When you go to bed, you want to be comfortable. This way you can get good rest and be as productive as possible the following say. When it comes to comfort, most people sleep best in a cool room with good air flow. Unfortunately, the upper levels of your home are generally hotter than the rest of your home. This is because heat rises. The issue can also escalate if there are other issues with your HVAC or air flow. If your second floor is too hot, contact the professionals at B&L Ott in Berks County for help.

HVAC And Ductwork

Before you are able to fix your hot second floor, you need to pinpoint what is causing the issue. Below are some common problems that can cause your second floor to be uncomfortable.

Wrong Size Unit – If your air conditioner is too small, it simply may not be strong enough to cool your entire house. It may be able to cool your first floor just fine, but it can’t keep up. If this is the case, you may find your unit running constantly.

Old Unit – Similar to a small unit, if your system is old, it may not be strong enough to cool your entire home. Most air conditioners will last about 8-10 years.

Dirty Filter – If your filter is clogged, it can block the air passing through your system. Then the cool air never makes it to your second floor.

Obstructed Ducts – Similar to a dirty filter, your air ducts can also collect dust over time. This dust can also block the air passing through your ducts. Then less cool air actually makes it out of the vent and into your Reading area home. If this is the case, contact B&L Ott for air duct cleaning.

Leaking – If there is a hole or a dent in your air ducts, cool air may be leaking out. If this is the case, the cool air is escaping before it gets to where you want it to go. B&L Ott can help you by repairing or modifying your air ducts if this is the case.

Insulate Your Attic

Is your attic properly insulated? If not, hot air from the attic can be leaking into your home and making your second floor hotter. It is important to ensure that your attic is properly insulated. This way the heat will stay in the attic and not make your bedroom uncomfortable. You may also find installing an attic ventilator helpful. If your roof is due for new shingles soon, you should also consider getting a lighter color as darker color absorb heat.

Close Blinds and Curtains

Sunlight that comes into your home makes the air warmer. This is beneficial in the winter as it helps you save on heating costs. However, in the summer, it makes your second floor even hotter. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to help keep the extra heat out.

Reduce Use Of Heat Appliances

Using certain appliances can also add heat to your home. This includes lights, your dryer, dishwasher, oven, hair drying, etc. Taking long hot showers can also add moisture and heat to the air. By minimizing how often you use these appliances, you can save energy and help keep your Reading area home a little bit cooler.

Use Fans

Good air circulation is also important to keep your home cool and comfortable. If the air on your second floor seems stuffy, use some fans to get the air moving. If you have a ceiling fan or rotating fan, turn them on. You may also find it helpful to set your HVAC fan from “auto” to “on” on your thermostat. This way the air will continually circulate throughout your Berks County home and not just while your air conditioner is running.

Home Zoning System

If you tried the other tips on this list, but still need more air control in your home, talk to B&L Ott about installing a home zoning system for you. A home zoning system splits your home into sections using dampers in your air ducts. By closing or opening these dampers you can better control where the cool air goes. You can send the cool air directly to your second floor at night so you can be comfortable and get good rest.

Supplemental HVAC System

B&L Ott can also help you install and extra HVAC system if needed. Whether you want another whole-house system or a mini-split system, our technicians can assist you. Our goal is to help you keep your home comfortable so you can enjoy your summer. If you would like to schedule any of our services, you can contact us through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call us at 610-816-6026.  

An HVAC system is one of the largest home investments you can make. With this in mind, you want to get as much time and energy as you can out of it. You want it to last a long time and you want it to run efficiently. To do so, you need to take proper care of it. There are many different ways for you to accomplish this, and B&L Ott can help. Read on to learn more about getting the most out of your HVAC system.

Choose the Right System

The first step to getting the most out of your system is to choose the right system. There are many different HVAC models on the market. With different brands, prices, sizes, models, and features, it can be difficult to figure out which model will work best for your Reading home. Let B&L Ott help. Our technicians are knowledgeable about the latest HVAC technology and can help you narrow down your options.

