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!

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC, Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on How Does a Whole House Dehumidifier Work?

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.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on Is Your Water Heater Done? 5 Signs That It Is

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?

Continue Reading

Tags: , ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Is a Ductless System Right For You?

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!

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on What Are the Different Parts and Functions of an Air Conditioner?

Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough?

July 26th, 2021

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.

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Why Is My Air Conditioner Not Cooling Enough?

“Why Isn’t My Air Conditioner Working?”

July 19th, 2021

Discovering that your air conditioner isn’t operating properly is a pain; discovering that your AC isn’t working well during a summer that is slated to set record high temperatures is worse.

You need your AC to be able to keep your home at a livable temperature. So, what are you supposed to do?

If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why isn’t my air conditioner working?” we want to help. We know how vital this system is right now and how important it will still be in the months to come. Let us help you identify what is causing problems for your cooling system and provide the AC repair in Hoover, AL to get it running again.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on “Why Isn’t My Air Conditioner Working?”

Why Your AC Is Leaking

July 5th, 2021

While there are air conditioners that use water to cool the air in your home (these are known as evaporative coolers) this isn’t the standard method used by most systems. And we really don’t see many evaporative coolers in Alabama. Most air conditioners use refrigerant to transfer heat out of the air in your home. So if your system uses refrigerant in a closed-loop system, then why are you seeing signs that it is leaking?

A leaking air conditioner is never a good thing. In fact, it is an immediate sign that you need to reach out for AC repair in Mountain Brook, AL. Let’s look at some of the main causes behind a leaking air conditioner so you understand why prompt professional repairs are a must.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Air Conditioning | Comments Off on Why Your AC Is Leaking

5 Signs Your AC Needs to Retire

June 21st, 2021

Do you have an air conditioning system that doesn’t seem up to par anymore? Maybe it runs but it can barely emit cool air let alone keep your home cool. Summer is around the corner and things are heating up so this isn’t good news by any means.

If you have an AC unit that needs to be retired and replaced, it is best to come to our team to get the job done right. The question you may be having is whether you truly need a replacement or not. We can help you figure this out and get your home set up with a working system again. All you need to do is stay on the alert for these warning signs and then reach out to us to get started.

Continue Reading

Tags: ,
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 5 Signs Your AC Needs to Retire

How Your Air Conditioning Can Affect Your Home’s Air Quality

June 15th, 2021

Did you know that the air inside our homes on average is two to five times more contaminated than the outdoor air? That’s a pretty staggering fact considering the average American spends about 90% of their time indoors.

In our most recent blog, the heating and cooling technicians at Douglas Cooling & Heating discuss how air conditioning systems can affect your home’s air quality and steps you can take to improve indoor air quality in your home.

Understanding the Color Alert System

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, uses a color alert system to notify citizens of air quality issues outside. For Birmingham residents, this guide helps those who live with allergies, asthma, COPD or other respiratory issues. Attention to the color alert system will help you stay healthy outside and inside when using your air conditioning. 

How Ozone Affects Your Health

Many people misunderstand ozone. There is ozone in the stratosphere. This shields the Earth and you from dangerous ultraviolet rays coming from the sun.

A different type of ozone at ground level is a colorless gas you breathe and is harmful to your health. Ozone is caused by power plants, vehicles, industries, solvents, and paints. Ground-level ozone creates or impacts health issues, such as:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing
  • Lung damage
  • Infections
  • Increased asthma attacks
  • Aggravated lung disease
  • Increased risk of death due to heart or lung disease

Ozone affects anyone, even healthy adults. Those who live with allergies, asthma or lung disease are at a greater risk of ozone exposure. Children and teenagers are at higher risk because their lungs are still developing. They breathe in more air compared to adults.

The same goes for elderly adults, who have weaker lungs. Another group is anyone with a compromised immune system due to chronic illness or a medical regimen.

Another group of people susceptible to ozone hazards are those who work outside or live a generally active lifestyle outdoors. So in short, practically everyone.

How Your Air Conditioning Helps and Hurts

Shutting yourself indoors to escape the heat outside can do more harm than good if your air conditioning system is neglected. Clogged HVAC system air filters and air ducts prevent your air conditioning unit from fresh air delivery throughout your home.

Instead, indoor air pollutants and contaminants, such as pollen, pet dander, dirt and other debris circulate from room to room while your AC system operates.

The easiest way to ensure your cooling system will protect you when the color alert system is not green is to schedule air conditioning service with Douglas Cooling & Heating. We understand the hazards of ozone on Birmingham residents.

We know what steps to take to keep your indoor air quality healthy and prevent indoor air pollution. Our NATE-certified technicians will inspect and clean your air conditioning system. This includes changing your air filter.

The air filter in your air conditioner is responsible for trapping and eliminating particulates before they seep into your indoor air. When the filter is dirty or clogged, the particulates escape and move throughout the ductwork.

This eventually compromises your indoor air and health. You can go a step further when you install an ultraviolet air cleaner in your air conditioning unit. This creates better indoor air quality and reduces the number of particulates which escape filtration.

Installing a Whole Home Dehumidifier

Your air conditioner helps control relative humidity in your home. It can’t remove all moisture, however, especially when the levels are high outside. A great way to help your air conditioning unit is to install a whole-home dehumidifier.

Excess moisture allows dust mites to multiply and creates a breeding ground for microbes like mildew. A dehumidifier connected to your air conditioning system helps remove moisture your air conditioner misses and allows your unit to operate more efficiently in the future. Aside from removing excess moisture, the installation of a whole house dehumidifier can:

  • Prevent water damage around your home
  • Restrict household allergens
  • Improve comfort and fewer health problems
  • Create healthier air and good indoor air quality
  • Create energy savings and lower energy bills

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for Air Quality, Air Conditioning Solutions

Pay attention to the ozone levels outside, EPA color system warnings and stay indoors when it’s hazardous to your health. Air conditioning units maintained on a regular basis help counteract harmful pollutants outside and indoors.

Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule service or to learn more about air cleaners and dehumidifiers for your cooling system. Ready to upgrade or replace? We offer financing!

Continue Reading

Posted in Indoor Air Quality | Comments Off on How Your Air Conditioning Can Affect Your Home’s Air Quality

Common HVAC Repairs You Need to Know About

June 15th, 2021

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.

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Common HVAC Repairs You Need to Know About