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Happy Harold, Author at High Performance Heating and Cooling - Page 2 of 5

HVAC Knowledge Center

HVAC Learning At Its Best
September 18, 2019
1

Ductwork Maintenance

By | Air Ducts Cleaned From High Performance Heating and Air, HVAC

Duct Cleaning

You dust and mop each Saturday, clean the bathrooms each Sunday, change the bed sheets every 5 days, laundry every other day, but when you do clean your air? Though your home may be clean to the touch, the air you’re breathing could be doing you more harm than good. Poor indoor air quality can cause your allergies or asthma to flare up, it can also cause respiratory infections and you cant see it coming.  Lets talk about the effects of poor air quality and how to improve it inside your home.

How bad could it be?

You’re probably thinking there’s no way your homes air can do you any harm, but hear us out. If you suffer from frequent sinus problems, allergy attacks that are “worse at night”, or even asthma flare ups, it could be your ducts! Your HVAC system cycles air throughout your home every time it kicks on.

Sinus Problems

Each time your furnace or AC cycles air, dust and debris is blown into your homes living spaces. That means that each breath you take you’re inhaling particles through your nose. As a direct result, these particles can work their way into your sinuses, causing inflammation and ultimately infection.

Allergies

Did you know that the most common allergens according to Web MD are pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander? And the most common particles located in your duct work are pollen, dust mites, mold spores and animal dander.  Having these particles floating around your homes air can set off, or lengthen allergy attacks. A key indication that whats in your ducts is a major factor contributing to your allergies would be if your symptoms become worse at home and subside when outside your home.

Asthma

Asthma attacks can be triggered by pollen, pets, mold, respiratory infections and dust mites according to the Mayo Clinic. If you find that your asthma symptoms are worse at home than anywhere else, the status of your air ducts could be to blame.

Respiratory Infections

Along with the pollen and dust mites, your duct work can house viruses, fungi and bacteria. This means that when your HVAC system cycles, it will blow germs through your living space thus causing frequent respiratory infections.

 

Benefits to duct cleaning


Increase your systems efficiency

Cleaning out the debris inside your ducts will ultimately allow for air to flow more freely through your system. The easier it is for air to flow, the less work your furnace or AC has to do. A level two or three duct cleaning from High Performance Heating and Air also offers HVAC system maintenance. With a deal like that, you’re sure to see a reduction in your energy bills!

Fight back against dust!

You could potentially cut down on the dust that plagues your home each week. If there’s less dust in the vents to blow around, it stands to reason that there will be less dust coating your belongings. What will you do with the time you get back from not dusting?

Breathe Easy

With less allergens circulating through your home, you’ll be able to rest easy, and breathe even easier. Plus the added comfort of clean smelling air should be enough to bring you joy all through the season!

Something for everyone!

High Performance Heating and Air offers three levels of protection to best suit your homes needs. All we need is 30 minutes for your free estimate appointment! One of our technicians will review with you exactly what each level has to offer. You’ll then receive a detailed estimate sent right to your email. It really can’t get any easier than that!

 

Before:After:

 

All you have to do is call HAROOOOOLD!

585-3Harold

Can’t get to a phone? Send us a webform by clicking here. We’ll answer you within minutes!

September 13, 2019
0

Humidify your air!

By | Home, Humidifier, HVAC

Humidifier Therapy

Humidifier therapy adds moisture to the air which prevents dryness that can cause numerous forms of irritation. Such as dry skin, itchy nose, itchy throat and dry lips. Humidifiers can also ease some symptoms caused by the flu or common cold. For all the benefits humidifiers offer us, overuse has its downfalls as well. Its important to know how to use your humidifier correctly, and Happy Harold’s here to help!

Benefits to Humidifiers

Humidifiers are natural moisturizing ages that help relieve dryness. You have probably used a portable one while sick to help relieve congestion,  an irritated nose, a dry cough or a dry throat. But did you know that a whole home humidifier can help relieve so much more? Such as irritated vocal cords, dry skin, headaches, cracked/dry lips, and even bloody noses! You may think you’re just prone to these irritates, however it could simply mean your home is dryer than it should be.

