Daycool Heating & Air

The very nature of a sunroom makes it difficult to control the temperature within. However, if you choose to use your room as a four seasons room, there are a few things to consider in order to enjoy your time there.

·         ADD A FAN. If you use screens in the summer to open it up to the cool breezes, then you may want to install ceiling fans to circulate the air. This simple improvement will make the temperature seem cooler.

·         INSULATE THE ROOM. If you have a sunroom with fixed glass, first be sure that it is a good thermal grade, to help improve the efficiency of climate control in the room. If you have the option of insulating the room well, do so.

·         USE YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM. If your home has a ducted heating and air system, it may be a simple task to add a duct or two into the room, bringing the readily available system to the area where you need it.

·         CONSIDER A DUCTLESS SYSTEM. If your current system is already taxed or if you simply don’t have one, then you may want to look at a ductless system. Installation is less complicated and usually less expensive than having a technician climbing around in your crawl space. If you size the unit properly, you can add other rooms or zones in the future. For instance, if you don’t have central AC and use window units to cool the living room and bedrooms, you may be able to get rid of those units and install one ductless system to independently control each area.

·         ZONE CONTROLS: You can then also use the new room units to heat the spaces. Zone heating and cooling is the most efficient type available. If you aren’t going to be in the bedroom for the next 15 hours, turn the temperature ten degrees warmer or cooler, and bring it back to your preferred temperature just before you plan to be there. If the sunroom is only used on weekends, then let it hover at a less desirable temperature until you need it. You will find that you can save money on every power bill. This is why the return on investment for ductless systems is so high. Efficiency is everything when you are investing in your home. It is great for your comfort as the owner as well as the resale value if you decide to sell.

If you have a central unit, but it is getting older, you may want to go ahead and size the main compressor unit for the house, and eventually, add the rest of the areas when your central unit wears out.

The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. Our top priority is customer service. We are available 24/7 if you need us, call 251-633-5121. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!

It’s the time of the year when your house begins to fill with friends and relatives. Of this lively bunch joining your home, you may find you’ve got a wide variety of preferences - which means you may need to stock the bar and check out your AC System! We have a full upgrade that might be right for the changing needs of your family and incoming guests, as well as multiple small tweaks you can make to upgrade your home.

 What’s the best way to make everyone happy? In our minds, it’s a Zone AC System. This is a system with one central heating and cooling location but multiple thermostat controls throughout your home. This means Grandma can keep her bedroom toasty, your teenage kid can keep their room icy cold, and you can keep the rest of your house at the temperature that you’re used to.

 One particular area our customers love to keep cold: the kitchen, of course. With Zone AC Systems, the installation tech can divide your home into areas that typically have the same heating and cooling needs, for example, bedrooms, and your kitchen. This can save you money on your electric bill. Customers like to map out areas of their home that are not frequently used so they do not waste heating and cooling in places like the office or formal dining room. Zone System users have been known to save up to 30% on their power bill!

 How do you know if a new system is right for you?

 First, check out what you’re currently working with:

Was your air unit undersized to begin with?

Is it beginning to fail with age?

Is it out of date?

Will it hold up to the guests you are expecting this holiday season?

 If you answered yes to any of these questions, start the new year in a cool way by calling us so we can assist you. If it’s just the upcoming guests you’d like to appease, whether it’s a warm or cool ambient temperature, we propose the solution of upgrading to an entirely new home installation.

 These upgrades include:

●        Whole house air cleaner or humidifier

●        Window units

●        Furnace repair

●        Furnace replacement

●        Boiler repair

●        Boiler replacement

●        General HVAC repairs

●        Air quality improvement

●        UV light and filtration

●        Ductwork

●        Radiant heat

●        Forced air and hot water heat

●        Humidifiers

●        Geothermal installs

●        General maintenance

 The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. Our top priority is customer service. We are available 24/7 if you need us, call 251-633-5121. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!

Home maintenance is an integral part of keeping your home’s value high and assuring that your family is safe and comfortable. Many tasks hit the to-do list on a monthly basis, and others show up only a couple times a year. Maintaining your HVAC system is a semi-annual task, with the usual check-ups during spring and fall.

While the home owner is responsible for basics such as changing filters every month and cleaning the vents, there are other things that should be left to qualified technicians. That said, you don’t want to skip them. Be sure to contact Daycool Heating and Air and schedule your overdue check-up. You can also sign up for an automatic scheduling service. That way, if you forget us, we won’t forget you.