Installation

After you choose a system, B&L Ott can also help you install it. Installation is yet another important part of ensuring your system lasts longer and runs efficiently. If your unit isn’t set up properly, it can run into issues that lead to costly repairs. Many repairs can lead to your system breaking down sooner than expected. Therefore, it is important to have your system installed by an experienced technician you can trust.

Keep Up With Maintenance

After choosing a model and having it installed properly, the next step is to ensure your system receives proper care and attention. This means changing the filter regularly and scheduling maintenance from B&L Ott.

Filter Changes and Cleaning

The average 1” filter should be changed on a monthly basis. If you have a different filter, do as your HVAC manual and filter instructions tell you. You can also adjust how often you change your filter based on how dirty and dusty your home is. Overall, if your filter is covered with dust and debris, it is time to change it. Don’t forget to dust your air vents off as well. Changing your filter helps keep your system clean so that you can reduce wear-and-tear and other issues that take a toll on your system.

Preventative Maintenance

Next, it is time to schedule maintenance from a licensed HVAC contractor like B&L Ott. You should do so 1-2 times per year. In general, it is best to schedule maintenance once in spring before cooling season and once in the fall before the heating season. This way you can be sure that your air conditioner or furnace is ready to run all season long.

B&L Ott preventative maintenance will also help prevent costly repair and help minimize damage to your system so it will last longer. During maintenance, B&L Ott will also make sure that your system is running at maximum efficiency so you can keep your utility bills low.

Keep Conditioned Air In

If you want to get the most out of your system, you need to make sure that the warm or cool air that your system created stays where you can enjoy it. Use these two tips to help accomplish this feat.

Insulate The Attic and Basement

If your attic and basement are not insulated, conditioned air will likely leak out of your home through these places. Then your HVAC system has to work harder to replace the air that was lost. This, in turn, will cause your utility bills to rise. This is why it is important to ensure that your attic and basement are insulated.

Seal the Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are yet other points where conditioned air can escape from your home. To prevent leaks, you should ensure that your windows and doors are sealed. If you plan on installing new doors or windows anytime soon, look for energy efficient models. On top of this, you can also use curtains and draft stoppers to help insulate these areas.

Invest In Efficiency Technology

Finally, consider investing in additional technology that can maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency even more.

Programmable Thermostat

One of the most popular systems is a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to create a schedule for your HVAC system to follow. You can save energy during the day while your family is not home and still have comfort while you are home. Some Smart Thermostats can also be controlled remotely via an app on your Smart device. Talk to a B&L Ott technician to learn more.

Home-Zoning

A home-zoning system can also help you maximize the efficiency of your system. This system divides your home into sections using dampers in your air ducts. This allows you to direct the conditioned air that your HVAC created precisely where you want it to go. You can make the rooms you are currently using the perfect temperature while allowing the rest of your home to be set back a few degrees. This saves both energy and money while helping extend the life of your HVAC system.

Contact B&L Ott Today!

If you are ready to get the most out of your system, contact B&L Ott now to learn how you can maximize your efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC system. You can do so through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call us at 610-816-6026.

Recently, B&L Ott’s very own Ryan Ott won an award from the Berks Career and Technology Center in Oley, PA. This award was the 2019 Life Long Friend of BCTC Award. This honor is presented by JOC Chairperson, Oscar Manbeck, and BCTC Executive Director, Dr. James Kraft of the BCTC Joint Operating Committee. On Wednesday, March 27th, Ryan Ott was presented with a plaque to commemorate his achievement.

Contributing To The Berks County Community

At B&L Ott, we believe that it is important to be involved in our community. When you help others, it not only feels good, but you also get to meet new people and create strong bonds. Ryan Ott has donated both time and over $1,000 in HVAC equipment to the 2018 Student Built House Project. He also helps by supervising BCTC’s annual NOCTI performance tests each year. It is a positive relationship that allows students to learn from an experienced professional in the HVAC industry and allows Ott to share his passion and knowledge.

