Author: Kevin

How to Measure Your Home’s Indoor Air Pollution

Written by Kevin on January 4, 2024. Posted in HVAC.

Maryland homeowners take great pride in their properties. They understand the importance of providing their families with safe and comfortable places to live. However, for a lot of homeowners, it’s easy to disregard indoor air quality and the role it plays in their comfort. Understanding, monitoring, and improving the air you breathe is crucial because poor indoor air quality can have detrimental impacts on your health and well-being. As your reliable HVAC and indoor air quality experts, we’ve put together this detailed guide to help you understand the importance of clean air in your home, how to spot the warning signs of poor air quality, and what instruments and solutions you can use to make the air healthier.

Benefits of Good Indoor Air Quality

There are a number of reasons for Maryland homeowners to improve the quality of air inside their homes. Good indoor air quality not only reduces the presence of airborne pollutants, but it also promotes respiratory health. This is especially advantageous to those with existing allergies or respiratory conditions. Air quality also affects how comfortable your home is. It eliminates unpleasant odors and provides a better living environment.

It’s also worth noting that indoor air quality affects how well you sleep. The dirtier the air, the harder it can be to fall asleep and stay in restful slumber. Poor indoor air quality also makes it difficult to focus, which can affect your productivity levels. Lastly, indoor air quality affects your furnishings and appliances. The dirtier the air is, the harder the HVAC system has to work to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. This can cause the HVAC system to endure lots of unnecessary wear and tear. As a result, poor indoor air quality can end up resulting in costly HVAC repairs and replacements.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

Indoor air pollutants include a wide range of chemicals that have the potential to degrade the air quality inside dwellings. Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen can all cause respiratory problems and allergies when they are present in high enough concentrations. Mildew and mold are health hazards because they multiply in wet places and release spores into the air. A number of common home items, including paints and cleaning materials, release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate the respiratory system and your eyes.

Carbon monoxide, produced as a byproduct of combustion equipment, is a gas that may be lethal in large doses; it is colorless and odorless. A radioactive gas known as radon can seep into houses via the soil and cause lung cancer if inhaled. It is essential to identify and eliminate these contaminants to have a healthy home environment.

Signs of Poor Indoor Air Quality

When it comes to keeping a home a healthy and pleasant place to live, indoor air quality is paramount. There are a number of warning signals that poor air quality might send your way, and you shouldn’t disregard them. Improving the overall quality of the air you breathe inside the home and addressing any concerns requires you to recognize these indications.

Unpleasant Odors

To a greater or lesser extent, the presence of disagreeable smells is indicative of low indoor air quality. Mustiness, cooking fumes, or mold are all lingering odors that could be a sign of airborne contaminants. The first step in improving air quality and making a room more pleasant to live in is to determine where these smells are coming from and eliminate them.

Respiratory Issues

Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, or worsening allergies are typical symptoms of poor indoor air quality. A variety of airborne pollutants, including dust, pet dander, and mold spores, may aggravate the respiratory system and cause discomfort. You should definitely take action to improve the air quality in your home if you or anybody in your family has chronic respiratory issues.

Visible Mold or Mildew

Surfaces that have mold or mildew growing on them are a clear sign of high humidity and poor air quality in the home. Airborne mold spores are a health concern and a major factor in respiratory issues. To improve air quality and avoid future problems, it is essential to address the source of moisture, improve ventilation, and remove mold.

Excessive Dust Accumulation

Particles of dust, which might include pollutants and allergens, can impact how clean your house is. Excessive dust collection on surfaces, even after frequent cleaning, may indicate poor indoor air quality. To reduce excessive dust, it’s helpful to improve air filtration, use air purifiers and keep the surroundings dust-free.

Feeling Fatigued or Unwell

Indoor air quality might be a problem if you often feel sick to your stomach, lightheaded, or exhausted while you’re indoors. If you breathe in polluted air or have poor ventilation, you can experience these symptoms. If you find that getting outside makes you feel much better, it’s time to make some changes to your inside surroundings.

What Happens During Indoor Air Quality Testing?

To determine how healthy the air is in your house, a professional can do an extensive indoor air quality test. After an initial evaluation of your concerns and any visible problems, qualified experts carry out a comprehensive checkup. During the testing, experts will take air samples from different parts of your house to measure the levels of pollutants, allergens, and other particles in the air. Mold, radon, CO, and VOCs are some of the contaminants that may undergo targeted testing. After taking the samples, they are carefully analyzed to determine the kinds and concentrations of pollutants. Based on their findings, air purifiers, ventilation systems, and humidity controllers are some of the remedies that the experts might suggest to help you achieve better indoor air quality.

Types of Air Quality Monitors

There are several types of air quality sensors that you can use to improve your home’s indoor air quality. These sensors include smoke detectors, VOC detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. VOC detectors help homeowners find and address high levels of VOCs. Carbon monoxide detectors identify the presence of this odorless gas, which can be deadly if left unaddressed.

Benefits of Whole-Home Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers

To create a healthy interior atmosphere and reduce the likelihood of respiratory discomfort and allergies, it is important to maintain regulated humidity levels. Dry skin, congested nasal passages, and static electricity are all things that a humidifier can help you avoid. These gadgets reduce the likelihood of mold and dust mite development by putting moisture into dry air. Dehumidifiers cut down on extra moisture, which means mildew and musty smells are less likely to be an issue. All of these things working in harmony make sure that your house stays at the perfect humidity level, which is good for your health and comfort.

Are you ready to make your home a healthier place to live? If so, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is here to help with our wide variety of indoor air quality services. We can also make your home more comfortable thanks to our heating and cooling services, including duct cleaning. Give us a call today to learn more about improving your Hanover home’s indoor air quality.

Winter Heat Pump Services in Hanover, MD

How to Prevent Your Heat Pump From Freezing in Winter

Written by Kevin on December 22, 2023. Posted in Heat Pumps.

Although heat pumps are made to withstand the wrath of Old Man Winter, they can freeze up and cause you problems. But before you panic, remember that a little frost or ice on a heat pump is perfectly normal. Heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle, and with routine maintenance, they can quickly resolve icing issues on their own. However, you should take serious action to prevent damage to your heat pump if you see any of the following signs:

Entire unit is encased in ice
Frost is visible on coils but the frost signal isn’t triggered
The unit can’t pull air through the fins
Top of the unit and coils are coated with ice
The ice has been there for a while

This article focuses on what causes ice buildup on a heat pump and how to prevent it.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that runs backward to provide heat. They’re most often split systems, such as a combination of a furnace and air conditioning unit with the heat pump taking the place of an outside AC unit.

The systems are usually paired with a blower coil or air handler that connects to your ductwork system. Other heat pumps are wall-sleeve or packaged varieties used in condos or apartments.

A heat pump uses electricity to provide your home with both heating and air conditioning. They are very efficient at transferring heat to places where it’s needed. In summer, cooling is provided by transferring heat from indoors to the outside. In winter, a heat pump extracts heat from outside your home and moves it inside.

What Are the Main Types of Heat Pumps?

The thermal energy source a heat pump uses determines what type it is. Pumps that draw heat from the ambient air are classified as air-source heat pumps. Units that suck thermal energy from a stream or pond are known as water-source heat pumps. Those that draw heat from the ground or groundwater are known as ground-source or geothermal heat pumps. Absorption heat pumps that run on fossil gas are also available but aren’t effective for decarbonization.

