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One of the most essential pieces of equipment in a home is the furnace. It keeps families warm in the winter, and therefore, it's important to have a clear understanding of how furnaces work. However, there are many myths about furnaces that circulate. This article will dispel some of those myths and help you better understand your furnace.
Myth #1: Furnaces are complicated machines A furnace may have many parts and pieces, but that doesn’t make it a complicated machine. In fact, furnaces are quite simple to understand – once you know the basics. So, let’s debunk the myth that furnaces are complicated machines. Furnaces work by igniting fuel and burning it to heat air. The hot air is then circulated through your home via a system of ducts. That’s really all there is to it! The beauty of a furnace is in its simplicity. Of course, there are some more intricate details involved in the inner workings of a furnace. But, even if you don’t understand all the technical jargon, you can still appreciate how a furnace works to keep your home warm and comfortable all winter long. Myth #2: Furnaces are energy hogs Furnaces are often thought to be energy hogs, but that isn't always the case. While furnaces do use a lot of energy, they are not the biggest energy hog in your home. Your fridge and your air conditioner actually use more energy than your furnace. Furnaces are also much more efficient than they used to be. So why the misconceptions about furnaces and energy usage? A lot of it has to do with outdated information. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it's time for an upgrade. Newer furnaces use less energy and can help you save money. Myth #3: Newer furnaces are always more efficient and will save me money In recent years, home furnaces have become more and more efficient. But that doesn’t mean that buying a new furnace will always save you money. In fact, there are a number of factors to consider before purchasing a new furnace for your home. First, it’s important to understand how furnaces work. They convert fuel into heat, which is then circulated throughout your home by the ductwork. The efficiency of the furnace depends on two things: the fuel-to-heat ratio and the distribution of heat. Newer furnaces may have a higher fuel-to-heat ratio, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more efficient. The distribution of heat is just as important, and that depends on your ductwork. Second, take a look at the efficiency rating of your current furnace. If it’s an older model, it may not be as efficient as newer models on the market. But if it’s relatively new, it may not be worth the investment to replace it with a newer model. Third, consider the cost of installation and any other associated costs. A new furnace may be more expensive to install than an older one. In fact, the upfront cost of a new furnace can be quite high, and it may take several years to recoup your investment through lower energy bills. Think about the long-term costs of ownership. Myth #4: Furnaces are dangerous Furnaces are often thought of as being dangerous, but this is a myth. Furnaces are actually very safe when they are properly maintained and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There are a few simple steps that you can take to ensure your furnace is safe: first, make sure that the area around your furnace is clear of any flammable materials; second, check the furnace filters monthly and replace them as needed; and finally, have your furnace serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year. By following these simple steps, you can rest assured that your furnace is safe and will provide you with years of reliable heating. Myth #5: Bigger is always better when it comes to furnaces In the dead of winter, the last thing you want is for your furnace to conk out. When it's time for a replacement, many homeowners assume that bigger is always better. But that's not necessarily the case. A furnace that's too big for your home will actually work less efficiently, because it will cycle on and off more often than a properly sized unit. That means increased wear and tear, higher utility bills, and shorter lifespan for your furnace. So how do you know what size furnace is right for your home? The best way is to have a professional heating contractor come out and do a load calculation. This takes into account the size of your home, insulation levels, window area, and other factors to determine the correct capacity for your needs. Myth #6: All furnaces require a lot of maintenance It’s a common misconception that furnaces require a lot of maintenance. While it’s true that they need to be serviced regularly, there are some easy things you can do to keep your furnace running smoothly. Here are a few tips: 1. Check the air filter monthly and replace it as needed. A dirty air filter can cause your furnace to work harder than necessary and can lead to premature wear and tear. 2. Inspect the blower belt annually and replace it if it shows signs of wear or fraying. A broken blower belt can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down unexpectedly. 3. Keep the area around your furnace clean and free of debris. This will help ensure proper airflow and prevent potential fires. By following these simple tips, you can keep your furnace running efficiently for years to come. Myth #7: My furnace will last forever It's a common misconception that furnaces last forever. In reality, most furnaces have a lifespan of 15-20 years. With proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your furnace by a few years, but eventually it will need to be replaced. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start thinking about replacing it. A new furnace will be more energy efficient and will save you money on your utility bills. It’s important to consult with a professional to find the right furnace for your home and needs. Homeowners should be aware of the signs that their furnace is nearing the end of its life so they can budget for a replacement. Some signs include an increase in heating bills, strange noises coming from the furnace, and more frequent repairs. Don't wait until your furnace breaks down to start thinking about replacement. By then, it may be too late and you’ll be facing an expensive repair bill. Plan ahead and budget for a new furnace so you can keep your home warm and comfortable for years to come. If you're considering a new furnace, talk to your heating contractor about the best options for your home and budget. In conclusion, it is important to know the facts about HVAC furnaces before making any decisions. With the right information, you can make an informed decision that will save you time, money, and hassle.
