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

Birmingham Public Schools Last Day is May 23

The end of school for most kids in Birmingham is today, which means summer is on the horizon, and so is summer break! Energy bills can soar during the summer months when everyone is home all day long. Your air conditioning efficiency doesn’t get much of a break during the day while everyone flocks indoors to cool off from the rising temperatures outside.

Not to worry! Douglas Cooling & Heating has the perfect solution to your increased energy bills and tired cooling system. Adjusting your thermostat during the summer will help tremendously with cooling costs. We can even help you with upgrading your current thermostat to a more advanced version.

Adjust Thermostat Settings

Programming your thermostat to increase energy savings is one of the easiest tasks to perform this summer. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider upgrading your current one now rather than later in the year. Raise your thermostat to a higher temperature 30 minutes before leaving for work or going to bed. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can also set your thermostat to change 30 minutes before coming home or before you wake up in the morning.

To determine how high of a temperature you can withstand without sacrificing comfort, start raising your thermostat by one degree every day. Your body will adjust to the slow temperature change, indicating your threshold for comfort. Every few degrees save you money on your energy and improve your air conditioning efficiency. After figuring out the temperature comfortable for your household, make it the preset temperature when you are home and awake.

While you are away from your house, pull the blinds closed over your windows. By limiting the amount of sun shining into your home, especially during the hottest times of the day, you will reduce the amount of heat gain raising your indoor temperature setting. Utilize a centrally located ceiling fan in your home to circulate cool air.  

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Older “dial” thermostats are one of the biggest obstacles for your cooling system and its efficiency. Newer and more advanced programmable thermostats are designed to impact air conditioning efficiency. You don’t have to manually set the temperature for when you wake up, leave, arrive home, or go to bed. Each programmable thermostat offers different features.

• Wi-Fi compatibilities are one of the most useful features for programmable thermostats. You can access and change your thermostat settings at home or from anywhere in the world with Wi-Fi access. Most thermostats have mobile applications for smartphones and tablets for easy monitoring and quick adjustments.
• Homeowners are sent email reminders when maintenance is needed and when it’s time to change the air filter on their HVAC unit. A smart thermostat will even notify you when something is wrong with your system so you can quickly schedule an HVAC repair.
• Smart thermostats are more accurate than any other thermostat available. Many detect the number of occupants in a room and independently adjust the temperature without you lifting a finger. With increased accuracy, your home will experience consistent temperatures in every room without forcing your HVAC system to operate more than necessary.
• Zoning capabilities are easily achieved with the use of a smart thermostat combined with zoned heating and cooling. Rooms are independently cooled, allowing your unit to operate more efficiently, not working harder to cool empty rooms.

Get ready for the end of the school year and your kids being home during the day by adjusting your thermostat settings to boost air conditioning efficiency. With the right programmable or smart thermostat in your home, you can achieve even more energy efficiency and savings. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to upgrade to a smart thermostat and ensure installation is quick and easy.

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Important Tips for New Homeowners

Buying a home for the first time is a joyous occasion, and occasionally stressful. New homeowners tend to spend money right and left to furnish their new home – one thing it’s easy to forget about is the additional cost of HVAC repair and maintenance.

New homeowners need to know the basics of HVAC maintenance to ensure their equipment lasts long after purchasing a home. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers different preventative maintenance plans at affordable prices for any homeowner. Learn the facts and benefits of HVAC maintenance early and save yourself headaches in the future.

The Basics of HVAC Maintenance

Routine HVAC maintenance performed twice a year will keep you and your family healthy and comfortable throughout the year. Although different maintenance plans include certain features, the basics of what is performed are almost always the same. All of Douglas Cooling & Heating preventative maintenance plans include:

• Cleaning of the outdoor and indoor coil
• Inspection of the electrical components
• Checking the unit’s efficiency and ability to store an electrical charge
• Lubricating the motors and other components at risk for friction while operating
• Tightening all electrical connections
• Cleaning the burners
• Replacing the filter
• Checking the gas pressure
• Cleaning the drain line
• Checking pressure levels
• Checking the flue pipe and
• Vacuuming the air handler.

