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

Winter is almost here, and critters will soon be searching for a place to hide during the colder weather. Typical places they love to invade are warm, dry heating and cooling systems. Protect your equipment from an infestation by scheduling an HVAC inspection now! Douglas Cooling & Heating is qualified to perform an HVAC inspection, evaluate any signs of pest problems and remove any debris, feces or nesting.

Various gaps and holes allow rodents, pests, and other insects to crawl through to make a hiding place during the winter. Our NATE-certified technicians will stop the pests before they become a problem. Let’s review the benefits of an HVAC inspection and other ways you can protect yourself against harmful pests.

HVAC Inspection First

An HVAC inspection performed by our licensed professionals detects signs of an infestation early during the fall months. Pests, rodents and insects leave behind an assortment of debris, including their dead bodies.

These remnants in your heating and cooling system impact your indoor air quality and increase health risks inside your home. You will notice strange smells whenever your HVAC system operates, and the odors won’t dissipate until the offending pest or detritus is removed.

We will clean your outdoor and indoor unit, including the ductwork, to ensure all traces of the infestation are gone. Not only will an HVAC inspection prevent pests from hibernating in your unit, it will improve its performance for the winter months.

Potential problems are caught early so you can plan accordingly and schedule HVAC repairs if necessary. Problems diagnosed early keep your heating and cooling system from malfunctions during the holidays and keep your loved ones comfortable indoors.

Common Pests Found in an HVAC Inspection

There are several indicators pests, rodents and insects are inside your heating and cooling system. If you notice strange odors coming out of your vents? Blowflies appearing out of nowhere?  Evidence of nesting? You probably have something living inside your heating and cooling system. Common pests which like to seek shelter in your HVAC system include:

Mice and Rats

You might be shocked how these small animals love to crawl into the tightest spaces, which of course includes your heating and cooling system. Additionally, they are incredibly destructive and can chew through refrigerant lines and other components. This easily leads to expensive repairs in the future.

Mice and rats often use duct material to build nests. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for an HVAC inspection. This will help eradicate them completely from your home.

Spiders

These small, pesky creatures like to crawl into small areas, like your ductwork, vents and indoor HVAC unit. Reduce the risk of spiders when you keep these areas clean and schedule routine HVAC maintenance.  

Snakes

Finally, when the weather turns cold, snakes crawl into your HVAC system because it’s warm. Because they aren’t able to regulate their own body temperature, nesting in ductwork provides them with the warmest place in your home. Often snakes breed inside ductwork, too.

Snakes coil themselves inside the condenser unit and when the fan blade starts up, the snake dies. This can damage your blades and lead to a foul stench circulating throughout your home.

Make the smart choice this fall and schedule an HVAC inspection with Douglas Cooling & Heating! We will inspect your system and remove pests which might interfere with its performance and your comfort. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule your inspection with our NATE-certified technicians.

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As Weather Shifts Be Sure to Book HVAC Maintenance

Colder temperatures are on their way, so Alabama residents are advised to perform HVAC maintenance soon. The best way to stay warm and avoid malfunctions with your heating system is to regularly service your heat pump or furnace. This allows you to maximize its efficiency and performance.

This practice saves you energy and money in the long run during the winter months. Douglas Cooling & Heating want you to get the most out of your heating system, so we have compiled a list of tips to boost your HVAC’s energy efficiency. Try these four tips for HVAC maintenance to improve comfort in your home and save on your energy bill.

Thermostat Settings – HVAC Maintenance Tip #1

HVAC maintenance on your thermostat includes a check of the battery and its settings. Try not to operate your furnace or heat pump when no one is home or at warm temperatures when you are asleep. It leads to unnecessarily high energy use. Program your thermostat to lower the temperature a few degrees overnight or when you are away.

This practice helps you enjoy comfortable temperatures when you’re home without sacrificing energy. This tip also lessens wear and tear on your heating and cooling system.

Typical HVAC maintenance calls inspect your thermostat and diagnose any current or potential problems. Accurate temperatures and communication between your thermostat and your heating and air system are critical to efficient performance.

A faulty thermostat forces your heating system to operate harder and during times when it’s not necessary. Keep your thermostat in check with regular HVAC maintenance. You will notice better energy consumption and lower bills throughout the winter.