Drawbacks

Though additional humidity is beneficial to your home and the air inside, too much of a good thing is never a good thing. High humidity levels can worsen respiratory problems and create an uncomfortable level of dampness in the air. Dust mites, mildew, mold and harmful bacteria all thrive in high levels of humidity. HVAC.com recommends maintaining a humidity level of 35-50% to provide maximum comfort while defending yourself against the growth of unwanted bacteria.

Types of Humidifiers:

Impeller Humidifiers send water through a diffuser, the diffuser breaks down the water into small droplets and sends them into the air. This type is relatively cheap, and costs very little to run.

Central Humidifiers are ones that are hardwired into your homes HVAC and your homes plumbing. This means that instead of only targeting one area, it has you covered all over. Most homeowners find this type both cost effective, and efficient.

Ultrasonic Humidifier produce a cooling mist by ultrasonic vibration. The sound vibrations propel moisture into the air. These humidifiers are so effective that they often over humidify the air resulting in dampness or mold.

Evaporative Humidifiers is the most popular type of humidifier. They use a fan and wick filter to operate. When the fan is activated it blows air towards the wick causing water to evaporate and release a mist into the room.

How can Happy Harold help?

Call us! We’ll send out one of our technicians to come discuss the best options for your home. Our technicians are trained to know the best features of all  forms of humidification and estimate appointments are 100% free, so you have nothing to lose! We’ll send a detailed summary of everything we discussed directly to your email, so when you’re ready to book all you have to do is click a button! Ready to book the day we show up? Our technicians come prepared to book your installation appointment for a date and time that works best for you.

585-3Harold

Can get to the phone? Click here to send us a web form! 

August 16, 2019
0

Transform your Sunroom!

By | HVAC, Residential

Staying comfortable year round

A sunroom is a great addition to any home giving you a place to enjoy the sunshine and landscape without being subject to harsh weather. The temperature in these rooms, however, isn’t always easily controlled. Given that sunrooms aren’t normally linked to your homes central heating and cooling system, it is necessary you have a plan for temperature control.

Mini Split for the Win!

In our opinion the best way to combat adverse temperatures in your sunroom would be with a mini split unit. A mini split system is one where you can control the temperature in individual rooms. Thus giving you the versatility you need to set the temperature of your room to your liking. A system like this has two main components, an outdoor compressor and an indoor air-handler, and installation is a breeze! Another benefit to mini split systems is that, unlike central air and your furnace, you can shut off the air to unused rooms without causing your system to overwork its self. Mini split systems are quiet, and blend well into any room of your home. Wondering what it would cost you to have a mini split system put in? Harold’s free estimate service is just a phone call (or webform) away!

Small Change = Big Impact

Airflow is key!

Air flow through the sunroom will relieve heat, so having ventilation openings high in the room will help it escape. You may also want to place fans near the floor, this ensures hot air pockets do not linger in your room.

Window tints

At certain points in the day the light will be quite intense beaming through the windows. You can combat this with window tints! Window tint will provide additional shade keeping your room cool. While also providing privacy and protection for your furniture from sun fade.

Blinds

Window dressings, such as honeycomb shades add an extra layer of insulation to keep your sunroom warm in the winter and cool in the summer. These shades are considered energy efficient and provide superior light control.

Weather Stripping

Weatherstripping your sunroom will help reduce drafts, and block energy loss through windows and doors. Weatherstripping can also aid in energy savings, you may just want to do all of your homes windows!

585-3Harold

August 14, 2019
1

Signs Your Furnace Needs Replacing

By | HVAC

1. Old Age

Furnaces can last for a good chunk of time, but just how long can a typical furnace last before it needs to be replaced? A furnace normally requires replacement if it is 15 years or older. If a furnace does not get replaced after this amount of time, it can cause your energy bills to rise dramatically in pricing, as well as uneven temperatures within your household. With the colder months right around the corner, fluctuating temperatures aren’t something that should be messed with! If you think that it’s time for your old furnace to be replaced, call (585) 3Harold today!

2. Problems with Humidification

Humidification “refers to the amount of water vapor in the air,” and if it’s low, can cause scratchy throats, dry skin, as well as other sinus-related symptoms. Your floors may lose moisture and separate at the seams, and even wallpaper can begin to peel. Static electricity also has a tendency to build up when the humidity in your home is too low. Humidification is an essential during Rochester’s harsh winter months if you wish to stay comfortable when heating your house! Humidifiers generally connect to the HVAC system, so if your humidifier is up-to-date but the humidity in your house is still low, it’s a clear sign that your furnace may need to be replaced.