The differences between each HVAC maintenance plan offered by Douglas Cooling & Heating are:

• The discounts on repairs and new systems
• The diagnostic fee during normal hours and after hours
• Service and maintenance reminders
• After hours customer service and
• Whether or not Douglas Cooling & Heating Bucks are eligible.

The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Your heating and cooling system is an expensive necessity in your home, which is why HVAC maintenance is extremely important. HVAC maintenance provides several benefits to your your family and your wallet, such as:

• Healthy Indoor Air Quality:

Keeping your heating and cooling system clean ensures the air filter will be inspected and replaced when necessary. During operation, the unit will collect dirt, dust, pollen and other debris coming in from outside and inside your home, removed by your tech during maintenance. A clean filter will prevent pollutants from escaping into your indoor air, keeping you and your family healthier every day.

• Fewer HVAC Repairs and Breakdowns:

A unit not maintained on a regular basis will exhibit more problems, which will turn into expensive repairs in the future. HVAC maintenance catches problems in your system early, allowing you to repair or replace parts according to your budget. Emergency HVAC repairs demand payment immediately to get your heating and cooling equipment operational within a short period of time. You might not have a budget prepared to cover the cost of a breakdown or malfunction.

• Lower Energy Bills:

Your heating and cooling system will operate more efficiently and smoothly when it is regularly cleaned and serviced. Signs of wear and tear are identified and fixed during an HVAC maintenance call. Without maintenance, the wear and tear on your unit from too much stress forces it to work harder, increasing the amount of energy needed to heat or cool your home.

• Increased Lifespan:

By catching wear and tear issues, HVAC maintenance lengthens the lifespan of your heating and cooling unit. You won’t have to worry about buying a replacement or an upgraded HVAC system before you are financially ready. The small cost of a maintenance plan is nothing compared the cost of installing a new HVAC unit.

Buying a home is a major responsibility. Caring for the appliances accompanying  a house is not to be taken lightly. Approach your new home and its contents with respect and a plan to keep everything running smoothly for years to come. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to discuss the different HVAC maintenance plans available and which one would be right for you.

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No Alabamian Wants a Hot and Humid Party…

Late spring and early summer are busy times for celebrations, such as Mother’s Day, graduations, and bridal and baby showers. One thing all these parties have in common is a guest list, which means more people in your Alabama home than usual. Douglas Cooling & Heating knows the struggles you can experience when the temperature and humidity start to rise, especially when hosting a party in your home.

Prevent unexpected breakdowns with your air conditioner by scheduling service with qualified technicians who have seen it all! Our NATE-certified technicians will clean and inspect your air conditioner during service, including repairing or replacing damaged components found during the service call. Follow these tips to ensure your home stays cool during your celebrations and call Douglas Cooling & Heating for additional help with your cooling needs.

Change Your Air Conditioning Filter

Your air conditioner depends on an air filter to trap and remove pollutants in your home air on a daily basis. Common pollutants include dirt, dust, pollen and other debris. When the filter is too dirty, it can become clogged and stop working to trap contaminants before they circulate through your air ducts.

Particulates begin to build up in your ductwork, restricting airflow and forcing your air conditioner to work harder to deliver cool temperatures to every room in your house. Check your filter once a month, at a minimum, and replace it every few months to ensure it traps pollutants easily, allowing your cooling unit to operate efficiently without breakdowns.

Improve Airflow

Besides the air conditioner’s filter, your unit can experience air flow problems due to dirty evaporator coils or condenser coils. Dirty evaporator coils prevent air from moving across them, which influences how easily your home cools. The condenser coil is responsible for depositing heat from your home outside, if it is dirty, it can’t effectively move heat outdoors.

Check your outdoor unit for debris or vegetation crowding it and removing what you can without damaging components in the outdoor unit. If you suspect your evaporator coils or condenser coil are dirty and preventing proper airflow, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating. We will clean your coils and repair damaged parts of your outdoor unit.

Seal Air Leaks

Your HVAC unit accounts for over half of your energy usage in your home. When air leaks are present in your house, energy from your cooling system is lost through the leaks and gaps. Check windows and doors for possible air leaks. Apply caulking to windows and weatherstripping your doors to prevent energy from escaping.

