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

Running the air conditioner in your Birmingham area home shouldn’t produce an odor. Every now and then, local homeowners turn on the cooling and are hit with a foul smell wafting from their vents – this is what we call dirty sock syndrome. What is dirty sock syndrome and what can be done to stop it? Douglas Cooling & Heating explains what you need to know about this bothersome cooling system symptom.

What Is Dirty Sock Syndrome?

In the HVAC world, dirty sock syndrome refers to the presence of an odor from the air conditioner that, well, smells much like dirty socks. No dirty socks are present, fortunately, but what is present and causing that odor is bacteria and mold.

Homeowners typically notice the dirty sock smell after turning on their air conditioners for the first time in the spring as this is usually when the syndrome strikes. As the HVAC equipment sits dormant in between heating and cooling season, the interior of the system can contain the right ingredients for bacteria and mold to grow and thrive.

Inside the air conditioning system and often within the location of the home where the unit is installed, conditions are cool, dark, and damp. In addition to these three elements, there’s typically plenty of food in the form of organic materials sitting around to help mold and bacteria growth, thanks to pollutant deposits inside the system. Mold and bacteria grow to excess along the system’s evaporator, producing that dirty sock odor that finally becomes noticeable once you start running the system again.

Fixing and Preventing Dirty Sock Syndrome

Let’s go over how to stop dirty sock syndrome and prevent it from recurring. You don’t want to let this problem persist. Not only is the odor bothersome, dirty sock syndrome poses real health risks and can drastically damage your HVAC equipment.

Step 1: Change the filter

First, you want to remove the old air filter and replace it with a brand-new one. A new filter will ensure your system is able to capture contaminants travelling through so they won’t settle in the unit and feed the mold or bacteria. Plus, air filters can easily become damp when in this environment, creating another location for this growth and a second source for unpleasant odors. It is often helpful to upgrade to a higher-efficiency filter for increased contaminant removal.

Step 2: Clean the drip pan

The drain pan is situated below the unit’s evaporator coils. With mold and bacteria growing and reproducing on the indoor evaporator coil, the drip pan is a likely location for its spread. Pull out the pan from the unit, dump any water inside it, and thoroughly clean it with a mild soap or bleach before reinstalling.

Step 3: Schedule duct cleaning

As air circulates, it picks up bacteria and mold from the evaporator coil, and these pollutants can easily spread into the home’s ducts. The duct environment is also ideal for their growth, and you may end up with a bigger contamination problem than before. Professional duct cleaning will remove existing growth and help prevent any future growth of mold and bacteria throughout the duct system.

Step 4: Schedule evaporator coil cleaning

Next up, it’s time to remove that colony of mold and bacteria growing on the air conditioner’s dirty evaporator coil. Schedule this service with your cooling company, and an HVAC technician will treat the coil to remove the pollutants while protecting the coil from damage that will impact your air conditioner’s function.

Step 5: Consider indoor air quality equipment installation

There are two types of indoor air quality solutions that are helpful in preventing dirty sock syndrome: dehumidifiers and UV lights. Both of these systems are installed with your cooling system, and they work together so air is treated while the HVAC unit circulates it through the home.

• Dehumidifiers reduce airborne moisture levels, preventing conditions in your air conditioner from becoming so moist they lead to dirty sock syndrome.
• UV lights are installed within the air conditioner and sometimes inside ducts to neutralize pathogens circulating in the air. Ultraviolet energy kills bacteria and mold as it passes the light so it is no longer able to spread nor cause symptoms.

Eliminate Dirty Sock Syndrome with Help from Douglas Cooling & Heating

Douglas Cooling & Heating is ready to help you implement solutions that stop you from experiencing the unpleasant odors associated with bacteria and mold growth in your air conditioner or heat pump. To learn more and discover solutions to protect your HVAC system and your health, give us a call today.

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If you’ve ever had an HVAC technician out to your home and felt like he or she was speaking another language when talking about your system or service, you are not alone! The HVAC industry is filled with special acronyms and parts names which we tend to use in everyday language, sometimes forgetting not everyone is as familiar with these terms as we are. To help you better understand heating and cooling lingo, Douglas Cooling & Heating defines common HVAC terms so you know what your tech is saying!

Common HVAC Terms to Know

This glossary should help you decode common heating and air conditioning system terms and gain a clear understanding of what these words mean. If you have any questions, always feel free to ask your technician!

