It’s easy to be confused about the heating and cooling world. With so many different system types, components and purposes, most homeowners have similar questions. Douglas Cooling & Heating is here to answer your HVAC FAQs and shine needed light on these elements. Below, our NATE-certified HVAC experts have answers for some of your HVAC FAQs about heat exchangers.

What Is a Heat Exchanger?

In a furnace, the heat exchanger is an element that looks like a set of coils or metal tubes. They connect to the furnace’s burner assembly at one end, and the furnace’s vent or flue pipe at the other. The heat exchanger keeps air and gas separated through the combustion process.

What Does a Heat Exchanger Do?

Simply put, a heat exchanger transfers heat from one type of medium to another. In a furnace, the heat exchanger works to heat air. Combustion of your heating fuel occurs within the heat exchanger.

Its surface warms up due to combustion, then the blower motor pushes air over the heat exchanger, causing a temperature increase. Plainly put, without a heat exchanger, there would be no heat!

What Problems Can Occur with My Heat Exchanger?

Just like any other component of a furnace, a heat exchanger can experience malfunctions. Heat exchanger problems cause decreased furnace performance.

Because of their involvement with the combustion process, a malfunctioning heat exchanger can create a serious risk to a household’s health and safety.

A cracked heat exchanger is a serious problem. Heat exchanger cracks are an urgent repair issue. As the heat exchanger is meant to keep combustion byproducts from mixing with the air, cracks can let these dangerous contaminants out.

Carbon monoxide is one such byproduct under normal circumstances is safely vented out of the home. Unfortunately, with a cracked heat exchanger, it mixes with heated air and be transferred into your home.

As a colorless and odorless gas, this is extremely dangerous. Exposure to carbon monoxide gas can make people sick and in extreme cases, cause death.

Signs of Heat Exchanger Issues

Signs of a cracked heat exchanger include:

• Visible cracks on the heat exchanger
• Soot on the inside of the furnace
• Rust on the heat exchanger
• A burner flame that moves or flickers
• Water sitting at the furnace’s base
• The smell of formaldehyde near the furnace
• Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms

Protecting Your Heat Exchanger

Keep your heat exchanger operating in top shape and enhance safety with proper care. We recommend an annual furnace tune-up with our NATE-certified technicians.

During your preventative maintenance furnace tune-up, our technicians inspect your heat exchanger for cracks and other damage. They can safely repair minor cracks, while extensive damage often requires replacement.

During a tune-up, our technicians also address other system issues and potential problems for your heat exchanger down the road.

Airflow obstructions in the heat exchanger, such as blocked vents or a dirty air filter, cause overheating and possibly a crack. Fixing airflow obstructions can prolong the lifespan and improve the safety of your heat exchanger.

Douglas Cooling & Heating for All Your HVAC FAQs

The heating and cooling world is full of HVAC FAQs. Douglas Cooling & Heating is happy to help answer your HVAC FAQs about heat exchangers and other systems or components. We’re available for HVAC repair, service and installations.

Call us for free estimates. We care about your health, as well as your safety and comfort. Concerned about expenses for new equipment? Don’t be – we offer finance options for your convenience. So, for more information, contact us today.

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on HVAC FAQs: What Is a Heat Exchanger?

During winter months, Alabama homeowners turn to their HVAC systems for warmth and comfort. Standard in many rooms of a home sits a valuable helper for your HVAC system – the ceiling fan. Do ceiling fans help air conditioning and heating? When used correctly, your ceiling fans keep air moving and help your HVAC system keep your home warmer and use less energy.

The Function of Ceiling Fans

Contrary to popular belief, ceiling fans do not cool. Fans are actually meant to enhance the temperature of your rooms, whether warm or cool. Ceiling fans keep air moving, having different effects depending on the seasons and how you use them.

Do ceiling fans help air conditioning and heating systems? Yes, if you know how to correctly use them.

Do Ceiling Fans Help Air Conditioning?

In the summer months, ceiling fans help your air conditioning system by reducing the cooling load in your home. As the blades of the fan rotate counterclockwise, they move air downward toward the spaces where we sit, sleep, and live.

