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

If you’re in the market for a new heating and cooling system for your Birmingham, AL home, you might have considered a heat pump. Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home with one unit and are better at dehumidifying that an air conditioner. But before you invest in a heat pump, you want to have all your facts straight including what to expect for maintenance, installation, and energy bills for your heat pump.

Douglas Cooling & Heating can answer these questions along with what maintenance needs to be done on a heat pump to keep your home comfortable in every season.

Why Should I Install A Heat Pump?

Heat pumps are incredibly energy-efficient heating and cooling systems that can replace your current HVAC system, or be installed in your newly constructed home. Many homes in Birmingham have heat pumps installed already. Heat pumps are capable of cooling your home in the summer and heating it in the winter. However, since these systems work year-round, they don’t tend to last as long as a traditional HVAC system composed of an air conditioner and a furnace. The average life expectancy of a heat pump is 10-15 years.

Heat pumps are also more expensive than a traditional HVAC system, but they are much more energy efficient. Heat pumps do not rely on natural gas and only need electricity to make your home comfortable. Because of their efficiency, many homeowners notice a drastic increase in savings on energy bills when they make the switch from a furnace and air conditioner to a heat pump

I’ve Heard Heat Pumps Need More Maintenance, Is That True?

Heat pumps need to be serviced twice a year, once in the spring before the cooling season starts and again in the winter before the heating season starts. Your technician will clean your system and make sure your reversing valve is working properly to ensure that your system will be able to make your home comfortable as the season changes.

Now you might think that a heat pump might not be worth investing in since it requires more service, however when you compare a heat pump to a traditional HVAC system that’s composed of an air conditioner and a furnace, the maintenance works out to be the same. A furnace and an air conditioner also need to be serviced once a year. When you do the math, you can have two systems, each serviced once a year or one system that needs service twice a year. In the end, you’ll require the same amount of maintenance.

What Services Are Done During Heat Pump Maintenance?

When you call Douglas Cooling & Heating for heat pump maintenance, your technician will:

• Change the air filter as needed. Check the filter manufacturer’s recommendation for frequency while considering special factors about your home that may increase the frequency of changes, such as pets or smoking in the home.
• Keep exterior coils clean year-round. Cut off power to the unit and use a hose to clear away dirt.
• Keep vegetation at least 24 inches back from your heat pump to allow for proper airflow.
• Never store items around your exterior heat pump. This includes patio furniture, lawn tools, and outdoor toys.
• Remove snow and ice from your unit’s exterior in the winter. This prevents damage and allows air to flow freely to the unit.
• Flush the unit’s condensate pan and drain to eliminate clogs that could cause mold growth and water damage to the surrounding areas.

Make Heat Pump Maintenance Easy By Joining Our 24/7 Club

Remembering to schedule HVAC Maintenance can be a difficult task. Douglas Cooling & Heating helps by providing a service plan that can help make sure you never miss an appointment again. When you sign up for the 24/7 Club Membership, we’ll call you to make a heat pump service appointment around your schedule. Membership also includes benefits like a plumbing maintenance appointment, discounts on repairs and new units, and priority service. Contact us today to sign up.

Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating To Learn More About Heat Pumps

Whether you’re looking to have a heat pump installed, or need someone who can repair your unit, you can trust the experienced technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating. We have years of experience serving homes and businesses in the Birmingham area with all their HVAC needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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HVAC systems play a vital role in keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient. If you’re considering installing a new system or upgrading your old one, you may be wondering if high-efficiency HVAC systems are for you. The HVAC team at Douglas Cooling & Heating lists the benefits of opting for an energy-efficient HVAC system so you can decide on the best choice when it comes time to shop for a new HVAC system.

How High-Efficiency HVAC Systems Work

High-efficiency HVAC systems are becoming increasingly popular, especially as homeowners look for ways to reduce their energy costs.

Electric Heat Pump Systems

There are a few different types of high-efficiency systems, but one of the most common is an electric heat pump system. Heat pump systems use electricity instead of gas to heat a home, and they can be up to 50% more efficient than traditional gas furnaces. In addition to being more efficient, heat pump systems also tend to be smaller and quieter than their gas counterparts. Because they don’t produce any emissions, they’re also better for the environment. Heat pump systems can also cool your home in the summertime, making them a very high-efficiency HVAC system because you only need one system to control your home’s comfort in every season.

Gas Systems

High-efficiency gas furnaces are another option for high-efficiency HVAC systems. There are a few key features that make high-efficiency gas furnaces more efficient than traditional models.

• First, they feature a secondary heat exchanger that captures waste heat and uses it to heat incoming air. This component is used to capture heat that would otherwise be lost through the flue pipe and helps to improve the unit’s overall efficiency by minimizing waste.
• The modulating gas valve is another important feature of high-efficiency furnaces. This valve regulates the amount of gas that flows into the furnace, and it can modulate the flame to match the demand for heat. This means that the furnace will run more efficiently, and it will use less energy overall.
• High-efficiency gas furnaces often have a variable speed blower that can adjust its operating speed to meet the specific heating needs of the home or business. By operating at a lower speed when possible, the blower uses less energy and further improves the efficiency of the furnace.