Air leaks are also possible in your ductwork, especially if they aren’t regularly cleaned and inspected. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers ductwork cleaning services by our NATE-certified technicians. We will locate possible leaks, fix what we find, and replace damaged ductwork during the duct cleaning.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are underestimated and can be your best friend during your festivities. They circulate cool air throughout your home when you need it most and give your air conditioner time to relax during the hottest part of the day. By not operating as hard or as often, ceiling fans boost your air conditioner’s efficiency while keeping your home cool for your guests. Increased efficiency not only saves you money on your energy bill, it promotes a healthy air conditioner to last long past summer.

Schedule Air Conditioner Maintenance

Scheduling maintenance on your air conditioner will ensure your unit is clean and operating with a clean filter before your guests arrive. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers preventative maintenance plans at affordable pricing, which keeps your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pumps in tip-top shape year-round. Maintenance keeps your HVAC equipment in check and catches small problems before they escalate into expensive repairs in the future.

Keep your air conditioner healthy and avoid surprise breakdowns when guests arrive. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating now to schedule maintenance or service on your air conditioner. We want your guests to experience cool temperatures in a comfortable environment, regardless of the weather outside.

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Do You Use This Air Conditioner Alternative? Read on…

Heat pumps provide controlled temperatures year-round, which means they work without taking a break. Air conditioners take breaks between seasons, giving you plenty of time to service them before they are needed again.

Working year-round means your heat pump needs more attention than the average air conditioner to keep it operating smoothly and efficiently when the seasons change. Use these heat pump tips to keep you and your family cool this summer!

Tip #1: Schedule Heat Pump Maintenance

The best way to ensure your heat pump performs smoothly this summer is by scheduling maintenance with a licensed HVAC professional. Routine service keeps your unit clean, including the components and ductwork. Scheduling maintenance before the summer heat and humidity hit provides several benefits to you and your wallet.

Neglected heat pumps experience more wear and tear during the year, resulting in more malfunctions and breakdowns. You can save yourself a headache and money by catching problems early with preventative maintenance. HVAC repair costs are kept low when issues, especially damaged components, are diagnosed before summer arrives.

Saving energy is another benefit of heat pump maintenance. A serviced and clean unit will perform optimally and more efficiently, using less energy to cool your home. You will notice the effect on your energy bill every month when you regularly service your heat pump. Dust, dirt, grime and other debris are kept to a minimum in your heat pump, allowing cool air to circulate throughout your home unobstructed.

Tip #2: Inspect the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit for your heat pump can suffer from the sun beating down on it, especially during the peak hours of the day. Debris from storms such as leaves, limbs and twigs can clog your outdoor unit, forcing it to work harder to keep your home cool indoors. Overgrown vegetation and grass clippings also have the tendency to obstruct airflow, so keep these contained. Other problems with your outdoor unit can decrease your heat pump’s efficiency, leading to an inconvenient breakdown. The fan motor can fail or be damaged, causing the outdoor unit to overheat on a hot day. Refrigerant leaks or dirty coils can keep heat from properly transferring between the indoor and outdoor unit.

These are more serious issues so if you suspect damage, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for service on your heat pump now before it turns into an expensive breakdown during the Alabama heat waves.

Tip #3: Replace Your Heat Pump Filters

Dirty or clogged filters are a common cause of major and minor malfunctions in heat pumps. Heat pumps require a higher volume of airflow to effectively cool your home. When an air filter is dirty, the air volume flowing throughout the ducts is reduced and decreases a heat pump’s efficiency.

Check your heat pump filter monthly and replace it if you notice excess dirt, which compromises your heat pump’s performance and reduces your indoor air quality. If you schedule routine maintenance with Douglas Cooling & Heating, our NATE-certified technicians will inspect and change your filter during the call. We understand the importance of clean filters and healthy airflow in your home. After all, filters affect your cooling units efficiency and your family’s health.

Tip #4: Check Your Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat is the communication center for your heat pump and the desired temperature in your home. Older dial thermostats often give inaccurate readings, resulting in uneven temperatures from room-to-room. With new advanced programmable thermostats, you can preset temperature schedules when you are home, away and asleep, saving you money every month on your energy bill. Even while on vacation this summer you can keep your heat pump operating efficiently by adjusting the temperature higher and not requiring your heat pump to run as often.