Striving For Excellence

Through this relationship, Ryan Ott also gets to inspire students to strive for excellence in their workmanship, just like B&L Ott technicians. At B&L Ott in Leesport, PA, we work hard to keep your HVAC running and your family comfortable. Whether we are installing a new system, performing maintenance, or making a repair, our goal is quality workmanship. We stay up to date with industry trends and double check our work. Our technicians are also friendly and courteous when visiting your Berks County home.

Continuing Excellence

When B&L Ott finds a student or candidate that has the same drive for excellence, we often hire them. For instance, Ott mentored a former BCTC HVAC student named Timothy A. Moll, who received several “Student of the Quarter” awards. He was brought on with a Co-Op opportunity and eventually earned a full-time position with B&L Ott. He was a diligent technician and represented B&L Ott well. When Moll unfortunately passed, Ryan Ott created a $1000 scholarship fund in his honor. This scholarship helped another student continue there education and excellence in the HVAC industry.

An HVAC Contractor You Can Trust

If you need HVAC help and want an HVAC contractor you can trust, call on the professionals at B&L Ott. We have been in the HVAC industry for nearly three decades and have helped many satisfied customers. We install the best brands and take pride in quality work. If you need an HVAC system installed, want to schedule biannual maintenance, or need a repair, contact us through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. We look forward to talking with you soon!

It’s important to keep your Berks County home clean. Doing so keeps your family healthier and happier. It also keeps your guests more comfortable when they visit your home. It can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many things to tackle, it can seem overwhelming. The trick is to break the entire task into smaller tasks. This way you feel like you’re making progress more often and stay motivated. To help you accomplish this B&L Ott near Reading, PA is here to help with this checklist.

Dust

Throughout the winter, dust will collect and make the air feel stuffy. Be sure to get rid of as much dust as possible. Here are some areas, you should not forget to dust.

• Tables
• Shelves
• China Cabinet
• Top of Fridge
• Top of TV
• Picture Frames
• Instruments
• Window Sills
• Electronics

If it is nice out, you may also want to consider opening the windows so that the air can circulate. Once you get everything dusted, you should begin to notice more lightness in the air.

Air Ducts

Yet another place where dust piles up that you can’t reach yourself is in your air ducts. When the piles of debris get too high, it will begin to affect the efficiency of your HVAC system. This can cost you more in utility bills and shorten the life span of your system. You should have your air ducts cleaned about every 10 years. If you have pets or if your family tracks a lot of dirt in the house, you should get them cleaned more often. On the other hand, if you have a high-efficiency filter, you may not have to get them cleaned quite as often. If it is time for you to have your air ducts cleaned, contact the professionals at B&L Ott in Berks County.

Floors

While you may vacuum or wipe off your floors on a weekly basis, every once in a while they require a deeper clean. If you have carpet floors you should shampoo them. Removable rugs can be taken outside and shaken to get all the dust and dirt out. If you have wooden floors, you should polish them. Try to clean the floors during a time where your family is not around. This way they won’t have to walk around and get your freshly cleaned floor dirty.

Furniture

Your furniture should also get some extra attention. Be sure to vacuum under the cushions, inside the cracks, and under them. Any wooden furniture should be dusted and polished. The best way to make sure you don’t miss any pieces is to go room by room.

Windows, Walls, and Mirrors

It’s not just your floors that need to be cleaned. The sides of your rooms and house should be cleaned as well. Windows should be wiped off with a paper towel and window cleaner. Mirrors can be cleaned with window cleaner as well, but you should use a microfiber cloth to avoid streaks and scratches. You can wipe down your walls with a damp paper towel.