In addition to how they gather thermal energy, heat pumps are also categorized by what they transfer energy to. An air-to-air heat pump collects thermal energy from the outside air and releases it indoors. An air-to-water system gathers warm air and uses it to heat water to circulate through radiators.

What Causes Ice Buildup in a Heat Pump?

Icing may occur if you have an issue with your heat pump’s blower. Make sure you can feel air blowing through the heat pump’s vent. If not, your home won’t receive sufficient heat.

A dirty filter can cause ice buildup. Always change the filter on your heat pump regularly. If your filter is clogged, the airflow will be compromised and it will be easier for ice to build up.

The debris that blocks the condensing fan’s motor blades can prevent it from functioning properly. These motor blades are located on the outside of the heat pump. Check around the condensing fan motor and clear away any dirt, twigs, leaves, or snow.

One cause of ice buildup that may go unnoticed is a drainpipe or gutter dripping from overhead onto the heat pump below. This is easily fixed by turning the gutter or pipe.

Moisture that builds up in below-freezing temperatures can cause an ice buildup. When a heat pump is set too low to the ground, the moisture can’t drain and quickly turns to ice. A simple solution is to use a base to prop the pump off the ground.

Ways to Prevent Ice Buildup

Have Your Heat Pump Installed by a Professional

Ice issues and other problems can occur quickly and often when a heat pump isn’t installed by professionals. The installation process involves multiple steps, and it isn’t recommended that homeowners undertake the task themselves. If you are considering converting to a heat pump for your home’s major heating source, let the professionals at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating help you get years of service from your heat pump.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Just like any HVAC system in your home, a heat pump requires regularly scheduled maintenance to operate effectively and efficiently. Contact a specialist from Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for annual maintenance. Here are the regular maintenance tasks you can expect from us.

Check the airflow
Listen for unusual noises
Clean and/or replace filters
Clean the entire unit
De-ice if needed
Add refrigerant

Use the Defrost Cycle

Your heat pump’s defrost cycle automatically changes the valve to air conditioning mode. The outdoor fan shuts off and the evaporator turns into a condenser, heating up the refrigerant. In turn, the warmed refrigerant melts ice from the coils, a common place where ice is found.

If your heat pump is an older model, you must set the timer so the pump knows to switch to defrost mode. New models have automatic sensors that kick off the defrost cycle as needed. One works just as well as the other. Consult your owner’s manual to determine what model you have.

The defrost cycle is a critical feature in places such as the northern United States. These areas experience very cold winters. The unit reverses the flow of refrigerant through the coils automatically by going into a defrost cycle. Through reversal, the hot refrigerant flows to the frozen outside coils. Accumulated ice on the outdoor unit will melt quickly.

Temperature sensors inside the heat pump trigger the defrost cycle as needed and end it once the ice is melted. Since the defrost function doesn’t continuously run, energy efficiency is maximized. Each defrost cycle runs about 10 to 15 minutes and is usually enough to keep your heat pump functioning properly even in the coldest temperatures.

Use a Garden Hose

If your heat pump only has a small amount of ice buildup, you can use your water hose to melt away the ice with water. First, use your circuit breaker to turn the pump off to avoid an electrical shock. Once the power is off, grab your hose and spray the heat pump with water to melt the ice. Resist the urge to hammer or chip the ice away; you could damage your unit. If the temperature is on the temperate side, turn your heat pump back on and put it in fan mode to help melt the ice. For bigger problems, consult the professionals at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating.

Our Professional Services

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we have been installing heat pumps in the Hanover, MD area for a long time, so we’re experts at what we do. We have the knowledge and expertise to maintain, repair, or replace your heat pump. Additionally, we can perform ductwork, duct cleaning, and quality air checks. Contact us in winter or summer for all of your heating and cooling needs. We are standing by to assist you.

7 Helpful Furnace Troubleshooting Tips

Written by Kevin on December 4, 2023. Posted in Heating.

Your furnace is essential to your household’s comfort during the winter. It works hard to keep your home warm and protect your house from issues, such as frozen pipes. However, just like other vital systems, your furnace requires routine care to keep it in peak condition. When your heating system begins to malfunction, you can notice a range of symptoms from odd new odors to changes in your indoor comfort. Here are seven simple furnace troubleshooting tips you can employ before you call for help.

1. Check Your Furnace Filter

Your filter plays a significant role in how your heating system functions. This filter removes contaminants from the air to protect your air quality. When this filter fills up, it impedes airflow, which can make the system work harder and eventually lead to system burnout. If your furnace refuses to start up or stay on, it may be overheating due to a clogged filter. You should change your filter every 30 to 90 days depending on your household. They typically need to be replaced more regularly if you have a large family or live with pets.

2. Check Electrical Panel

Even if you have a gas furnace, the system still requires electricity to work. You’ll want to make sure the power that is running to your furnace is turned on at the circuit breaker. Look for the switch labeled HVAC and reset it. If you have a fuse box, you’ll need to replace any discolored fuses. You can then turn your furnace back on and see if it runs. If you notice that your heating system immediately powers back down after you start it up, there’s a chance it may be overheating or there’s an issue with the control board, and issues like these require professional help.

3. Check The Igniter

Electric furnaces use automatic electronic ignitions to start their heating process. When this component malfunctions, it will stop your heating system from starting. A faulty ignitor won’t be able to produce the spark necessary to kick on the burners. In gas furnaces, the pilot flame continuously stays lit, allowing the system to ignite its fuel from this source when it begins a cycle. There may be an issue with your natural gas supply or the burners, and you will know this if you notice the flame has turned orange or yellow or is flickering. The pilot light should always burn steadily blue.

4. Set Thermostat Correctly

Your thermostat is the brain of your furnace because it controls when it starts or stops running, and it also regulates the temperature in your home. If your thermostat is not set correctly, this can result in a myriad of problems.

One problem that results from incorrect thermostat settings is the furnace will either run for too long or not run long enough. The average furnace cycle length should last between 10 to 15 minutes. However, this will fluctuate depending on how cold it is outside and what type of furnace you use. Your heating system shouldn’t be staying on for upwards of 20 to 30 minutes at a time. The system also should not turn off shortly after it starts running, a problem that is commonly referred to as short cycling.

When your furnace refuses to start up, your thermostat may also be to blame. Check to confirm that the device is in the heat setting. If necessary, switch out its old batteries for new ones. Keep the location of your thermostat in mind because nearby heat sources, such as lamps, space heaters, or ovens, can impact its ability to accurately read the temperature of the environment. You can try setting the temperature several degrees higher to test your furnace. If your heating system doesn’t turn on or problems with your furnace persist, you need professional HVAC service.

Short cycling that persists after you have performed basic troubleshooting steps with your furnace may mean your furnace is overheating or triggering a safety mechanism. A furnace that continues to run much longer cycles even when the thermostat is working correctly can be the result of blower problems. You may have a blown fuse, or some of the wires inside the motor may be corroded.

5. Clean Out Your Condensate Drain

All the moisture produced by your furnace should be pumped safely out through the condensate line. High-efficiency heating systems tend to produce more water than standard furnaces, but you should still never see pools of water collecting near the base of your system.