Weatherization – HVAC Maintenance Tip #2

Another fall energy saving tip is to weatherize your home, including your heating and cooling system. When you prevent heat loss and stop cold air it allows your heating system to maintain even temperatures. Common weatherization tactics include:

• Check and replace weather-stripping around your windows and doors.
• Locate and seal drafts in your home, including holes or gaps in your ductwork.
• Check your home’s insulation and replace it in worn or ineffective areas.

Routine Care – HVAC Maintenance Tip #3

There are several ways to support your system between professional HVAC maintenance visits, such as:

• Check your filter once a month and replace it when you notice excessive dirt or clogs. For most homeowners, filters last two to three months.
• If your filter is a reusable filter, clean it regularly to avoid dust, dirt and other debris before it accumulates.
• Clean your vents to eliminate any airflow obstructions and to reduce dust and other contaminants in your HVAC system.

These maintenance tasks are easy to handle on your own, or you can call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule an HVAC maintenance call. Our NATE-certified professionals ensure your equipment is cleaned from top to bottom. We also diagnose any potential problems and ensure your heating system is operating smoothly before the winter weather arrives.

Inspection and Tune-up – HVAC Maintenance Tip #4

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers comprehensive inspections outside of and as part of regular HVAC maintenance calls. Play it safe with accurate information of your heating and cooling system’s status before a break down happens.

A proactive and preventative mindset saves you money throughout the year on your energy bill. Make smart choices by calling Douglas Cooling & Heating today and schedule an HVAC maintenance call for your heating system. Let our experts inspect your unit and improve energy efficiency this fall.

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Heating and Cooling Unit or Home Mechanical Hero?

As an Alabama resident, you have more options for heating and cooling needs than traditional air conditioners and furnaces. Heat pumps offer efficient heating and cooling year-round. Let’s determine if heat pumps are a viable option for your home.

How Heat Pumps Work

A heat pump provides both heating and cooling year-round using a mechanical-compression to cycle refrigeration. The refrigerant can be reversed to supply hot or cold air to your home. Heat pumps are comprised of the outdoor unit, similar to an air conditioner and an indoor air handler. A compressor circulates the refrigerant as it travels between the indoor and outdoor units.

A heat pump works by continually moving warm air from one location to another, depending on the season. Heat energy is present in all air, including cold air. During the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from outside and transfers it inside your home. It does the opposite during the warmer months by pulling heat out of your home and releasing it outside.

Types of Heat Pumps

Heat pumps come in a variety of options, depending on your needs and the fuel source. All options collect heat from one location to another. The most common heat pump is an air-source heat pump. It transfers heat from the air outside or inside your home. Air-source heat pumps deliver close to three times more heat energy to a home than the energy it consumes.

The second type of heat pump is a geothermal heat pump. These are sometimes referred to as GeoExchange, ground-source, water-source or earth-coupled. Geothermal heat pumps use the temperature of the earth to heat or cool a home.

They pull the heat from the ground or water to warm your house or cool it. Geothermal units last longer and perform more quietly. They require less maintenance and are unaffected by the outside temperature.

Absorption heat pumps are the third option. Their power source uses natural gas, solar-heated water, geothermal-heated water or propane. Natural gas is the most common source for absorption heat pumps.

Referred to as gas-fired heat pumps, they use an ammonia-water absorption cycle to heat or cool a home. First, the ammonia condenses in one coil to release heat and reduce the pressure.

Second, the ammonia evaporates to absorb the heat. Third, the ammonia releases into the water. Lastly, the heat source boils the water and removes the ammonia.

Why Heat Pumps Are a Great Option For You

Heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, which offers more energy efficiency when heating or cooling your home. Typical air-forced heat pump units use electricity, so fuel consumption isn’t an issue when heating your home in the winter.

As you can see, heat pumps are best for homeowners who live in a moderate winter climate, such as Alabama!

Need more help to decide? Call and ask questions of our professional staff. A member of our sales team can visit your home, take the appropriate measurements and perform the necessary calculations. He or she will prepare recommendations for you and can connect you with financing if necessary.

Ready to purchase or upgrade? Our NATE-certified technicians will expertly install your heat pump and show you basic care. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today and bring this home heating and cooling hero to your squad. We are your HVAC repair, service and installation experts.