Ensure your heat pump is operating efficiently this summer by giving it the care and attention it needs. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule maintenance now to prevent unexpected breakdowns in the middle of Birmingham’s hottest temperatures. We offer quality heat pump, air conditioner and ductless unit service backed by exceptional customer satisfaction for every job!

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What Does SEER Mean?

Are you noticing higher energy bills from your air conditioning unit? Is your current system between 10 and 15 years old? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it’s time to invest in a new air conditioner.

Today’s energy-efficient units are labeled with a special Energy Guide sticker informing you how efficient it operates, known as the SEER rating. Douglas Cooling & Heating is a Bryant Factory-Authorized Dealer and we carry several Bryant air conditioners to fit any budget.

What a SEER Rating Means

The SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on your current or new air conditioner, indicates its cooling efficiency. SEER measures the unit’s cooling output to its power input. A new air conditioner with a high SEER rating indicates how efficient it is compared to other units. The higher the rating, the more efficient an air conditioner. Higher efficiency means your cooling system will use less energy to operate and save you more money on your energy bill.

In recent years, SEER ratings have increased, and older units are less efficient than new models. New air conditioners are required to have a SEER rating of 14 or higher as of January 2015. Douglas Cooling & Heating sells new air conditioners energy-efficient with high SEER ratings. Our NATE-certified technicians install new air conditioner units quickly after properly sizing your home for the capacity you need.

Know the SEER Rating of Your New Air Conditioner

It’s amazing! Current units trounce those manufactured as little as a decade ago. New air conditioners have an EnergyGuide label on them, so homeowners can determine their unit’s SEER rating. The label is easy to find and will indicate the new air conditioner unit’s efficiency compared to other units. You can investigate how much money you will save from a new air conditioner by visiting the Department of Energy online. There are several energy and cost saving calculator documents to help you determine which SEER rating will give you the best savings.

Purchasing a new air conditioner unit with Douglas Cooling & Heating means you won’t have to question the quality or efficiency of your new system. Our technicians will explain how your new system works and help you understand how best to use and maintain it. We want you to love your new air conditioner from the minute you switch it on, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Boost the SEER Rating

After installing your new air conditioner, consider investing in a preventative maintenance plan to protect your investment and preserve any manufacturer warranties. An air conditioner, just like any major home appliance, is an expensive purchase. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps your unit performing its best at all times.

Maintenance ensures your equipment is clean by eliminating excess dust, dirt and other debris accumulated during the spring, summer, and early fall months. Dust and dirt sound minor, but they can negatively impact your new air-conditioning system, including restricting the airflow in your ductwork.

Regular maintenance cleans your unit and it catches problems early preventing expensive HVAC repairs. Taking care of your air conditioner will keep repair costs low, ensure your system performs as efficiently as it can, and prolong the lifespan of your new unit. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers several different preventative maintenance plans, so you can choose one in line with your budget.

Know what you are buying when it comes time to invest in a new air conditioner. Make sure your new system has a high SEER rating and purchase a preventative maintenance plan to keep it performing efficiently. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for a great line of Bryant air conditioners with installation performed by our trusted NATE-certified technicians.

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So, the warmer weather is increasing, and you notice your air conditioning unit has stopped working. Don’t panic just yet! There might be a simple reason for the problem a heating and air conditioning repair can quickly fix and have your home cooling off before you know it. If repairs are accumulating, it might be time to upgrade your current HVAC unit and purchase a new air conditioner from Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Heating and Air Conditioning Repair

Air conditioners can be finicky at times, especially if not properly maintained during the year. Just because you don’t feel cool air blowing doesn’t mean the air conditioner has stopped working. There a variety of reasons why your HVAC system isn’t functioning correctly. The most common air conditioning problems are:

• The fan in the outdoor unit is dysfunctional
• The compressor in the outside unit has overheated
• Bad electrical connections both outside and inside
• A refrigerant leak, low refrigerant levels, or no refrigerant all
• Faulty thermostat providing false readings and
• Condensate drain is clogged or not correctly draining

The best way to identify the problem and if it can be fixed is by scheduling heating and air conditioning repair with a licensed professional. Douglas Cooling & Heating employs only the best HVAC technicians in the industry who are NATE-certified and continuously trained. Hiring quality professionals guarantees you get excellent service every time. Our technicians are skilled and knowledgeable with years of experience under their belts. They are equipped to handle any problem with any make or model they come across during a heating and air conditioning repair call.