When we come for our fall visit, you can expect us to perform the following tasks:

·         CLEAN YOUR SYSTEM. Beginning with a clean system is imperative. Dirt can cause a whole host of issues from clogged orifices to faulty blowers. Making sure that everything is clean is step one.

·         LUBRICATE ALL MOVING PARTS. Anything that moves should do so freely. Dirt accumulates over time, and wear and tear cause poor alignment that also slows down movement. If it moves, it gets lubed.

·         TIGHTEN ALL GAS CONNECTIONS. We wrench test your gas lines to be sure that they are tight.

·         INSPECT AND TIGHTEN ALL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. Terminal strips are screwdriver checked, and twist locks are given a twist test. We want to make sure that every wire joint is tight and safe.

·         CHECK AMPERAGE DRAW. We will turn on your system and check the amperage reading on your wiring. Higher than normal readings will indicate that you have an oncoming problem, and we can give you time to plan for the repairs. These things will happen over time, but being familiar with your system and having a baseline amperage reading to compare it to is a great reason to have the same technician doing your work every six months.

·         INSPECT YOUR DUCTWORK. We will check your ductwork for any issues and recommend cleaning the ductworks when necessary. If you or your family have respiratory issues, we will take that into account with a more stringent guideline to keep them breathing well.

·         CHECK AIR FLOW. We will test the air flow at the various vents in your home. This tells us for sure that your home is heating evenly, and the flow throughout is balanced to avoid cold spots.

If you are looking for a heating and air contractor who takes a real interest in your needs and works hard to earn your repeat business, then give us a call.

The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. Our top priority is customer service. We are available 24/7 if you need us, call 251-633-5121. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!

A couple of years ago, there was a wave in America to push citizens to live as the Europeans do—without air conditioning. That trend gained attention until it made its way to the south, where it came to a screeching halt as thousands laughed at the absurd idea. Alabama in August without AC? Not going to happen. Once this modern convenience made its place in our everyday lives, it became a near necessity. So when something is wrong with our modern day ice blocks it becomes vital to correct the problem and pronto.

 One problem that could arise with your AC is a refrigerant leak. There are plenty of ways to know if this is occurring in your home, but a good many of them require a knowing eye. For those of us whose knowledge of air conditioning ends with how to turn it on, keep an eye out for these warning signs from Daycool Heating & Air so you can find out if your AC has a refrigerant leak.

 Low Air Flow

If you walk by your register (vent) and notice a lack of airflow, the issue could relate to a leak. Double-check the vents to make sure they’re not just closed or obstructed. Additionally, check if the airflow is the same at each register.

Warm Air Flow

A refrigerant leak can also cause a warm airflow. Here along the Gulf Coast, when the air gets heavy, it can feel like there’s nothing but warm air in our homes. If the AC has been on for hours though and you haven’t felt any relief, check what is coming out of the registers. If it’s warm as well, then check your unit for a leak.

Standing Water

A refrigerant leak will cause condensation to freeze along the coils. When it melts, water will puddle and spread around the indoor unit. If you see standing water or feel the floor squish below your feet around the unit, chances are a leak has been going on for a while.

High Electrical Bills

The most concrete piece of evidence you can receive of a leak is a higher electrical bill. Your AC will be working twice as hard for half the output and that can quickly add up in energy costs. If your bill takes a significant jump (more than just going from a cool month to a hot month), then check your indoor unit for a leak.

 Refrigerant isn’t something that simply requires routine changing, therefore you probably won’t ask yourself if your AC has a refrigerant leak. A leak is a sign of a larger problem within the air conditioning unit so take heed of these signs and let Daycool Heating & Air be there to help you with a solution.

The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. Our top priority is customer service. We are available 24/7 if you need us, call 251-633-5121. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!

As the holidays are quickly approaching, we may not be thinking about fire safety in our homes or buildings we frequent. We may also need a reminder to service our pull alarms, extinguishers, blankets, sprinkler systems, and have our dampers examined to ensure that if an accident were to occur, everyone would be ready. Many people do not know about a passive fire protection product called a fire damper.

What are fire dampers?

Fire dampers are devices in ducts and air transfer openings and systems that are designed to close when the temperature of a room increases to an unsafe temperature. Its principal function is to stop the passage of flame from one side of a fire-rated separation from the other. It also serves to interrupt airflow and resist flames from spreading.