Bathroom

When you invite guests to your Berks County home, you want them to feel comfortable. A dirty bathroom can make them feel uncomfortable, so it is important to keep it clean. Be sure to clean the toilet, shower, and sink regularly. When spring rolls around, you should also tackle the showerhead, clear any mold or mildew, and seal the areas around your shower. The bathroom can be easily forgotten as you don’t spend much time there. However, it is important to keep it in tip-top shape.

Air Filter and HVAC System

Along with the air ducts, you should also change your air filter and have your system cleaned. Your average air filter should actually be changed every month. Having your outdoor unit and the rest of your system cleaned 1-2 times per year can help ensure that your system runs at maximum efficiency. Contact the professionals at B&L Ott to schedule bi-annual maintenance for your system.

Clear Clutter and Organize

Along with dust, you may also find that clutter begins to pile up in your home. You may collect favors from weddings, empty boxes, event giveaways, and more. They seem awesome when you get them, but after a while, they end up just laying around. You may also have lots of mail and papers lying around. Spring is a great time to tackle all your clutter and get your home organized. It is a good idea to tackle organizing by doing one room at a time.

Outside

There are plenty of chores to take care of outside as well. Here are some of the most important tasks to take care of.

• Mow the Lawn
• Pull the Weeds
• Sweep, Wash, and Paint the Deck if Needed
• Wash, and Touch-Up the Garage Doors
• Clean the Grill
• Clean and Repair the Gutters
• Wash the Patio Furniture
• Trim Trees and Bushes
• Add Mulch
• Wash the Cars

By taking care of your yard, you can make your home seem more inviting and cheerful.

Touch-Up Work

Finally, take some time to do some touch-ups or repairs that you have been putting off. When your Berks County home is working in proper order and looks great, you will be less stressed. If you need any help repairing your HVAC system, contact B&L Ott for help. You can do so here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call us at 610-816-6026.

If you want to be happy, healthy, and productive, ensuring you get a good night’s rest is one of the best steps you can take. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, and there’s a good reason. Sleep provides us with the chance to process the lessons of the day, to relax our muscles, and to recharge. Unfortunately, the lack of comfort can affect how well we sleep.

The more comfortable your bedroom is, the better the rest you can get. When it comes to comfort, your HVAC system plays a big role. Therefore, it is important to know your options so you can get the best sleep possible. To help you do so, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania is here to help you learn your options and provide tips for maximizing your comfort.

Temperature

If your bedroom is not a comfortable temperature, you may end up tossing and turning all night. Whether you are shivering or kicking the blankets out, trying to cope with the temperature can leave you sleepless. Then the next day you can’t’ focus and barely feel like moving. If this situation sounds familiar, check out the helpful systems B&L Ott can help you install below.

Programmable Thermostat

Heat rises. This means that if your bedroom is on the second floor, it is likely hotter than the rest of your Berks County home. Some people get around this issue by turning their thermostat down before bed. If you use this method and want to make doing so more convenient, consider having B&L Ott install a programmable thermostat.

With a programmable thermostat, all you have to do is set a schedule once and your system will continue to follow your instructions until you decide to change it again. You can tell your thermostat to automatically make your home cooler before you go to bed and have it warm up again right before you wake up. You can wake up comfortable and rested without having to fiddle with your thermostat.

Home Zoning

If you want to make controlling the temperature of your home even more convenient and save money at the same time, you will also want to consider asking B&L Ott to install a home zoning system. If you have a large home, you are likely paying to cool rooms that you may not even use that often. With a home zoning system, you can send the cool air directly where you want it to go.

A home zoning system uses dampers in your air ducts to divide your home into sections. You can section off your home almost any way you want. You can section it off by floors, by rooms, or by areas. This means if you want to cool off your second-floor bedroom without making the first floor colder and wasting energy, then you can do so. One of B&L Ott’s technicians can even help you determine the best way to section off your Berks County home.