If you notice that water drips from your furnace, you are contending with condensation. Condensation happens when your condensate drain is clogged. You can clean out your condensate drain by flushing distilled vinegar through your condensate line. Allow the vinegar to remain for 30 minutes, and then flush the condensate line with water. Once this process is complete, vacuum the condensate line with a wet and dry vac for three minutes. If these methods do not resolve the clog, you must contact a professional because the problem may be more severe, such as a broken condensate line or a more severe clog that you cannot dislodge. In some cases, your heat exchanger may be cracked and create excess condensation. It’s also possible your drain pan broke. It is important to rectify this problem quickly because frequent exposure to moisture can lead to premature rust and corrosion, lowering the overall lifespan of your system.

6. Check Your Vents

If temperatures are uneven in your home, check your vents to make sure they are not closed or blocked by furniture. If all your vents are free from obstructions and temperatures are still uneven, have a professional inspect your ductwork to see if there are any holes or gaps that allow air to leak out. Your ductwork may also have clogs that obstruct airflow to certain areas of your home, and these will need to be removed via a duct cleaning service.

7. Remove Clutter From Around Your Furnace

If you use your basement or utility closet as a storage space, make sure you do not have any clutter near your furnace. This is not only a fire hazard, but this can also interfere with how it functions because clutter can obstruct airflow. Always keep three feet of space around your HVAC system.

Leave All Major Issues Up to the Professionals

While there are many easy troubleshooting steps you can employ to fix problems with your furnace, all major furnace repairs should be left to experts. Trying to replace any internal parts or change the wiring can result in damage to the system. You may also inadvertently electrocute yourself, as furnaces utilize copious amounts of power that can be dangerous to untrained homeowners. Not to mention, you can void your manufacturer’s warranty if you have one.

Experienced Heating and Cooling Service

Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating is a top-notch HVAC company in Hanover, MD. We’re BBB-accredited, locally owned, and employ licensed technicians who make honesty and integrity top priorities. Count on us to repair or maintain your HVAC systems. If you are a business owner, we can also help improve the comfort of your commercial establishment. Finally, we offer a variety of heating and cooling rebates and coupons to help our customers save big. Contact us today.

6 Common Thermostat Issues and How To Solve Them

Written by Kevin on December 4, 2023. Posted in HVAC.

Although you might not think about it much, your home’s thermostat is critical to your comfort. It has the important job of sensing the temperature conditions in your home and activating your HVAC to meet your comfort preferences. When the thermostat is working well, it’s easy to ignore. When it’s not, however, your home’s comfort will likely be at the top of your priority list. Here are six of the most common thermostat issues and how you can solve them.

1. Your Home Never Reaches Your Desired Temperature

One of the most common thermostat problems occurs when you set your desired temperature, but your home never reaches it. This can happen for a variety of reasons. The first thing to check is whether your thermostat is in the proper mode. If it’s winter and you’ve left your thermostat set to cool, it won’t activate your home’s heat to reach the temperature you’ve set.

You should also check that your thermostat’s fan setting is in the auto position. This allows the thermostat to control the function of your HVAC’s blower fan as necessary. If you have it set to the on position, the fan won’t ever turn off and may interfere with your thermostat’s ability to reach your desired temperature.

2. Your Thermostat’s Temperature Reading Is Wrong

If you’ve ever noticed that your thermostat shows an indoor temperature that doesn’t match what you’re feeling, you may not be imagining it. It is possible for a thermostat to register an erroneous temperature for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is a dirty thermostat.

If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your thermostat, try dusting it to see if it fixes the temperature reading. You may also want to use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust that’s gotten inside the thermostat.

If cleaning your thermostat doesn’t do the trick, it may be miscalibrated. Most thermostats have a calibration mode that allows you to correct their temperature readings to compensate for installation conditions. To fix this problem you need to find your thermostat’s instruction manual. Using a thermometer, follow its calibration procedure to correct its temperature reading.

3. Temperature Readings Fluctuate

If you notice that your thermostat seems to read the temperature differently at different times of day, it may be installed in the wrong place. Your thermostat’s temperature readings can get thrown off by excessive sunlight, drafts, or any other sources of abnormal temperature fluctuations. However, fixing the problem isn’t necessarily easy.

If sunlight from a nearby window is interfering with accurate temperature readings, you can try to solve the problem using blinds or curtains. However, if your issue is hot or cold drafts that you cannot control, you might need to relocate the thermostat. Call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for help. Alternatively, you can purchase a thermostat with a remote temperature sensor and put that in a more appropriate and draft-free location.

4. Thermostat Display Not Working

If you try to set your thermostat and find that its display won’t turn on, don’t panic. If your thermostat uses batteries for power, it could be an indication that you need to replace them. This is usually as simple as opening a battery door, removing the old batteries, and inserting new batteries.

However, if you have a thermostat that relies on a C-wire for power, you could have a bigger problem. This might indicate something as benign as a loose wire, or it could indicate that there’s a problem with your HVAC control circuitry. You may also have a tripped breaker in your home’s main electrical panel. Of course, an inactive thermostat display could simply mean your thermostat has broken. To find out which, it’s a good idea to call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for a repair visit.

5. Your Thermostat Lacks Modern Features

Depending on when you had your home’s HVAC installed, your thermostat can be anywhere from a few years old to a few decades old. In the latter case, your thermostat might simply lack modern features. Older thermostats may not give you the ability to set heating and cooling schedules. They almost certainly won’t connect to Wi-Fi, allowing you to control your HVAC from your smartphone or voice assistant.

If you’re dealing with an old thermostat, you should consider replacing it. Doing so can be an inexpensive way to update your HVAC system to a more modern standard. This can improve your home’s comfort substantially, and that’s not all. A new thermostat could improve the efficiency of your HVAC and lower your energy bills significantly.

According to the US Department of Energy, even the simplest programmable thermostat can save you about $180 every year. That’s more than enough to pay for the upgrade in most cases. Even better, a smart thermostat could save you between 10% and 15% on your HVAC energy costs every year. Plus, you’d gain a plethora of new functions, including things like smart home integration, geofencing using your smartphone’s location data, and advanced data collection to better track your energy usage.

6. Your HVAC Keeps Running

Lastly, if your thermostat turns your HVAC on, but it keeps running long after reaching your set temperature, you may have a faulty thermostat. Fortunately, this is not a problem that happens very often. When a thermostat fails, it’s more likely to make your HVAC inoperable, not the other way around. However, if you notice that your HVAC keeps overshooting your set temperature by significant margins, it’s probably broken.

To solve the problem, you’ll need to replace your thermostat. If you choose to replace yours with a similar model, it may be possible to do the work yourself. However, if you use a thermostat failure as an opportunity to upgrade, you might need professional assistance. This is especially true if your existing thermostat is an older, battery-powered model, because your new thermostat may require some additional wiring to function.

Your Local Thermostat Experts

Since 2015, Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating has offered homes and businesses throughout Hanover, MD, and the surrounding area the finest HVAC services available in the region. That includes installation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC systems, including thermostats. We also offer indoor air quality solutions, ductwork services, and duct cleaning, too. Locally owned and operated, we’re proud to have a fully licensed team of HVAC technicians on staff and an A+ rating and Better Business Bureau accreditation. We even offer financing on approved credit to help you better afford the HVAC systems and services you need.

For thermostat repairs and replacement throughout the Hanover area, call our team at Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today.