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As the colder months approach, now is the time to start thinking about furnace maintenance. Many people forget about their furnaces until it's too late and they're left without heat. Annual furnace maintenance is so important because it can help prevent costly repairs, extend the life of your furnace, and improve efficiency. Scheduling a tune-up for your furnace before winter starts can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run.
Why furnace maintenance is important? Furnace maintenance is important because it helps keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently. A well-maintained furnace will heat your home more evenly and use less energy, which can save you money on your energy bills. Furnace maintenance also helps extend the life of your furnace, so you won’t have to replace it as often. If you neglect to maintain your furnace, it could break down when you need it most. That’s why it’s important to have a professional inspect and service your furnace at least once a year, before the start of the heating season. The importance of clean filters Filters play an important role in keeping furnaces running smoothly and efficiently. They help to remove dust, dirt, and other airborne particles from the air before they can enter the furnace and cause problems. Dirty filters can cause a number of problems for your furnace. They can restrict air flow, which makes your furnace work harder and can shorten its lifespan. They can also reduce the efficiency of a furnace, leading to higher energy bills. Additionally, dirty filters can lead to health problems as they circulate dust and other allergens throughout your home. Regularly changing or cleaning your furnace filter can help to prolong the life of your furnace and keep it running at peak performance. You should check your furnace filter monthly and replace it as needed. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to replace it more often. Keeping your furnace filter clean is an important part of keeping your furnace running smoothly and efficiently. The importance of a clean combustion chamber A clean combustion chamber is important for two main reasons: safety and efficiency. A dirty or damaged combustion chamber can lead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide in your home. In addition, a furnace with a clean combustion chamber will run more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill. To keep your combustion chamber clean, have your furnace serviced by a HVAC professional every year. During this service, the technician will inspect the chamber and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. You can also clean the chamber yourself by following these simple steps: 1. Turn off the power to your furnace. 2. Remove the access panel to the combustion chamber. 3. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any debris from the chamber walls. Be sure to reach all areas, including the crevices where the walls meet the floor and ceiling. The importance of a clean blower wheel and motor A furnace blower wheel and motor are key components of the furnace. The blower wheel is responsible for circulating air through the furnace, while the motor powers the blower wheel. If either of these components becomes dirty, it can cause a number of problems with the furnace. One problem that can occur is that the furnace will not circulate air properly. This can lead to a build-up of heat in the furnace, which can damage other components or even cause a fire. Additionally, a dirty blower wheel or motor can cause the furnace to make strange noises or vibrate excessively. The good news is that keeping these components clean is relatively simple. Once every few months, simply remove the blower wheel and motor from the furnace and clean them with a soft cloth. Be sure to disconnect power to the furnace before performing any maintenance. Other benefits of annual furnace maintenance Annual furnace maintenance has many benefits beyond keeping your home warm in the winter. Furnace maintenance can improve the air quality in your home, help you save money on your energy bills, and extend the life of your furnace. The air quality in your home can suffer when your furnace is not running properly. Dust and other allergens can build up in the ductwork and be circulated throughout your home. This can cause respiratory problems for people with allergies or asthma. Having annual furnace maintenance will ensure that your furnace is running efficiently and not circulating dust and allergens throughout your home. Your energy bills will be lower if your furnace is running efficiently. When furnaces are not maintained, they have to work harder to heat your home, which uses more energy and costs you more money. In conclusion, annual furnace maintenance is important for several reasons. It prolongs the life of your furnace, helps to ensure safe and efficient operation, and can save you money on your energy bills. Schedule annual maintenance with a qualified technician to keep your furnace in top condition. As the weather warms up, you crank up the air conditioner to stay cool. However, there are some signs that your air conditioner may be on its last legs. If you notice any of the following, you may need to replace your air conditioner before the next hot summer hits.