AFUE: AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. It’s the acronym we use to show a furnace or boiler’s energy efficiency. 80% AFUE is the minimum system efficiency you can purchase, but high-efficiency systems go upwards of 95% AFUE. If a system has 80% AFUE, it converts 80% of the fuel it consumes into heat for your house.

SEER: SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, which is the acronym we use to show an air conditioner’s energy efficiency and a heat pump’s cooling efficiency. The lowest SEER available for systems in Alabama is 14 SEER, but high-efficiency cooling units have SEER ratings up into the mid-20s.

HSPF: HSPF stands for heating seasonal performance factor, and it’s the acronym we use to show a heat pump’s heating efficiency. Currently, the minimum HSPF available is 8.2.

NATE: Rounding out the acronyms portion is the term NATE, which stands for North American Technician Excellence. NATE is an independent certifying organization for our industry which provides technician testing for a variety of HVAC topics.

Air handler: An air handler is the indoor unit which is part of a heat pump system. This unit contains the blower and evaporator coils.

Coils: Central air conditioning systems and heat pumps operate using two different coils: the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor condenser coil. The purpose of these coils is to absorb and release heat for the cooling process, as well as the heat pump’s heating process.

Compressor: The compressor is a component in the outdoor portion of an air conditioner or heat pump that compresses refrigerant and pumps it through the system.

Horizontal flow: This is one of our common HVAC terms that describes an indoor furnace or air handling unit that sits on its side, drawing air in on one side and sending conditioned air out the other. This configuration is commonly used for attic or crawlspace installations.

Vertical flow: A vertical flow furnace or air handler stands top to bottom, receiving return air on one end and sending out conditioned air on the other. This configuration can be used for installation where vertical space is not limited.

Zoning system: A zoning system can be installed with a new HVAC system or retrofit to work with an existing system. It includes dampers that fit inside ducts, thermostats installed in various areas of the home, and a zone control panel installed with the HVAC unit. Zoning systems allow homeowners to set varying temperatures in different areas of the home based on needs and preferences. The single HVAC system can meet these differing needs without affecting temperatures elsewhere in the house.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for HVAC Help in Birmingham Today

Now that you’re familiar with common HVAC terms, you’re ready for any conversation about your heating and cooling system! That being said, there’s no better time than today to schedule an appointment for maintenance or repairs, or to receive an estimate for new system replacement. Whatever HVAC services you need at home, call Douglas Cooling & Heating today.

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Homeowners across Birmingham know it’s important to hire a licensed HVAC contractor to perform any heating and cooling work needed in their homes. In addition to state licensing, did you know there are other important credentials you should look for before hiring a heating and cooling company? Douglas Cooling & Heating is here to tell you all about NATE certification, including what it is and why it matters.

What Is NATE Certification?

NATE stands for North American Technician Excellence. NATE is the largest independent certifying organization for heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration technicians in the United States. The organization offers numerous NATE certifications for installation and service of the specialized equipment used to heat and cool homes and businesses, and achieving NATE certification represents a technician’s extensive knowledge of these systems and their needs.

The Importance of NATE Certification

Obtaining a NATE certification is no easy feat! Technicians must pass multiple comprehensive exams to earn this designation – a core exam and specialty exam, or a series of five different exams covering HVAC fundamentals, installation, service, and other principles. 

Passing the test isn’t the end of the road for a heating and air conditioning technician. The NATE-certified technician must recertify every two years to remain certified. The technician must take at least 16 hours of continuing education every two years or take and pass their specialty exam again. These requirements help ensure NATE technicians are up to date with the new technology and practices in our industry to best serve customers like you.

Why Work with NATE-Certified Technicians?

You know better than to take a risk hiring an unlicensed HVAC contractor – homeowners should look at NATE certification in the same light! NATE is the gold standard for ongoing professional development in the heating and cooling industry. This designation serves as a recognizable symbol that homeowners can trust for the highest level of knowledge and skill concerning heating and cooling equipment and services.

Working with a NATE-certified HVAC technician has many proven benefits for homeowners, including:

• Assurance that the job is completed correctly on the first visit, as systems installed and serviced by NATE technicians have fewer return visits or warranty issues.
• Energy savings thanks to top-performing HVAC equipment that is correctly installed and maintained.
• Access to a knowledgeable professional who is happy to answer questions and help you better understand your HVAC system.