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A Job Well Done Deserves Appreciation

Summer is coming to a close, which means your air conditioner deserves a much-needed break. Unfortunately, you can’t treat it to a spa day. You can, however, tune-up your air conditioner, which thoroughly cleans it and preps it for next summer.

Your cooling system performs non-stop during the summer months and accumulates excessive wear and tear over the season.

When you maintain your cooling unit at the end of summer,  it will be ready to go when you need it. Schedule preventative maintenance on your air conditioner to preserve warranties and catch problems early.

Your heating system also benefits from routine maintenance before the cold weather hits.  Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule service for your furnace or heat pump and be ready when the temps drop.

Benefits of Air Conditioner Service

The components of your cooling system are likely to experience natural wear and tear over time. Maintenance or tune-ups help reduce unexpected and expensive HVAC repairs in the future.

Relax knowing your air conditioning will reliably perform. Other benefits of routine service are:

• Your Air Conditioner Will Last Longer. The average lifespan of an air conditioning unit is between 10 to 15 years. With routine maintenance and tune-ups, your air conditioner may last 15 to 20 years. The cost of annual maintenance and service check-ups throughout the summer months is worth it when you compare the price of a replacement.
  
• Fewer HVAC Repairs. When your air conditioner has a clogged filter or ductwork, it compromises the airflow. When cool air is restricted from moving through your home, your air conditioner works harder to achieve ideal temperatures.
  
  Maintenance catches existing problems early and correct them before they are expensive to fix. Your air conditioner doesn’t require as many repairs when serviced regularly.
  
• Healthier Indoor Air. Air conditioners work hard all summer long to provide you with cool temperatures. During operation dirt, dust and other debris accumulate on the inside.
  
  When an air conditioner is serviced, the inner components are cleaned, and the air filter is replaced. Your indoor air quality improves when allergens, pollen and pet dander are kept out of your AC unit and its filter.

Don’t Forget About Your Heating System

After showing your cooling system some appreciation, your furnace or heat pump needs to be ready to handle the coming colder weather. Preventative maintenance in the fall is the perfect option for your heating system. A NATE-certified technician inspects for damaged components, clears away debris, and diagnoses any potential problems.

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers three types of maintenance agreements, which offer repair discounts and pricing deals. We provide the best heating and cooling service throughout Birmingham and the surrounding areas.

Show your air conditioner how much you appreciate its efforts and book a tune-up. Go a step further and invest in a preventative maintenance agreement for your furnace or heat pump.

You will enjoy increased performance and lower energy bills when your HVAC system is inspected and cleaned regularly. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today!

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Labor Day May Have Passed – It’s Still Hot in Alabama

Even though school is starting and your adventures are coming to an end, your air conditioner still needs to perform. Alabama experiences hot weather into fall, which means a tune-up on your air conditioner needs to be a top priority.

It’s easy to lose track of time and forget to schedule maintenance before summer arrives. It’s not too late to improve your air conditioner’s performance.

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers service on air conditioners, including preventative maintenance plans, tune-ups, HVAC repairs and upgrade options. We will inspect your cooling system and ensure its working efficiently long after summer is finished.

We offer financing options and free estimates when a replacement air conditioner is necessary. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for a comfortable home for the end of summer.

Help Your Air Conditioner Push Through

A regularly-maintained air conditioner performs efficiently. It keeps you cool without blowing up your energy bill. Know the warning signs something is wrong with your air conditioner before it’s too late:

• Strange Noises: An air conditioner, especially newer energy-efficient models, are designed to perform quietly in the background. They aren’t supposed to draw attention to themselves, so when loud noises are noticed when air conditioners start up, operate or shut off, something is wrong.
  
  If you notice clanging, banging, shrieking, grinding or rattling noises, don’t hesitate to call Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately. Any strange sounds you hear are signs your air conditioner needs help ASAP!
• Expensive Energy Bills: If you notice your energy bill keeps getting higher and higher each month, the problem might be your air conditioner. Dirty air conditioners experience airflow issues on a daily basis.
  