1. Your A/C unit is making strange noises If your A/C unit is making strange noises, it may be time to call a professional HVAC technician. But before you do, there are a few things you can check yourself. First, make sure that the unit is properly installed and that all the connections are secure. Loose connections can cause rattling and other strange noises. Next, check the filters and make sure they are clean. Dirty filters can restrict air flow and cause the unit to work harder than it should, which can lead to odd noises. Some other common causes of strange noises coming from your A/C unit include: loose parts, debris in the fan, or refrigerant leaks. If neither of these fixes does the trick, then it's probably time to call in a professional. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose and fix the problem quickly so you can enjoy quiet, cool comfort once again. 2. Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old As the mercury rises and the humidity becomes unbearable, you may be cranking up your air conditioner only to find that it's not working as efficiently as it used to. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it's time for an upgrade. A new air conditioner will not only cool your home more effectively, but it will also save you money on your energy bills. Today's air conditioners are much more energy-efficient than those made 10 or more years ago, so you'll see a significant decrease in your monthly expenses. In addition, a new air conditioner will add value to your home if you ever decide to sell. Potential buyers will appreciate that they won't have to replace the unit right away, and they'll be willing to pay more for your home as a result. It's important to do your research when shopping for a new air conditioner. You'll want to find an AC unit that is the right size for your home and has a good energy-efficiency rating. You should also compare prices from different retailers before making a purchase. Installing a new air conditioner can be a big investment, but it's worth it if it means you'll be cool and comfortable all summer long. 3. Your home is not cooling evenly There are few things more frustrating than an HVAC system that doesn’t evenly cool your home. Whether it’s one room that’s always hotter than the rest, or you have to constantly adjust the thermostat to find a comfortable temperature, it can make your home feel less than inviting. There are a few possible reasons for this problem. One is that your HVAC system may be too small for your home. If it’s not properly sized, it won’t be able to effectively cool all of the rooms in your house. Another possibility is that there could be an issue with the ductwork in your home. If the ducts are leaky or not properly insulated, they can cause the cooled air to escape before it ever reaches its destination. When there are leaks in your ductwork, cool air can escape before it ever reaches your living space. Also, your home's ductwork may be damaged or blocked in some areas. This can prevent cool air from flowing evenly through your home, and it can be a real headache to try to fix on your own. If you suspect that this may be the problem, it's best to call in a HVAC professional to take a look. 4. Your energy bills have increased significantly One sign that you need a new air conditioner is if your energy bills have been gradually increasing over the past few months. This is usually due to an air conditioner that is working overtime to cool your home. If you’ve noticed a spike in your energy bills, it’s time to call a professional to take a look at your AC unit. There are a few things you can do to help lower them. One thing you can do is make sure your home is well insulated. This will help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air in during the summer. Another thing you can do is get energy-efficient HVAC units. These units use less energy to provide the same amount of cooling. If your unit is over ten years old, it may be time to consider replacement. Newer units have more energy-efficient compressors that run quieter and last longer. In addition, they are better at removing moisture from the air. 5. You have frequent AC repairs If your air conditioner seems to be on the fritz more often than not, you may be wondering if it’s time for a new one. However, before you start shopping for a new AC unit, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to understand that every air conditioner will need repairs from time to time. Even the most well-maintained units will eventually need a tune-up or repair. If you’re experiencing frequent AC repairs, however, there could be underlying issues that need to be addressed. One possible reason for frequent AC repairs is an undersized unit. If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it will have to work harder to cool the space, which can lead to more wear and tear and eventually more repairs. It is also important to make sure that your air conditioner is set up properly. If your AC unit is not installed correctly, it won't function as efficiently and could eventually fail. If you’re ready to replace your current system, a new high-efficiency air conditioner may be the perfect solution for keeping your home cool and comfortable. Today’s high-efficiency models are up to 30% more energy efficient than standard air conditioners. In conclusion, if your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, isn't cooling your home evenly, is making strange noises, or your energy bills have increased significantly, it may be time for a replacement. A new air conditioner can improve your home's comfort level and efficiency. Contact a local HVAC contractor to discuss your options and get a professional opinion. When your furnace doesn't seem to be heating your home, there are several options to research before calling a furnace repair professional.