7 Key Advantages of Oil to Gas Conversions

Written by Kevin on November 20, 2023. Posted in Heating.

Oil heating systems have been popular among homeowners for decades. Traditionally, oil heating systems use low-viscosity grades of fuel oil or other petroleum products to power the furnaces or boilers in order to heat up residential homes. While oil is a conventionally reliable source of heating, it has disadvantages ranging from indoor air pollution to the risk of oil spills. A look at the top benefits of converting to a gas heating system can help you make the best decision for your home.

1. Increase Energy Efficiency

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, household heating systems use more energy and cost more money to operate than any of the systems in the home. In fact, heating typically accounts for around 29% of the average utility bill. For this reason, it is important to choose an energy-efficient system. Gas heating systems are more efficient than oil heating systems. This results in lower energy consumption and can reduce your utility bills. For example, high-efficiency gas units can have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of up to 98%. This means that most of the energy output goes toward heating your home instead of getting lost in the combustion process. Instead of constantly restarting the heating cycle, a gas unit can thoroughly heat your home until the next session. This also reduces potential wear and tear on your heating unit.

In addition to potential utility bill and repair savings, converting to an energy-efficient system can have economic and tax incentives as well. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the installation of ENERGY STAR-certified gas systems with an AFUE rating of greater than 97% may qualify for federal income tax credits. State and local regulations may also offer tax credits for home improvements that increase energy efficiency. Ask your local HVAC company for help choosing the right system, and be sure to save all receipts and records of installation for tax time.

2. Reduce Dependence on Foreign Oil

Did you know that the United States is the world’s greatest producer of oil? According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. produces 20.30 million barrels of oil per day. However, Americans are also the world’s top consumers of oil. This means the country still relies upon other nations like Saudi Arabia for the supply of oil. About one-fourth of this foreign oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, the sole sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean located between Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Unfortunately, instability and unrest in this region can cause major spikes in the price of oil and impact the lives of families across the world. In contrast, natural gas has a much more stable price that is much less likely to fluctuate due to geopolitics or global conflict.

3. Lower Air Pollution

Gas heating systems are more environmentally friendly than other heating options. According to the American Chemical Society, residential heating oil is a source of air pollutants like fine particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, black carbon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In addition, oil heating systems can also emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Extreme greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. Fortunately, gas heating systems operate using cleaner-burning fuel. The EPA’s Clean Air Act lists propane and natural gas as fuels that can help reduce your family’s carbon footprint. Natural gas is among the cleanest fossil fuels and can help ensure that you do not cause excessive ecological harm while heating your home.

4. Save Space in the Home

Another key advantage is that gas heating systems often require less than their oil counterparts. An oil heating system requires an on-site storage tank in an accessible area of the home for regular oil deliveries. This creates a much larger physical footprint and makes oil heating less desirable for many homeowners. In contrast, gas heating systems function more like other familiar utilities. A gas heating system connects to the municipal natural gas main line. Once a utility company or service provider turns on your home service line, you can begin using natural gas directly in your home. This means that you do not need to manage a large holding tank and can instead use the pipework connected to your home.

5. Simplify Logistics and Maintenance

Oil heating systems require frequent delivery of oil fuel to the point of use within your home. In addition, residential oil heating systems require someone to monitor fuel levels and schedule these deliveries whenever necessary. This makes them more complicated than gas heating systems that use a central distribution system to distribute fuel directly from the supply lines. In addition to oil delivery for the fuel tank, oil systems also require frequent maintenance. Because oil heating releases contaminants and particulate matter during combustion, these systems are subject to clogging or oil spills if left unattended for long. Instead of worrying about messy oil maintenance, you can switch to a gas system and then schedule the standard annual or semiannual maintenance checkups as needed.

6. Boost Home Resale Value

Converting from an oil heating system to a modern gas heating system may also increase your home’s resale value. According to a report from the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), installing an efficient natural gas system can increase a home’s resale from 2.0%-8.0%. The resale values also increase for homeowners who have ENERGY STAR-certified units within their homes. Similarly, a study from the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that energy-efficient gas systems can provide a 60% return on investment. Switching to a new system allows you to enjoy cleaner operation and boosts your home’s appeal to potential buyers if you ever decide to put it on the market.

7. Enjoy Increased Versatility

Gas heating systems are more versatile than oil heating systems. Traditional heating oil is more of a one-job material. Many homes primarily use it for air heating and rely on other energy sources like electricity to power their appliances. But once your home has a gas hookup, you can also convert your other appliances to gas. Examples of appliances that you can convert to gas include the water heater, oven, stove, swimming pool, washer, and dryer. You can also consider replacing your wood-burning fireplace with a gas fireplace instead. Natural gas fireplaces are less expensive than constantly replacing wooden logs, and gas fireplaces also produce on average 5% more heat.

Contact Us Today

Converting from an oil heating system to a gas heating system is a viable way to upgrade your home. If you still have questions about the process, you do not have to tackle the switch alone. Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating provides residential heating services for homes in Hanover, MD and surrounding areas. We offer efficient oil-to-gas conversions as well as full maintenance. In addition, we also work with heat pumps and can provide duct inspections and duct cleaning. Whether you need carbon monoxide detectors or indoor air purifiers, our technicians are the experts for the job. Ask about our HVAC maintenance plans for loyalty credits and annual savings. No matter the job, call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating for all your heating and cooling needs.

What Certifications to Look for in an HVAC Contractor

Written by Kevin on November 2, 2023. Posted in HVAC.

HVAC technicians in Hanover, MD, are concerned with improved credibility and employment opportunities and the ability to provide greater services to their customers, pursue continuing education, and earn additional certifications. They understand the value that HVAC certifications bring in addition to on-the-job experience.

HVAC Licensing in Maryland

HVAC technicians help homeowners ensure that their HVAC system functions properly. Their job includes diagnosing and repairing issues and installing new HVAC systems.

An HVAC license offers customers a competency guarantee. When you hire a licensed HVAC technician, you know that you’re working with someone who has proven that they can pass all the required training programs and certifications and have garnered the necessary experience to diagnose and repair different HVAC issues.

Currently, Maryland offers five types of HVAC licensing certifications. These are apprentice, journeyman, limited, master restricted, and master. Before reaching each level, HVAC contractors must meet certain qualifications.

Apprenticeship

This is the starting point for all professionals in the HVAC industry. This license allows them to work under a licensed HVAC contractor.

Journeyman

With a journeyman’s license, a technician is proving that they have three years of experience as an apprentice and have at least 1,875 hours of working and training under an HVAC contractor.

Limited License

To qualify for this license, a technician needs to work as an HVAC journeyman for at least two years under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor. They need 1,000 hours of supervised work for at least one year before applying for the license.

Master Restricted License

In order to obtain this license, an HVAC tech will need to be a journeyman for three years working under a licensed master contractor. They will need 1,875 hours working like this before applying.

Master’s License

A master’s license requires an applicant to be a three-year journeyman working under an HVAC master contractor. They will need to complete 1,875 hours of work the year before applying. A master’s license means a person has a more in-depth understanding of HVAC principles than one with a master-restricted license.

EPA 608 Certification

This certification is required for HVAC technicians in harmony with the Clean Air Act. It is for individuals who repair, maintain, service or dispose of equipment that has the potential to release refrigerants into the atmosphere.

