Are Late-Season Repairs Worth It? Always!

October 11th, 2021

The spookiest night of the year is rapidly approaching and with it, hopefully, some cooler temperatures. Until things cool off though we need to be able to rely on our home comfort systems to keep us, well, comfortably cool. And an air conditioner that is battling against a repair need isn’t going to be able to perform the way you might need it to.

You might hesitate when thinking about getting an AC repair in Shelby County, AL so late in the season but we want you to know it is really your best bet to guarantee your comfort. When you take care of whatever is bugging your system now it will save you time, money, and stress later on.

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Why There Is Ice Inside Your AC

September 27th, 2021

Frozen-ACIt may be fall according to the calendar but we are still focusing on keeping cool around here in Jefferson County. Our air conditioners and heat pumps still have plenty to do before things really start to cool off. That means it is still important to make sure that these systems are able to do their jobs effectively and efficiently. One way to ensure this is the case is by keeping on top of any and all repair needs your system may have.

Speaking of repairs, one important one to address is the build-up of ice in your air conditioner. This is one AC repair in Jefferson County, AL that you should always take care of as quickly as possible. Leaving it alone will only make things worse and can end up costing you the entire system! Here’s what you need to know about the appearance of ice inside your AC and why it justifies a call for AC repairs ASAP.

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How Often Should Sewer Lines Be Cleaned?

September 22nd, 2021

Your home’s plumbing pipes and fixtures need some regular care to stay in good shape. The sewer line extending from your home to the shared sewer or private septic tank are no different. How often should sewer lines be cleaned? Douglas Cooling & Heating explains how often you need to schedule this essential service.

How Often Should Sewer Lines Be Cleaned?

The sewer lines should be cleaned out about every two years in the average home. Businesses typically need to have the sewer line cleaned out a little more frequently, about every 18 to 22 months on average.

This regular sewer line cleaning works as a preventative measure to keep these pipes draining properly. Cleaning removes buildup that sticks to the inner pipe walls, increasing the risk of a blockage forming. Plumbers use professional tools and techniques like a drain auger to bust through clog material or hydro jetting to remove hard buildup from the inner pipe walls.

Signs You Need Your Sewer Lines Cleaned

It is possible for sewer line issues to arise between routine cleanings, even when you exercise great care in preventing sewer line clogs. Ignoring sewer line issues can result in severe clogs and damage to these buried pipes, so you want to schedule a sewer cleaning whenever you first notice the signs of trouble.

Signs it’s time to have your sewer lines cleaned include:

  • You notice the odor of sewage inside your house.
  • There is raw sewage backing up into the home’s plumbing fixtures.
  • Your pipes make bubbling or gurgling sounds.
  • Water backs up in drains when other fixtures or water-using appliances are in use.
  • Drains across the house are slow or experience frequent clogs.
  • Water pools around the floor drain in your basement

What Causes Sewer Line Clogs?

Even if you pay great attention to your sewer line, problems can still pop up in between maintenance cleanings. Common causes of clogs in your sewer line that produce the symptoms mentioned above include:

  • Tree roots: Roots from nearby trees and shrubs naturally grow toward sewer lines and can penetrate the pipe in search of the nutrients within. These roots can continue to grow within the sewer pipe, causing a clog themselves or catching waste material to form a large clog in the sewer line.
  • Grease: Dumping grease, oil, and fats down the kitchen drain leads to clogs in the sewer line. These materials solidify and stick to the insides of the drainpipe, restricting the line and increasing the likelihood of catching other materials to form a clog.
  • Sagging pipe: Ground shifting can cause sewer pipes to sag, creating a dip in the line. Materials can get caught up in this section of pipe, forming a large clog in the sewer line.

Sewer Drain Cleaning in Birmingham, AL

If your home’s sewer line is due for a cleaning, call Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule an appointment for  your Birmingham area home to ensure your plumbing system is in good working order.

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What Is NATE Certification and Is It Important?