Furnaces are incredibly important to every home owner, especially during the cold winter months. They keep your home at a comfortable temperature while the weather outside may literally be freezing! As with any home appliance, furnace repair is sometimes required to maintain your home's heated temperatures. If you have a gas heating system, it's important to be aware of any leaking problems which may come up. Usually you can smell a gas leak. If you do begin to smell natural gas, it's important to call your gas company right away. When the smell is strong, they'll advise that you leave the house both for your own health and to keep you out of danger in case the gas combusts. Any type of spark could cause drastic consequences. When your pilot light simply will not stay lit, you may have one of many problems. The thermocouple may be loose, requiring a technician's repair. Or the orifice may be clogged, not allowing gas to come through. You can actually remedy this problem with a thin piece of wire and some do-it-yourself furnace repair. Turn off the gas and shut off the furnace at the circuit breaker first, then stick a thin piece of wire into the tiny hole where the gas comes through to feed the pilot light. This procedure should knock out any ash or other debris that is clogging the tube. Finally, your gas flow may be turned down too low to keep the flame lit. Your owner's manual will give information on how the flame should look and how to adjust the amount of gas to achieve the perfect flame. If you feel that your furnace doesn't seem to be giving out enough heat, there are several aspects to check before you call the technician. Check to see if anything is blocking the flow of warm air - perhaps a piece of furniture, a child's toy bin, a pillow, or other random item. Make sure that your thermostat is set properly. You may want to raise the temperature about five degrees and see if that kicks the heat on. Check the room's heating registers. They may not be opened. You can also check on the filter, since a dirty filter may block the air flow. If you find a dirty filter, replace it with a new one and see if that improves the heating system. Finally, if all these measures prove fruitless, it's time to call a professional furnace repair technician. Sometimes the heating unit may be turned off by a tripped circuit breaker or even a blown fuse, so if your unit doesn't seem to be working at all, there are a number of items you can check. First of all, make sure the thermostat is set to heat. If it's been switched to the cooling or off position, it won't trip the heat on. Look at the circuit breaker and make sure the switches are turned to the on position. Make sure that the heating unit switch is turned on, and possibly reset the motor if it needs to be reset. If all else fails, it's time to call your technician! Looking for some quick tips on how to keep your gas furnace in tip-top shape this winter? The Ultimate Gas Furnace Troubleshooting Guide will answer all of your questions, including how to turn on a furnace, how to change a furnace filter, how to test a furnace's airflow, what to do if a furnace doesn't ignite, and much more.