Humidity

Humidity can also affect how comfortable you feel. For instance, if the air is too humid, your skin will likely feel sticky and gross. On the other hand, when the humidity levels in your home are low, your skin will feel dry and itchy. Lack of humidity can also leave your family more susceptible to colds and the flu. The ideal humidity levels for your home is between 40-45%. If you feel that your home’s humidity levels are too low or too high, talk to B&L Ott about installing a humidifier or a dehumidifier.

Air Flow

Finally, the easier you can breathe, the better sleep you will get. Having good air flow can help you sleep better. To improve the air flow open your windows if it is nice out. If it is too hot or cold, use some fans to move the air around. Fans can also create white noise which many people find can help them fall asleep faster.

Contact B&L Ott for Help

If you have any questions or need more help making your home comfortable, contact the professionals at B&L Ott. You can do so on our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. By utilizing these simple tips, you can sleep better, feel more energetic, and be more productive.

When you remodel your home, there are countless aspects to think about. You need to plan the layout of the rooms, figure out how much material you need, figure out who will build everything and more. One very important facet to pay attention to is your HVAC system.

Your HVAC system can and should affect the remodel and the remodel can and likely will affect your HVAC system. Before you begin building, you want to make sure everything is in order so that you have little chance of running into issues. To help you plan, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania has compiled this list of tips to help you through the process.

Protect Your System From Dust

The first aspect you will want to consider is protecting your HVAC system from dust and other debris. If this dirt gets inside your system, it can cause wear-and-tear, clogs, or other problems. Turn your system off before you start your remodel. You will also want to close your registers and air vents. After that, try to avoid working near your system and use tarps to contain the dust in your construction area. You will also want to clean your workspace at the end of the day.

Cooling the Extra Space

If you are adding on a large room or multiple rooms, you should consider installing either a larger system or a mini-split system to cool the extra space. If your system is fairly new or if you need a lot of duct modifications, consider contacting B&L Ott to install a mini-split system. On the other hand, if your system is nearing the end of its life, completely replacing your system would likely be a better option.

If you need more help deciding if you should replace your system, check out this B&L Ott blog here: https://otthvac.com/replace-hvac-system/. You can also contact B&L Ott to schedule a consultation. One of our technicians can help you analyze the situation and recommend the best solutions.

Air Duct Modification

If you don’t go with a mini-split system, you will likely need to modify your air ducts to ensure that your new space can be cool and comfortable. This is definitely something you will want to contemplate before remodeling as the need for more air ducts can greatly affect how you layout your new space. Contact a professional HVAC contractor like B&L Ott to help you figure out if and how your air ducts can be modified to fit your new space.

Cleaning

With any HVAC system, the goal is to maximize efficiency. This way you can save energy and money. To maximize your efficiency, you will want to make sure your system is as clean as possible. Change your filter often during the remodel. The excess dust and debris can quickly clog your system.

You may also want to consider B&L Ott’s duct cleaning service. The dust that builds up within your ducts can block the air flow and make your system work harder to cool your Berks County home. Duct cleaning is not something you should try to do on your own as it is difficult to see and reach the dust. B&L Ott uses the Air Scrubber Plus® which is the latest in duct-cleaning technology. It cleans up to 99.9% of the harmful contaminants in your home and had been awarded the Space Foundation’s Certified Space Technology seal of approval. Getting your ducts cleaned by B&L Ott can also help your family breathe easier.

Contact B&L Ott for Help

Still unsure about certain aspects of your remodel? Contact the professionals at B&L Ott for help. We will help you go over your plans and help you determine what type of heating and cooling solutions you need. You can contact B&L Ott through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026.

When it comes to your HVAC system, ensuring that your system is properly installed is the key to getting the best efficiency possible. There are many reasons why you should try to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system. For instance, the more energy you save, the lower your utility bills will be. You also help ensure that your Berks County home is comfortable year-round and has good air flow.