September 22nd, 2021

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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What to Know About Energy Efficiency Ratings in Your Next AC

September 13th, 2021

You wouldn’t want to invest in an air conditioner that uses an excessive amount of energy to do a poor job at cooling your home. This is avoidable thankfully by the fact that modern systems are made to be as energy-efficient as possible. This is shown with the rating information that is clearly visible on each model. However, if you are looking at the energy efficiency ratings of an AC but you don’t know what they mean, they won’t do you much good.

How do you know if the energy efficiency rating on a system is the right level for your home? Is there such a thing as too much? These are questions we are happy to help answer. Let us give you a brief introduction on what you need to know about energy efficiency ratings on air conditioning systems so you can make an educated decision when it comes time for an AC replacement in Birmingham, AL.

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What Are the Benefits of Water-efficient Fixtures?

August 23rd, 2021

In today’s world, plumbing fixtures come in all styles, profiles, finishes – the options really seem endless. If you’re someone who values function just as much as form, you’ll appreciate the water-efficient plumbing fixtures available that will help you reduce water consumption and keep water utility costs low. Get the scoop on today’s efficient faucets, toilets, and more!

How We Discuss Water Consumption in Plumbing Fixtures

To understand the differences between standard plumbing fixtures and water-efficient fixtures, it’s important to know how their water usage is measured.

  • For toilets and urinals, we use gallon per flush (gpf) to describe the amount of water the fixture uses to perform one flush.
  • For sink faucets and shower heads, as well as other plumbing fixtures, we use gallons of water per minute (gpm) to describe how much water is released by the plumbing fixture over one minute.

When you compare the water usage of standard fixtures to water-efficient plumbing fixtures, you’ll be able to tell the difference. How much more efficient a new fixture is compared to an older one depends on its age and manufacture, as standards have grown stricter over the years to improve water conservation.

  • For toilets, the current federal standard is 1.6 gpf. The most water-efficient fixtures use just 1.28 gpf or less! Toilets made before 1992 commonly use 3.5 gpf, and those built before 1982 use as much as 5 to 7 gpf.
  • Today’s standard for residential bathroom faucet water use is 2.2 gpm. Water-efficient fixtures use no more than 1.5 gpm. Older faucets can use 3 gpm or more.
  • Standard shower heads use 2.5 gpm. Water-efficient fixtures use no more than 2 gpm. Older models can use as much as 4 to 5 gpm.

Benefits of Installing Water-efficient Fixtures

Installing water-efficient and low-flow fixtures in your home does so much good. If those water-saving numbers alone aren’t enough to convince you to make the switch, check out the great benefits these plumbing fixtures bring to your household:

Lower water bills

If you pay for a water utility, the savings generated by water-efficient fixtures isn’t limited to just water – these fixtures will also save you money. When you’re paying for water, you’re paying for what you use. When your fixtures force you to use less, they automatically save you money.

  • If every US home switched to efficient fixtures for shower heads, more than $2.9 billion would be saved in water costs and around $2.5 billion in hot water expenses.
  • Replacing old toilets with water-efficient fixtures in the average home saves a family over $140 each year.
  • Replacing standard bathroom faucets with efficient fixtures in every US home would save $1.3 billion in water and energy expenses.

Lower energy bills

You’ll see in the section above that energy savings are mentioned along with water savings from high-efficiency fixtures. This savings is related to the energy conserved by heating less water. Water-efficient fixtures make it so you require less hot water and thus less energy to take a shower, wash dishes, do a load of laundry, and more.

Stylish options

When it comes to style, today’s plumbing fixtures don’t lack in options. They are available in essentially the same finishes and designs as you’d find in standard fixtures. Plus, as technology and design have continued to progress, these new fixtures feature much more user-friendly features versus older models.

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Plumbing Upgrades at Home

Out with the old and in with the new – water-efficient fixtures are just too good to pass up! Explore your options with Douglas Cooling & Heating today, and we will help you find the fixtures that offer the style you want and the conservation abilities to meet your goals. Contact us anytime to schedule service.

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How Does a Whole House Dehumidifier Work?