We hope you find this guide to be useful -- and we hope you stay warm this winter! A) How to Turn On Your Gas Furnace It sounds easy, but believe it or not, many people don’t know how to turn their furnace on or off. Here’s a simple, step-by-step breakdown: * Find the breaker for your furnace. It's part of the electrical panel, which is usually located in your basement, utility room or garage. The breaker should be clearly labeled with a gas furnace sticker. Turn the breaker to the "On" position. * Locate and turn on the furnace switch. It is typically somewhere near the bottom of your basement stairs – sometimes in the ceiling, sometimes in the furnace room itself, and usually at eye level or slightly higher. * Set your thermostat. Check that the furnace is on and then make sure that the selector switch is set to "Heat". Finally, adjust your set point temperature, and that’s it – your furnace is turned and ready to heat your home! B) How to Check and Change Your Furnace Filter Proper maintenance of your furnace filter can help optimize airflow from your furnace, which will keep it running efficiently and economically during the coldest months of the year. To prevent burnout of your furnace parts, we recommend inspecting your filter monthly and changing it every three to six months. Here’s how it’s done: * Begin by carefully opening the furnace’s external rack or panel door. * Remove the furnace filter by sliding it out. Take a look at the filter to see if there’s any darkness or discoloration. * If you can’t see through the filter, it’s definitely time for a new one. Slide the new filter into the furnace, making sure that it is installed in the direction of the airflow. And that’s it – you’re done! C) How to Test Your Furnace's Airflow If a room in your house is too cold during the winer, it might be because your furnace isn't supplying enough warm air through the registers in that particular room. There's a simple way to test the airflow from your furnace registers to make sure they are working properly -- the garbage bag airflow test. The test is a quick way to estimate airflow by determining how long it takes to fill a common plastic garbage bag. While it is not a precise measurement, it is better than no measurement at all and will give you a good ideas as to whether you need to call a technician to look at your ductwork. To do the garbage bag airflow test: * Tape the mouth of the garbage bag to a coat hanger or piece of cardboard to keep it open. * Crush the bag flat and place it over the register or exhaust hood. * Count the number of seconds it takes for the bag to fully inflate. If the inflation time is: * 2 seconds = 37 L/s (75 cfm) * 4 seconds = 20 L/s (40 cfm) * 10 seconds = 10 L/s (20 cfm) If the measured airflow is less than 10 L/s, the furnace is delivering only a small amount of heat to a room and needs to be further inspected to determine why the heat is not going through. The garbage bag airflow test is also useful if you have changed your heating or cooling systems or have made major renovations to your house. D) If Your Gas Furnace Fails to Ignite If you can hear that your furnace is on and the fan is running, but all you’re getting is cold air, you likely have ignition failure. Try resetting your furnace by turning the switch to off for at least ten seconds, then, turning it on again. If that doesn’t do the trick, give your HVAC contractor a call. E) Furnace Troubleshooting Checklist Think your gas furnace has quit? You could save yourself the cost of a no-heat service call by checking the following: * Is the furnace switch in the on position? It may have been turned off by mistake. * Is the thermostat properly set to the "heat" position and the temperature set to your normal heat setting? * Is the furnace venting blocked by snow or ice? If so, try to remove the blockage. * Are the programmable thermostat batteries fresh? * Is the circuit breaker in the electric panel in the proper position? * Is the furnace door properly closed? * Has the filter been changed recently? If you’ve checked everything on the list and your furnace still isn’t working, give your local HVAC contractor a call, and they'll get your furnace back up and running as soon as possible. F) How to Properly Remove Vent Blockages If you become aware of a furnace problem that might involve the exterior vent, do a quick inspection and see if any snow, ice or