Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Should You Keep Your AC On For Your Pet?

I get the question a lot if people need to keep their AC on for their cat and their dog. Since I don't own a pet, I've never known the answer for that. Thankfully, a Scottsdale AZ air conditioning installation expert has provided us with some info:

  • In order to help your pets during the heat while you're not home put ice cubes in their water to cool them down.
  • Your AC thermostat should be set to 78-80 degrees while your pets are home alone during the heat.
  • Pugs and bulldogs are at a higher risk of becoming overheated because they can't pant like other dogs so be sure to leave your AC on for them.

Programmable Thermostats

Have you considered upgrading your HVAC system? Maybe you just need a programmable thermostat. Here is some information about programmable thermostats that was provided to us by a professional in air conditioning installation in The Villages FL.

  • If you'd like to save on your next utility bill, think about having a programmable thermostat installed in your house!
  • If you spend a lot of time in one room, try cooling just that room instead of the entire house to save money.
  • Use your programmable thermostat wisely so you can save as much money as possible!

Reduce your Cooling Costs

While we spend the majority of time currently talking about heating and keeping you warm, there are parts of the country where the weather is still warm. We haven't forgotten about you! Here are tips for reducing air conditioning costs provided by a Lady Lake FL air conditioning replacement professional.

  • If you think having a tree right outside your house is a bad thing, think again! That tree gives you shade which can help lower your utility bill during the hot season!
  • If you're trying to cut down costs in the summer, don't use the stove or boil as much!
  • Lower your AC thermostat to 78 degrees while you're home - but while you're away or gone for the day no need to keep it at 78 degrees! This could save you a lot on your next utility bill.

Misc. Heating Tips

While we normally have a theme to follow for each set of tips, these are more miscellaneous. These are part of a set of tips that a heating contractor in Fort Washington MD was kind enough to provide to us.

  • Having a party this winter? If you're expecting a lot of guests - turn down your heat! With the large amount of people, heat won't be a problem!
  • Tip of the Day: When building a new house or renovating an old one, choose light-colored roof shingles to reflect more of the sun's heat.
  • Did you know there are blankets made specifically for water heaters that are too cold?! If you've noticed that your water heater is cold, purchase a water heating blanket!

Make Sure Your HVAC System is Running Great

Boy has it been cold recently. We hope that everybody has been staying warm during this stretch of brutal cold. It's very important to make sure your heating system is working fine. Not only will it keep you warm, but the more efficiently it runs, the less you spend on heating costs. Check out these tips provided by an expert in heating repair in Falls Church VA.
  • In order to keep any problems from happening to your HVAC unit, be sure to clean dirt, leaves and debris from the unit.
  • If you ever notice unusual noises or odors coming from your HVAC unit, be sure to give us a call!
  • Tip of the day: Any degree above 68 degrees could increase your utility bill by 3%.

Raise The Temp, Not Your Bills

One thing we always want to help with is keeping your home warm without raising your heating bill. We're always excited when we come across tips that do just that. These tips were provided by an expert in heating in South Charleston WV.

  • One way to save heat in your home is to close the doors to rooms that go unused! This will make sure that the heat is generated in the rooms that you will be using.
  • Looking for ways to stay extra warm this winter? Switch out your sheets from cotton to flannel! Some extra blankets won't hurt either!
  • Looking for ways to stay extra warm this winter? Turn off your exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen! These fans pull hot air.
  • Tip of the Day: Set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise in order to save the heat in your home! Ceiling fans should be changed seasonally!

Combustion Analysis



A furnace technician is capable of performing a so-called combustion analysis. This will allow them to determine how efficiently combustion is taking place inside of your furnace. Aside from fuel nozzle problems, there are a number of issues that can hamper efficiency, such as improper air-fuel ratios and insufficient pressure inside of the exhaust flue.

Combustion analysis is a technique that uses sophisticated equipment to measure the levels of various emissions in your furnace’s exhaust. A furnace technician is able to use this information to determine what changes need to be made to optimize performance. If you feel that your furnace could benefit from such an analysis and tune-up, do not hesitate to contact an expert in heating in Hunt Valley MD.

Furnace Technician Skills Explained



Compared to other home appliances such as air conditioners and dishwashers, furnaces remain something of a mystery for many homeowners. This can end up having unfortunate consequences, since it causes many people to neglect regular furnace maintenance. If you would like to improve your knowledge of HVAC maintenance tasks, read on.

