Heating & Cooling Terminology Explained

April 18th, 2018

What Does SEER Mean?

 

Are you noticing higher energy bills from your air conditioning unit? Is your current system between 10 and 15 years old? If you answered yes to either of these questions, it’s time to invest in a new air conditioner.

Today’s energy-efficient units are labeled with a special Energy Guide sticker informing you how efficient it operates, known as the SEER rating. Douglas Cooling & Heating is a Bryant Factory-Authorized Dealer and we carry several Bryant air conditioners to fit any budget.

What a SEER Rating Means

The SEER rating, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, on your current or new air conditioner, indicates its cooling efficiency. SEER measures the unit’s cooling output to its power input. A new air conditioner with a high SEER rating indicates how efficient it is compared to other units. The higher the rating, the more efficient an air conditioner. Higher efficiency means your cooling system will use less energy to operate and save you more money on your energy bill.

In recent years, SEER ratings have increased, and older units are less efficient than new models. New air conditioners are required to have a SEER rating of 14 or higher as of January 2015. Douglas Cooling & Heating sells new air conditioners energy-efficient with high SEER ratings. Our NATE-certified technicians install new air conditioner units quickly after properly sizing your home for the capacity you need.

Know the SEER Rating of Your New Air Conditioner

It’s amazing! Current units trounce those manufactured as little as a decade ago. New air conditioners have an EnergyGuide label on them, so homeowners can determine their unit’s SEER rating. The label is easy to find and will indicate the new air conditioner unit’s efficiency compared to other units. You can investigate how much money you will save from a new air conditioner by visiting the Department of Energy online. There are several energy and cost saving calculator documents to help you determine which SEER rating will give you the best savings.

Purchasing a new air conditioner unit with Douglas Cooling & Heating means you won’t have to question the quality or efficiency of your new system. Our technicians will explain how your new system works and help you understand how best to use and maintain it. We want you to love your new air conditioner from the minute you switch it on, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Boost the SEER Rating

After installing your new air conditioner, consider investing in a preventative maintenance plan to protect your investment and preserve any manufacturer warranties. An air conditioner, just like any major home appliance, is an expensive purchase. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps your unit performing its best at all times.

Maintenance ensures your equipment is clean by eliminating excess dust, dirt and other debris accumulated during the spring, summer, and early fall months. Dust and dirt sound minor, but they can negatively impact your new air-conditioning system, including restricting the airflow in your ductwork.

Regular maintenance cleans your unit and it catches problems early preventing expensive HVAC repairs. Taking care of your air conditioner will keep repair costs low, ensure your system performs as efficiently as it can, and prolong the lifespan of your new unit. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers several different preventative maintenance plans, so you can choose one in line with your budget.

Know what you are buying when it comes time to invest in a new air conditioner. Make sure your new system has a high SEER rating and purchase a preventative maintenance plan to keep it performing efficiently. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating for a great line of Bryant air conditioners with installation performed by our trusted NATE-certified technicians.

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Why is My Water Heater Not Providing Enough Hot Water?

April 17th, 2018

tank-water-heaterYour water heater is one of the hardest working home appliances you have. It provides you with hot water multiple times a day, every day, throughout the year. So, it can be very frustrating when the water heater suddenly stops providing hot water for whatever reasons. There are a number of possible factors that can prevent your water heater from heating the water inside it properly. Read on to find out more about these different factors, and what can be done about them.

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Different Air Purifiers, and the Advantages They Can Offer You

April 16th, 2018

Air FilterIf you’re at home right now, take a moment to breathe deeply and think about what’s in your air. Does it seem clear, or is it a little stuffy? Whether or not you think the air in your home is clear, you should know that the average home’s air quality is actually quite low. Microscopic airborne contaminants make quite a negative impact on the air quality of most homes, causing sickness and general discomfort throughout the year. The good news is that there is hope for your home’s air quality. Installing an indoor air purifier is a great way to improve your indoor air quality.

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Allergies? Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

April 11th, 2018

Flowers are blooming, Little League is in season, and people are starting to roam outdoors as temperatures start to rise. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, along with the spreading of pollen, dust and other allergens.

To escape these allergens, homeowners seek refuge indoors. Without proper protection to combat the allergens from overrunning your home, you will still deal with allergies, asthma issues and other health problems due to allergen exposure.

A Clean Home Equals Improved Indoor Air Quality

Routine HVAC service, UV filters and media air cleaners are excellent options to improve your indoor air quality. However, routine cleaning, such as vacuuming, sweeping and dusting, keep the dirt, dust and other particles in your home low.

Allergens don’t stay suspended in the air. They float and settle on different surfaces in your home, building up if they aren’t dealt with on a regular basis. Eliminating the dust and allergens by cleaning will increase your indoor air quality and help keep your HVAC system clean longer between maintenance calls.