some common household item might be blocking the vent. If so, before removing the obstruction, head inside first and turn the off the power to your furnace. Now, you can safely clear away whatever is blocking your exterior vent. Once you’re done, turn your furnace back on using either the breaker or the switch. A lack of airflow through the furnace’s interior vents could mean your furnace fan motor has seized. If this has happened, don’t try to fix the problem yourself – contact the expert furnace repair technicians at your local HVAC contractor. G) How to Stop Air Leaks and Prevent Heat Loss Air leaks account for a significant amount of a home's heat loss in winter – resulting in increased heating costs as your furnace constantly tries to replace the warm air that has escaped from your home. Fixing these leaks will save you money on your heating bills. To stop leaks around windows and doors: * Remove the trims carefully. * Fill large cracks or gaps with foam backer rod, oakum, or expanding polyurethane foam. * Replace the trims and caulk along the edges. To stop leaks along baseboards: * Caulk along the seams without removing the baseboard. * Remove the baseboard and caulk between the wall and the floor. To stop leaks around electrical outlets on outside walls: * Turn off power to the outlet and remove the outlet cover. * Install a foam insulating pad. * Replace the outlet cover turn the power back on to the outlet. To stop leaks in an unfinished basement: * Caulk under the basement sill plate and around the joists with a rubber–based caulking or acoustical sealant. * Caulk any gaps where ducts enter a wall or ceiling. * Insulate ducts with preformed wraps or duct–taped insulation batts. To stop leaks in your attic: * Seal any cracks. * Weather strip your attic door and close it tightly. H) If a Gas Smell is Detected In the unlikely event that you smell something like a rotten egg smell, you could have a gas leak. Don’t turn on any electrical switches and open all of your windows. Then, go to a neighbour’s house and contact your HVAC contractor or your local gas provider immediately. An HVAC system ensures that your home is properly heated, ventilated, and air-conditioned, thereby enabling you to live in a comfortable environment – one that vents away stale air, and introduces fresh air from outside. On average, the cost of installing a new HVAC system is somewhere between $6,820 and $12,350, which includes a new central conditioner, new ductwork, and a new gas furnace. On the other hand, replacing such a system, without the ductwork costs, costs $4,820 to $9,350. But this depends on the size of your home of course, as well as the grade and brand of the equipment chosen. Ductwork alone, depending on the length, costs $2,000 to 3,000 to install, and when you decide to upgrade the humidifier, air cleaner, or zoning system, the price will increase by about $2,000 to $4,000. Let’s break these costs down for easier understanding:
HVAC installation costs So, HVAC installation can be divided into three packages:
HVAC replacement costs As we mentioned above, the average price for replacing an HVAC system, including a new furnace and an AC unit, is around $4,820 and $9,350, and when the ductwork is included, it goes up from $6,820 to around $12,350, depending on the size of your home, the length of the ductwork as well as the brand of your HVAC system. But let’s ask ourselves, what if the problem is just in one section of the system, do you really need to replace the entire system? The answer is no! You can repair or replace each part individually, and the costs for doing so can be broken down as follows:
System repair costs Now that we have talked about replacing or installing an HVAC system, how about we take a look at the cost of repairing the system, in cases where it doesn’t need to be replaced? So, across the United States, the average cost for minor repairs of the HVAC system ranges between $50 and $150. It all depends on the company you choose to perform the repairs. This price only goes up if there is a need to replace any of the components. Installation or replacement cost factors
Costly furnace repair bills can be avoided by having a qualified HVAC technician regularly perform maintenance check ups on your heating unit. You depend upon your system to keep you warm throughout the winter months so you need to treat it well and keep it clean.