Understanding Your Energy Efficiency Rating

When it comes to shopping for modern HVAC systems, understanding their energy efficiency ratings will help you better see how much energy these units can help you save. These ratings tell you how efficiently a unit uses the energy it intakes.

• SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a measure of a heat pump or air conditioner system’s cooling efficiency. It measures cooling output divided by energy intake over the season. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system.
• HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is a measure of a heat pump system’s heating efficiency. It shares the total heating output divided by the total electricity intake over the heating season. The higher the HSPF rating, the more energy efficient the system.
• AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of a furnace system’s overall energy efficiency. It represents the total amount of heat produced for each dollar of fuel it consumes. The higher the AFUE rating, the more energy efficient the system.

For heat pump high-efficiency HVAC systems, SEER ratings usually start at 18 SEER and go up, while HSPF ratings are 9 HSPF and higher. For a furnace, a high-efficiency HVAC unit will start with an AFUE rating of 90% AFUE and go up to about 98.5% currently. With higher efficiency ratings, high-efficiency HVAC units typically cost more than standard systems. However, the energy savings they generate through lower energy consumption can provide homeowners with a greater value in ongoing lower energy bills.

Installation for High-Efficiency HVAC Systems

Installing a high-efficiency HVAC system is one of the best investments you can make for your home, for many reasons. If you’re ready to upgrade your current HVAC system with a new high-efficiency system call Douglas Cooling & Heating today. We offer top-of-the-line high-efficiency HVAC systems and have many available options to choose from. Our team will help you find the perfect energy-efficient heating system for your needs and install it quickly and professionally.

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Summer is a busy couple of months for residents in Alabama. After plenty of time spent outdoors, coming home to a cool home makes for a relaxing end to the hectic activities. Boost your air conditioner efficiency for better comfort and energy savings with these smart tips from Douglas Cooling & Heating. We want you to enjoy all Alabama has to offer this season without struggling to keep your house cool!

Tips for Enhanced Air Conditioner Efficiency

Enjoying outdoor activities all summer long can be exhausting, which is why it’s so important to come home to a cool environment. The summer heat and humidity can add stress to your cooling system when it tries to combat the rising temperatures, which will increase energy costs. Luckily, you can take preventative steps to strengthen your HVAC system and save money with these air conditioner efficiency tips:

Install a Dehumidifier

Installing a whole-home dehumidifier can improve air conditioner efficiency. Air conditioners remove some humidity from the air as they run, but they aren’t equipped to combat high humidity levels.

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, which can otherwise build up inside air conditioners and interfere with their performance. With a whole-home dehumidifier keeping the air inside your home dry, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to maintain comfortable temperatures.

Clean AC System Drain

Your air conditioner must drain away condensation produced during the cooling process. If the drain line does become blocked, it can reduce air conditioner efficiency.

One way to keep your air conditioner drain line clear is to pour one cup of chlorine bleach down it and flush the line with water. Doing this regularly will help prevent any issues related to blockages in the line. Another way to keep the drain line clear is by making sure that it is not buried under mulch or dirt outside of your home. Using a wet/dry vacuum to remove any debris or clogs can be helpful!

Use Ceiling Fans Properly

Embrace your ceiling fans this summer by running them counterclockwise. Fans push the cool air from your central air conditioner down towards the floor, creating a cool breeze that floats across the room. The cool air evaporates the perspiration on the skin, creating a wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler without touching the thermostat.

When using fans in occupied rooms or rooms with heat-producing appliances, you can actually raise the thermostat a few degrees and not notice the difference in temperature. The result will allow you to relax comfortably in your home, enhance air conditioning efficiency, and save money. Please note that the effects of the ceiling fan are only beneficial when people are around to enjoy them, so be sure to turn off the fans when people exit the room to conserve electricity.

Cover Windows

As the sun rises and the temperature begins to climb, you may be tempted to open the blinds and let in the light. Doing so can actually make your home hotter, increasing the amount of work your central air conditioning system must do to keep your home comfortable.

To keep your cool and prevent solar heat gain, it’s best to close the curtains or blinds on your windows. Doing so will help block out the heat of the day and boost air conditioner efficiency by lowering the home’s cooling load.

Improve Airflow of the Exterior Condenser Unit

During the summer months, storms deliver strong winds and rain, which can hinder your exterior unit’s ability to cool your home adequately. Branches, twigs, leaves, and other debris get blown around and up against the outdoor condensing unit, which interferes with the airflow.

Restricted airflow doesn’t allow the air compressor to cool down when it’s operating, forcing it to work harder and overheat. The air compressor will eventually fail, resulting in an expensive HVAC repair and the other components in the outdoor unit will also experience excessive wear and tear when forced to work harder to compensate. More energy is used to maintain ideal temperatures in your home when the airflow is compromised, hampering your air conditioning system.

Keep your exterior condenser unit clear of debris to protect your air conditioning unit and to avoid expensive HVAC repairs in the future. Clean up the outdoor unit whenever you’re outside doing yard work or after a strong storm.