How does this work?

Each damper is functioned by a fusible link that melts at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Upon reaching the melting point, the blades then shut close and stop the flame from moving into an adjoining compartment. Dampers prevent the spread of smoke inside the ducts. Many dampers have a fire resistance rating of 1½ -3 hours.

Where are they located?

You will find dampers installed in or near a wall or floor, typically at the point of duct penetration. If the ductwork falls away, the damper needs to remain in the wall or floor. A damper is part of the wall system itself. Dampers are also required to be installed in sleeves. A breakaway from the sleeve to the ductwork is required for lighter gauge sleeves. Heavier, smaller dampers can be installed with a hard duct connection. Due to thermal expansion, the spaces between the damper frame and the duct are not usually sealed. If the manufacturer of your damper lists a UL-approved sealant, then you can seal the seams.

Dynamic and Static Damper Designs

A dynamic damper is in vertical barriers and has a spring-loaded design where the doors of the damper will spring into a shut position when there is a fire. The HVAC system fan will stay on, causing air pressure to keep the doors of the damper shut and the fire contained.

A static damper is a barrier where the HVAC system fan will shut off in the event of a fire. They will fall due to gravity since there will be no air pressure assisting the damper.

Curtain and Multiple Blade Type Designs

In addition to dynamic and static dampers, you can find curtain and multiple blade type dampers. Curtain dampers are the most common and consist of a curtain held up by a fusible link. Multiple blade dampers have blades and offer a greater restrictive airflow.

Safety

It is ideal for a fire to be contained to one specific location. Ultimately, fire dampers must be routinely examined and restored for optimal performance and protection. Before you serve your big turkey dinner or a holiday ham, make sure you give DayCool Heating & Air a call to service your dampers and ensure the safety of your home and ultimate, your family.

The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. Our top priority is customer service. We are available 24/7 if you need us, call 251-633-5121. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!

 The very nature of a sunroom makes it difficult to control the temperature within. However, if you choose to use your room as a four seasons room, there are a few things to consider in order to enjoy your time there.

·         ADD A FAN. If you use screens in the summer to open it up to the cool breezes, then you may want to install ceiling fans to circulate the air. This simple improvement will make the temperature seem cooler.

·         INSULATE THE ROOM. If you have a sunroom with fixed glass, first be sure that it is a good thermal grade, to help improve the efficiency of climate control in the room. If you have the option of insulating the room well, do so.

·         USE YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM. If your home has a ducted heating and air system, it may be a simple task to add a duct or two into the room, bringing the readily available system to the area where you need it.

·         CONSIDER A DUCTLESS SYSTEM. If your current system is already taxed or if you simply don’t have one, then you may want to look at a ductless system. Installation is less complicated and usually less expensive than having a technician climbing around in your crawl space. If you size the unit properly, you can add other rooms or zones in the future. For instance, if you don’t have central AC and use window units to cool the living room and bedrooms, you may be able to get rid of those units and install one ductless system to independently control each area.

·         ZONE CONTROLS: You can then also use the new room units to heat the spaces. Zone heating and cooling is the most efficient type available. If you aren’t going to be in the bedroom for the next 15 hours, turn the temperature ten degrees warmer or cooler, and bring it back to your preferred temperature just before you plan to be there. If the sunroom is only used on weekends, then let it hover at a less desirable temperature until you need it. You will find that you can save money on every power bill. This is why the return on investment for ductless systems is so high. Efficiency is everything when you are investing in your home. It is great for your comfort as the owner as well as the resale value if you decide to sell.

If you have a central unit, but it is getting older, you may want to go ahead and size the main compressor unit for the house, and eventually, add the rest of the areas when your central unit wears out.

The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. Our top priority is customer service. We are available 24/7 if you need us, call 251-633-5121. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!

Saving money is on everyone’s radar these days. We look for ways to shave our fuel bill, tv bill, phone bill, insurance, and our utilities. One of the simplest changes you can make to your home is to install a programmable thermostat. Studies show that on average, you can save about $180 annually, or $15 per month. While some may not see this as huge savings, when you compare it to other measures, you may find that it was well worth a small investment and a few minutes to install it.