Schedule HVAC Service

Before the heat and humidity hit your home this spring, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule service for your heating and cooling system. During the fall and winter, different particulates build up in your HVAC system. Dirt, dust and debris accumulate within your HVAC unit and the ductwork. As spring starts up more dirt, debris, and pollen are circulated into your home on top of whatever has built up over the winter months, compromising your indoor air quality.

Seasonal maintenance on your cooling system reduces the amount of pollen, dirt and dust, keeping it clean during the hottest months. A clean system will function more efficiently, and your air won’t be contaminated with allergens as it circulates throughout your unit and ductwork. Besides a healthy, cleaner indoor air quality, you will have lower energy bills when your equipment is kept clean year-round. A dirty unit is forced to work harder to maintain ideal temperatures throughout your home, which continuously wastes energy.

Media Air Cleaners

A media air cleaner works hand-in-hand with your cooling system to trap and eliminate particulates affecting your health and reducing your indoor air quality. An air cleaner offers peace of mind knowing your entire home’s air is kept clean every time your unit is running. Installation of a media air cleaner has two options, a duct-based unit or a filter-based unit. Both offer the same benefits and keep you and your family breathing clean air day and night.

High-Efficiency UV Filters

High-efficiency UV lights are great for protecting your indoor air from pollutants and allergens. The UV lights can sterilize two different ways. You have the option to use the UV lights 24/7 to sterilize the air handler coil or have the UV lights operate only when the HVAC system cycles on, sterilizing the air as it blows through the air handler. The ultraviolet light eliminates condensation and mold from developing in your unit and your home. The extra protection against mold and mildew provides you with higher indoor air quality from the start.

Reduce Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew reduce your indoor air quality and are a common problem for people with allergies and asthma. Spring brings lots of rain and increased humidity, resulting in the growth of mold and the spreading of mold spores throughout your home. Your cooling system doesn’t eliminate moisture, and with the help of a whole-home dehumidifier, you can maintain healthy humidity levels indoors. A dehumidifier reduces the excess moisture your home and in your HVAC system. By controlling the humidity and condensation, you will have cleaner air and avoid health issues due to mold and mildew.

Control your allergies this spring by taking preventative steps to improve your indoor air quality. With on-going training, our NATE-certified HVAC technicians are always up-to-date on the latest advancements in the heating and cooling industry, including efficient indoor air quality products. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating to schedule routine maintenance or to learn more about the variety of indoor air quality products we offer.

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We’re Giving Back to Our Heroes!

April 6th, 2018

Our community is supported by thousands of self-sacrificing heroes, and we feel it’s time for us to give something back to them. We’re proud to announce our Comfort for Heroes program, making it easier for active military, veterans, law enforcement, EMT & paramedics, firefighters, and educators to get the HVAC systems they need. If you’re a member of any of the above groups, contact us today and get 10% off your total invoice for Mitsubishi Electric HVAC equipment and installation up to $1,500. Douglas Cooling & Heating is Central Alabama’s only Diamond Elite Contractor.

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What it Means When Your Furnace Makes Weird Noises

April 2nd, 2018

furnace-techIf you’ve had your furnace for a while, you probably know what it’s supposed to sound like when it’s running. If your furnace suddenly starts to make rather unusual noises, that is not something you should ignore. Strange noises are often one of the first signs that homeowners notice that something isn’t right with the furnace. If you ignore the signs, you may end up having to pay a lot more in repair costs or even replace your entire system. Have a look below at some of the descriptions of weird furnace noises you may encounter, and what they mean.

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My Air Conditioner Quit! Belated April Fool Joke?

April 1st, 2018

So, the warmer weather is increasing, and you notice your air conditioning unit has stopped working. Don’t panic just yet! There might be a simple reason for the problem a heating and air conditioning repair can quickly fix and have your home cooling off before you know it. If repairs are accumulating, it might be time to upgrade your current HVAC unit and purchase a new air conditioner from Douglas Cooling & Heating.

Heating and Air Conditioning Repair

Air conditioners can be finicky at times, especially if not properly maintained during the year. Just because you don’t feel cool air blowing doesn’t mean the air conditioner has stopped working. There a variety of reasons why your HVAC system isn’t functioning correctly. The most common air conditioning problems are:

  • The fan in the outdoor unit is dysfunctional
  • The compressor in the outside unit has overheated
  • Bad electrical connections both outside and inside
  • A refrigerant leak, low refrigerant levels, or no refrigerant all
  • Faulty thermostat providing false readings and
  • Condensate drain is clogged or not correctly draining

The best way to identify the problem and if it can be fixed is by scheduling heating and air conditioning repair with a licensed professional. Douglas Cooling & Heating employs only the best HVAC technicians in the industry who are NATE-certified and continuously trained. Hiring quality professionals guarantees you get excellent service every time. Our technicians are skilled and knowledgeable with years of experience under their belts. They are equipped to handle any problem with any make or model they come across during a heating and air conditioning repair call.