Why Choose a Company That Only Hires NATE Technicians?

Now that you know what NATE certification is, you need to be asking companies if their technicians are NATE certified before you hire an HVAC company to perform heating or cooling work in your home. NATE certification serves as a verification that the person working in your home has proven their knowledge and skills and is highly capable of performing the service you need. These professionals care about their work and the industry, demonstrated by their willingness to meet recertification requirements every two years. 

Companies who only hire NATE-certified technicians employ the best the HVAC industry has to offer. When a company cares about their technicians’ NATE status, it tells you as a customer that the company cares about the level of knowledge and skill their technicians possess. The company encourages professional development and ongoing education, helping their technicians complete continuing education courses to gain additional experience and knowledge in our ever-changing industry.

NATE-Certified HVAC Professionals in Birmingham, AL

Whenever you need heating or cooling help, call upon Douglas Cooling & Heating! Our team of NATE-certified heating and cooling technicians are always available to help you out. Count on our knowledge and training to get the job done right and ensure your home comfort. Call us today to schedule service.

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For many homeowners, air conditioner parts and functions feel like a mystery. You know that big metal cabinet located outside cools your home, but you don’t know what’s inside it or how it does its job. In our most recent blog, Douglas Cooling & Heating explains the key components of an air conditioning system and how they work to create the cooling that keeps your home nice and comfortable.

How Does the Cooling Process Work?

Before we get into specific air conditioner parts and functions, let’s first walk through the steps of the cooling process. Below is how your air conditioning unit or heat pump cools your home.

• Warm air from the home flows into the cooling system.
• Heat from the air is absorbed, cooling the air.
• Cool air is sent back into the home while heat is moved outdoors.
• The system releases heat into the atmosphere, expelling it from your home.

Air Conditioner Parts and Functions to Know

With the basic gist of the cooling cycle down, let’s get into air conditioner parts and functions and discuss how they make that process possible.

• Ductwork is a part of the distribution system that carries warm air to central air conditioners and carries cooled air from air conditioners to the living areas.
• The air filter allows air to pass through from the ducts into the indoor unit and captures airborne pollutants in the process to keep them out of the cooling equipment.
• The indoor unit contains the evaporator coil as well as the blower equipment.
• Refrigerant is a substance that flows through the indoor and outdoor air conditioning equipment to absorb and transfer heat. 
• The expansion valve regulates liquid refrigerant flow into the evaporator coil.
• The evaporator coil receives incoming cold, liquid refrigerant, and as air flows over the coil, the refrigerant held inside absorbs the excess heat to leave the air nice and cool.
• The blower motor and fan distribute air cooled from the evaporator coil, pushing it through supply ducts and out of vents to fill your living areas.
• The condensing unit is the outdoor portion of the air conditioning system that holds the compressor, condenser coil, and condenser fan.
• The compressor receives warm refrigerant gas flowing from the evaporator coils to the outdoor unit, placing it under pressure to convert it back to liquid form and increasing its temperature for heat transfer.
• The condenser coil receives refrigerant from the compressor, allowing the substance to release the heat it holds into the surrounding air as the refrigerant then cools back down.
• The condenser fan draws heat away from the condenser coils and out of the condensing unit.
• The thermostat is the control module that controls the operation of the air conditioning system from inside the home.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Air Conditioner Services in Birmingham, AL

All air conditioner parts and functions are important to the cooling process. When one isn’t functioning properly, system-wide performance suffers, which leaves homeowners displeased. If any air conditioner parts and functions aren’t working as they should, call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Birmingham air conditioner repair right away!

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An air conditioner that’s not providing enough cooling creates serious discomfort in your Birmingham, Alabama home. Don’t sweat through the summer months with insufficient cooling from an air conditioner that can’t meet your needs! In our most recent blog, Douglas Cooling & Heating explains why air conditioners may not provide enough cooling and what you can do to correct it.

Why You Have an Air Conditioner That’s Not Providing Sufficient Cooling

When a central air conditioner produces some cool air but not enough to maintain comfort, there is something up within your AC system. The issues below are commonly to blame when homeowners experience an air conditioner that’s not cooling enough and what can be done to fix them.