  Dirt, dust and other debris accumulate inside your air conditioner and clog your air ducts. Restricted airflow forces it to work harder to supply cold air around your home, which means it expends more energy trying to cool your home.
• Foul Odors: When your AC unit is running, pay attention to the smells floating throughout your home. If you notice weird smells, such as rotten eggs, mildew or a burning smell, call Douglas Cooling & Heating.
  
  Every smell points to a different problem and our NATE-certified professionals can diagnose and correct it.

Upgrade Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner is close to 15 years old and you are experiencing lots of repairs, consider upgrading to a more energy efficient unit. A new cooling system is an investment while the added expense pays off in the long run. You will notice lower energy bills and better performance when you retire your old inefficient AC unit.

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers several options for your cooling needs within different budgets. Achieving energy efficiency in your home is easy with our help. Quick and easy free estimates are available from an online form.

We will send a team member to your house to perform an in-home consultation. We will assist you with financing options so you can enjoy the comfort and safety you deserve!

Don’t hesitate to schedule a tune-up on your air conditioner before the summer ends. You will enjoy cool air and lower energy bills when you seek help from our NATE-certified technicians. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule service or find out more about upgrading to a more energy efficient air conditioner.

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Muggy and Mold? Nope

Most people associate allergies with springtime, but allergies run throughout the year. The summer keeps things hot and moist, which can spell disaster for allergy and asthma sufferers. Hot and humid weather also causes air conditioners to struggle.

Humidity is where things go wrong. Healthy humidity levels in a home are between 30 and 50 percent for most of the U.S. In Birmingham, a realistic level with air conditioners is closer to 50 to 60 percent. When the levels go well above, your home becomes a breeding ground for all sorts of allergens.

Although air conditioners are designed to remove moisture from the air, they can’t remove all of it. They struggle when the humidity levels are high. Many people use air purifiers, ultraviolet light, and high-efficiency filters with their air conditioners.

However, when allergens take hold, it’s a nightmare to eliminate when the moisture in your home is too high. Let’s review how dehumidifiers work with air conditioners to control ideal humidity levels and reduce allergens in a home.

Allergy Symptoms Occur When Humidity is High

Humidity allows several different allergens to grow and thrive inside your home. Small and poorly ventilated areas, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms or small kitchens, are prime spots for moisture to accumulate. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, high humidity might be the problem:

• Sneezing
• Difficulty breathing or constant wheezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Stuffy nose
• Skin irritations and rashes.

Mold and Mildew are Eliminated

Damp areas in your home create the ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow and spread. Those who suffer from allergies or asthma experience similar symptoms when mold or mildew are present in a home.

A whole-home dehumidifier stops mold and mildew from growing in your home and air conditioner. By controlling the moisture indoors, dehumidifiers work smoothly with air conditioners to create the ideal humidity level to stop mold in its tracks!

Prevents Dust Mites from Spreading

Dust mites are nasty microscopic organisms that feed off dead skin cells. They live and grow in bedding, upholstery and mattresses. When homes are too moist and hot, dust mites reproduce rapidly.

They are a common indoor allergen trigger for asthma and allergy sufferers. Keeping your home’s humidity level below 50 – 60 percent will prevent dust mites from surviving and spreading throughout your home.

Controls Moisture in Every Corner

Portable dehumidifiers only alleviate the moisture in a set space, while whole-home dehumidifiers work with air conditioners to control humidity throughout entire homes.

As your air conditioner operates, the dehumidifier removes the excess moisture in the air before circulating it through the air ducts. By removing moisture from the air-conditioned air, you experience less damp spots throughout your home.

Increases Air Conditioners Efficiency

Air conditioners can remove some moisture when the humidity is low outside. However, installing a whole-home dehumidifier with your air conditioner increases its performance and efficiency throughout the summer.

Moisture can accumulate inside air conditioners when the humidity is high, which can interfere with the inner components and force units to work harder to deliver controlled temperatures throughout homes.

By reducing moisture inside your air conditioner, your unit will operate smoothly and experience less wear and tear when the heat is high outside.

Reduce moisture by pairing dehumidifiers with air conditioners, which will increase the performance and efficiency of cooling systems. You will feel healthier and experience less allergy and asthma symptoms when your home is dry.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to learn more about our dehumidifiers or schedule installation today!