Preventive Maintenance for the Future

If your cooling system is repairable, you need to take steps to prevent unexpected problems from happening in the future. Preventative maintenance is important for any HVAC system. By maintaining your equipment, common allergens, such as pollen, dirt and dust, are kept to a minimum while your system is operating.

Filters are changed during routine maintenance calls, which allows them to better trap and eliminate more contaminants from your indoor air. Your heating and cooling system be healthier and your indoor air quality improve, too. Healthy indoor air keeps your home cleaner and lowers health risks to you and your family, especially if anyone has asthma or respiratory illnesses.

Maintenance catches problems early, and technicians can repair or replace damaged components before they harm your system further. Unless your system is old, most malfunctions and breakdowns can be avoided with regularly scheduled maintenance twice a year. Fewer problems mean less heating and air conditioning repairs, which saves you money over time. Maintenance also boosts your system’s performance and efficiency, lengthening its lifespan. Douglas Cooling & Heating offers three levels of preventative maintenance plans to fit any budget.  

Time for a New HVAC Unit

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, including your HVAC system. Even with proper maintenance, your unit will call it quits permanently. If your system is older than 10-15 years or the cost of the heating and air conditioning repair is more than your current unit is worth, it’s time to purchase a new HVAC system. You may also consider if the cost to repair the unit is negligible compared to the combination of a new more efficient unit and the energy savings you’ll enjoy.

There are a few things to consider before investing in a new unit. Newer HVAC models have ratings and specifications to indicate efficiency compared to other models. Search for a new heating and cooling system with high SEER/EER and HSPF rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient a unit will be, lowering your energy bill and saving you money.

Douglas Cooling & Heating is a Bryant Factory-Authorized Dealer, and we sell only the best quality HVAC products to our Alabama customers. We offer to finance new HVAC systems so you can purchase without stressing over money. We have several different financing options for you to choose and each features different benefits. For more information about our financing options, call Douglas Cooling & Heating to speak with our friendly sales staff.

Don’t get stuck sweating the heat this season! Schedule 24/7 heating and air conditioning repair with Douglas Cooling & Heating to get your unit up and running fast. Douglas Cooling & Heating is your one-stop shop for all your HVAC needs, including preventative maintenance and installation of a new system. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating today to schedule service or to learn more about our financing options for a new heating and cooling system.

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Spring Energy Saving Tips for Your Home Heating and Cooling

March 26th, 2018

Warmer weather is right around the corner and so is a higher energy bill if you aren’t careful. Your HVAC system switches from heating to cooling with the rising temperatures. If your unit isn’t ready for the switch, its performance and efficiency are reduced and cause your energy bill to skyrocket. The added stress on your heating and cooling system due to the fluctuating temperatures leads to malfunctions and breakdowns when you least expect them. Follow these five heating and cooling energy saving tips this spring to reduce your energy bill without sacrificing your indoor comfort.

Tip #1 – Preventative Maintenance Is Vital

The most important thing you can do for your heating and cooling system is to schedule maintenance before spring arrives. Dirt, dust and other debris will accumulate throughout your system and ductwork during the winter. Maintenance cleans your unit, eliminating excess dust and preventing clogs in your ductwork. When the airflow in your home is compromised due to a clog or other obstruction, your unit has to work harder to provide controlled temperatures throughout your home. Maintenance improves airflow, which increases your system’s efficiency and produces heating and cooling energy savings immediately.

Tip #2 – Change Your Air Filter

Check your air filter on a regular basis to reduce clogging in your system and ductwork. When a filter is dirty, airflow is restricted and there is a greater chance for dirt, dust and other debris to get caught inside your ductwork. Clogged ducts prevent warm and cool air from circulating around your house, which interferes with your thermostat obtaining accurate readings. Your heating and cooling unit will have to work harder to provide ideal temperatures throughout your home, increases the amount of energy used by your unit. Inspecting and changing out your filter before it becomes a problem will boost heating and cooling energy savings every month.

Tip #3 – Inspect Your Outdoor Unit

Clear away any leaves, branches, twigs and other debris from around your outdoor unit restricting airflow. If you notice a layer of dirt, pollen or dust on your coils, gently hose them off with water or call an HVAC technician to properly clean your outdoor unit for you.

Rodents and pests are another problem affecting outdoor units. During the winter, small animals seek shelter in dry, warm places, including inside your outdoor unit. If you notice scratches around or on your unit or signs of an infestation, contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to have your outdoor unit inspected and cleaned. Our professionals will check for chewed wiring or damage to other components inside your outdoor unit during an HVAC repair. Catching problems with your outdoor unit will cut back on expensive repairs in the future and increase your heating and cooling energy savings.