3. Loud and Strange Noises

What may be the most telling sign that you need to replace your current furnace is if your system is making loud and unnecessary clanking noises. HVAC equipment has been modified over its years of existence in order to make home living as comfortable as possible. That includes getting rid of deafening sounds that your neighbors down the street could hear! If an intense commotion is deriving from your furnace, it most likely needs a replacement. Don’t stress out about the decision to replace your heating system; our technicians will be there every step of the way. If you can’t come to the phone, go to highperformanceheating.com and fill out a webform!

4. Frequent Repairs

If your furnace continues to malfunction and break down, don’t throw money towards multiple maintenance and repair sessions.  If your system refuses to work after trying to fix it, it’s an indication that your furnace’s lifespan is up. Maintenance can be even more expensive than an installation when sessions add up, so save yourself the time, energy, and money by replacing your furnace! Don’t wait until our scheduling fills up: the days will only continue to get chillier and our schedule will continue to fill, so make sure you’re prepared for autumn and winter.

 

 

 

August 1, 2019
0

Lets talk about Filters!

By | air filters, HVAC

Lets talk about filters!

Furnace and AC filter changes are a chore that is often overlooked, even though a clogged filter is the number one cause of HVAC system failure. Air filters remove bits of pollen, mold, and dust preventing them from circulating around your home. They are also considered your first line of defense against larger objects, like bits of loose insulation, that may cause damage or fire risk to your system.

Effects of a Dirty Filter

Overworked-

The blower fan in your system has to work harder to push air. The harder it works, the more  energy it uses. Thus leading to higher bills and a higher likelihood of it wearing out from strain.

Overheating or Freezing up

When the air is unable to pass through your system with ease, a number of problems can emerge. The largest problem being over heating, or freezing up. Ultimately you will be paying the same amount for energy usage or using the same amount of oil but there will be no change in your indoor temperature.

Clogged Ducts & Dirty Furniture

When air doesn’t circulate quickly, particulates can settle in your ducts and on surfaces inside your home. Changing your air filter on a routine basis is a lot easier and more affordable than having your ducts cleaned out on a routine basis.

When should you change your air filter?

The frequency in which you should change your air filter depends on the following:

  • What type of filter you’re using
  • Indoor Air Quality
  • Number of Pets inside the home
  • Number of people occupying your home
  • Level of air pollution and construction in and around the home

General Guidelines:

  • Vacation homes or single occupant with no pets or allergies- every 6-12 Months
  • Average suburban home without pets- every 90 days
  • Single pet households- every 60 days
  • Multiple pet households, or households with occupants suffering from allergies- every 20-45 days

 

As always, Harold’s Here to help make taking care of your systems a breeze! If you’re unsure about your filter size, or when it was last changed, give us a call! Our detailed customer records keep our office staff in the loop, so answers are always just a phone call away!

 

585-3Harold

Can’t get to the phone? Click here, to send us a webform.

July 31, 2019
0

Maintain Your AC

By | HVAC

Parts of An AC and Why it’s Important to Keep Clean

Many people think that an AC is one simple system, easy to install and even easier to maintain. However, there are actually four important parts within that system. When not kept clean and protected, your whole system may break down, causing you to spend a lot of money trying to repair or replace it. Becoming more knowledgeable in the “what” and the “why” of the AC world: what parts are in a system and why it’s critical to check it often, will ultimately help you in the future.

 

1. Filters

The most crucial part of a regular AC maintenance is checking and cleaning your filter. Your AC’s filter has an important job; and that is to make sure that dirt and other particles don’t get trapped within the other sections of the AC (like the coil). If your filter is clogged and filled to the brim with the particles that build up over time, air can bypass the filter, carrying dirt into the coils. This causes malfunctions within the coil itself, inhibiting the coil from doing its job properly (explained below). A filthy filter can significantly reduce a system’s efficiency. If you think that its time to get your filter cleaned or replaced, contact us today to schedule an appointment!