Did you know if you don't regularly have your home or business heating system checked you could stand the chance of it breaking down in the dead of winter? This happened to me, and believe me, it was an unforgettable experience. I had to learn the hard way just how to care for my heating system unit properly. Ways to avoid costly furnace repair: 1. The most important thing you can do, and it hardly costs anything to do it, is to change your filter about every three months although it should be visually checked every month. This is vital to the cleanliness of your system as dirt and dust can build up quickly choking your unit. Summer and winter are the two heaviest usage months, so it's a good rule to get into the habit of checking it good during those months. 2. Just like you get your automobile tuned up, it's essential you have a skilled HVAC technician pay a visit to your basement or crawl space regularly. Each fall and spring are the best months to do this because they simply aren't as busy during those months as they are at other times of the year. Have them do a thorough maintenance in order to prevent system failure. 3. During the maintenance checkup, the technician will check your thermostat, the electrical components, and completely lubricate all moving parts. When all the parts aren't lubricated sufficiently, more electricity is required to run the system effectively. Plus, it just causes more wear and tear on your system which can also lead to failure. 4. He will also check out the drain where condensation ends up and unplug it if it is clogged with dirt. This process will help eliminate the buildup of bacteria and mold in your condensation pan. 5. All the control switches and valves will be thoroughly checked and reviewed like the on and off and timing switches. It goes without saying these crucial switches must work properly to keep your system from needing costly furnace repair. 6. The air filter is another critical part of your heating system. It must be cleaned or changed if necessary. Actually, this is something you can do yourself and that will help you avoid the additional charge to have an HVAC person come out to your house or business. 7. A carbon monoxide test should be done to see if there is any seeping through into your home's interior. There are many other parts of your heating system unit that a qualified HVAC technician is trained to check and maintain in order to ensure your heating unit will work as well as it possibly can and stay working. With these proper and regular maintenance tips, you should be able to avoid costly furnace repair work. Don't try to do the work yourself if you discover parts need to be replaced. That may lead to a dangerous situation and may end up being even more expensive. Hire a qualified furnace repair technician today. HVAC repair is best done in the summer months when you do not require the use of your furnace. There are some minor preventative forms of maintenance that you can do yourself.
One of the best times of the year to tackle HVAC repair and related maintenance is in the summer months. If you have a furnace in your home then it is much easier to find an available technician during the summer months than it is once it gets cold. Preventative maintenance is much easier to perform in the warmer months because it is not cold outside there is less stress involved in doing the work (both for you and the repair person!). If you look around your community you may find that there are HVAC repair companies that offer deals and specials to have work done during the summertime. If you need preventative maintenance or you are aware that your furnace has a problem then getting it done during the months when you do not need it to keep warm is very smart. As well if you can find a HVAC dealer who has a special promotion on then you can save money at the same time! Know Your Furnace It is a very good idea to have some basic knowledge about your furnace. By doing so you may be able to do some minor preventative maintenance of your own. If you are up for it there are some tasks involving your furnace that you can do yourself. Think of these tips as HVAC repair made simple! You want to know for a certainty that your furnace goes through the cycle that it is supposed to go through. You want to make sure that everything is all right from start-up to shutdown. You can confirm this by taking a close look at the thermostat. But then you also need to be sure that the thermostat is working properly. To do this, first find out if the supply of warm air is reaching every room in your home. Check the grates in all rooms to determine this for yourself. You also need to check the return air in the house to get an idea of the temperature. To do this check the large grate in your home. In most houses it can be found in the hallway but yours might be somewhere else throughout your residence. You are checking these things so that you can be sure that your thermostat is as accurate as it should be. A very simple HVAC repair maintenance tip is to clean and then level the thermostat in your residence. If you have an older thermostat that still works well doing this can keep it in top-notch shape. Many of the older ones contain liquid mercury switches and when you clean and level them it improves the appearance of them. Every furnace door features a safety switch that comes out or in some cases pops right out when the door is taken off. What you want to do is to make sure that the door is as clean as possible and is also unobstructed. Before you hire a company for heating installation, make sure you have considered important factors, such as the brand of unit you want, permits you will need for the job, and the services you want offered by the installer. Read on for some more details you will need to take into account.