To obtain this certification, technicians need to pass an EPA-approved test. The test is specific to the equipment the HVAC tech will work on. They are administered by EPA-approved organizations. Thankfully, the Section 608 Technician Certification credentials do not expire.

The EPA has four types of 608 certifications. Type I is for technicians who work on small appliances. Type II is for technicians working on or disposing of high or very high-pressure appliances. Type III is for disposing of or servicing low-pressure appliances. Universal certification is for servicing equipment of all types.

NATE Certification

NATE, or North American Technician Excellence, represents a nonprofit certification group that centers on HVAC and refrigeration technicians. The HVAC industry develops, operates, supports, and endorses NATE.

The late 90s saw the founding of NATE, with a sharp focus on aiding technicians in elevating their knowledge and skills beyond the competition. NATE certification serves as proof of a technician’s proficiency in various facets of the HVAC industry. Pursuing NATE certification is a voluntary choice that allows technicians to showcase their industry expertise.

To acquire NATE certification, technicians must successfully pass a comprehensive written exam. These exams don’t simply test textbook memorization. They are designed to evaluate a technician’s real-world comprehension of air conditioners, oil furnaces, heat pumps, and more. The exam delves into intricate issues, ensuring that certified technicians possess in-depth knowledge.

In contrast to EPA 608 certifications, which have indefinite validity, NATE certifications are valid for five years. This finite duration reflects the ever-evolving nature of HVAC technology. Thus, NATE certification attests to a person’s up-to-date industry knowledge.

When you hire a NATE-certified technician for your property, you can rest assured knowing that you’re working with someone dedicated to correctly completing the job on the first try. You know that the technician possesses the training and expertise to effectively address any HVAC system issues, providing you with the peace of mind that the job will meet or surpass safety requirements.

HVAC Excellent Certification

HVAC Excellent Certification, widely recognized in the HVAC industry, applies to educators, technicians, and education programs, demonstrating the competence of certificate holders in HVAC and HVACR.

The ESCO group responsible for creating this certification aims to enhance technical competence within the HVAC industry. Established in the early 1990s, the Excellence Certification ensures a consistent education process that validates technicians’ competence in various HVAC areas.

HVAC Excellence Certification offers a series of discipline-specific written exams for professional technicians, each comprising 100 questions. These exams assess a technician’s competence in various areas, such as combustion analysis, heat pump installation, gas heat, residential air conditioning, electric heat, and more. Professional-level exams require technicians to have at least two years of verifiable work experience and pass the core exam before taking these exams.

Technicians can choose the disciplines they want to be certified in. Once a discipline is successfully completed and they receive their certificate, they can progress to the next level, aiming to become a master specialist in that particular discipline.

Hiring a Certified HVAC Technician: The Benefits

Hiring a certified HVAC technician offers several advantages, including working with a professional who comprehends the significance of delivering top-tier work and is committed to ensuring your HVAC system operates at its best.

Cost Savings

When you hire a certified HVAC technician, you save money. The job is completed correctly the first time, eliminating the need to pay someone else to re-do a subpar job.

Access to Professional Expertise

When you work with an HVAC professional who continually undergoes specialized training, their certificates demonstrate their adherence to local regulations and ability to address your inquiries regarding HVAC system issues while offering expert solutions to meet your needs effectively.

Safety Awareness

Working on an HVAC system can be hazardous for those lacking the necessary training and experience. When you partner with a certified professional HVAC technician, you can rest assured that they employ the latest industry methods to maximize safety while working on your system.

Bringing Comfort Straight to Your Maryland Door

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we understand that we need to do it right when it comes to home comfort. For this reason, we are committed to keeping our customers comfortable all year round with well-maintained furnaces and air conditioners. We are proud to employ licensed, trained technicians, and we are a locally owned and operated company. We have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and work hard to maintain it.

Our services include HVAC installation, maintenance, and repair. We also offer indoor air quality testing, air purifiers, carbon monoxide detectors, and humidifiers. In addition, we do duct cleaning and install new ductwork. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today and experience the satisfaction of working with qualified professionals using quality HVAC products in your home or business.

Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces: What to Know

Written by Kevin on November 1, 2023. Posted in HVAC.

Choosing between a furnace-based heating system or a heat pump for your Columbia home can be challenging. Both a heat pump and a furnace have the same purpose, which is to keep your home warm during the winter. However, they have drastically different approaches to providing heat. In certain situations, the heat provided by a furnace is best. In others, the heat from a heat pump is superior.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a system that can both heat and cool your home. Unlike a furnace that uses combustion to heat your home, a heat pump transfers the heat from the outside into your home. The heat is pulled from the outdoors and is transferred to a liquid refrigerant. This refrigerant is transferred to a heat exchanger, and air is blown across the heat exchanger, pushing the heat into the home.

Many people are surprised to learn that it does not need to be hot outside for a heat pump to be able to pull heat energy from the ambient temperature. A heat pump can work in temperatures that are below freezing. However, the colder it is outside, the less efficient a heat pump is to produce heat.

What Is a Furnace?

A furnace uses forced air to heat a home or office. Unlike a heat pump that transfers heat from one place to another, a furnace uses combustion or electric heating to generate heat. The heat produced in the burner is transferred to a heat exchanger. Then, a large fan pushes air across the heat exchanger, heating it and dispersing it through the home’s ductwork to individual rooms.

Primary Differences Between Heat Pumps and Furnaces

The purpose of a heat pump and a furnace is the same. They use some of the same components, such as the blower system. However, they have significant differences.

Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces

There are differences between heat pumps and furnaces that homeowners should consider before making a selection.

Heat Pump Cost

A heat pump will run you somewhere between $3,500 and $5,000 to install. However, other factors will determine the cost, including whether your home already has ductwork, the size of the home, the complexity, and the quality of the heat pump system you purchase.

The simplest, least expensive, and most commonly used heat pumps are air-to-air heat pumps. These will pull heat from the ambient air. Unfortunately, as the temperatures drop, these less expensive models start to experience problems.

Geothermal heat pumps pull heat from the ground. These take advantage of the fact that there is a constant 50-degree Fahrenheit temperature difference between the surface temperature and the temperature under the ground. Geothermal heat pumps are a lot more expensive than air-to-air models.

Furnace Cost

On average, you should expect to pay between $4,000 and $6,000 for a gas or electric furnace. Natural gas is more efficient than electricity. However, if your home does not already have a natural gas line, there is an expense in having one installed.

Heat Pump Efficiency

A heat pump is unbelievably efficient. They require a small amount of electricity to function, allowing them to transfer up to four times as much heat energy as the electric energy used to run the unit. The colder the temperatures are outside, the less efficient a heat pump becomes because it has to work harder to transfer enough heat to warm a room. Heat pumps become less energy efficient than a furnace at a certain temperature point, usually around -10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Furnace Efficiency

Furnaces use combustion to generate heat. Natural gas is a very effective heating option. However, it is way less efficient than a heat pump under normal conditions. A gas furnace is between 90% and 96% efficient. That’s the amount of heat produced through combustion that will be transferred into the home. An electric furnace, on the other hand, is 100% efficient. All of the heat created in the electric coils will be used to heat the home. The fact that a furnace creates its heat makes it a superior option in areas where temperatures during the winter are consistently below zero.