Preventive Maintenance for the Future

If your cooling system is repairable, you need to take steps to prevent unexpected problems from happening in the future. Preventative maintenance is important for any HVAC system. By maintaining your equipment, common allergens, such as pollen, dirt and dust, are kept to a minimum while your system is operating.

Filters are changed during routine maintenance calls, which allows them to better trap and eliminate more contaminants from your indoor air. Your heating and cooling system be healthier and your indoor air quality improve, too. Healthy indoor air keeps your home cleaner and lowers health risks to you and your family, especially if anyone has asthma or respiratory illnesses.

Maintenance catches problems early, and technicians can repair or replace damaged components before they harm your system further. Unless your system is old, most malfunctions and breakdowns can be avoided with regularly scheduled maintenance twice a year. Fewer problems mean less heating and air conditioning repairs, which saves you money over time. Maintenance also boosts your system’s performance and efficiency, lengthening its lifespan. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers three levels of preventative maintenance plans to fit any budget.  

Time for a New HVAC Unit

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, including your HVAC system. Even with proper maintenance, your unit will call it quits permanently. If your system is older than 10-15 years or the cost of the heating and air conditioning repair is more than your current unit is worth, it’s time to purchase a new HVAC system. You may also consider if the cost to repair the unit is negligible compared to the combination of a new more efficient unit and the energy savings you’ll enjoy.

There are a few things to consider before investing in a new unit. Newer HVAC models have ratings and specifications to indicate efficiency compared to other models. Search for a new heating and cooling system with high SEER/EER and HSPF rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient a unit will be, lowering your energy bill and saving you money.

Douglas Cooling & Heating is a Bryant Factory-Authorized Dealer, and we sell only the best quality HVAC products to our Alabama customers. We offer to finance new HVAC systems so you can purchase without stressing over money. We have several different financing options for you to choose and each features different benefits. For more information about our financing options, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to speak with our friendly sales staff.

Don’t get stuck sweating the heat this season! Schedule 24/7 heating and air conditioning repair with Douglas Cooling & Heating to get your unit up and running fast. Douglas Cooling & Heating is your one-stop shop for all your HVAC needs, including preventative maintenance and installation of a new system. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule service or to learn more about our financing options for a new heating and cooling system.

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Warmer weather is right around the corner and so is a higher energy bill if you aren’t careful. Your HVAC system switches from heating to cooling with the rising temperatures. If your unit isn’t ready for the switch, its performance and efficiency are reduced and cause your energy bill to skyrocket. The added stress on your heating and cooling system due to the fluctuating temperatures leads to malfunctions and breakdowns when you least expect them. Follow these five heating and cooling energy saving tips this spring to reduce your energy bill without sacrificing your indoor comfort.

Tip #1 – Preventative Maintenance Is Vital

The most important thing you can do for your heating and cooling system is to schedule maintenance before spring arrives. Dirt, dust and other debris will accumulate throughout your system and ductwork during the winter. Maintenance cleans your unit, eliminating excess dust and preventing clogs in your ductwork. When the airflow in your home is compromised due to a clog or other obstruction, your unit has to work harder to provide controlled temperatures throughout your home. Maintenance improves airflow, which increases your system’s efficiency and produces heating and cooling energy savings immediately.

Tip #2 – Change Your Air Filter

Check your air filter on a regular basis to reduce clogging in your system and ductwork. When a filter is dirty, airflow is restricted and there is a greater chance for dirt, dust and other debris to get caught inside your ductwork. Clogged ducts prevent warm and cool air from circulating around your house, which interferes with your thermostat obtaining accurate readings. Your heating and cooling unit will have to work harder to provide ideal temperatures throughout your home, increases the amount of energy used by your unit. Inspecting and changing out your filter before it becomes a problem will boost heating and cooling energy savings every month.