1. Dirty air filter
2. Dirty condenser coils
3. Dirty condenser unit
4. Low refrigerant
5. Bad compressor
6. Incorrect thermostat settings
7. Malfunctioning thermostat
8. Old HVAC system

Dirty Air Filter

When your air conditioner’s filter is filled with contaminants, the filter turns into a roadblock for air passing through the system. The dirty filter stops enough air from reaching the evaporator coil for heat removal, so your air conditioner won’t provide enough cooling because not enough air is making its way through the unit! Check your filter monthly, and change it when it becomes full to avoid this possibility.

Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils in the outdoor unit can become covered in dirt and grime. This layer of yuck blocks the coil’s ability to release heat from the home’s air supply. With the heat transfer process blocked, the air conditioner won’t be able to remove as much heat from the air, and your room air will feel warmer.

You can clean the coils yourself by shutting off power to the AC unit, removing the top grille and fan, and scrubbing the coils with a mild soap. Or, call your heating, cooling or indoor air quality pro to take care of it for you.

Dirty Condenser Unit

The outdoor condenser unit can become dirty and clogged with weeds, grass clippings, mulch, leaves, and other bits that stick along its fins, as well as shrubs and nearby vegetation growing up against the unit. These debris and plants obstruct the unit so air cannot freely flow through, which is needed for the heat transfer process. Your air conditioner cannot release the heat it pulled from the indoor air, so it’ll just have to go back into your air supply.

The solution here involves cleaning the outdoor unit regularly. Pull weeds, brush off debris, prune trees and shrubs, and don’t store stuff up against the unit.

Low Refrigerant

When system refrigerant levels fall due to a refrigerant leak, the air conditioner doesn’t have enough to extract heat from indoor air or move heat between the indoor and outdoor unit. So you’ll have an AC that’s not cooling enough. This problem should be addressed by your trusted HVAC pro.

Bad Compressor

The compressor in the condenser unit makes refrigerant the right pressure for absorbing heat and transferring it. When the compressor starts to go bad, it is unable to maintain correct refrigerant pressure so the cooling system doesn’t do as good of a job. Your HVAC technician will also need to examine this component and perform the replacement if needed.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings

If you leave the system fan ON instead of setting it to AUTO, it’s going to run 24/7. In between cooling cycles, it will be pushing hot, humid air from the ducts into your living spaces – which doesn’t feel comfortable. Simply flip that switch to AUTO and you’ve solved the problem!

Malfunctioning Thermostat

Once thermostat sensors wear out, they won’t accurately read room temperatures. This could cause the thermostat to signal short cooling cycles thinking the room is properly cooled while it still feels quite warm to you. If this occurs, thermostat replacement is in the cards, so consult your HVAC technician to find a new model.

Old HVAC System

When heating and air conditioning systems are on their way out, they gradually lose their ability to keep comfort levels where they should be indoors. If you have a central air conditioning system that’s not cooling enough and it’s worsened over time, this might be your problem. Unfortunately, system replacement is the solution here.

Cooling Repairs in Birmingham, AL

If your air conditioner isn’t providing enough cooling and you can’t seem to fix it with the above tips, give Douglas Cooling & Heating a call! Our technicians will diagnose your system and perform needed repairs so you can enjoy the full effects of your air conditioner.

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Your heating and air conditioning system is essential for your comfort indoors throughout the year. When you need HVAC repairs, it can be stressful, overwhelming and potentially a financial nightmare. Investing in a preventative maintenance plan will reduce the number of HVAC repairs needed throughout the year on your HVAC system.

Below are the most common HVAC repairs and their causes. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating early if you notice something is wrong with your heating and air conditioning system. We will stop the problem before it escalates into a full-blown HVAC system failure.

Learn More About Your Heating and Cooling System

The most obvious sign your heating and air conditioning unit is malfunctioning is when your home isn’t the right temperature, or your energy bill is rising when the thermostat isn’t moving.

It’s hard to diagnose the problem on your own, which is why it’s best to call an HVAC professional as soon as you notice something wrong with your heating and cooling equipment. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for:

Refrigerant Leaks

A common problem with air conditioners are refrigerant leaks. Your air conditioner system uses refrigerant to create the cool air flowing into your home. When the refrigerant is low or empty, your unit can’t function properly.

A sign that your refrigerant may be leaking is if your cooling system is blowing warm air, which can be a disaster in the summer. When a refrigerant leak isn’t dealt with immediately, it can cause the condenser to work harder, resulting in unnecessary wear and tear on your cooling system.