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Strategies to keep you comfortable

Summer is hitting its high points this August, which means your home needs to be ready! Instead of lowering the thermostat and raising your air conditioning bills, try more energy-efficient methods. The first step toward lower energy bills is scheduled maintenance with one of our NATE-certified experts at Douglas Cooling & Heating.

For more great suggestions to try on your own, keep reading!

Create a Wind-Chill Effect

Ceiling fans and portable fans are an energy-efficient option to keeping your home cool. Fans themselves don’t create cold air. Instead, they help distribute and recirculate air-conditioned air in rooms.

By moving cold air around, the sweat on your skin dissipates and creates a wind-chill effect. You will feel several degrees cooler without touching your thermostat, even during the hottest time of the day.

If you are looking to save more money on your air conditioning bills, try to raise your thermostat a few degrees while your fans are in motion. You will hardly feel or notice the difference and still enjoy cool temperatures throughout the day.

Just remember to turn the fans off when no one is in a room to enjoy the effect; otherwise you aren’t helping your air conditioning bills.

Create More Shade Indoors

By using your blinds and shades over your windows to block direct sunlight from entering your home, you create shade without even trying. This is especially useful when the sun is at its highest point, when your home is the hottest.

When a room is adequately shaded, it can lower the temperature in a room by a few degrees. This keeps your thermostat from kicking your AC on and helps reduce your air conditioning bills on a daily basis.

Landscape Wisely

Planting trees or shrubs around your home, especially on the south and west sides in front of windows, can create additional shade outside. You can block the sunlight from entering your home, and the extra vegetation absorbs the heat on your exterior walls and roof.

Planting bushes, shrubs, or trees around your exterior unit is another option to save on your air conditioning bills. The exterior unit needs to release heat after it’s moved to the condenser. The extra shade allows the outside component to exhaust the heat and cool off throughout the day.

Check Thermostat Settings

If your thermostat is set at the same temperature all day, every day, you are wasting a good amount of energy and racking up high air conditioning bills. The best option is to install a programmable thermostat to program settings based on your schedule.

Program your thermostat to turn your air conditioner on when you are home and want to experience more comfort. When you are asleep or away from the house, turn the thermostat back up by 5 to 10 degrees.

Not only does this lower your air conditioning bills every month, your cooling system will get a chance to rest. This reduces excess wear and tear on your unit.

Lowering air conditioning bills doesn’t require you to make huge changes in your home, just simple tasks. You won’t sacrifice your comfort and you will save money, which can go towards a last-minute vacation this summer.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating preventative maintenance or installation of a programmable thermostat for your home.

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Read Why Alabama Trusts Us for Heating and Cooling

Since 2011, Douglas Cooling & Heating has worked hard to provide residents and business owners throughout Alabama with quality HVAC work delivered with exceptional customer service. We hire only the best in the HVAC industry, which means our technicians are NATE-certified and trained to handle any situation.

The proof of our commitment to customers in Alabama is in the words of those who continue to come back to us time and again. We value our customers’ loyalty and want to share their kind words with you. Perhap their words will convince you to call us the next time your air conditioner, heat pump, furnace or ductless system acts up.

Preventative Maintenance Plans for the Win

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers preventative maintenance plans and seasonal tune-ups to keep your heating and cooling system running smoothly for many years to come. We treat every job carefully, remembering what we did last time and ensuring your equipment remains operational for the future.

Don’t take our word for it, trust the words of our loyal customer:

Jack W. of Greater Birmingham,

“I’ve used K&S for a few years now to maintain our HVAC. They’ve kept our old unit going strong. Their technician Mark Smith recently came out and did our tune up. Great work, nice guy, very professional. I highly recommend their service.”

Upgrading to an Energy-Efficient System

Douglas Cooling & Heating is a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, which means we carry quality Bryant products and have earned consistent levels of business practices and superior customer service.

Every HVAC system or piece of equipment we sell and install is tested for durability and reliability. The two impactful testimonials below let you know you can trust your upgrade decisions with Douglas Cooling & Heating:

Josh S. of Greater Birmingham says,

“Last spring, I had Douglas Cooling & Heating install two new units to replace my old inefficient units that were running constantly and costing me a fortune to operate. The salesman was very knowledgeable and answered all the questions I had when trying to decide which model to go with.