Change the Air Filter

The air filter in your cooling system needs to be checked every month and replaced often. The exact schedule will depend on the type of air filters you use and the air quality inside your home. Often homeowners find they need to replace filters more frequently than usual during the summer months. This is due to increased system usage.

As your air conditioning operates, it pulls in dirt, dust, pollen, and other allergens. The filter is tasked with catching these particles and keeping them out of the HVAC equipment. These particles will end up clogging your filter if it isn’t changed regularly.

A dirty filter not only stops filtering contaminants in your home’s air but also restricts the airflow inside your unit. Just like with the outdoor unit, restricted airflow forces the air conditioner to work harder, expending more energy than necessary to cool your home. Check your filter and regularly replace it to keep your indoor air healthy and relieve your air conditioning system of any undue stress.

Keep Vents Open

If you’re considering opening or closing the registers in certain rooms, think again. This can actually adversely affect your air conditioning and may eventually cause serious damage to your system. Closed vents also lead to discomfort inside your home.

Occasionally, walk throughout your home and make sure all register and vent covers are open and unblocked. Remove any furniture, rugs, or other items that obstruct these vents so cold air can freely flow into your living areas.

Seal Leaky Ducts

The ductwork in your home experiences a high volume of air and pressure during the year. This traffic can cause joints to separate, forming cracks and gaps that let conditioned air out. The cool air escaping through damaged sections of your ductwork creates uneven temperatures throughout your home, which triggers your air conditioner to operate more often, reducing air conditioner efficiency.

Douglas Cooling & Heating offers professional air duct sealing to reduce air leaks and improve efficient air conditioning during the hottest times of the year. Schedule duct sealing to close air leaks, holes, and gaps in your ductwork and prevent energy loss during the summer.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

You shouldn’t go on vacation without having your car serviced beforehand, and the same is true of your cooling system. Air conditioning systems need maintenance before the heat and humidity arrive. Schedule HVAC maintenance each year, ideally in the spring, to keep your cooling unit and its components clear of dust, grime, and other debris.

During service, all components are inspected, and potential problems are diagnosed early. Regular system tune-ups improve efficiency, extends the cooling system’s lifespan, and reduce the risk of emergency HVAC repairs.

Is it Time For a New Air Conditioner?

If you’ve tried all of our tips and you find that your house isn’t comfortable and your cooling bills are still higher than you’d like them to be, it might be a sign that you need a new air conditioner. Air conditioning systems tend to last 10-15 years, and if yours is getting old, it could be a sign to switch to a new model. Douglas Cooling & Heating can install a new and much more efficient Bryant air conditioner in your home. Air conditioners have become much more energy-efficient since the last time you shopped for one, and there are even a variety of models with different efficiency ratings to choose from. Talk to Douglas Cooling & Heating when shopping for a new air conditioner and we can help you find a powerful cooling system that fits your budget.

Stay Cool for Less This Summer

Take advantage of efficient air conditioning this summer by using ceiling fans, changing the air filter, and clearing away debris from the outdoor unit. These simple tasks drastically improve your AC efficiency and help you save money on cooling costs. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule routine maintenance or professional duct cleaning from our NATE-certified technicians.

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The summer heat is on its way, and with it the inevitable humidity. You might be wondering if your air conditioner can help you battle the moisture in the air. The answer is yes, but only to a certain degree. Douglas Cooling & Heating explains how do air conditioners dehumidify your air as well as what cooling system problems may be present if you notice high humidity in your home.

How Do Air Conditioners Dehumidify Air?

Your central air conditioner works by removing heat from the indoor air in order to lower the air’s temperature. As indoor air flows through the system and passes over the evaporator coils. The refrigerant inside the evaporator coils absorbs heat, resulting in lower air temperature.

The process of cooling air causes moisture to condense. As air temperature drops, it isn’t able to hold as much water vapor. This vapor condenses into liquid on the evaporator coils and the excess moisture falls out of suspension, draining out of your air conditioner. The air conditioner’s ability to dehumidify is a natural perk. But air conditioning units aren’t always able to provide all the dehumidification needed to effectively manage indoor relative humidity levels in the summer. 

Does High Humidity Indoors Indicate the Need for Air Conditioner Repairs?

Most people think of an air conditioning unit as a device that generates cooled air, but it plays an important role in managing humidity levels, too. An air conditioner’s ability to dehumidify is often adequate when outdoor humidity levels are low, but it may be necessary to add a whole-house dehumidifier in a frequently humid climate. 

If your home feels excessively humid even while you run your AC unit, this could also be a sign of a problem with your cooling system. If you suspect that your air conditioner is not dehumidifying properly, it may be necessary to have repairs performed so that the system can function more efficiently or you may need to replace the entire unit.

Here are some of the possible problems that may be present when you notice increasingly warm and humid air in your home:

Frozen Evaporator Coils

The air conditioner’s evaporator coils can freeze, which will restrict how well your air conditioner can dehumidify. These coils can freeze up for various reasons, including:

• Poor airflow through the unit. Often caused by a dirty air filter.
• Dirt and grime cover the surface of the evaporator coils, due to a lack of maintenance.
• Low refrigerant in the system. Commonly caused by a refrigerant leak.