Tip #4 – Schedule Air Duct Cleaning

Schedule an HVAC repair to have your air ducts, vents, and registers professionally cleaned before the start of spring. A thorough duct cleaning eliminates dirt and debris from accumulating and reducing the airflow in your system. During the service call, our NATE-certified technicians will check for air leaks throughout your ductwork and seal them if necessary. An inspection will also discover if any ductwork is damaged and will be replaced immediately. Damaged ducts and air leaks increase your energy usage without you realizing it. Most people forget about their ducts since they are hidden from view. Duct cleaning increases your heating and cooling energy savings by finding and sealing leaks and improving the airflow when air is circulated throughout your home.

Tip #5 – Upgrade Your Thermostat

If you have an older thermostat, now is the time to consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat before the change in seasons. The heating and cooling energy savings you will get with a new programmable thermostat are amazing. You can program settings to fit your schedule based on when you are home, away, asleep, and on vacation. A programmable thermostat prevents your HVAC system from kicking on repeatedly while you are at work or school, decreasing the wear and tear on your unit and reducing energy wasted during the day.

Take advantage of heating and cooling energy savings this spring by scheduling maintenance, replacing your air filter regularly, and inspecting your outdoor unit. Contact Douglas Cooling & Heating to have a professional clean your ducts or install a new programmable thermostat to boost savings further. Our NATE-certified technicians are standing by, ready to assist you with all your heating and cooling needs.

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Do Yourself a Favor and Schedule AC Maintenance

March 20th, 2018

AC-technicianNo one wants to have their air conditioner break down on them in the middle of summer. Or any other time, really. HVAC breakdowns are the worst. Unfortunately, as you start to rely on your air conditioner more and more during the summer season, you’re going to increase the rate at which it wears out. More wear and tear means a higher chance of the system malfunctioning, which you obviously want to avoid. Fortunately, there is something you can do! Schedule preventive maintenance.

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Top 3 Signs Your Lake House HVAC System Needs Maintenance

March 19th, 2018

Spring is here, and summer is soon to follow, which means it’s time get your lakehouse ready. When you are opening up your lake house this year, consider doing more than just opening some windows and vacuuming. Your HVAC system needs some attention by scheduling lakehouse air conditioning maintenance from the experts at Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our technicians are experienced and will get your unit running smoothly. If you are unsure if maintenance is necessary, consider the following three signs when running your air conditioner.

Sign #1: What Do You Hear?

An air conditioning system should be quiet and if your unit is making strange or loud noises, it’s time to schedule lakehouse air conditioning maintenance. Loud or unexpected noises are a warning sign something is wrong and maintenance is your best way to diagnose the problem before it escalates into something bigger. Noises from your air conditioner can mean any number of things. Debris, such as leaves, twigs, trash and rodent nests, can get lodged in the blower motor. Simple maintenance will clean your unit of the debris and your system will be ready for hot weather in no time.

If the problem is more serious, such as a condenser close to breaking or a bad compressor belt, lake house air conditioning maintenance will diagnose the problem so the appropriate measures can be taken to fix the damaged component quickly. A typical noise from your air conditioner is the blower or fan circulating while the air conditioner is running. Banging or rattling indicates a serious problem, so schedule maintenance immediately with Douglas Cooling & Heating to reduce the chance of breakdown.

Sign #2: What Do You Smell?

A healthy air conditioning system won’t produce a smell when operating. If you start your air conditioner up and you instantly smell a mildew odor, schedule lake house air conditioning maintenance. A mildew or moldy smell indicates mold might be growing somewhere inside your air conditioning system. You won’t know if the mold growth is in your actual unit or the ductwork until a Douglas Cooling & Heating professional inspects your air conditioner. Mold in your system can cause damage to your lake house and reduces your indoor air quality. Anyone in your family or visiting your lake house with allergies, asthma or respiratory issues will be greatly affected by the mold in your system.

Sign #3: What Do You Feel?

The most obvious sign there is a problem with your air conditioning system is when it blows warm or hot air. A healthy air conditioner will provide cool, crisp air throughout your lake house and if you aren’t getting it, schedule lake house air conditioning maintenance. Your air conditioner might blow cool air less cool than the last time it was used.

The issue might be simple, such as recharging the refrigerant level in the air conditioner.  However, the best way ensure proper operation of your unit is to call Douglas Cooling & Heating. Our friendly and skilled NATE-certified technicians will inspect your system during maintenance and diagnose whatever is causing the problem with your unit preventing it from producing cold air.

Schedule your lake house air conditioning maintenance early and catch problems early! Our technicians will get your unit performing efficiently so you can seek shelter indoors from the summer heat. Call Douglas Cooling & Heating today!

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