Tip #3 – Inspect Your Outdoor Unit

Clear away any leaves, branches, twigs and other debris from around your outdoor unit restricting airflow. If you notice a layer of dirt, pollen or dust on your coils, gently hose them off with water or call an HVAC technician to properly clean your outdoor unit for you.

Rodents and pests are another problem affecting outdoor units. During the winter, small animals seek shelter in dry, warm places, including inside your outdoor unit. If you notice scratches around or on your unit or signs of an infestation, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to have your outdoor unit inspected and cleaned. Our professionals will check for chewed wiring or damage to other components inside your outdoor unit during an HVAC repair. Catching problems with your outdoor unit will cut back on expensive repairs in the future and increase your heating and cooling energy savings.

Tip #4 – Schedule Air Duct Cleaning

Schedule an HVAC repair to have your air ducts, vents, and registers professionally cleaned before the start of spring. A thorough duct cleaning eliminates dirt and debris from accumulating and reducing the airflow in your system. During the service call, our NATE-certified technicians will check for air leaks throughout your ductwork and seal them if necessary. An inspection will also discover if any ductwork is damaged and will be replaced immediately. Damaged ducts and air leaks increase your energy usage without you realizing it. Most people forget about their ducts since they are hidden from view. Duct cleaning increases your heating and cooling energy savings by finding and sealing leaks and improving the airflow when air is circulated throughout your home.

Tip #5 – Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you have an older thermostat, now is the time to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat before the change in seasons. The heating and cooling energy savings you will get with a new programmable thermostat are amazing. You can program settings to fit your schedule based on when you are home, away, asleep, and on vacation. A programmable thermostat prevents your HVAC system from kicking on repeatedly while you are at work or school, decreasing the wear and tear on your unit and reducing energy wasted during the day.

Take advantage of heating and cooling energy savings this spring by scheduling maintenance, replacing your air filter regularly, and inspecting your outdoor unit. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to have a professional clean your ducts or install a new programmable thermostat to boost savings further. Our NATE-certified technicians are standing by, ready to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs.

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Spring is here, and summer is soon to follow, which means it’s time get your lakehouse ready. When you are opening up your lake house this year, consider doing more than just opening some windows and vacuuming. Your HVAC system needs some attention by scheduling lakehouse air conditioning maintenance from the experts at Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our technicians are experienced and will get your unit running smoothly. If you are unsure if maintenance is necessary, consider the following three signs when running your air conditioner.

Sign #1: What Do You Hear?

An air conditioning system should be quiet and if your unit is making strange or loud noises, it’s time to schedule lakehouse air conditioning maintenance. Loud or unexpected noises are a warning sign something is wrong and maintenance is your best way to diagnose the problem before it escalates into something bigger. Noises from your air conditioner can mean any number of things. Debris, such as leaves, twigs, trash and rodent nests, can get lodged in the blower motor. Simple maintenance will clean your unit of the debris and your system will be ready for hot weather in no time.

If the problem is more serious, such as a condenser close to breaking or a bad compressor belt, lake house air conditioning maintenance will diagnose the problem so the appropriate measures can be taken to fix the damaged component quickly. A typical noise from your air conditioner is the blower or fan circulating while the air conditioner is running. Banging or rattling indicates a serious problem, so schedule maintenance immediately with Douglas Cooling & Heating to reduce the chance of breakdown.

Sign #2: What Do You Smell?

A healthy air conditioning system won’t produce a smell when operating. If you start your air conditioner up and you instantly smell a mildew odor, schedule lake house air conditioning maintenance. A mildew or moldy smell indicates mold might be growing somewhere inside your air conditioning system. You won’t know if the mold growth is in your actual unit or the ductwork until a Douglas Cooling & Heating professional inspects your air conditioner. Mold in your system can cause damage to your lake house and reduces your indoor air quality. Anyone in your family or visiting your lake house with allergies, asthma or respiratory issues will be greatly affected by the mold in your system.

Sign #3: What Do You Feel?