Why It Matters

If you want all of the benefits that come with good efficiency, B&L Ott near Reading, Pennsylvania is here to help. We can help you ensure that your system is installed and connected properly so that you can get the most from your HVAC system. Below are some reasons why it is important to find the right HVAC contractor and ensure your system is properly installed.

Don’t Go With The Cheapest Option

HVAC systems can get expensive. With this in mind, it can be very tempting to try and save money by choosing the cheapest offer you can find. However, using this strategy often backfires. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. The HVAC technician may cut corners and just cover the bare minimum. When this happens, you will likely end up with poor efficiency or other problems that end up costing you more anyway. This is why it is better to just ensure you choose the right contractor to install your HVAC system in the first place.

Choosing the Right Size

The size of your HVAC system can greatly affect the efficiency of your system. If your system is too small, it will have to run constantly to keep your home warm or cool. On the other hand, if your system is too large, it will short-cycle. Both of these issues waste energy and cause extra wear-and-tear on your system. Getting the right size is the first step to maximizing efficiency. Contact the professionals at B&L Ott to help you choose the right model for your home and family.

Air Ducts

Your air ducts, along with the fan, are responsible for transporting the warm or cool air that your HVAC system creates throughout your Berks County home. If they aren’t installed properly, the conditioned air could leak out of them or get stuck within them. Then your system has to run longer and use more energy to warm or cool your home. This is yet another reason why it is important to have a professional HVAC contractor like B&L Ott install your system.

Refrigerant

Similar to getting the right size HVAC system, it is also important to have the right amount of refrigerant. The refrigerant is the medium that transport the heat carried out of your home. If your refrigerant levels are low, your system may have to work longer to cool your home. Like the other issues on this list, this also causes faster wear-and-tear to occur.

Watching Out for Poor Installation

Once your new HVAC system is installed and running, you can watch out for signs that may signify that your system wasn’t installed properly. For instance, if you notice a spike in your utility bills, your HVAC system may be using extra energy. You can also look for any visual issues that don’t seem right.

If you think your system wasn’t installed properly, contact the professionals at B&L Ott. You can do so through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. One of our knowledgeable technicians will inspect your system for issues. If they find any problems they will repair them with your permission. Then your family can live comfortably in your Berks County home.

Almost every HVAC contractor has some sort of maintenance program. It generally involves that contractor visiting your home one or two times per year. During this visit, they will clean your system, inspect it, and ensure that it is running at maximum efficiency. B&L Ott in Montgomery County offers a Routine Maintenance service like this.

When it comes to these types of programs, many homeowners ask the same question: Is it worth it? They want to know if it truly has a significant impact on their HVAC system and home environment. With this in mind, B&L Ott is here with five reasons why our Routine Maintenance Program is indeed worth it.

Maximum Comfort

The main reason you have your HVAC system is so you can keep you and your family comfortable no matter what the Pennsylvania weather may bring. Your HVAC system keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, if there is an issue with your system, it will not be able to provide the comfort you desire. Some common issues are uneven heating, lack of humidity control, and poor air quality.

B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Service helps you avoid these issues. If you notice any issues with the air quality or comfort of your home, let one of our knowledgeable technicians know. Then we can make adjustments or recommend an alternative solution for you.

Savings

One great benefit of B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Service is savings. One of the main reasons why most homeowners wonder if maintenance programs are worth it is because they don’t want to spend money on a service they don’t need. While you may not need the service to keep your system running, using the service can help you save you more over time.

After some time, your HVAC system gets dirty. This dirt can block the airflow, cause wear-and-tear on the parts, or clog your filter. When these issues occur, your HVAC system will have to work harder to warm or cool your Berks County home. This also means that your system will use more energy and your utility bills rise. B&L Ott’s service helps prevent these issues by ensuring that your system is clean. When your system is clean, it will run efficiently, conserve energy, and keep your utility bills low.  Before you know it, your savings will surpass the cost of B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Service.