2. Coils

There are two types of coils within your AC system: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. The evaporator coil’s job is to absorb heat from an enclosed space while simultaneously evaporating a refrigerant called Freon. The evaporator coil is inside the system.  The condenser coil is outside of your system, making it easy to spot. It does the opposite of the evaporator coil: it condenses refrigerant vapor into a liquid. Just as the filter needs to be cleaned yearly, so do these two coils. To keep these two parts of the AC clean, keeping a dirt-free filter and making sure the area around your AC is clear of debris.

3. Maintain Your Coil Fins

On every condenser and evaporator coil there are small, aluminum fins, helping the coils with their heat processes. These little guys aid their partners a lot, but because they are thin and made out of aluminum, they are easily bent. If bent at the right angle, these fins block the air flowing throughout your system, eventually causing problems that lead to major repairs and even replacement! Make sure to keep an eye on the aluminum coil fins because they can cause a hassle if not maintained.

4. Condensate Drains

When your evaporator coil is working properly, condensation tends to build along the insides of your system. This can directly lead to growth of mold and algae that blocks your condensate drains, which obviously isn’t very good for your AC. These drains are critical for controlling the amount of condensation inside the AC, and if blocked, it can lead to system failure. Buildup of mold and algae can even lead to water damage inside your home! Therefore, keeping your drains mold-free are very important in maintaining the AC that you own.

Call today to schedule your AC maintenance at (585) 3Harold

Can’t make it to the phone? Click here to send us a webform!

July 24, 2019
1

Benefits to having an AC

By | Air Conditioning, HVAC

Check out Happy Harold’s top five benefits to having AC in your home:

1) Intellectual activity

Have you noticed that you feel sluggish and fatigued more so during the summer months than other times of year? Studies suggest that this is due to your body’s reaction to an increased temperature. A study from the T. H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University shows that heat stress can influence your cognitive ability. The study involved students in dorm rooms of varying temperature, some in rooms where the temperature averaged 80° while others averaged 71°. The results showed that students in the dorms that didn’t have AC had slower reaction times and 13% lower performance on basic tests. So if you’re looking to stay on top of your game during this years heat wave, AC may be exactly what you need!

2) AC can Improve your Sleep

A hot room could be the reason you’re waking up frequently during the night. The Sleep Doctor says that higher temperatures could effect your REM sleep. REM sleep is critical to your body and brains ability to rejuvenate. During this critical time at night, your body’s cells heal and multiply, allowing for your muscles and bones to stay healthy and strong. In order to get to this stage in your schedule, your blood vessels expand, effectively releasing more heat. This works to lower your core body temperature. Without a cool, surrounding environment, your body physically cannot do its job to let you sleep like a baby, which causes a restless night and tomorrow’s weariness. The surrounding temperature of where you sleep is the most important factor that influences sleep. Keep refreshed during the night and rest easy with our AC Summer Special.

3) Overall Health

Many of us have most likely experienced dizziness and headaches when in the blazing sun for too long. The solution: stay hydrated and cool off indoors. But when your AC isn’t working, that can be quite difficult. During the summer months, the most common health problem that occurs is heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion happens when the body loses a lot (most of the time too much) water and salt, which is secreted through sweating. Common symptoms of heat exhaustion are nausea, dizziness, weakness, headaches, irritability, and thirst. When left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke; the most serious heat related illness. Make sure you stay healthy and cool during Rochester’s hottest months with our 24/7 service!

4) Keep Pests Away with your AC

Insects have an optimal temperature where reproduction and growth is highest, which is usually between 75° and 80°. Since insects are cold blooded, they are especially attracted to heat. This means that they are more likely to go indoors and infest your home. One of the best ways to combat this common infestation is to put your AC on. We normally set our cooling system lower than 75 degrees, which immediately deters pests. AC also keeps the mosquitoes away from your body, lessening the chance of getting bitten. Mites and roaches have a tendency to stay in your ducts as a result of the built-up humidity, making it easier for them to multiply. If your ducts are checked and cleaned regularly, and if your AC is in good condition, bugs are more likely to stay away. If there are doubts about the condition of your AC or ducts, contact us and we’ll give you a free estimate!