This creates a windchill effect, and moves air across your skin. The breeze evaporates moisture from your skin which makes you feel warmer. By doing so, your ceiling fan keeps bodies cooler so you are able to stay comfortable and even set your thermostat a few degrees higher. Therefore, your AC unit gets a break and lessens the odds of requiring air conditioning repair service in Birmingham. Do ceiling fans help save energy in this way? Absolutely.

Do Ceiling Fans Help Heating Too?

In the winter, use a ceiling fan in combination with your heating and air system to keep your home more comfortable. Ceiling fans work to evenly distribute air in the room. Do ceiling fans help heating? Yes, they reduce the amount of heat needed by helping you benefit from the warm air already produced by your heating system and can reduce the risk of needing Birmingham heating repair service.

The fan’s blades draw warm air up toward your ceiling, and the rotating motion pushes this air out toward the edges of the room before circulating back to the ground. With air warmer pooling naturally at the top of a room, this air distribution helps the whole space feel warmer by pushing it back down to reach your body.

You benefit with more of the warmth produced by your heating system. This helps you feel comfortable even if you set the thermostat back a few degrees.

How to Set Ceiling Fans for Winter HVAC Help

Ceiling fans shouldn’t be used in the same direction in the winter as they work in the summer. Otherwise, you’ll get the undesirable windchill effect indoors when you’re trying to stay warm.

Adjust ceiling fan blade direction for each season to create the desired warming or cooling effect. Fans have a switch, typically located on the base, to adjust the direction of blade rotation. It is important you select the correct direction for each season to achieve the desired effect.

Do ceiling fans help air conditioning? Only if they rotate in the correct direction. In the summer, your ceiling fan blades are set to rotate counterclockwise; in the winter, the blades should be set to rotate clockwise. Changing the rotation of your ceiling fan blades is simple, as most models are equipped with a switch on the unit to switch the direction.

Why Use Ceiling Fans with Winter HVAC

Running your ceiling fan correctly during the winter can help you cut heating costs. With better use and distribution of the warm air created by the HVAC system, your heating unit catches a break.

Your household will feel just as comfortable with the fan running properly and your thermostat down a few degrees to save energy.

Don’t Use Ceiling Fans with Your HVAC If…

Whenever a room is unoccupied, you should turn the ceiling fan off. The warming benefits the ceiling fan produces are realized by those in the room. When there’s no one in the room, there’s no need to waste electricity operating the fan. Ceiling fans don’t save energy if they operate in unoccupied rooms.

One exception to this rule exists: a ceiling fan located at the top of a two-story stairwell or foyer. As heat rises to the second floor, the ceiling fan moves the stairwell’s heat down to the first floor to add warmth.

If you have a two-story foyer or great room which feels cool while upstairs feels warm or stuffy, try a fan. An existing lighting fixture can easily be swapped out with a fan or a fan with lighting.

Using ceiling fans wisely throughout the winter can be a great complement to your HVAC system. Ceiling fans can help you feel warmer indoors and allow your HVAC system to cut back, for great energy savings.

Be sure your ceiling fan blades are rotating clockwise and you turn off your ceiling fans when a room is unoccupied (except in a two-story stairwell).

How to Choose a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans work best in rooms with ceilings at least eight feet high. Optimal ceiling fan installation places blades seven to nine feet higher than the floor and 10 to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

Blades should not be closer than eight inches from the ceiling and 18 inches away from the surrounding walls.

Choose a ceiling fan appropriately sized for your room. Larger fans are capable of moving more air than smaller models. For rooms of 225 square feet, ceiling fans with a diameter between 36 and 44 inches is sufficient.

Larger rooms need a fan with a diameter of 52 inches or more. In rooms longer than 18 feet, multiple fans should be used for best results.

When it Comes to HVAC Systems – We’re Huge Fans!

These ceiling fan best practices give your HVAC system a needed break this winter and help it operate more efficiently. For more energy saving tips, schedule service from Douglas Cooling & Heating today.

We’re here for you whether you need HVAC repair or service. Ready to upgrade to a more energy-efficient heat pump, furnace, air conditioner or other HVAC equipment? We also provide free estimates!

Finance options are available to keep household budgets intact while enjoying greater comfort. We love helping customers get the most value from their HVAC equipment, so please call us if you need assistance.

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Do Ceiling Fans Help Air Conditioning Systems?