If you suspect your evaporator coils have iced over, turn off the system and open the access panel on the indoor unit to inspect them. Leave the cooling system off and thaw the coils. Turn on the system fan to help speed up the process. While the coils thaw, check the air filter and install a new one if needed. If you skipped your air conditioner’s preventative maintenance tune-up this year, schedule one now so the coils can be cleaned.

Duct Leaks

If you’re having problems with humidity, your ducts may be at fault. Leaks in your air ducts can allow more humidity to enter your home’s air supply, overwhelming the AC’s ability to dehumidify. Have your ducts inspected and repaired to seal up any leaks in order to prevent excess humidity from entering your home’s HVAC system?

Air Conditioner Replacement

Unfortunately, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may not be providing you with the dehumidification power you need. This is because air conditioning units wear out over time and lose their ability to properly function.

Air conditioners that struggle to dehumidify are common when the unit is too big for the home. With an oversized air conditioner, the cooling cycles are too short to allow for proper dehumidification. Whether your unit is too old or too big, replacing the air conditioner can correct these humidity problems and help improve your comfort level indoors.

Air Conditioner Repairs in Birmingham, AL

How air conditioners dehumidify goes hand in hand with the cooling process. If you’re noticing high humidity levels in your home, it is time to call for air conditioner repairs. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule repairs, maintenance, or replacement for your home’s air conditioning system.

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If your air conditioner has been around for many summers, it’s common to question if the system will be able to make it through the upcoming cooling season. Think back to your ac unit’s performance last summer – and you might start wondering how long do air conditioners last? Douglas Cooling & Heating shares the average lifespan for different types of cooling systems and what you can do to help the air conditioner last longer.

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last?

There are no expiration dates for HVAC systems, so predicting just how long ac units typically last is not an exact science. However, we can get a good idea of what to expect in terms of air conditioner lifespan by looking at the average service life of this equipment.

• On average, a central air conditioner lasts 10-15 years.
• Heat pumps typically last 10-12 years.
• Window air conditioning units average about 10 years of service.
• A portable air conditioning unit generally runs for 5-10 years.

Many variables affect the life of an air conditioner. The climate conditions in Birmingham play a role, as do your usage habits and temperature preferences. The quality of the air conditioner can impact the number of years it will run, as does the level of maintenance it receives over those years.

Tips to Extend Air Conditioner Service Life

While 10 years might seem like a long time for an HVAC system to last, considering the amount of work they do each year, you can probably understand why they won’t last forever. While no air conditioner will run indefinitely, there are plenty of things you can do to minimize system problems and extend air conditioners’ life expectancy.

1. Practice Regular Maintenance

Your air conditioning system requires maintenance to help it run properly and avoid wear and tear. Establish a proper maintenance routine for your home’s ac unit which includes a combination of DIY and HVAC professional services.

• Central air conditioners require one maintenance tune up annually; heat pump systems should receive two tune ups each year due to their use as heating systems in the winter.
• Your air filter should be changed on a regular basis. Your air filter needs to be changed on a regular basis to help keep you extend the life span of your ac unit. The manufacturer will recommend how often the filter should be changed, but we recommend you check it once per month and assess its condition yourself. Pets, air conditioning use, indoor air quality, smoking indoors, and other factors can decrease the service life of your air filter. Replace your air filters when they are dirty or you notice issues with your ac system performance.
• Keep outdoor condensing units and heat pumps clear of debris. Clean up around the outdoor unit after doing outdoor chores like mowing the lawn to keep maintain proper airflow. Be sure to remove any matter stuck against the unit’s fins, and weed around the base so vegetation doesn’t grow up to block the fins, too. Don’t store things up against the unit – leave a minimum of 24 inches clear on all sides.

A good maintenance routine will help prevent wear and tear as well as system breakdowns. If your air conditioner is well maintained over the years, it’s possible you’ll enjoy more than a decade of service from the unit, well beyond the average age of an ac unit.

2. Limit System Usage

We’re not suggesting you suffer discomfort throughout the hot months to get more time from your cooling system, but adjusting your habits can alleviate the air conditioner’s burden without making sacrifices.

• Adjust your thermostat settings to as high as you can tolerate. This will reduce the amount of time your air conditioner runs. This will lower the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures so the unit has less work to do.
• When outdoor temperatures are mild, turn off the air conditioner and open the windows instead. Just be sure to close the windows before you start up the air conditioner again.
• Use fans to cool occupied rooms and reduce air conditioning usage. You can keep comfortable even when raising the thermostat temperature a few degrees. Turn fans off when people leave the area to avoid energy waste.

3. Make Prompt Repairs

If your existing system starts to struggle or your home doesn’t feel as comfortable, don’t ignore these signs as there could be something wrong with your air conditioner. Have a professional cooling repair technician inspect your entire system and call for HVAC repairs as soon as they happen instead of waiting for your air conditioner to reach the end of its life. This will resolve any issues quickly and limit the amount of damage that can be done to the system by the faulty part or malfunction. Prompt repairs can keep energy bills low, and your HVAC equipment running efficiently.