The install team was on-time, courteous, and professional. The new units work great and my power bill is half what it was when I had the old units. I would recommend Douglas Cooling & Heating to anyone looking for an honest dependable HVAC service provider.”

Tom G. of Greater Birmingham writes,

“Couldn’t be more pleased with Douglas Cooling & Heating! Replaced both HVAC units with super efficient Bryant units. Have worked flawlessly! Reduced power bill by a solid 30 percent! Blake, Zac and Mason are all genuinely good people. I couldn’t be happier.”

Duct Cleaning Services

Douglas Cooling & Heating offer a variety of services and HVAC repairs. Besides regular maintenance and tune-ups, another popular request is our duct cleaning services. We understand how clogged or dirty ductwork can impact your heating and cooling system’s performance, efficiency, and lifespan.

Our NATE-certified technicians come through every time to clear out anything obstructing your airflow. The testimony below goes into detail about our duct cleaning services, which made him a customer for life:

Joel T. of Greater Birmingham says,

“Recently, Tyler and another young gentleman came to a home we just purchased in Double Springs to do a vent cleaning. They were on-time, very courteous and professional. The only problem I had with the experience is that they proved me right. The stuff that came out of the vents was disgusting. If it wasn’t for Tyler and Douglas, we would be breathing in some horrible stuff. Thank you, Douglas, for this service. Right price and great, professional service. You’ve gained a regular customer.”

Douglas Cooling & Heating – Birmingham’s HVAC Leader

It may feel challenging to find a heating and cooling company you can trust. Luckily for residents in and around Birmingham, Alabama, Douglas Cooling & Heating is reliable, professional and knowledgeable.

Trust the words of our customers and check us our yourself. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for HVAC maintenance, tune-ups, repairs, and upgrade installations.  

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Weigh the Pros and Cons

Keeping your pets cool and comfortable during the summer months is a high priority for pet owners in Alabama. You can still keep your furry friends cool without leaving your air conditioning running 24/7. You can raise the temperature a few degrees and still keep your pets comfortable in your home.

Learn the pros and cons of cooling your pets by keeping your air conditioning running and discover other ways to keep them comfy while indoors.

Show Your Pets Some Love

Keeping your pets comfortable during the day when the temperature is at its hottest takes more than just your air conditioning running. By only running your cooling system, you run the risk of higher energy bills and more wear and tear on the components inside the unit.

The added stress on your air conditioner will reduce its life expectancy, forcing you to buy a new unit sooner.

Your air conditioner can take a break in the mornings and evenings when the heat is lower outside. This allows your home to stay cool during peak hours by keeping your air conditioning running for a shorter amount of time.

However, in intense heat, some pets can experience heatstroke. Keep your air conditioning running to avoid health risks to your pets instead of turning your unit off when you aren’t home.

You will still experience energy consumption by leaving your air conditioning running at different times, and when it’s set at a higher temperature, the cooling system can take a break when needed and not risk overheating.

Try These Tips to Beat the Heat

So, adjust your thermostat a few degrees and limit the amount of time your air conditioner operates. Here are additional ways to keep your adorable pets cool during the summer heat waves:

• Keep the Air Flowing: Ceiling fans and portable fans are an easy way to keep your pets cool. They don’t generate cold air, instead, they move air-conditioned air throughout a room, causing a wind-chill effect.
  
  Your pets will enjoy the gentle breezes while the fans are operating and your air conditioner won’t need to work harder to maintain pre-set temperature settings.
  
• Provide Shade: When the sun beats directly into your house, it causes the temperature indoors to rise. Warmer temperatures signal your thermostat to cool your home by keeping your air conditioning running longer.
  
  Pull the blinds down on your windows or close curtains to block the direct sunlight. This keeps temperatures cool and allows your pets to relax comfortably.
  
  Plus, this tip allows your air conditioner to rest, reducing the amount of energy used during the day.

• Don’t Leave Them Parched: Just like humans, your pets need water to stay hydrated and cool off. Make sure your pets enjoy plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day and leave more when you’re gone.
  
• Cool Treats: If the temperature outside is especially hot, try cooling your pet off from the inside out. You can make or buy cool treats to allow your pet to cool off.
  