5) Improved air quality

One of the best ways we can improve air quality within our home is to change the filter in our AC and Furnace on a routine basis. While your systems are running and cycling through air providing you with the perfect home temperature, they are filtering out some common air pollutants. To ensure that your system continues to filter out the bad stuff, check and change your filters accordingly.
Interested in getting an AC unit installed? Give us a call today for a free estimate and take advantage of our summer financing special!
585-3Harold
July 19, 2019
0

Heat Wave Safety

By | Air Conditioning

With temperatures spiking up into the 100’s over the next few days, Happy Harold and crew would like to post a few reminders to help keep you safe:

  1. Stay Hydrated. Do not wait until you are thirsty to take a drink.
  2. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning or are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  3. Wear loose-fitting lightweight light colored clothing.
  4. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise.
  5. Check on your pets frequently to ensure they are not suffering from the heat.

Local Help:

Rochester has cooling zones and spray parks open both Friday and Saturday with extended hours. For more information on open locations click here. If you do plan on visiting local splash parks, don’t forget your sunblock and sun protection. Hats and loose fitting clothing will help prevent sunburn. Another great local spot is the library, relaxing with a nice book or magazine in the AC for a bit may be all you need to feel rejuvenated!

AC Trouble?

In this heat we all rely heavily on our AC units. If you’re experiencing any issues with your unit during the heat wave, call Harold! We’re working around the clock to ensure you and your family remain comfortable and safe.

585-3Harold

 

July 3, 2019
0

The Nest

By | HVAC

The Nest Thermostat

 

In 2011 the first Nest Learning Thermostat was released, and its been changing the game every since! This unique system offers wifi connectivity in a stylish device that contains the ability to learn your daily routine and create heating and cooling schedules accordingly. It only takes a week of use for this neat little system to learn your routine. Though not the first smart thermostat to hit the market, the Nest has rapidly become a hit. If you are looking into making your home a smart home, the Nest is a great place to start. Providing you with simple controls that are manageable through an application on your phone. This app tracks everything, including your energy usage. This means you can see your savings on a daily, and monthly basis. The app is compatible with all operating systems.

Just what you’re looking for!

Smart thermostats offer features that will help keep your home comfortable while reducing your heating and cooling costs. And who doesn’t like a little savings? The thermostat will show you a green leaf on the control screen if change the temperature to save energy. This leaf icon is an easy way for your Nest to track your savings, and learn how to help you save in the future. It also can sense which rooms should be set to different temperatures at which time. All you have to do is place a sensor (sold separately) in the room that you want to control, and the temperature will adjust according to what your desire!

Working for you

The Nest thermostat can learn when your home is likely to be occupied and when it is likely to be empty. This allows for automatic pre-heating or cooling so that your home is at the right temperature by the time you arrive home. Furthermore, this unique instrument will send alerts to your phone if there is any cause for concern. For example, if your temperate is so low that the pipes may burst.

Working with what you’ve got

If you have a smart home, your Nest is able to work with other devices in your home to help create your ideal living space. Your Nest Thermostat can link with other Nest devices such as the Protect smoke alarm, and Nest indoor and outdoor cameras. Your thermostat also has the ability to link with third party devices such as smart switches, fans and lighting systems.

585-3Harold

Can’t get to the phone? Send us a message here!

 

June 28, 2019
0

Take off your shoes!

By | HVAC

Happy Harold’s tip of the week is to take your shoes off before walking inside. According to this article by the Office of Public Affairs in Utah, you could be transferring 90% of your shoes dirt onto your carpets or tile. HuffPost reports that there can be an average of 421,000 bacteria on the outside of your shoes, with a total of 9 different strains. We can easily put a stop to this by removing our shoes before entering the house.

Looking for a way to remove even more dirt and allergens?

Air filters effectively remove impurities in your air. Do you suffer from asthma or allergies? Air filtration provides the perfect solution for extended relief eliminating nearly all airborne allergens from your indoor air.

Additional benefits of air filters

When you attach an air filter to your heating and cooling systems, you increase their overall potential. They then circulate only purified air, which saves their individual air filters and sends only clean air throughout your home. Air filters also eliminate odors and keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Many business owners use air filters to keep their office spaces feeling comfortable and refreshing, especially well-used rooms that host a lot of personnel.

 

Want to hear more about them? Ask your technician during your routine maintenance appointment, or give the office a call at 585-3harold. We’d be happy to help!

 

 

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