Air Conditioner Services in Birmingham

Douglas Cooling & Heating can help you get the most out of your cooling equipment! If you’re worried that your air conditioner will not last through the summer, talk to us about new air conditioner installation services. Contact us to schedule service for your air conditioner, and our team can let you know how much longer you can expect out of your air conditioner.

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As you complete home spring cleaning this season, don’t forget to show your cooling system some attention, too! Maintenance care for your air conditioner or heat pump will help the system operate reliably and with greater energy efficiency once hot weather arrives. Here are some important spring HVAC unit maintenance tips to help you out, straight from the heating and cooling pros of Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Schedule a Cooling System Tune Up

Out of all the spring HVAC unit maintenance tips we could share, the most important one is this: schedule a professional annual HVAC maintenance servicing for your air conditioning system or heat pump. Preventative maintenance service for your cooling equipment will prepare your system for reliable performance once hot weather arrives. A tune up in the spring also improves energy efficiency and helps your air conditioning unit or heat pump last longer, too!

During a spring preventative maintenance tune up for your HVAC unit, all aspects of the HVAC system are serviced and inspected to ensure proper operation. Your technician will perform the care your cooling unit needs going into the months of heavy use, so you can rest assured your household has access to cool air when you need it most.

Any flaws in the system can be identified by a professional HVAC technician and corrected right away. This helps you avoid the possibility of a breakdown and a lack of cool air on a hot day, as well as extensive system damage during the summer season. By correcting these defects while they are still minor, you can avoid serious damage to HVAC system components that can cut your cooling system’s service life short.

If you’re concerned that your air conditioning system or heat pump tune up will cost more than its worth – think again. HVAC system tune ups return your unit to peak efficiency which helps you save money on energy bills. Oftentimes, the money you save cooling your home with an efficient system is more than emergency repair bills and inefficient energy usage. Kepp your HVAC system running efficiently to save money in the long run.

Spring HVAC Maintenance Tips

Scheduling professional services aren’t the only spring HVAC maintenance tips homeowners need to address this time of year. Here are some additional HVAC system maintenance tips to practice:

• Replace the system’s air filters. After a long winter of regular heating system use, your HVAC equipment likely has an old dirty air filter that is full of contaminants. Remove the old filter and install a new replacement filter so it’s ready to go once it’s time to turn on the system again.
• If you covered your outdoor condensing ac unit over the winter months, be sure to remove the cover before you turn on the air conditioning. Operating the system with a cover over the outdoor unit can lead to serious damage.
• Clean up the outdoor unit. Clear away any yard debris that have collected along the unit’s fins. Remove any weeds growing up around the unit’s base. Trim bushes and limbs growing near the unit. Remove all items stored in the immediate area surrounding the unit, leaving at least two feet of clear space on all sides.
• Adjust your thermostat settings. Reprogram your programmable thermostat with your preferred temperatures for cooling season and adjust scheduled temperature adjustments according to the household’s current schedule. Be sure to use efficient temperature settings over long periods when the home is unoccupied to cut your energy bills in the Summer.
• Make sure all vents throughout the home are open and unobstructed. Check all supply vent covers and return air vents – set all louvered covers to the open position and remove any furniture, rugs, or other items that may be blocking airflow through the vent.

Schedule Cooling Maintenance Services Today

Practice the spring HVAC maintenance tips above and your cooling system will be well prepared to keep your family comfortable come summer. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule routine maintenance to prep your air conditioner or heat pump for the summer months ahead.

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Heating systems across the Birmingham, AL area are taxed with a heavy load when outdoor temperatures fall and households demand heat. When your heater is functioning properly, it can handle this hefty task without flaws – but when common heating problems exist within the system, your furnace or heat pump isn’t able to keep up. The heating repair professionals of Douglas Cooling & Heating share the 8 most common heating problems that occur over the winter and explain how they are corrected.

1. Dirty Air Filters

Over the course of normal heating system use, the furnace’s air filter will fill up with particle matter it extracts from circulating air. Once the filter is full, it basically becomes a blockage inside your heating system rather than a helpful component. Running your furnace with a dirty air filter inside can cause the system to overheat, which can damage components and forces system parts to consume extra energy as it struggles to pass air through the system properly.  This extra consumption of energy increases wear and tear on the furnace or heat pump while causing energy waste. As a result, a dirty air filter can leave your living areas without sufficient heat, as air movement is severely restricted. 

Avoid common heating problems that stem from dirty or clogged filters by making filter maintenance a regular priority. Filters can fill up faster than you expect over the winter due to an increase in use, so it’s best to inspect the filter about once per month so you can check its condition. If the air filter’s surface is full of matter, replace it. Many air filter manufacturers recommend replacing your air filter every 90 days, but if you’re new to your furnace or heat pump, it’s a good idea to check once a month to get an idea of how fast your air filter fills up. 

2. Short Cycling

If your furnace or heat pump turns on and then shuts off again within just a few minutes, or you notice it is running more heating cycles than it usually does without generating any heat, this is called short cycling. It is a common heating problem that can be caused by a number of issues and should be addressed quickly. Short cycling accelerates the wear and tear damage, wastes energy with frequent starts and stops, and prevents your home from heating evenly. 