The most obvious sign there is a problem with your air conditioning system is when it blows warm or hot air. A healthy air conditioner will provide cool, crisp air throughout your lake house and if you aren’t getting it, schedule lake house air conditioning maintenance. Your air conditioner might blow cool air less cool than the last time it was used.

The issue might be simple, such as recharging the refrigerant level in the air conditioner.  However, the best way ensure proper operation of your unit is to call Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our friendly and skilled NATE-certified technicians will inspect your system during maintenance and diagnose whatever is causing the problem with your unit preventing it from producing cold air.

Schedule your lake house air conditioning maintenance early and catch problems early! Our technicians will get your unit performing efficiently so you can seek shelter indoors from the summer heat. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today!

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Are you gearing up for March Madness by inviting family and friends over for a party? Before you start making a guest list and menu, ask yourself if your HVAC system is ready for houseguests and the fluctuating March temperatures. Dealing with furnace breakdowns at the last minute can be expensive and stressful. Here are some tips to get your heating and cooling system ready before you plan your celebration.

Tip #1: Schedule Preventative Maintenance

The most important tip to keep your system healthy and prevent furnace breakdowns is to schedule preventative maintenance. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers affordable maintenance plans conveniently with your busy schedule. Regular maintenance keeps your system clean, catches malfunctions early and extends the life of your equipment. Ensuring your system is kept healthy increases energy efficiency and saves you money on your monthly energy bill.

Tips #2: Change the Filter

One of the easiest ways you can prevent furnace breakdowns is by changing your furnace filter on a regular basis. The filter is responsible for catching any dust, dirt or debris in your air before it is circulated throughout your home. When the filter is dirty or clogged, it can’t properly filter the air and the dirt and dust reduce the airflow in your system. Restricted airflow forces your system to work harder and puts unnecessary stress on your HVAC system, creating higher energy bills.

Tip #3: Clean the Outdoor Unit

Most people forget about their outdoor unit, which can lead to malfunctions in the spring. Inspect the area around the outdoor unit for debris, such as leaves, twigs and branches. Check the exterior for damage from hail and winter storms. Debris on your unit and around it can interfere with the airflow and cause the unit to overheat. If you notice a layer of dust and dirt on the top of the coils, gently hose them off with water. If you notice a rodent or pest seeking shelter inside the outdoor unit, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to have the unit inspected. A pest infestation can lead to chewed wiring and damaged components. An HVAC repair is your safest bet to avoid HVAC failure this spring.

Tip #4: Schedule Ductwork Inspection

Before you get your March Madness party started, schedule an inspection of your ductwork. Our HVAC technicians will clean your ducts, vents and registers. If there are any air leaks found during the inspection, we will properly seal them to promote energy savings this spring and promote healthy airflow throughout your ductwork. Clean ducts free of leaks help your thermostat achieve accurate readings, also helping prevent furnace breakdowns.

Tip #5: Check Thermostat Settings

Thermostat settings can either make or break your HVAC system’s performance. When the thermostat settings are too high or low for the season, it puts extra stress on your unit. A furnace constantly kicking on when the outside weather is warm wastes energy and adds wear and tear to the components. A system always in use eventually experiences furnace breakdowns, which become costly to fix every time.

Tip #6: Upgrading to a Smart Thermostat

If you have an old thermostat now is time to upgrade to a smart, programmable thermostat for your March Madness party. Smart thermostats increase energy savings by boosting your HVAC system’s efficiency. You have more control over your temperature settings due to Wi-Fi capabilities between the smart thermostat and your smartphone, tablet or other Wi-Fi devices, as well as the thermostat’s learning capabilities for ideal comfort control. Energy reports are sent via email to share your heating and cooling system’s energy usage and suggest where savings can be achieved with your HVAC system. Smart thermostats even provide reminders to schedule maintenance and change filters. Alerts are sent when there is a problem with your unit so an HVAC repair can be scheduled quickly.

For more information about upgrading to a smart thermostat, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to speak with one of our NATE-certified technicians. We will suggest the best thermostat for your HVAC system and your home.

Save your money for snacks and prevent furnace breakdowns during your March Madness party by scheduling maintenance with Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our NATE-certified technicians are experienced and will deliver exceptional service every time. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today!

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