Schedule HVAC repairs with our NATE-certified technicians soon so we can fix the leak and get your cooling system operating efficiently for the summer.

Thermostat Issues

Your heating and cooling system depends on your thermostat to communicate accurate readings throughout the year. A malfunctioning thermostat forces the HVAC unit to operate more often to keep ideal temperatures in your home.

You can start by checking the batteries. If that’s not the issue, you will need to schedule a heating or air conditioning repair with a licensed professional. The sensor inside your thermostat might be broken, and our NATE-certified technicians are trained to repair your thermostat functions quickly.

Airflow Restrictions

Throughout the year, your heating and air conditioning system depends on adequate airflow to deliver ideal temperatures to every room in your house.

When dirt, dust and other debris accumulate inside your HVAC equipment and ductwork, it prevents your unit from operating efficiently and forces it to work harder. Dirty air filters are the most common reason for airflow restrictions. Furnace filters should be replaced every few months.

If a dirty air filter isn’t the problem, schedule professional duct cleaning services with Douglas Cooling & Heating. We will clean and remove any obstructions in your ducts so your heating and cooling system can operate smoothly year-round.

Electronic Control Failure

Over time, the compressor and fan controls wear out, leaving you with air conditioning problems. If you notice your HVAC unit cycles on and off frequently, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule an HVAC repair.

It might be that your cooling system is too large or the terminals and wires are corroding. Either way, our licensed HVAC technicians will assess the situation and provide you with a solution to keep you comfortable in your home.

24/7 Club Membership from Douglas Cooling & Heating

The best way to keep your HVAC system operating properly year-round is with proper maintenance. We recommend regular maintenance twice per year; once in the spring for your AC and again the fall for your heating system. Preventative maintenance will check to make sure all of your system’s components are in good working order and will catch any HVAC problems before they grow into more serious problems and expensive repairs.

When you sign up for Douglas Cooling & Heating’ 24/7 Club Membership for a low monthly cost, you’ll receive several perks, including two HVAC visits and one plumbing visit per year. You’ll also receive a 10% discount on new system installation, among the many benefits.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for HVAC Repairs – You’ll Be Glad You Did

Don’t let a small problem with your heating and cooling system escalate into an expensive problem in the future. Schedule HVAC repairs early with our NATE-certified technicians.

We do “whatever it takes” to ensure your unit is operating efficiently without causing you more stress. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule preventive HVAC maintenance early or to schedule HVAC repairs for your system.

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As a homeowner, the most important step you can take to maintain your HVAC system is to regularly change your air conditioner filter. To keep your cooling system in top shape this season and beyond, Douglas Cooling & Heating explains why a clean filter is so beneficial for your HVAC system, ways to make filter changes quick and easy, and when you should call our team for professional assistance.

Clean Filters Are Critical to HVAC Performance and Efficiency

The filter within your heating and cooling system serves as a protector for all the delicate sensors and components housed within your indoor HVAC equipment cabinet. Many believe the filter’s sole purpose is to remove airborne pollutants and improve air quality inside the home – this is merely a bonus the filter delivers by doing its primary job.

Over time, the air filter becomes full of contaminants that clog up its surface area. This leaves no more surface for the filter media to capture particles that circulate through the system. Therefore, those contaminants circulate into the HVAC equipment and back into your living areas.

Operating your heating and cooling system when you don’t change your air filter doesn’t just cause problems related to more contaminants in the air. Because the surface of the filter is clogged with particles, the filter restricts air movement through it. Air conditioners and furnaces rely on proper airflow through the system to operate efficiently. Without a clean filter, the HVAC equipment must use more energy to circulate air. This wastes energy, increases your utility bills, and can even cause the system to overheat and sustain damage.

If you want to keep your heating and cooling equipment in good condition, keep your energy bills low, and breathe cleaner air inside your home, change your AC filter regularly.

Tips to Help You Change Your HVAC Filter

It’s tough to say exactly when you need to change your AC filter. Frequency depends on the type of filter you use in your system, how often your HVAC unit runs, and attributes about your household that affect indoor air quality, such as indoor pets, smoking inside the house, family members with allergies or asthma, etc. Low quality filters often need changed monthly while those with higher MERV ratings can last much longer.

