

A sump pump sits in a pit in the lowest portion of a building. When it rains, the water will saturate the soil outside your house and can accumulate under the foundation. The sump basin is dug below the foundation and collects water. When the basin collects enough water, the float switch lifts and the pump activates. The pump starts, lifts the water out of the basin and through a discharge pipe, and away from your foundation. When the heavy rains stop, the float switch lowers and the pump stops.

Sump pumps rely on electrical power to operate. However, many storms that bring rain also bring wind and lighting which can cause a power outage. If your home is prone to frequent power outages along with heavy rain, you can have a battery backup added to your sump pump. When the power goes out, the backup power will kick on and keep removing water away from your home.

How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?

Now that you know how valuable a sump pump is towards the safety of your home, you probably are concerned if yours is working properly. The good news is that on average, a sump pump lasts 7-10 years. Some sump pumps may last longer, depending on how well they were installed and maintained. It’s always a good idea to test your sump pump and to have maintenance done once a year. It would be a shame if you suffer from a flooded basement before you have an opportunity to replace your sump pump.

New homeowners especially can learn a lot about the condition of their sump pump by having it inspected shortly after moving into their new home.

Common Sump Pump Failure Signs

Regardless of the age of your sump pump, there are some signs it’s time to replace it. If you’ve noticed issues lately, start keeping a log to monitor when the sump pump turns on and how long it runs.

Running Constantly

Sump pumps should only run when there’s water accumulating in the sump pit. If you find that it’s a sunny day, but your sump pump is running, there is likely something wrong with it. This could be caused by an issue with the float arm mechanism or float switch issues, or that the sump pump shifted in the basin and is making the float arm unresponsive.

Not Turning On At All

If it’s raining out, listen for your sump pump to kick on. When you noticed that it hasn’t kicked on after a while, you might want to check it. If it has power and there is water in the basin, but the pump is not kicking on, this is likely because of a motor failure. This can be caused by several factors, but it’s important that you call a plumber for a sump pump replacement right away to prevent water from flooding your basement or crawl space.

Making Strange Noises

Acclimate yourself to the regular noises your pump makes. When running, your sump pump will probably make a low humming noise. If you hear rattling, squealing, or grinding noises instead, this could be your sump pump trying to tell you something. Noises are often signs of failing components and you should call for sump pump repairs soon.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Sump Pump Services

Don’t risk your home to expensive water damage. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to provide quality repairs or maintenance to your sump pump system. If we find that you need a new sump pump, we can install a new one for you too. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for reliable sump pump services in Montgomery, Alabama today.

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4 Signs Something Is Wrong With Your Attic Fan

October 24th, 2022

If you have an attic fan then you probably rely on it working without a hassle and without you thinking about it pretty much at all. Just get the fan installed and voila! You have better comfort and lower bills.

We would love it if this was always the case for all of our customers. But problems will pop up over the years, even with attic fans. Unfortunately, you’ll likely notice it once your comfort drops and your energy bills spike.

We want to help you avoid this. Read on to learn about some of the other warning signs that you need an attic fan repair in Pelham, AL so you know when to schedule your service with us.

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How Do I Know If My Pipes Are Leaking Under My Floor?

October 11th, 2022

Plumbing leaks can be hidden throughout your home and you probably wouldn’t realize it until you get hit with an unusually high water bill. Spikes in your water bill without a change in your water usage are often the first indication homeowners have a hidden leak, but where could it be? The Douglas Cooling & Heating at Douglas Cooling & Heating discuss how you can tell if your pipes are leaking under your floor. If you find a leak, call Douglas Cooling & Heating right away for comprehensive plumbing repairs.

Signs of Leaking Pipes

Pipes are all over your house. Within your walls, floors, and even in your yard. Water damage can become extensive quickly and can be expensive to fix, so if you have a leak, finding it is of the utmost importance. Water leaks also waste hundreds of gallons of water. Fixing these leaks fast can help save you money and help the planet.

Since pipes aren’t in plain sight, it’s hard to tell where a leak is often coming from. Let’s go through some common places where you may find leaks in your home and how to test for them.

Watch Your Water Meter

Turn off all the water running appliances in your home and locate your water meter. It is usually located outside of your home on the side of your house, or in a pit in your yard. With all the appliances off, your water meter should show that you are not consuming any water. However, if it is moving and all your appliances and sinks are off, then you have a leaky pipe or appliance somewhere in your home.

Test Appliances and Toilets

A common culprit of a hidden water leak in your toilet. Conduct the dye test on your toilets. Put some food color in the tank of your toilet and see if the dye moves into the toilet bowl. Check also for wetness around the base of the toilet to see if the porcelain has developed invisible leaks.

Run your appliances and inspect the base of the appliances for wet floors or puddles. Listen for any dripping water when you run appliances as well to clue you into other leaks.