August 23rd, 2021

Does your Birmingham area home feel extra muggy and hot this year? High humidity can really make you feel uncomfortable, especially when you can’t seem to escape it – indoors or outside! In these conditions, your air conditioner can use some extra help controlling indoor humidity levels, and a whole house dehumidifier is an excellent solution. In our most recent blog, Douglas Cooling & Heating discusses how whole house dehumidifiers work and explains the advantages of having one installed.

How Does a Whole House Dehumidifier Work?

When your entire home is excessively humid, portable dehumidification units just won’t cut it – these small appliances only have the capacity to remove moisture from air in smaller spaces, like a bedroom. Instead, trade these tiny portable units in for a whole house dehumidifier that is capable of providing moisture control across the house and in every room.

So, how does a whole home dehumidifier work? Whole house dehumidifiers are able to treat the home’s entire air volume and provide dehumidification by working with the central HVAC system. This indoor air quality solution is installed along the return duct leading into your indoor cooling system components. In this position, all air flowing through the home to be cooled will also be dehumidified.

The air returning to the HVAC system for cooling is warm and humid. Once it passes into the whole house dehumidifier, air is cooled by the dehumidifier’s evaporator coil. As air temperature drops, water vapor within condenses into liquid form and the water droplets fall out of suspension – this process reduces the amount of humidity in the air.

Condensation is caught in the dehumidifier’s reservoir and empties away from the home or into a nearby drain through a dedicated drain line. Then, the newly dehumidified air passes into the air conditioner for cooling before circulating back into the home’s living areas. Whole house dehumidifiers follow the same process as an air conditioner, but the difference is that the dehumidifier’s focus is on humidity control while an air conditioner’s main purpose is temperature control.

Benefits of Installing a Whole House Dehumidifier

Now that we’ve explained how a whole house dehumidifier works, let’s discuss the benefits they offer in the home.

Improved Cooling Efficiency

We mentioned that whole house dehumidifiers work by cooling the air to remove moisture, and that this appliance performs in the same way an air conditioner does – just with a different purpose. Because the dehumidifier cools and removes moisture, the air passing into the air conditioner requires less treatment to bring it down to the proper temperature. 

Less moisture in the air allows the air conditioner to spend its energy on more cooling rather than pulling double duty dehumidifying the air as well. Plus, your body feels cooler when there is less moisture in the air, so you won’t need as much air conditioning to stay comfortable which also helps you conserve energy.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Too much humidity in the air creates discomfort and indoor air quality problems. Allergens and other pollutants can increase in concentration in humid air, which increases exposure and resulting health symptoms. Excess moisture in the air also helps create the conditions needed for mold to grow and spread throughout the house, and high humidity can cause damage to woodwork and sensitive materials in the home. 

When you install a dehumidifier, it will work to remove the air conditions that contribute to poor air quality. Your family will feel more comfortable and stay healthier while your home gains protection against mold growth and the potential damage that can result from exposure to high moisture content. 

Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating for Whole House Dehumidifier Installation in Birmingham

Keep your home comfortable and cool when you combine your air conditioning system with a whole house dehumidifier! Douglas Cooling & Heating takes the time to explain how whole house dehumidifiers work so you understand the value of installing this beneficial indoor air quality solution. Contact us today to request an estimate and learn more!

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Is Your Water Heater Done? 5 Signs That It Is

August 16th, 2021

No one ever wants their water heater to fail. However, there will come a time when every water heater reaches the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. The question is, has that time come for your system?

At times it can be hard to figure out whether your need a water heater replacement in Birmingham, AL. After all, how can you be sure unless you can’t get any hot water at all? Believe it or not, there are indicators that will tell you the time has come to retire your current system before you have no hot water at all. And you can always come to our team to get confirmation and the service you need.

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Is a Ductless System Right For You?

August 2nd, 2021

The summer season is in full swing and temperatures are likely to get even hotter. If you don’t already have an efficient and reliable system for air conditioning in Birmingham, AL, now is a good time to look into one. Having a reliable AC to keep you cool in the coming months can make all the difference in how well you sleep, eat, and feel overall. Why not consider a ductless system as your next option?

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What Are the Different Parts and Functions of an Air Conditioner?

July 26th, 2021

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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