When you are installing a new heater or HVAC system, there are some considerations you need to make about the project even before hiring a company to handle the job. Understanding these aspects of heating installation will help you find the best possible company for the job. Permits Because of the skill needed to install HVAC systems, you may need a permit for the job. When interviewing installers, ask them about the process of obtaining the necessary permits, regardless of if you have a residential or business property. You should choose a company that will handle this part of the heating installation process for you. Brand Take some time to research the different brands on the market, and figure out the one that you want. Each brand has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and you will likely find one that seems it will work well for you. Once you have a brand in mind, choose an installer that handles that particular brand, and has significant experience in installing those units. Customized Designs Not all properties have cut-and-dried ductwork layouts or fit the cookie cutter ductwork that is available. If you have a unique space, you need to consider looking into customized ductwork for your heating installation. If necessary, choose a company that will create a design specifically for your living space and your preferences that will include custom ductwork. You will only run into complications if you attempt to make a cookie cutter ductwork design fit in a home or business that doesn’t fit the mold the designs were created for. Estimates All installers will give you an estimate on the job, and most will provide this service free of charge. Make sure you ask before you schedule someone to come for an estimate, as you should not be paying for this service. Conversions If you have an oil furnace and need to switch to a gas furnace, a company skilled in heating installation may be able to help. Ask them if they have oil to gas conversion service. Making this switch can save you substantial amounts of money on your utility bills, but you need a company who is skilled in the conversion process to make the switch feasible. Inspections Since you are not likely an expert on HVAC system, you have no way to ensure that the job is done right. Choose a company that includes post-installing inspections in their service. These inspections ensure that your system is running efficiently and safely. This is not something you should leave up to the untrained eye. Energy Efficiency If saving money on your utility bills while helping to protect the environment is important to you, choose a company that installs Energy Star rated furnace systems. Most companies will handle these units, but make sure you specify that you want the energy efficient model. While it may cost more at the outset, you will be saving up to 30 percent on your energy costs for heat by making the switch to an energy efficient model for your heating installation. Most likely the type of heating system you have in your home is a forced air system. This type of system typically will continue to run smoothly with regular maintenance. Without regular maintenance, your furnace can quickly wear out. Maintaining your furnace should cost you a few hundred a year, if not less. This is definitely more favorable than replacing the whole system. Proper maintenance will also keep your furnace operating efficiently. Efficiency is key to saving money on heating bills since heating accounts for about one-third of your energy bill. However, the biggest motivation for having your furnace serviced regularly should be safety. Your home furnace could be a source of a carbon monoxide leak if not properly maintained.
The number one thing you can do to keep your furnace in top working order is to clean it regularly! If you hire someone to do the job they will replace the air filter and clean the filter system, motor, and blower. If you’re cleaning the furnace yourself, you may use a toothbrush to clean the fan blades and any other small areas accumulating dust. Before providing any maintenance on your heater be sure to switch off the power to the appliance by locating a switch. Also, do not forget to shut off the gas to the furnace by locating the knob near the gas line. The gas line is a black pipe that will be connected to the furnace. Turn the knob so that it sits perpendicular to the line to shut it off. It is now safe to open the furnace door, and vacuum in all the crevices your vacuum attachment can reach. Remember to vacuum out the base and around the base of the furnace. Try to remove as much debris and dust as possible. After cleaning the actual unit, make sure the area around the furnace is clean and clear of clutter as well. Never store any flammable liquids nearby or even in your furnace room. Once all debris is removed, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. The filter on your heater should be replaced monthly during the heating season. Continue to check all fan belts. The fan belts help the furnace blower operate. If you ever find that your furnace is running but heat is not being pushed through the vents, check for broken or worn fan belts. Replace any that look frayed, cracked, or worn. Check the tautness of the belts by pushing on the center of the belt. If the belt gives in more than an inch, the belt needs to be tightened by adjusting the the attachment bracket. If at any point you smell a gas leak, this is a serious problem. Do not continue to work on the furnace but leave your home and report the gas leak to your fire department and gas company. If the unit constantly shuts off whenever the furnace kicks on and trips the circuit, this is due to an electrical problem. In this case, it is necessary to call an electrician or service professional to take a look at the problem. They will know how to safely fix the issue. When all inspections and cleaning has been completed. Replace the anything that you removed such as the access panel. Turn the gas line valve back on and return power to the unit. You may need to relight the pilot light as well. Allow your pilot light to continually run. This will keep condensation at bay even when the furnace is not being used. Finally, use your furnace only as much as you need. In the colder months, dress a little warmer so you can set your thermostat lower. You’d be surprised how much you could save over the season by dropping your thermostat a couple of degrees! Also, try turning down the temperature even more when no one is home to maximize your energy savings. |
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