As a general rule, you should check your filter every month to see if you need to change it. Simply remove the filter from the cabinet and take a look. If the filter media surface is covered with grey matter and no clear space is left, it’s time to change it. If it is difficult to tell, try this trick – hold the filter up to a light; if you can see the light shining through then there is still some life left, but if not, go ahead and replace it with a new one.

Many people forget this important maintenance step because filters are out of sight, out of mind. Try marking this task on your calendar or setting a reminder in your phone each month to help you remember to change your AC filter regularly.

When You Need Help

Most homeowners find it possible to change their HVAC filter without any outside help. But there may be times where you need professional help. Here are a few scenarios where you should call our heating and air conditioning technicians to assist with your air filter change needs:

• You can’t find where the filter is located.
• If you cannot remove the filter from its compartment.
• If the filter compartment covering is stuck, and you cannot detach it to access the filter.
• If the new filter doesn’t fit inside your system correctly after you change the old filter, even though it is the correct dimensions.
• The filter falls out of its frame and becomes stuck in the HVAC equipment.
• You remove the old filter and find out that it’s wet and moldy.

HVAC Help from Douglas Cooling & Heating

If you have issues when you change your air filters, don’t hesitate to call us for help. The pros of Douglas Cooling & Heating are here to help you care for your cooling equipment, and we will make sure your system is good to go with the right filter! Contact us today to schedule service.

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During the summer, your air conditioning system is working hard to keep you and your family cool, especially as temperatures continue to rise. However, with your cooling system working harder to keep you comfortable indoors, your energy bill will be higher and may cost you money that you can’t afford to lose.

Douglas Cooling & Heating understands summers are for fun in the sun, which is why we want to help your AC unit before it’s too late. Follow some of our tips below to improve the efficiency and performance of your air conditioning unit while saving you a little bit of money this summer.

How to Increase Your Air Conditioner’s Efficiency

Everyone loves to save money, especially in the summer when they are planning vacations and family gatherings. However, blasting your air conditioner during all times of the day can drive up quite the energy bill. The last thing you want to deal with is a high energy bill due to your air conditioner working harder than necessary to keep you cool.

There are several ways to make your air conditioner more energy efficient without sacrificing your comfort. Below are suggestions to save you money and keep you smiling all summer long:

Check Your Outdoor Unit 

Clear away debris from the exterior unit, which can restrict the airflow around your AC compressor and reduce your air conditioner’s efficiency. You can visually inspect and remove leaves, twigs, feathers and other pieces of trash lodged in or around your unit.

Landscaping, such as trees, bushes, and shrubs, needs to be at least two feet away from the outdoor component. If you notice anything overgrowing and interfering with your unit’s ventilation, trim it back so the AC compressor can breathe.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Air movement from ceiling fans can make a room feel much cooler without touching the thermostat. Use ceiling fans in rooms where traffic is high.

They push cool air out and down, allowing your skin to evaporate sweat faster and leaving you feeling cooler. A ceiling fan increases your air conditioner’s efficiency throughout the summer by keeping you cool so you don’t touch the thermostat.

Schedule a Tune Up

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is affected by how clean it is and the amount of wear and tear it suffers during the cooling season. Air conditioner tune ups or scheduled maintenance with our NATE-certified technicians will keep your system healthy.

Our technicians check and/or replace dirty filters, clean the interior components, and notify you of issues potentially leading to expensive HVAC repairs in the future, such as air leaks. They will also inspect all electrical connections and wiring, and check for refrigerant leaks during a routine tune up.

Finally, the technician lubricates any moving parts to reduce friction and excess wear and tear on your air conditioner’s parts.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A regular old-fashioned dial thermostat lets you adjust the temperature in your house, while a modern thermostat can be programmed to reflect the routines of your household.

Wi-Fi-enabled models allow you to control the temperature from anywhere remotely, whether it’s at the airport or after you’ve settled into bed. Your air conditioner’s efficiency is amplified with a programmable or smart thermostat, especially when it informs you of your energy consumption, excessive humidity, an anomaly in your HVAC system, or the need for new air filters.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Air Conditioner Efficiency Help

Don’t blow your hard-earned money on high energy bills this summer! Improve the efficiency of your air conditioner with these tips, and contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for all your heating and cooling needs.

We offer HVAC maintenance services, tune ups, and repairs to keep you cool all summer long. Interested in a new air conditioner or heat pump? We offer free estimates and can arrange financing to spread out the payments.

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