Short cycling can stem from blocked airflow and the resulting overheating, dirty air filters, malfunctioning sensors, a faulty thermostat, or a system that is simply too big for your home. Airflow blockages and overheating can result from dirty or clogged filters or closed air vents around the home. If you’re experiencing short cycling, try checking these areas first. Faulty flame sensors and thermostats should be repaired by a professional. If your furnace is too large for your living space, it will need to be replaced with a heating system that fits your home better. 

3. Mold in HVAC System

Though winter air is typically dryer, a moist indoor environment can contribute to common problems with your home heating system. If your home’s air is too moist, you may experience mold growth within your duct system this season. When that moisture makes contact with cold metal ducts that circulate air to unheated areas of the home, it can condense and settle inside the duct. The moisture, dust, and other matter in a dark, damp duct system create a perfect environment for mold to thrive.

Mold growth can be caused by dirty ductwork, clogged ducts, or a malfunctioning whole home humidifier. To fix these underlying issues and eliminate the mold in your system, contact an experienced HVAC company to inspect and clean your air ducts. Duct cleaning can rid your ducts of existing mold growth as well as remove debris to prevent further mold development. Your technician can inspect the duct system and correct issues causing blockages in the ducts so they function properly. Your HVAC technician may also troubleshoot problems with your humidifier to see if it is producing too much humidity for the house.

4. Air Leaks in the Home

If your home seems inconsistently heated, air leaks are a common home heating issue that may be causing you to waste money.  Air leaks in your home can be found in several places, such as around windows, doors, recessed lighting, attic hatches, and even in your ductwork. A technician will inspect your ductwork for any air leaks during a service call. If air is leaking out of cracks and holes in your air ducts, they will either be sealed, or the damaged section will need to be replaced.

5. Blower Fan is Running Nonstop

Another common heating system problem is a constantly running blower fan. You might have a problem with your fan limit switch. Or, the fan switch on the thermostat may be set incorrectly. A malfunctioning thermostat could be sending the wrong signals to your heating equipment, causing the blower to run continuously. 

Improper blower fan settings are the most common reason for this heating system issue. First, it’s always a good idea to check your thermometer to learn how blower fan speeds your heater is set to. Make sure the fan switch on the thermostat is set to AUTO and not ON. The AUTO setting tells the blower to operate only as the furnace cycles, while the ON option keeps the blower running around the clock.

Inside your furnace, there is a component called the fan limit switch, which controls the blower’s operation. If this switch is incorrectly set in the manual position, the blower will run all the time. To access this component, remove the furnace access panel – the fan limit switch is usually situated near the upper right corner of the interior cabinet. There is a white button on the outside of this part – if it is pressed inward, the fan limit switch is set to manual and this is causing the blower to run all the time. Once you’ve reset the switch, replace the furnace access panel. 

If the fan limit switch or the thermostat wiring is faulty and causing your nonstop blower issue, the best approach to fix it is to call your HVAC technician to repair common heating problems. A professional will be able to replace bad components or pinpoint other causes of the issue.

6. Noisy Heater Operation

Furnaces and heat pumps aren’t always quiet, but they shouldn’t make loud banging sounds after startup. Clicking, squeaking, squealing, rumbling, or rattling noises are uncommon noises. If you hear these noises, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately! These sounds indicate common heating problems that need to be diagnosed quickly. There are a number of potential causes for the noises you hear such as a mechanical problem, clogged burner, incomplete combustion, faulty control panel, or airflow obstructions. An experienced technician can only figure out what the source of the problem is by inspecting your heating system. 

7. Thermostat Problems

A malfunctioning thermostat will give false readings will causing common heating system problems and leading to cold spots in your home.  Thermostats only tend to last about 10 years, so if you notice that yours is malfunctioning, it could lead to issues in your heating systems performance. Upgrading to a new smart thermostat will reconnect the communication and add convenience to your life. 

If you notice an issue with your thermostat’s temperature readings or communication this winter, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for repair – our NATE-certified technicians will offer suggestions to resolve the problem. Repair may be possible, or it might be time to upgrade your thermostat to eliminate these common heating problems.

8. High Energy Bills

Energy bills that spike without a clear cause point directly to common heating problems impacting your heating system’s efficiency. There are several reasons why your energy bill might be high, which is why maintenance is so important for your HVAC system. During preventative heating maintenance, a professional will inspect your unit for potential problems and service your system to keep it operating at its highest efficiency. Douglas Cooling & Heating will keep your system functioning longer and operating efficiently during the coldest time of year!

Before you call us for service due to unexpected higher energy bills, check for common heating problems that could cause this. A dirty air filter, air leaks in the home, leaky ductwork, or obstructions in the duct system. Change dirty air filters, seal air leaks in your house, and seal duct leaks if they are accessible. You can also contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to perform duct sealing and repairs, as well as service the furnace to uncover and resolve the cause of your high heating bills.

Furnace Repairs in Birmingham, AL

Common heating problems can cause discomfort and headaches over the winter months. Don’t let these heating system problems linger long, or they could lead to damage inside your furnace or heat pump. It’s always a smart idea to be wary of what higher heating bills could be saying about your heating system’s performance. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today for furnace repairs in Birmingham, AL.