Many Alabama homes use a heat pump for perfect indoor temperatures throughout the year. Homeowners often don’t realize there’s an issue until there’s a lack of heating or cooling. In many cases, however, your heat pump shows signs of trouble prior to malfunctioning. Douglas Cooling & Heating discusses the signs of trouble a heat pump presents so you can anticipate the need to schedule service.

Strange Noises

Heat pumps are fairly quiet, although they make some regular noises during operation or starts and stops. The usual noises aren’t cause for concern – problem noises are ones out of the ordinary.

Don’t ignore minor strange sounds and wait for them to become louder or more frequent before calling for repair. Strange sounds indicate problems with components which could become worse. Bangs, grinding, rattles, and screeches are all noises which cause concern.

Higher Energy Bills

Heat pumps offer highly efficient heating and cooling – one of the reasons many Alabama homeowners choose heat pump technology for their indoor comfort needs. Low energy bills are a definite perk, so if your heating and cooling bills start to climb, there’s a problem.

If your energy bills are higher than normal without any other explanation, such as increased occupancy of the home or adding energy-consuming appliances, your heat pump could be the cause.

Worn out or broken components within the heat pump can force the unit to draw more energy and overwork to hit your desired temperatures. This increases your utility costs and causes damage to the unit.

Room Temperature Air

Heat pumps can blow cool air and warm air into your home, depending on your settings. If you’re receiving room temperature air and your thermostat settings are appropriate for your desired temperature, something’s wrong.

Also, if you’re feeling hot air when the heat pump is in cooling mode or vice versa, your heat pump needs attention. It’s possible the heat pump’s reversing valve which switches modes may need to be replaced.

Frequent Cycling

Is your heat pump running more frequently than it used to? If you notice heating or cooling cycles initiating more often, it’s a sign of heat pump trouble.

While improper thermostat calibration could be causing the issue, more serious issues with the heat pump may be to blame, such as a dysfunctional blower motor.

Poor Temperature Control

Along with frequent cycling, is your home not reaching your desired temperatures despite the heat pump is constantly running? Or are you having a hard time maintaining your preferred comfort levels?

Poor temperature control could be caused by a repairable issue, but often it’s a sign your heat pump is not sized appropriately for your home. Our NATE-certified technicians can identify the issue and inform you of the best route to take to improve your comfort.

Needs Frequent Repairs

Heat pumps, just as furnaces and air conditioners, tend to require more frequent repairs when they’re reaching their last two years of service life. If you’ve been seeing Douglas Cooling & Heating technicians fairly regularly for your heat pump, it’s a sign that instead of seeing us for repairs, it’s time to see us for heat pump replacement.

Heat Pump Troubles Are No Trouble for Us

If you notice any of the heat pump trouble signs we’ve discussed above, do not delay in calling us for service. Continuing to operate your heat pump with problems can cause further damage. This may require replacement when a simpler repair could have solved the issue if addressed earlier.

Our NATE-certified technicians are ready to diagnose and fix your heat pump problems. Call us today to schedule heat pump service.

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Heat Pump Signs of Trouble

New Furnace Installations in Older Homes Require More Information

If you don’t do your research, a new furnace update in a historic home easily becomes a nightmare. Don’t worry though – at Douglas Cooling & Heating we’re unafraid of the challenge! Our professionals train to expertly assess and install modern equipment, like a new furnace, in older and historic homes.

For example, before you make any decisions, consider the insulation and ductwork available. Also review fuel, speed types and the restrictions of preservation rules. We encourage you to discuss all of these factors with our team before a new furnace installation.

Update Insulation During New Furnace Installation

Many older homes are not well-insulated. Even if insulation is present, it may be inefficient or unsafe for a new heating unit. An upgraded furnace requires modern insulation materials, so one of Douglas Cooling & Heating certified technicians will need to inspect your current insulation.

Douglas Cooling & Heating is equipped to recommend adequate insulation so you get the most value from your furnace upgrade.

Ductwork Available to Your New Furnace

The current heating system technology available today is vastly different. It can require more care when installing an updated furnace in your historic home. Our team helps you with the installation process, first with a current ductwork inspection.

Second, a modern furnace may require additional ductwork throughout your home. This prevents “cold spots” in the future.

Our team suggests which furnace is right for your historic home and determines what modifications may be necessary to customize your new heating system. If additional ductwork is necessary or if the current ductwork needs repairs, we notify you and make adjustments to fit your budget and heating needs. Our NATE-certified installers engage in continuous training to provide the best experience for you.