Furnace Durability

A gas furnace, as long as it’s properly maintained, will have a longer lifespan than a heat pump. Furnaces with proper maintenance can last for over 20 years. The heat elements of a gas furnace are only going to be used during the late fall, winter, and early spring months. This means that a furnace’s maintenance requirements are much lower than those of a heat pump.

Heat Pump Durability

A heat pump, similar to an air conditioner, should last around 15 years, having a shorter lifespan than a furnace. Since heat pumps can be used to both heat and cool the house, they will likely run all year round. Heat pumps may require more maintenance.

Heat Pump Appearance

Heat pumps are efficient and versatile, but they are not aesthetically pleasing. With a heat pump, you usually have a bulky standalone unit outside of your house. In the case of mini-splits, there is a large unit hanging on the side of the home on top of the home. These can detract from the aesthetics of the home.

Furnace Appearance

Unlike a heat pump, a furnace is unobtrusive. They are installed in the attic or basement, so they are out of sight and out of mind. This can be a factor to consider, especially if you live in a smaller home or have a smaller yard where you do not want to use up valuable real estate.

Heat Pump and Furnace Maintenance

A heat pump and furnace will require annual professional inspections and maintenance if you want them to work their best. Both systems also require homeowners to change filters and keep the area around the unit clean.

Heat Pump Versus Furnace: Which Is Right for Your Home?

Choosing between a heat pump and a furnace must be done on a case-by-case basis. In Columbia, Maryland temperatures can drop to around 25 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. While this is still well within the range of a heat pump, it will take a heat pump a lot longer to heat the home at these temperatures than it will a furnace. On the flip side, a heat pump can provide an energy-efficient way to maintain comfortable temperatures in the home and can be used to keep the home cool during the summer.

Bringing Comfort Straight to Your Door

At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we proudly carry the industry’s most dependable and energy-efficient HVAC products. We are an A+ Better Business Bureau-accredited HVAC company that offers customer satisfaction. We are locally owned and operated with licensed and trained technicians.

Our services include HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. We offer oil-to-gas furnace conversion, ductless mini-split installation, indoor air quality, duct cleaning, and ductwork installation. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today for more information.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Why They Are Important

Written by Kevin on October 20, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality.

Though we often take precautions to keep ourselves and our homes safe, like child-proofing before a new infant or putting fresh batteries in smoke alarms, one measure often slips peoples’ minds: carbon monoxide detectors. At Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating, we want to help keep you and your Hanover family as safe as possible, including when it comes to carbon monoxide, or CO2. Read on for a rundown of carbon monoxide, CO2 detectors, and how they can impact your home.

What Is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that has no color, odor, or taste. When present, you likely will not notice it without some type of detection system, though some areas add a compound that smells like rotten eggs to help residents detect it. CO2 gas is flammable and can cause serious health issues when inhaled in high amounts.

How Does Carbon Monoxide Get Into Our Homes?

Carbon monoxide is released by burning fuels such as gasoline, natural gas, oil, kerosene, and charcoal. This gas often accumulates in poorly ventilated areas and from improperly installed situations.

Some of the top sources of carbon monoxide in the home include:

Gas appliances such as your stove, dryer, furnace, or water heater
Gas or wood fireplaces
Coal or oil furnaces
Wood stoves
Space heaters
Oil or kerosene heaters
Charcoal grills and camp stoves
Automobile exhaust fumes (especially dangerous in a closed garage)

How Can I Lower the Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?

When you know where carbon monoxide comes from, you can arm yourself with education and take steps to improve your home’s safety.

Some of the best ways to lower the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home include:

Be sure all appliances are properly installed and vented
Have your furnace and fireplace inspected annually by a professional
Ensure your outdoor air intake for your furnace is not blocked
Do not burn charcoal inside your home
Never operate gas-powered engines in an enclosed space
Do not leave your car running inside the garage

What Effects Does Carbon Monoxide Have on Health?

Inhaling carbon monoxide can present symptoms that range from mild to severe or even deadly, depending on the concentration level of the gas and the length of exposure. Breathing in low levels of carbon monoxide may produce symptoms similar to the flu.

Some of the most common warning signs of CO2 poisoning are:

Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Weakness
Confusion & disorientation

At higher levels in your home, carbon monoxide poisoning becomes very dangerous and can lead to serious illness, permanent mental and physical disability, and even death. Because you cannot see, smell, or taste the gas inside your home, many people don’t recognize carbon monoxide poisoning until it is too late.

Here are just some of the symptoms of high levels of carbon monoxide:

Sleepiness
Nausea & vomiting
Anxiety or depression
Confusion & disorientation
Impaired vision
Impaired coordination

Statistics show that more than 50,000 people visit emergency rooms every year for carbon monoxide poisoning, with over 400 deaths annually.

How Do I Know if Carbon Monoxide Levels Are Too High?

Having Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating install carbon monoxide detectors inside your home is the best way to be alerted to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. You will not see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide at any level, so you need a detection system to monitor and alert you to its presence.

How Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Work?

Carbon monoxide detectors are designed to measure the amount of carbon monoxide inside your home. There are different types of detectors that do this in different ways. Most devices work based on a chemical reaction occurring when levels are high enough to be dangerous. This monitoring happens continuously to constantly be on the lookout for carbon monoxide. The detection system then alerts you to the presence of higher-than-safe amounts of the gas.

Where Should I Install Detectors?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends having a carbon monoxide detector installed on every floor of the home and in a central location outside of each room where people sleep. There may also be local or state codes where you live that dictate placement and the number of detectors required in your home. Be sure to remember the basement and attic if applicable.

When installing your carbon monoxide detectors, first consult the manufacturer’s information. Some detectors should be mounted to the ceiling, while others are best installed on the wall a few feet lower than the ceiling.

Are There Different Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

There are several different types of carbon monoxide detectors available. You may decide to choose one over the other based on your personal circumstances.

Battery-powered devices are portable and can be installed easily anywhere in your home.

Hardwired detectors are connected to your home’s power source and will continuously monitor the gas level in your home at all times when electricity is on.

Combination units use both battery and electrical power, using one source as a backup method if the other power source fails.

Most carbon monoxide detectors have an audible alarm that will sound continuously until manually turned off or the threat has diminished. There are also monitors with a digital display that show the level of carbon monoxide.

What Maintenance Is Needed for Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Similar to smoke detectors, there are measures you should take to ensure your unit is still protecting you and your family.

Test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they are still functioning properly. Most detectors have a test button on them. If you’re using a battery-powered unit, the batteries should be replaced at least once per year or as instructed by the manufacturer.

Regardless of type, your carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced with new units after several years, as dictated by the manufacturer of your specific model.

What Should I Do If My Carbon Monoxide Detector Goes Off?

If your carbon monoxide detector indicates a high level of the poisonous gas in your home, you should immediately leave the area. Step outside for fresh air and call 911. Seek medical attention for anyone displaying signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Now that you understand what carbon monoxide is and how dangerous it can be, it’s time to make sure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. These detectors should be appropriate for your space and needs for best results. They also need to be installed properly in order to work correctly.

The best way to ensure proper installation and functioning of your carbon monoxide detectors is to call a professional. A trained and knowledgeable technician will know what type of detector is best for your home, where to install them, and how to install them. For this type of professional service, call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today. We’ll schedule a time to install units in your home and teach you how they work.