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The humidity level in your home is just as important as temperature when it comes to staying comfortable throughout the year. While we typically have abundant humidity in Birmingham, AL over the summer months, however, achieving ideal indoor humidity winter levels can be difficult for homeowners. Douglas Cooling & Heating shares how to tell if your air is too dry and explains the right indoor humidity levels for winter temperatures as well as how to achieve them.

Ideal Indoor Humidity Winter Levels

Keeping indoor relative humidity levels balanced between 30 to 50 percent is the usual recommendation for most of the year, but the winter months can require some adjustments. When outdoor temperatures are colder, maintaining 50 percent relative humidity inside your home could cause excess moisture which can lead to problems such as condensation on surfaces, like your windows and walls. This time of year, lower ideal indoor humidity winter levels are recommended to prevent damage and mold growth.

The American Society of Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) provides the ideal indoor humidity winter levels according to outdoor temperatures:

• When outdoor temperatures are at or below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal relative indoor humidity level is 20 percent.
• For outdoor temperatures around 0 degrees Fahrenheit, keep indoor relative humidity levels at 25 percent.
• At outdoor temperatures of 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the ideal indoor humidity winter level is 30 percent.
• If outdoor temperatures are at 20 degrees, maintain indoor relative humidity levels at 35 percent.
• When the outdoor temperature is 30 degrees or higher, the ideal indoor humidity winter level is 40 percent.

 Is Your Home Too Dry?

It’s normal in the winter months to experience dry indoor air more so than it is at other times of the year. Cold, dry air holds less moisture, which creates low humidity in your home. However, when the air contains too little moisture, this can lead to symptoms affecting you, your loved ones, and your home.

If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, it’s a sign that you have dry air in your home and that your humidity levels need to be adjusted:

• Nosebleeds
• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Cracked lips
• Sore throat
• Respiratory and sinus problems
• Increased allergy or asthma symptoms
• Increased static electricity
• Creaky wood flooring
• Wood doors that are difficult to open and close
• Gaps between walls and the ceiling

How to Maintain Ideal Indoor Humidity Winter Levels

Your home may need some assistance maintaining ideal indoor humidity winter levels due to the cold air outside. Add moisture to your home’s air and keep relative humidity levels balanced this season using appropriate tools and tips.

One great way to provide the added moisture your indoor air needs is to utilize a whole-home humidifier. A whole-home humidifier is installed alongside your HVAC equipment and adds moisture to air circulating through the system. There are a few different types of whole-home humidifiers: bypass and fan-powered units move circulating air through a water panel to add moisture. Steam humidifiers boil water to generate steam which is added inside the home’s ductwork. Whole-home humidifiers provide much greater coverage than portable units and require little maintenance to use, helping you gain the moisture you need for ideal indoor humidity winter levels throughout the house!

Help your home retain airborne moisture by eliminating air leaks. Install weather-stripping for a tight barrier around windows and doors. Seal cracks and gaps in exterior walls, the crawlspace, and in other areas where warm, indoor air can be lost. 

Increase circulation to spread heat and humidity throughout the house. Keep doors open so air can circulate between rooms. Rearrange furniture so that items are not up against walls and air can circulate all around these pieces. Use fans to keep air moving throughout your living spaces.

Get Help with Winter Humidity Problems in Birmingham, AL

If you have trouble maintaining ideal indoor humidity winter levels inside your Birmingham, AL area home, Douglas Cooling & Heating can help. Contact us today to learn more about ways to increase moisture inside your house, such as installing a whole-home humidifier.

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Regular filter changes are an important component of maintenance for any forced air heating and cooling system, including furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioners. What happens if you don’t change your furnace air filter when you should? Douglas Cooling & Heating explains what will happen to your HVAC system if it is left to run with a dirty filter in place.

What Happens If Your HVAC System Runs with a Dirty Filter?

Did you know that furnace air filters need to be changed on a regular basis? Changing your air filter is a must. This should happen as frequently as every month to every 12 months or so, depending on the air filter model in use. What happens if you don’t change your furnace filter and your system keeps operating with a dirty, old filter in place?

The furnace air filter’s role is to trap airborne contaminants so that they don’t make their way into the inner chambers of your furnace or air handler unit. Many homeowners believe their purpose is to trap air pollutants for the benefit of better indoor air quality, but this is actually just a bonus perk filters provide in addition to keeping the insides of your equipment clean. When the filter is full, it can no longer trap new particles from the air circulating through it, and these contaminants will be free to cycle into the HVAC equipment.

Let’s take a look at what happens if you don’t change your dirty air filter for a new one:

1. Dirt & Dust Accumulate Inside the Unit

Dirt and dust settling inside your furnace or air handler are what happens if you don’t change your furnace filter. These deposits build up on components inside the unit, restricting their performance. If you have a clogged air filter, the unit will draw more energy to power through this restriction and do its job, raising your energy costs. Your HVAC unit operates less efficiently and these parts encounter added stress that leads to more wear and tear, and eventually breakdowns.