Installing New Fuel Nozzles

The fuel nozzle in your furnace is responsible for introducing fuel to the combustion chamber. In doing this, it atomizes the fuel so that it can better mix with the stream of fresh air. Yet with time fuel nozzles tend to become either corroded or blocked with gunk. When either of these happens, furnace efficiency starts to drop off rapidly.

A furnace technician is an expert at inspecting fuel nozzles. They will either clean your existing nozzle or, if necessary, replace it with a new one. This will help your furnace to operate at peak efficiency.

If you have any questions, reach out to an expert in furnace repair in Commerce MI

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

AC Tips

We hope everybody has a great holiday season! While we spend most of our time currently focusing on heating and how to stay warm, we don't want to totally forget about air conditioning tips. Who knows, maybe if we start focusing on warming weather, we won't have a bad winter. These tips were provided by an Atlanta GA ac service expert.

  • Get your system checked. It’s been a while since you turned on your AC, and you’re going to want to make sure everything is still working properly. A certified technician can assess the key components of your HVAC unit, and will be able to make any necessary adjustments for you.
  • Change the blower filter. Your blower filter needs to be replaced with a new filter at least twice a year - once before the heating season and again before the cooling season. You should also clean your filter regularly throughout the year. 
  • Run a sound check.  If your HVAC unit makes unusual noises when powered on, that usually indicates an internal problem. If this is the case, it is always a good idea to seek help from a professional, who will be able to identify the issue’s source and find a solution. 

Oil Canning Ducts



This issue gets its name from old fashioned oil cans, whose thin metal walls would start to buckle inward as the oil level dropped lower and lower. Here a similar buckling takes place in the ducts near your furnace, producing loud and often startling noises as the metal flexes. Such flexing is caused by pressure changes taking place inside of the duct when the furnace turns on.

Head down to your basement and listen closely the next time the furnace comes on. It should be fairly apparent if the banging sound is coming from the ducts. Once you have identified the weak spot, you may be able to eliminate the noise by installing a beefier metal support--one that will prevent the duct from flexing.

If you have any questions about furnace installation in Bakersfield CA, reach out to a local professional. 

One Reason Why Your Furnace Makes Weird Banging Noises When Starting Up



Furnaces--and the ducts connected to them--can be responsible for a lot of strange noises. While many of these are relatively harmless, others may indicate that something is seriously wrong with your system, and immediate furnace repair is needed. For that reason, it is good to be able to make at least a basic diagnosis of the sounds coming from your furnace.
  
Ignition Roll Out



This condition is fairly rare. What it amounts to is an excessively large explosion inside of the combustion chamber each time the furnace starts up. Usually, the furnace then regulates itself and begins burning fuel at a more appropriate rate--but not until the unexpected sound has given you a minor heart attack!

Diagnosing ignition roll out can be difficult. If you believe that your furnace may be suffering from this issue, please contact us for help making a professional diagnosis.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional for heating in East Setauket NY.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Stay Warm Without Huge Bills

The cold is definitely upon us for good. While we enjoyed a mild fall, it looks like the cold is here to stay. We know that heating up your home can be expensive, so we like to share ideas for keeping your house warm without blasting your heat. Thankfully, a Euclid OH heating service has provided these helpful tips:

  • Warm up the floor. According to the National Energy Foundation, floors can account for as much as 10% of your home’s total heat loss if they are not properly insulated. Try adding some area rugs to prevent heat from escaping.
  • Keep the cold out. Head to your local hardware store for a plastic window insulation kit. Using this to line your windows will help keep out the unwanted drafts.

  • Bundle up inside. Who says comfy sweaters must only serve as outerwear? Try wearing your warm clothing indoors as well. This will allow you to achieve your ideal body temperature without hiking up the thermostat too high.

Why a Furnace Repair is So Important This Winter



Winter is upon us and you want to be prepared before the weather starts to get colder. You need to prepare for the cold weather appropriately, and that means scheduling a furnace repair.

Comfort Through the Winter

Your furnace is going to help you stay comfortable throughout the winter months. The gas burner will be what regulates the amount of heat supplied to the furnace. It's important to make adjustments because of the change in temperature. Additionally, if it's not functioning at all, you want a professional to take a look.

During the winter, your burner needs to be adjusted to deliver the appropriate amount of heat. Without an adjustment, you could consume more energy in your home. Plus, if your furnace has been off all summer, dust and various particles may have settled into it.

 If you have any questions or need surface, reach out to a Grand Ledge MI heating repair expert!