• Reduce Exercise: If you own a dog and walk it regularly, try to limit the amount of exercise it gets during the hottest hours of the day. Take early morning walks or evening walks when the sun is going down. This will prevent your pet from overheating and experiencing heatstroke.

Constant Air Conditioning Running is Unnecessary

Find a temperature setting you can deal with and use fans and shading to assist with cooling your pets when the heat is high. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for help when your air conditioner is malfunctioning. We perform routine maintenance and HVAC repairs to keep you, your family, and your pets healthy and comfy.

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Know the Difference Between an Easy Fix and a Job Requiring a Professional

With the summer almost over, your air conditioning system might be experiencing some performance issues. Some HVAC repairs issues are easy to fix on your own, like replacing the filter or removing debris from the outside unit.

However, more serious issues can occur with your cooling system, and you may not be prepared to deal with them yourself.

This is when Douglas Cooling & Heating comes to the rescue. There are certain warning signs your air conditioner will exhibit when something is seriously wrong. If you are experiencing any of the issues below, call Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately for an HVAC repair. Our NATE-certified technicians are knowledgeable, and they have seen it all!

Call for HVAC Repair – HVAC Unit is Making Strange Noises

Air conditioners are designed to operate quietly, while supplying your home with cool temperatures. If you notice loud noises when your air conditioner is running, there may be a serious problem.

Excessive noise while your unit is running can result from a number of causes, which is why scheduling an HVAC repair is necessary. Our NATE-certified professionals will inspect your cooling system, diagnose the problem, and suggest options to fix the issue.

Call for HVAC Repair – Your Unit is Older than 10 Years

When air conditioning units get older, they experience more issues and require more HVAC repairs. If your system is 10 years old or more, call Douglas Cooling & Heating. The cost of HVAC repairs to an existing system will continue to rise. Often a new, more efficient system is more cost-effective than continuing to dump money into an old cooling unit.

Although older air conditioners may experience small HVAC repairs here and there, the wear and tear of added stress over time will catch up with your unit’s performance.

Douglas Cooling & Heating is a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, which means we do whatever it takes to make our customers happy and keep them comfortable in their homes.

We stock and install only the best Bryant products on the market! All our technicians are licensed and experienced to service your new unit, without voiding any new warranties. We offer free estimates for new units, as well as financing options to fit any budget!

Call for HVAC Repair – Cooling System Won’t Start

If you notice your air conditioning unit isn’t starting up, the problem might be an electrical issue or something wrong with the unit itself. Poking around inside your cooling system is not advised. This can lead to serious injury to yourself and damage to your home.

Before another heat wave hits, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule an HVAC repair. Our technicians will find the problem, and they will discuss your options to correct the problem.

Call for HVAC Repair – Unexplained High Energy Bill

During the summer, you will notice if your energy bill matches with how much you are running your cooling system. If you aren’t running your AC often, and your energy bill continues to rise, something is wrong.

When the unit isn’t kept clean and maintained, problems occur. Normal wear and tear on a unit cause performance issues and decrease its efficiency. A preventative maintenance plan helps catch signs of unnecessary stress on your unit.

You might have issues with airflow, frozen coils or a number of other factors. The best way to diagnose what’s causing your high energy bill is to schedule an HVAC repair with Douglas Cooling & Heating.

We will inspect both the indoor unit and outdoor unit to find the problem, so you can relax in cool temperatures before the summer ends.

Call for HVAC Repair – Unit Keeps Short Cycling

Short cycling occurs when an air conditioning unit turns on and off every few minutes. This problem can be the result of an electrical issue or a damaged compressor. Either of these issues needs to be addressed by a heating and cooling expert immediately.

Short cycling can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner and cause your unit to overheat unexpectedly. An HVAC repair technician will give you options for correcting the problem. If the compressor has failed, our NATE-certified experts will suggest the best option for upgrading to a more energy-efficient unit.

Douglas Cooling & Heating – HVAC Repair Experts

Don’t wait until it’s too late, and your air conditioning unit has called it quits. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule an HVAC repair now. We will diagnose the problem, and present affordable options to get your cooling system up and running quickly.

If your unit is too far gone, we will suggest upgrade options to fit your budget. Concerned about expenses? Don’t be – we offer financing options. At Douglas Cooling & Heating, we care about your safety and comfort.

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