2. Airflow Is Restricted

What happens if you don’t change your furnace filter is that the dirty filter will become a barrier inside the HVAC system, restricting air movement through the equipment and your home. In order to force air through the system and circulate conditioned air to your living areas, the HVAC system will consume more energy to do its job. As a result, your energy costs will increase because the system isn’t operating as efficiently as it should. The system will also experience added stress which takes its toll in the form of wear and tear and future breakdowns.

3. Equipment Overheats

With good airflow blocked by the dirty filter, the interior of your heating equipment can increase in temperature. When the inside of the unit becomes too hot, the limit switch will shut down the heating cycle in an attempt to protect the components from damage. Once the equipment cools down, it will be able to run again – but this issue will continue to repeat. Overheating can damage furnace components and prevent your home from reaching comfortable temperatures due to shortened heating cycles.

4. System Short Cycles

When your dirty furnace filters cause your HVAC unit to overheat and shut down, and then restart again repeatedly, is called short cycling.  Short cycling occurs when the HVAC system doesn’t run for the correct cycle length and the cycle ends prematurely.  Short cycling causes increased energy consumption as your HVAC unit experiences more starts and stops than it should. More frequent starts and stops also stress the system, increasing wear and tear, causing breakdowns and component failures, and ultimately forcing the unit to experience a premature total failure. Constant overheating with each cycle also damages components, leading to more repairs.  Replacing your air filter with a new air filter can help prevent short cycling.

Keep Up with Filter Change Needs

Ultimately what happens if you don’t change your furnace filter is that the system will run less efficiently, costing you more on your energy bills. Components will experience more stress along with wear and tear, causing them to break and require repairs or replacement. Ongoing operation with a dirty filter causes short-cycling, which will end up causing your HVAC system to break down for good and require total system replacement.

Avoid what happens if you don’t change your furnace filter and make HVAC maintenance a priority in your Birmingham, AL area home. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers heating and cooling maintenance tune-ups to care for your HVAC equipment in addition to the filter changes you perform throughout the year. Contact us today to schedule service.

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Birmingham, AL homeowners have many options when it comes to heating systems for their residences. Furnaces and heat pumps are common choices that have been around for ages, but ductless heating is growing in popularity! Many don’t know about this type of heating system and ask what is ductless heating? Douglas Cooling & Heating explains ductless heating systems and why they should be considered for your Alabama home.

What Is Ductless Heating?

Ductless heating differs from the conventional heating system types most homeowners are familiar with. Most people know about furnaces and heat pumps that use a duct system to send warm air into living areas from the unit. As the name suggests, ductless heating is a type of heating system that does not use a duct distribution system to send heated air throughout the home.

Furnace systems operate using a single piece of indoor equipment, while heat pumps are a split system with an outdoor heat pump and indoor air handler. In both of these systems, the indoor unit is connected to ductwork which carries conditioned air to living areas. Ductless heating is much different in that a single outdoor heat pump connects directly to multiple individual air handler units, which are installed directly in the living spaces they are designated to heat.

The outdoor heat pump and indoor air handlers are connected via a line set, which is a small pipe that transports refrigerant between the units for heat exchange. Outdoors, the heat pump extracts heat from the air, just as a conventional heat pump does. Instead of transporting refrigerant back to a centralized air handler for heat exchange, refrigerant travels to the individual air handlers throughout the home. These air handlers transfer heat to the air as needed and send heated air directly into the room or area in which they are installed. 

Is Ductless Heating Good for Alabama Homes?

Now that we’ve answered what ductless heating is, let’s explore why Alabama homeowners may want to take advantage of this heating system technology.

• Ductless systems provide individualized, zoned heating for improved comfort and better energy efficiency. Each indoor air handler is controlled separately from the other connected units, allowing users to adjust heating needs in their space without impacting the heating in other areas. Heating is only used when needed in each area, which saves energy versus heating the entire home to the same specifications, regardless of individual comfort preferences.
• Ductless mini splits can be installed in a variety of applications, used as a whole home solution or a means to heat only one area. Add a ductless system to heat new areas of the home, such as a newly finished attic space or home addition. Install ductless heating in targeted areas for supplemental heat when your existing central furnace or heat pump just doesn’t meet the needs of these particular spaces. Expand a ductless mini split system to include multiple air handlers and provide heat across the entire home. The possibilities are abundant!
• Without the ductwork requirement, ductless heating can go places traditional furnaces and heat pumps can’t. They’re great for older homes that don’t have ducts or central heating, nor the space to install ducts without taking up significant space. If you have older ducts that need replacement, that expense while upgrading your heating system can be prohibitive – installing ductless heating is a more affordable solution in this situation. In any situation, the absence of ducts makes these systems 20 to 30 percent more energy efficient than ducted heating options, as most duct systems are riddled with hidden and unknown air leaks.
• While ductless heating equipment is installed directly in living areas versus out of the way in a utility closet, basement, or garage as most furnaces and central air handlers are, the indoor equipment isn’t large and intrusive. Plus, several options exist for wall or in-ceiling installation, so you can blend the HVAC equipment with your home décor.

Ductless Heating Systems in Birmingham, AL

Ductless heating is an excellent choice for warm comfort in Birmingham, AL area homes. If you have more questions about what ductless heating is or would like a quote for installation, please call Douglas Cooling & Heating today.

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