Peace of Mind

Everyone wants safety and peace of mind. B&L Ott can help provide this when it comes to your HVAC system. If your system doesn’t get inspected every once in a while, there could be small issues that are quickly turning into larger issues. B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance can help you catch these problems so that you can have peace of mind. We will check for leaks, clogs, broken parts and other issues that can pose a threat to your system or family.

Air Quality

While cleaning helps prevent mechanical issues, it also helps improve air quality. By getting the dust and other debris out of your system, the air circulating through your Berks County home will also be cleaner. If anyone in your family has asthma, allergies, or respiratory issues, keeping the air clean is very important. When the air is cleaner, there are fewer pollutants to aggravate their symptoms.  

Uphold Warranty

Finally, having B&L Ott regularly service your HVAC system can help you uphold its warranty. Many systems come with a warranty that protects your system, but also have stipulations about having your system cared for by a reliable HVAC contractor. B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Program can help you accomplish this.

If you would like to contact B&L Ott to learn more or to request our service, please contact us here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call us at 610-816-6026. With just a bit of regular care, you will find that your system runs better, lasts longer, and keeps your family comfortable.

Most people prefer that the room be nice and cool when they go to bed. They find that they can breath easier and get more restful sleep when their bedroom is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, having a hot second floor can prevent you from getting the comfortable sleep you are hoping for.

To counteract this problem, many homeowners try setting their thermostat to an even lower temperature before they go to bed. This way the cool air can reach their second floor. However, this tactic causes the first floor to get even colder, wastes energy, and causes your utility bills to rise. If this situation sounds familiar, B&L Ott in Berks County is here to help. Below you will find some common causes for a hot second floor as well as some helpful solutions.

Heat Rises

One of the main reasons why your second floor is hotter is because heat rises. This means that any hot air that your HVAC system doesn’t remove will collect in the upper level of your home. Your HVAC system also has to work harder and longer if you want it to cool off your second floor.

Large House

The size of your home can also affect how hot certain areas of your Berks County home get. The larger your home, the more cool air it requires to be comfortable. It is important to ensure that you have the right size of the system. If it is too small, it won’t be able to produce enough cold air. If it is too large, it will cycle on and off too quickly and not properly distribute air throughout your home. Contact B&L Ott to help ensure you have the right size system.

Dark Roof

Dark colors absorb light and heat as well. This means that if you have a dark-colored roof, it is absorbing heat from the sun. This can also contribute to your second floor being too hot to sleep comfortably. If your second floor is always too hot, consider painting your roof a lighter color that reflects the sun.

Lack of Insulation in the Attic

Your attic likely isn’t connected to an HVAC system. Therefore, there is not much airflow and with the sun beating down on the roof, it likely gets very hot. This can affect the temperature of your home as well. One of the best ways to help combat this issue is to make sure your attic is properly insulated. This way the heat from the attic doesn’t leak into the upper level of your home.

Thermostat and Air Duct Placement

Yet,  another possible issue is the thermostat and duct placement. If you had a professional HVAC contractor install your system, you likely won’t experience this issue. However, if your contractor didn’t know what they were doing or if you have recently added more rooms onto your home, this can cause issues.

If your air ducts are not laid out properly, you can easily end up with uneven heating. Additionally, if the thermostat is in the wrong place, your HVAC system can shut off too early. You will also want to make sure that you don’t have any furniture blocking the air vents or return ducts as this can block air flow. Contact B&L Ott if you think you are experiencing this type of problem so we can help you find an appropriate solution.

HVAC Unit Issues

Finally, any issues with your HVAC system can also affect the airflow to your second floor. If your system is not running efficiently, or if your air ducts or vents are blocked, the air may not be getting to where it needs to go. A good sign that there is an issue with your HVAC system is that your system is constantly turned on. In this case, it is working overtime to keep your home cool. This is using up extra energy, reducing your systems life expectancy, and causing your energy bills to rise. Contact B&L Ott to help determine if your system needs any type of repair or attention.