Look at the Pipes You Can See

Look in your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to see if the plumbing pipes to the sinks are leaking. If your cabinets are full of items, you may need to take the items out to see if they are wet.

Damage To Your Floor, Walls, or Ceilings

Warped floors, peeling wallpaper, and water spots on the ceiling are signs that you have a leaky pipe somewhere. Unexpected wet carpets or pools of water on your floor are big signs there is a leak under your floor. If parts of your floor seem unusually hot, mark the section of the floor with tape and see if the heat persists the next day as well. This could be another sign of a slow leak. Keep your eyes peeled for bowing or separating walls, doors and windows that won’t close fully as these can be signs of water damage.

Outdoor Leaks

Not only could there be leaks underneath your home’s foundation and floors, but there could also be leaks in your yard. If you have spots in your lawn that are unusually lush, your sewer line could be leaking under your grass. Sewer lines often run from your house to the street through your front yard and your sewer line may also be under concrete features like driveways and sidewalks. Douglas Cooling & Heating can inspect your sewer line and clear it of any clogs to prevent it from developing leaks.

Strange Odors

Another big sign of a leaking pipe within your home’s walls or floors is unusual odors. If you notice a musty smell in your home it is often caused by mold or mildew growth. Mold and mildew love damp conditions like those created by a leaky pipe. Mold and mildew can grow just about anywhere; within walls, under carpets, within cabinets, and within openings for doors and windows.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating For Plumbing Repairs

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers a variety of plumbing repairs throughout your home. Whether you need small leaks taken care of, or you have a pipe burst, call the Douglas Cooling & Heating in Birmingham, AL to fix your plumbing issues quickly. Schedule an appointment with Douglas Cooling & Heating today.

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Should You Leave a Dehumidifier On All The Time?

October 11th, 2022

Central Alabama is no stranger to humid air for long periods of time. As Summer starts to wind down and the humidity returns to a more comfortable level, you might be wondering when is the right time to turn off your whole house dehumidifier for the season. Should you run your dehumidifier constantly? Douglas Cooling & Heating explains how your dehumidifier can help with your home’s indoor air quality and when you should run a dehumidifier to get the most out of it.

Monitoring Your Home’s Humidity Levels

Your air conditioner will help lower the humidity levels in your home, but in Alabama, where the humidity can be oppressive, sometimes your cooling system can’t keep up. This is when you might consider installing a whole house dehumidifier to make your home much more comfortable in the summer and help your air conditioner last longer. High humidity can cause damage to your home, encourage mold and mildew growth, and increase dust and allergy symptoms.

If you feel that you can’t find relief from the humidity in your home, test your home’s humidity levels with a hygrometer. For most homes, the ideal humidity level is less than 60% in the summer and 25-40% in the winter. Many programmable or smart thermostats can also give you a humidity reading of your home as well.

As temperatures begin to lower for the season, so will the relative humidity. Keep testing your home’s humidity level to see when it’s time to turn off your whole house humidifier for the season.

When To Turn Off Your Dehumidifier for the Season

Many dehumidifiers have an auto shut-off feature. You can set your dehumidifier to a desired relative humidity level and it will automatically shut off when that level is reached. This means you don’t need to have your dehumidifier running constantly throughout the year. Often, nightly temperatures at the end of summer will lower the humidity level down enough that your humidifier will shut off on its own.

When the relative humidity level in your home has reached the 30%-50% range, that’s when it’s time to turn off your dehumidifier for the season. You can set the humidistat to the “off” position, or there may be a damper that you can switch to the “winter” position.

In the winter, as the temperatures get colder, the air becomes dryer. You don’t want to have your dehumidifier constantly running and make the air too dry. To get the best performance out of your system, only run your dehumidifier in the warmer months like the spring and summer.

Maintaining Your Whole Home Dehumidifier

When you’re done using your dehumidifier for the year, it’s a good idea to wipe down all the surfaces of the dehumidifier to prevent mold and mildew growth. If you are unsure where your dehumidifier is, or how to turn it off for the season, the team at Douglas Cooling & Heating can help.

As part of your fall tune-up service, Douglas Cooling & Heating will prepare your entire HVAC system for the fall. This means cleaning your furnace, making sure it’s heating your home efficiently, and turning off your dehumidifier if you have one. It’s a good idea to schedule your tune-up service now before you turn on your furnace for the first time for the season. Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule your appointment today.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to Prepare Your HVAC System For Winter

To learn more about excess moisture in your home and how to improve your indoor air quality, talk to the team at Douglas Cooling & Heating. We can assess your indoor air quality and find the perfect solutions that can help you breathe easily in your home. Schedule an appointment with Douglas Cooling & Heating today.

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