Fuel Types for a New Furnace

When choosing a furnace for your historic home, consider the fuel source. Older furnaces typically use oil, but newer furnaces have more efficient options available. A popular and cost-effective choice is a furnace powered by natural gas.

New Furnace Speed Options

Typically, older furnaces use a single-stage blower with only one speed. One speed makes it difficult for a furnace to achieve and maintain warmth throughout a historic home. This means higher energy bills and forces the furnace to operate harder than necessary.

New models feature two-stage blowers, so they operate at either full or half speed. Two stages of heating offer better temperature regulation and reduce the energy used to heat your home.

Variable-speed furnaces offer even more energy efficiency and greater accuracy with temperature control. We encourage you to consult with us if you plan to update your thermostat as well.

Certain thermostats work better with single-speed models versus variable-speed furnaces. Use our expertise to save yourself hassles and to pair your new furnace with the right thermostat for its design.

Historic Preservation Rules

Historic homes are sometimes governed by preservation rules intended to maintain the home and neighborhood historic integrity. If your historic home falls within these preservation rules, seek approval of upgrades and changes to the home by a historic preservation committee or municipal authority.

Check to see if a furnace installation interferes with any preservation rules before you make any decisions. When you’re ready to research a new furnace in your historic home, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Our heating and cooling experts assess your home’s insulation and ductwork prior to installation. They also recommend any steps to take beforehand. We ensure your upgraded furnace works well with your home so you can enjoy warm temperatures throughout your historic house.

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Install a New Furnace in Your Historic Home

Don’t get scared by bumps in the night when your furnace kicks on and off – schedule furnace maintenance. Keep your home a scare-free zone when you book preventative furnace maintenance early and know which sounds mean trouble. Douglas Cooling & Heating is standing by to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs, even spooky ones!

Furnace Maintenance “Scares off” Strange Noises

A typical furnace makes some noises but nothing which should scare you or your family members. Furnaces are designed to operate quietly and not draw attention to themselves. Most make a sound when they start and stop.

You may notice the sound of air as it moves through the vents or a gentle hum in the background. If, however, you notice new or jarring sounds from your furnace at any time, call Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately. Here are some examples:

Screech Noises

This sound typically is due to motor bearing problems. Our technicians apply lubricant to the motor during routine furnace maintenance, which stops the offending sound. However, a screech or high-pitched noise might indicate a problem with a belt. We will inspect your furnace and diagnose which problem is causing the sound.

Scrape Noises

You might notice this noise if something is wrong with the blower wheel. It will sound like metal parts rubbing together or a scratching noise, like nails on a chalkboard. If you hear this noise, call Douglas Cooling & Heating immediately!

There are a number of reasons why the blower wheel is making this sound and our technicians know exactly what to do for any circumstance.

Click Noises

Gas furnaces which turn on and off repeatedly emit a clicking sound. The issue could be a problem with the compressor or control panel. Schedule furnace maintenance to catch the problem early before the clicking noises start.

Grind Noise

A grinding sound indicates something is wrong with the motor. Worst-case scenario, the motor needs to be replaced. Our NATE-certified technicians recommend the best solution for your motor issues so you can enjoy warm temperatures without the deafening grinding noise.

Hum Noises

A motor on its last legs emits a humming noise. Don’t wait too long; otherwise, you will start to hear a grinding noise. Furnace maintenance in the fall catches humming noises early and prevents your furnace from a breakdown in the middle of winter.

Furnace Maintenance Prevention Is Key  

Whether your furnace is making noise due to something minor or major, you have the power to prevent the noise. Furnace maintenance with our licensed and knowledgeable HVAC technicians keeps your heating system operating smoothly throughout the fall and winter.

Preventative furnace maintenance allows our professionals to catch and diagnose problems early. This reduces the risk of expensive HVAC repairs in the future.

Stop scary noises before they escalate by scheduling furnace maintenance for your heating system. Catch problems now and save yourself money and stressful headaches before winter weather arrives. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to ensure your furnace is ready for the colder temperatures.

Continue Reading

Posted in HVAC | Comments Off on Lack of Furnace Maintenance Turns Homes Into Haunted Houses