Contact B&L Ott Now

We can also help you improve the airflow in your home. We provide a variety of services such as biannual maintenance, air duct cleaning, installation of home-zoning systems, installation of mini-split systems, and more. If you need help determining what the issue is to contact B&L Ott through our website here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. You can also call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. We will help you get your home comfortable again so you can get the sleep and rest you deserve.

Everyone wants their home to look the best that it can be. This way, if friends and family visit, they will be comfortable and impressed. Unfortunately, life can get so busy that it can be difficult to keep your house in great shape. You need to set aside time for organizing and cleaning. Otherwise, your to-do list will continue to grow and you eventually may get embarrassed whenever company shows up.

B&L Ott is here to help with some tips and information about what home improvement areas to pay attention to. With just a bit more attention, you can get your Berks County home looking fantastic!

Yard

It can be difficult to find time to tend to your yard when Pennsylvania weather is so unpredictable. Be sure to check the weekly forecast regularly. Figure out which day looks the nicest and schedule yard work that day. If you are still short on time, get your family to help or hire someone to help you.

If getting your entire yard together seems overwhelming, remember to take it one small step at a time. Do a little bit day by day rather than scheduling an entire day of yard work.

Kitchen

Does your kitchen have an organizational system? Do all your pots, pans, and utensils have a home? If not, your kitchen probably gets cluttered easily and you may get frustrated. Having an organized kitchen will save you time and stress.

If your kitchen needs work, set aside a weekend to get it organized. You will thank yourself later. Buy some drawer organizers, spice caddies, and other organizational supplies to help you. Once everything is organized you will find it much easier to work your way around the kitchen. Don’t forget to take time every week or two to get rid of expired food, as well. It only takes about 5-10 minutes if you keep up with it.

Living Area

Your living room likely doesn’t need as much attention as your kitchen, but it is still important to pay attention to. Blankets and pillows should be washed every 2-4 weeks, your carpet should be vacuumed 1-2 times per week, and you should dust 1-4 times per month. These tasks don’t take much time. It is just a matter of remembering to do so. Set a reminder on your phone or delegate it as a job to someone in your household.

Bathroom

Bathrooms can get pretty messy quickly. Between makeup, brushing teeth, taking showers and more, there can be dirt everywhere. If you have guests, you don’t want them to be disgusted by your bathroom. Therefore, it is important to keep it clean.

Like the kitchen, your bathroom should have an organizational system and be cleaned every week or two. It helps if you clean up your messes right after you make them. This way, the pile of clutter doesn’t keep growing. By taking just a few minutes to clean up after yourself, you can keep your bathroom looking orderly on a daily basis.

Bedroom

In most cases, your guests won’t go into your bedroom, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get frustrated by a messy bedroom. One of the biggest issues in the bedroom is the laundry. At the end of the day, you are tired and many times just want to collapse onto your bed. Messiness or cleanliness is a habit. If you allow yourself to be lazy, even just a few times, you will reinforce that habit. On the other hand, if you push yourself to clean up after yourself, you will reinforce good habits. Be sure to pick up your clothing, make your bed, and clean up other little messes on a daily basis.

HVAC System

Finally, don’t forget to take care of your appliances and tools, especially your HVAC. You want you, your family, and your guests to be comfortable in your home. Your HVAC system will help you accomplish this. You have to take proper care of it though. To make sure it is ready to work properly and efficiently, contact B&L Ott. Our professionals will thoroughly inspect, clean, and adjust your system with B&L Ott’s Routine Maintenance Program. By doing so you can help make sure that your system will run when you need it most.

To schedule routine maintenance or schedule another B&L Ott service, you can visit our website and contact us here: https://otthvac.com/contact-us/. Alternatively, you can call B&L Ott at 610-816-6026. With a little work and help from B&L Ott, your Berks Country home will be a comfortable place for you and any guests who may come your way.