Reasons to Replace Your Ductwork

Written by Kevin on October 13, 2023. Posted in HVAC.

A home’s ductwork usually lasts for 10 to 15 years. After that, the quality may start to suffer, and it might be time to replace the ducts. Of course, your ductwork is mostly tucked out of sight. Since you may not see problems with your own eyes, you may wonder if duct replacement is really necessary. Even still, there are multiple benefits to putting in new ducts. Once you learn all of the good things that updated ductwork can do for your home, you may be eager to schedule an appointment for ductwork replacement.

Improved Air Quality

Ductwork tends to harbor dust. Pollen, pet dander, and other particles may gather there too. The longer your ductwork goes without cleaning, the more buildup there may be.

As air flows through the ducts, it may pick up dust and carry it throughout your home. You are then likely to breathe in those particles. Dusty air can lead to respiratory symptoms, such as a cough and a runny nose. This can be especially problematic for people with allergies or asthma.

Dusty air doesn’t just affect your health. It can also cause dust to settle on surfaces. You may find that you need to clean your shelves and furniture more often than before.

When you install replacement ductwork, you’ll be starting fresh and new. There won’t be nearly as much dust picked up as air flows through your ductwork. Then, to keep your new ducts and your air as dust-free as possible, make professional duct cleaning a priority. You may want to schedule a cleaning appointment once every three years.

Consistent Temperatures Throughout Your Home

If you have a duct with a problem, your home may start to show it. Air doesn’t flow well through bent or kinked ducts. When there are leaks in your ducts, climate-controlled air escapes before reaching its destination.

Then, your rooms end up without the full delivery of air that they are supposed to have. If your room is hot, it may stay hot. If it’s chilly, it may stay chilly. Your comfort could be compromised. Other rooms in your house, though, could be perfectly fine. That’s a key sign that you have a ductwork problem at play, rather than a broken furnace or air conditioner.

Replacing your ductwork should eliminate the uneven heating and cooling in your home. Each room will, once again, receive a strong supply of air from the HVAC system.

Savings on Power Bills

Leaky ducts waste money. You’re paying for the energy to warm or cool your air, but much of that air isn’t reaching its destination. Instead, it’s escaping before it arrives.

Your furnace or air conditioner must keep running to hit the temperature setting on your thermostat. Yes, your rooms will reach that temperature eventually, but it will take longer than it would have with non-leaky ducts. Your power bill will reflect the excess energy that was spent in pursuit of the perfect temperature.

Instead of wasting money throughout the year, consider the one-time expense of replacing your ductwork. You may be glad to see the difference in your electricity or natural gas bills.

Quieter HVAC Operation

Old ducts can be loud. It goes beyond the quiet hum of a running furnace or the noticeable (yet manageable) sound of the system kicking on; noisy old ductwork can be downright annoying. Loose or broken joints cause loud rattling sounds as air flows through the ducts. Banging and clanging are other common sounds produced by broken duct joints.

Some duct leaks are silent. Not all of them are, though. As air escapes through a hole in a duct, you may detect a whistling sound. There doesn’t even have to be actual damage for old ductwork to make loud noises. Dirt buildup can be another culprit. As the flowing air pushes the debris, it may cause buzzes or rattles inside the ducts.

Don’t let loud ductwork rob you of your peace. If you’re ready to have a quieter house, look into replacing your ductwork.

Fresher Smells

Dust isn’t the only foreign substance that may be hiding in your ductwork. There could be mold or mildew growing there as well. It is rather common for condensation to develop inside the ducts. This happens when there is a significant temperature difference between the air inside a duct and the air surrounding it.

Ducts that run through the attic can be particularly prone to this issue. Attics may be short on insulation, and the temperatures there can be extreme compared to elsewhere in the house.

Condensation creates a damp environment. That makes ductwork an ideal habitat for fungi. Like dust, mold and mildew can trigger respiratory symptoms. They don’t smell great either. You may notice that a musty odor has settled over your house. Even if you don’t detect it, visitors to your home may pick up on the scent right away. Putting in new ductwork could make your home a more pleasant and inviting place to be.

Fewer Critters

The thought of mold and mildew living in your ducts can be unpleasant, but the thought of creepy-crawlies in there may be even worse. Unfortunately, old ductwork could be home to all sorts of critters. They can enter through gaps and holes, settle in, and start to breed. There could be bugs or rodents or both living in your ducts.

Living creatures in your ductwork can cause all sorts of problems. Rodents may spread germs throughout your house. Droppings and insect remains can compromise your air quality. Animals are unlikely to respect your quiet hours and might make noise at any time of day or night. Their nests can even block the flow of air, which will reduce the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.

When the old ductwork comes out, so will the critters. The new ductwork will have strong joints and no holes, so a new round of bugs and mice won’t make their way back inside.

Reduced Chance of a Major Problem

Old ductwork is prone to issues. Plastic and fiberglass are common ductwork materials, and they can break down over time. An older ductwork system may easily become tangled or develop a kink. It could spring a leak or end up with a substantial hole. Whatever the issue, you could end up with restricted airflow and wasted energy output.

Instead of waiting for a big problem to arise, be proactive about replacing your ductwork. You might be able to avoid an issue that leaves you with weak or inefficient heating and cooling in one or more areas of your house.

For your residential and commercial HVAC projects, contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating. We perform repairs, installations, and tune-ups for furnaces and air conditioners. In addition, we work with air purifiers, ductwork, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits. We can even convert your heating system from oil to gas. If you’re looking for a reliable, BBB-accredited heating and cooling company in the Hanover area, look no further than Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating.

Call Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today to schedule your appointment for ductwork installation or other services in Hanover.

Air Purifier System in Hanover, MD Residential Home

Humidifiers vs. Dehumidifiers: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Home

Written by Kevin on October 3, 2023. Posted in Indoor Air Quality.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers are appliances that help stabilize moisture levels within rooms. These appliances can help achieve ideal indoor relative humidity (RH). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ideal indoor relative humidity falls between 30%-50%, and humidity levels should never exceed 60%. While the standard recommendation makes sense on paper, you may have additional questions based on the climate, the appliance model, and your household needs. A comparison between humidifiers and dehumidifiers can help you make an informed decision about improving the indoor air quality of your home.

What Is a Humidifier?

A humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air by emitting water vapor or steam. Humidifiers may help alleviate problems associated with lower humidity levels, such as dry nasal passages or dry skin. Most humidifiers operate using a basic sensor mechanism. This sensor detects the humidity level in a room or enclosed space. The humidifier then switches on whenever humidity levels drop too low. Once it switches on, the device releases vapor or steam from its reservoir to raise humidity levels. Sizes of humidifiers include central humidifiers for the whole house, console humidifiers for specific rooms, and portable humidifiers that you can use while traveling. Types of humidifiers include whole-home humidifiers, evaporators, ultrasonic humidifiers, impellers, and steam vaporizers.

Whole-Home Humidifiers

Whole-home humidifiers are central humidifiers hardwired directly into the HVAC system. These humidifiers provide moisture to the entire house at an adjustable rate. Whole-home systems can include bypass humidifiers that connect to your ducts or power humidifiers fitted with fans that help generate greater humidity. While this type of system represents more of an investment than other varieties, it can also help ensure consistent humidity levels and air quality throughout the home. Other benefits include the reduction of static electricity and dust levels indoors. If your household’s occupants include vulnerable populations, like infants or the elderly, whole-home humidifiers may help alleviate breathing problems or dry skin. They are also popular since there is no risk of direct contact with the appliance itself.