SHUT IT DOWN WHEN YOU AREN’T     HOME and let the temperature change by about ten degrees. It may not sound     like a lot, but think about how many hours a day you are gone. If you have     a commute to work and your workday is a minimum of 8 hours plus lunch,     that is at least nine hours. Some drive an hour or more, so that number     could go into the eleven or twelve-hour range. That’s nearly half of the     day when you aren’t even home to soak up those perfect temperatures; so,     don’t spend your hard-earned money keeping them at that range. Dropping     the temperature by ten degrees in the winter or raising it by ten in the     summer will save a considerable sum of money. It’ll still stay close     enough to your set-point to allow quick adjustment when you are heading     home.

WARM OR COOL IT AS YOU ARRIVE     HOME by setting the thermostat for about thirty minutes before you get     there. You won’t even know it was a different temperature all day. It     should be cozy and just where you need it by the time you clear the door.

NIGHT TIME SLEEPING     TEMPERATURES can be an issue for many. While some sleep very well in a     freezing environment, others would rather kick off the covers and enjoy     the warmth. If you need it to be a little warmer or cooler, then adjust     your thermostat for the best sleep ever, and you won’t have to worry about     turning it back up during the day. Let the thermostat do it for you.

SET IT AND     FORGET IT; don’t worry about the many adjustments that you would have to     make for optimum efficiency and comfort. Just determine your programmable     settings and let it do the work for you.

Most programmables have 4 cycles through the week (Sleep, Wake, Leave, Return) and two on weekends (Sleep and Wake).

In the last few years, smart thermostats such as the NEST have been very popular. Not only do they sense your habits and adjust accordingly, but they are controllable through a phone app, allowing even more customization. However, if you have a regular schedule, you may find that you will get as good of a result with a standard programmable thermostat. While you have fun options such as smart apps and tying it into a smart home controller, these options cost money, and for most of us, the cheaper version will bring a return on investment much sooner.

If you want a new thermostat installed and are not comfortable doing it yourself, call Daycool Heating & Air at 251-633-5121. We will happily get your new unit installed and programmed for you. The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!

The first thing that usually crosses our minds when the air conditioning is cycling warm air is “Get the unit changed.” However, there are a lot of little things that can cause issues and you may not need to spend any money yet. Before you start “sweating” the repair costs, do some detective work of your own.

If you are the least bit handy, you can run down this checklist and see if you can discover and fix your own system. Not only will you save a little money, but you might attain superhero status!

First, go to the thermostat. Make sure that the switches are set to “cool” and “auto”. Check the temperature and be sure that it is set cooler than the ambient temperature (the current temperature of the house). You never know when little hands have been at work. It may be as simple as turning the air back on, resetting a temperature, or making sure the fan isn’t pulling warm air through the house instead of circulating only when the air conditioner is cycling.

In your electrical power panel, be sure that the breaker for the AC is on. If it has tripped, reset it. Remember that a breaker trips when there is a real issue. So if it trips again, give Daycool Heating and Air a call to find the root problem and get it fixed.

Check the filter on the fan blower unit. If it is dirty, replace it.

If your system still isn’t working correctly, go outside to the unit. If you have a breaker box by the unit, check that it isn’t tripped. If the problem is caused by fuses or a safety disconnect, you probably should give us a call.

Check around the unit, and you should feel air blowing on you. Clean out all weeds and other items that might be disrupting air flow.

At this point, most people have exhausted the general observation phase of troubleshooting and should call in a Daycool Heating and Air technician. Although we may verify the same steps that you have done so far, we will continue from this point by verifying proper operation of the thermostat, voltage to the unit, and checking for electrical issues. These can range from a blown fuse to a bad breaker or even a mechanical failure of the wiring system, such as an overheated wire causing an open circuit or a bad capacitor or relay.

If there is voltage at the Air Conditioner, then we will begin checking the mechanical operation, such as a seized compressor or fan.

Only if everything else is running properly will the technician determine if coolant is needed.

While our technicians are trained to add coolant to your system, they are also highly trained troubleshooters who will diagnose your problem correctly and address the issue, rather than playing guess the problem and swapping parts until the problem is fixed.

Remember that once it goes past the point of your own abilities, you want to bring in the best assistance you can find. The professionals at Daycool Heating & Air understand your time and money are precious. All of our installers and technicians are trained on a regular basis to stay up to date with the changing HVAC laws and rules. We are NATE Certified and are in great standing with ACCA. We service the Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama areas. Our top priority is customer service. We are available 24/7 if you need us, call 251-633-5121. You may also visit us on the web at www.daycoolair.com and like us on Facebook for tips and tricks to keep your AC and home running smoothly!