the latest from David and Goliath HVAC
Stay Informed, Stay Comfortable
Welcome to our News & Insights page at David and Goliath Heating and Cooling! Here, we share the latest updates, tips, and trends in the heating and cooling industry. Our blog is a treasure trove of information designed to help you make the most of your HVAC systems.
Maximize Your Comfort: How to Optimize Your Ceiling Fan for Summer and Winter
Yes, rotating your ceiling fan appropriately for summer and winter time does help with home comfort by improving air circulation and making the temperature feel more comfortable in your living spaces. Here's how it works for each season: Summer Time (Cooling Effect) Direction: During the summer months, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise when viewed from below. This direction creates a downdraft, which produces a direct cooling effect by moving air around the room. It doesn't lower the temperature but makes the room feel cooler by evaporating sweat on the skin more efficiently. Effect: The counterclockwise motion helps to create a breeze that cools the skin. This can allow you to set your thermostat at a higher temperature without compromising on comfort, leading to energy savings. Winter Time (Warming Effect) Direction: In winter, you should change the rotation of your ceiling fan to clockwise (again,
Do You Have a Cracked Heat Exchanger? Here’s How to Tell
When the chill of winter sets in, our homes become sanctuaries of warmth, thanks in no small part to our trusty furnaces. At the heart of your furnace, the heat exchanger plays a crucial role in heating your home safely and efficiently. However, like any component, it can succumb to wear and tear over time, leading to cracks. A cracked heat exchanger is not just a mechanical failure; it poses significant risks to your home's safety, including the potential for carbon monoxide leaks. So, how can you tell if your heat exchanger is cracked, and what should you do about it? Signs of a Cracked Heat Exchanger Unusual Sounds: If you hear strange noises like rattling or banging coming from your furnace, it could indicate a crack. As the metal heats and cools, the change in dimensions can cause movement, leading to these noises. Soot Inside
A Tale of a Dog, an AC Unit, and an Unexpected Lesson
It was an unexpected warm day in Dallas, North Carolina, the kind of day warm day where you don't expect it because it's still supposed to be the middle of winter. In such weather, air conditioners turn on to combat the warm heat. So, when I received a call about an AC unit "not cooling well," I knew I had to get there fast. The Mystery Begins Upon arriving, I was greeted by a concerned homeowner and a subtle yet persistent hum of an AC unit trying its best. The homeowner's description was simple: "It's just not cooling well." Armed with my toolkit and a sense of HVAC detective gusto, I began the usual routine—check the filters and inspect the airflow of the air handler. Everything inside seemed in order, but the true mystery awaited outside. The Plot Twist: Man's Best Friend Turns Foe As
A Real-Life Reminder: How a Service Call Uncovered a Serious HVAC Electrical Hazard
Today, I experienced a stark reminder of why regular HVAC maintenance is not just a recommendation—it's a necessity. During a service call, I discovered a completely fried electrical disconnect. The pull disconnect feeds power to the heat pumps back up emergency heating strips. This incident brought to light the potential grave implications for homeowners and the absolute importance of periodic HVAC check-ups. In this blog, I'll share my experience and explain why such discoveries underscore the need for vigilance in HVAC maintenance. The Discovery: A Fried Electrical Disconnect The day started like any other, with scheduled service calls in Gastonia, NC. However, one particular visit stood out. Upon inspecting a Heat Pump system, I found the electrical disconnect in a severely compromised state — it was completely fried. This critical component, responsible for safely interrupting the power flow to the units auxiliary heating strips, was
Understanding the Emergency Heat Setting on Your Thermostat
When temperatures plummet below freezing, your heat pump might struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home. This is where the emergency heat setting on your thermostat comes into play. This setting is essentially a backup heating system that kicks in when the heat pump can’t extract enough heat from the outside air. How Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather Heat pumps are efficient because they transfer heat rather than generate it. In moderate climates, they are incredibly effective. However, as the temperature drops, their efficiency diminishes. This is because the heat pump has to work harder to extract the decreasing amount of heat available in the outside air. Auxiliary Heat and Heat Strips To compensate for this loss in efficiency, most heat pumps are equipped with auxiliary heating. This auxiliary heat, often in the form of electric heat strips, provides additional warmth when the
What can you do to beat furnace repair’s during a freeze?
Keeping Your Heater and Furnace Drain Safe During an Overnight Freeze As winter approaches, it's crucial to ensure that your home's heating system is up to the challenge of an overnight freeze. Your furnace and furnace drain are particularly susceptible to the cold, and a little preparation can go a long way in preventing costly repairs and ensuring a warm, comfortable home. Here are key things to look out for with your furnace and furnace drain during those freezing nights. Furnace Filters First and foremost, check your furnace filters. A clogged or dirty filter not only reduces efficiency but can also strain your furnace, leading to more significant problems. Regularly changing the filters ensures proper airflow and furnace operation. Thermostat Settings Keep an eye on your thermostat settings. During a freeze, it's advisable to maintain a consistent temperature to prevent the pipes from freezing and
Stay Cool Without the Giant Cost: Why Choosing David and Goliath Heating and Cooling is Your Best Move This Summer
As summer approaches with its promise of scorching days, the last thing any homeowner wants is an underperforming air conditioning system. At David and Goliath Heating and Cooling, we embody the spirit of our namesake story - tackling big challenges with smart, efficient solutions. Just like David outsmarted Goliath, we believe in outsmarting big problems with strategic solutions, offering "great service without the giant cost." Here's why an inspection from us is a smart move for your home. Understanding Your Heating and Cooling System In the epic tale of David and Goliath, David triumphed through wisdom and agility, not sheer force. Similarly, the key to a well-functioning heating and cooling system lies in smart maintenance, not just brute strength. Your system works tirelessly to keep your home comfortable, but without regular check-ups, small issues can grow into Goliath-sized problems. That's where we come in. The Risks
Why You Should Get An AC Tune Up Before Spring
David and Goliath Heating and Cooling Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of warmer weather and blooming flowers. But before you get lost in the joys of spring, there’s something important you need to tick off your checklist – tuning up your AC unit. At David and Goliath Heating and Cooling, we can’t stress enough the importance of pre-season maintenance for your air conditioning system. Here’s why getting a tune-up before spring is crucial: 1. Ensuring Efficiency and Reliability Just like a car, an AC unit needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. After a long winter hiatus, your AC unit might have accumulated dust and debris, and some parts may have worn down. A spring tune-up ensures that every component is clean, well-lubricated, and functioning correctly. This not only boosts efficiency but also prevents mid-summer breakdowns. 2. Extending