Evaporators

If you have ever noticed that the water level in a covered glass lowers or evaporates after a certain period, it is easy to see how evaporator humidifiers work in the same way. This humidifier cools air by drawing water from a reservoir and blowing the moisture through a wick, filter, or belt. Fans propel this appliance and disperse cool mist into the air using a single-unit system.

Ultrasonic Humidifiers

An ultrasonic humidifier consists of a diaphragm or disk immersed in water. The disc vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency outside of the range of human hearing. This vibration creates water droplets that the device can expel as mist, steam, or fog to increase indoor humidity. Ultrasonic humidifiers tend to be small and compact, making them suitable for limited space areas. And because ultrasonic humidifiers use vibration instead of a heating source, they are also popular in children’s rooms.

Impellers

Impeller humidifiers use rotating discs with comb-like fins that break water down into tiny droplets. The droplets then pass through a mesh filter, leaving the device as a cool mist that increases the humidity of your room. Impellers are most popular for use in single rooms.

Steam Vaporizers

Steam vaporizers use a power source to heat water in a reservoir. Once the water is boiling, the warm mist exits the device in the form of steam. Some steam vaporizers also allow you to add inhalants or essential oils for more comfortable breathing. But because they contain hot water, these vaporizers are not popular among households that have children. Homeowners who have children tend to choose whole-home humidifiers instead.

What Is a Dehumidifier?

A dehumidifier is a device that pulls excess moisture from the air. The device typically works by extracting water from air that flows through the unit. Most dehumidifiers use a refrigerator-based or a heater-based system along with a coil to remove moisture from the air. A fan or motor blows the air over a coil that causes the moisture to condense into vapor and collect into a reservoir or tray. The result is dry air that flows back into the room. Removing excess moisture from the air is an important way to stop the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, dust mites, and other allergens. Types of dehumidifiers include whole-home dehumidifiers, refrigerated coil dehumidifiers, desiccants, electronic dehumidifiers, ionic membrane dehumidifiers, and makeshift dehumidifiers.

Whole-Home Dehumidifiers

Whole-home dehumidifiers connect directly into the HVAC system. Using the ductwork, this type of humidifier helps remove moisture from all rooms in the home at a steady rate. Whole-home dehumidifiers are popular choices for homes in high-humidity regions as well as older homes.

Refrigerated Coil Dehumidifiers

Refrigerated coil dehumidifiers are also known as mechanical or compressor dehumidifiers. These appliances have a built-in compressor, and they operate using a mechanism similar to your refrigerator. In a refrigerated coil dehumidifier, a small fan pulls the moist air over the coil. Refrigerant in the coil causes the moisture in the air to condense. The condensation then drips from the coil into a reservoir or tray.

Desiccant Dehumidifiers

The word desiccant means “drying agent.” Desiccant dehumidifiers use chemical substances to absorb moisture from the air. The substances are usually hydrophilic materials, such as silica gel. When a silica-coated wheel or belt rotates through the system, it helps dry out the surrounding air. Desiccant dehumidifiers work best under conditions of low temperature and extremely high humidity. They are popular during the winter and for industrial purposes.

Electronic Dehumidifiers

Electronic dehumidifiers often rely on heat pumps, fans, and exchange coils to pull in moist air. The moist air then passes over heat-exchange coils, causing the moisture to condense and collect into a reservoir or tray. Dry air then circulates back into your room. Electronic dehumidifiers are popular for enclosed spaces or small rooms.

Dehumidifying Ventilators

Dehumidifying ventilators draw in humid air and then use an exhaust fan to expel the moisture outside. These devices are useful for crawlspaces, basements, and attics. Compact in size, they function much like other window units.

Ionic Membrane Dehumidifiers

Ionic dehumidifiers help remove water from the air at a molecular level. This type of dehumidifier has traditional applications in chemical engineering, water filtering, and the fuel industry. However, homeowners may also find devices with ionic membrane filters by exploring options with an HVAC professional.

Why Is It Important to Maintain the Right Humidity Levels?

Indoor humidity levels that reach either extreme can become a source of great discomfort for all occupants of the home. Even if you set your thermostat at the ideal room temperature, you can still feel uncomfortable if humidity levels are too high or too low. Specifically, high humidity levels can make the air feel overly warm and smothering during hot weather, and low humidity levels can cause the air to feel even drier during cold weather. In addition, both high and low humidity levels can cause dehydration since these conditions disrupt natural sweating. Since sweating is one of the body’s primary cooling and regulating mechanisms, it is important to keep humidity as stable as possible.

Humidity also has an environmental impact as well. High humidity levels create the perfect breeding environment for mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria. Household pests like termites and carpenter ants also thrive in humid environments. On the other hand, low humidity can cause wood furniture and floors to experience dry air damage. Low humidity may also increase the likelihood of respiratory illness since some viruses thrive in dry environments. When moisture levels are insufficient, viral particles have an easier time settling in airway receptor sites, leading to a greater chance of infection.

What Signs Indicate the Need for a Humidifier or Dehumidifier?

Humidifiers

You may need a professional to install a humidifier if your indoor air becomes too dry. Signs of dry air include the buildup of static electricity due to low humidity. This can disrupt the proper performance of your electronics. Household occupants may experience dry skin, lips, or nasal passages. Individuals with eczema and dermatitis may find that these conditions worsen if indoor humidity is too low. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people with these skin conditions install a humidifier at least during the winter. Other signs that you may need a humidifier include dry eyes or sore throat. Even books or papers within the home can become brittle if the air is too dry.

Dehumidifiers

Signs you need a dehumidifier include condensation on windows and furniture as well as the accumulation of mold, mildew, or dust mites in rooms. These occurrences indicate high levels of moisture in the air. You may also notice rotten or musty smells due to mold or the growth of other organisms. High humidity can increase the staying power of allergens, like pollen or dust particles, resulting in respiratory irritations. When moisture is too high, you may notice that dry kitchen goods become stale faster and even clothes take longer to dry.

Should I Use a Humidifier or Dehumidifier?

The optimal indoor humidity level falls between 30%-50%. An HVAC technician can use a professional hygrometer to measure the humidity within a particular space to determine whether you should choose a humidifier or dehumidifier. Indoor humidity that falls below 30% can require a humidifier, and levels above 50% may require a dehumidifier. In addition, seasons can also help determine humidifier or dehumidifier use. Homeowners often use humidifiers in the wintertime to combat the dryness of winter air. Humidifiers help saturate winter air with water that traps heat, creating a blanket effect that helps you feel warmer. Likewise, homeowners may use dehumidifiers during the spring and summer to combat seasonal allergens, like pollen, and reduce the sticky or stale feeling that can occur when indoor humidity is too high.

Contact Us Today

When used correctly, humidifiers and dehumidifiers can improve the indoor air quality of your home. Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating provides whole-home installation for households in Hanover and the surrounding areas. We can help you select the right device, and we offer professional installation, replacement, or maintenance of humidifier or dehumidifier systems. Contact Beltway Air Conditioning and Heating today to create the perfect indoor environment for the home.