Maintaining Your Boiler for Better Home Comfort

Just like any of your other household appliances, if not more so, your boiler needs to be routinely maintained in order to stay running in its top condition for as long as it can. This includes some general maintenance work you can do throughout the year, but you should also schedule regular yearly maintenance to be done by one of our local professionals, who have been trained to know what problems to look for and to fix in your residential boiler system. Eventually, but hopefully not too soon if you are taking good care of it, your boiler will need to be replaced, which presents new opportunities to increase your energy savings for you and your family if you purchase a newer, more energy efficient boiler.

General Maintenance

Throughout the year, there are several things you can do to check on and take care of your boiler that will increase its efficiency while you wait for its yearly checkup. Keeping the area around your boiler clean is one of the easiest things you can do to keep your boiler running healthily. Avoid packing miscellaneous items around your boiler, so it has plenty of airflow and does not become overheated. This will also allow it to be easily accessible if a need ever arises. You should also dust and sweep the area around your boiler frequently throughout the year, as dust build up in the boiler can lead to clogs that will lower its efficiency. Another easy way to keep you and your family safe while also making sure your boiler is working properly is to install a carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of your boiler. As long as you test the detector and make sure the batteries are charged, it will let you know if your boiler starts leaking, in which case, exit your home and call one of our professionals to come fix it right away. 

Yearly Maintenance

Beyond the regular maintenance that can be done throughout the year, it is important to have a professional service provider come to check your boiler for any potential problems that will need more specialized repair. They will be able to check for leaks that could become worse and spill carbon monoxide into your home, and they will check your pipes to see if they have become clogged and, if so, clean them. It is a good idea to have this check once a year by a professional just to know that your boiler is still in proper working condition. Without these check ups, you may end up living with an inefficient boiler for a long period of time, costing you extra money on your energy bills. 

Replacement

If your boiler has gone a long time without any maintenance or if it is just nearing the end of its natural life, you may have to replace it with a new model. It is important to replace it sooner than later, or else you will not have the energy efficiency to properly heat your home without raising your heating costs substantially. Call our representatives to come look at your boiler to find out if it warrants a replacement.

Easy Ways of Creating Energy Savings

With energy costs as high as they are, more and more people are looking for ways to save money on their heating and cooling costs. While there are big and expensive options out there that provide a lot of energy savings, like installing solar panels or a geothermal heating system, such things are out of the financial reach of many individuals, who are just looking for easy, inexpensive methods to lower their energy costs. Thankfully, there are several cheaper methods in existence. Here are a few that are simple, cheep, and can save you noticeable amounts of money on your heating and cooling bills. 

Programmable Thermostats

The beauty of programmable thermostats is that they do not require constant updates to maintain an energy efficient environment in your home. Other thermostats need to be manually adjusted any time you want to turn the heat up or down, which, when done properly, can save you a lot of money on unnecessary energy costs. Generally, when you are not home, you should turn down your thermostat so your furnace is not using up fuel to heat an empty home. You can do this with a traditional dial thermostat or a manual digital thermostat, but a programmable one will allow you to program the temperature changes into the system itself, so you do not have to worry about forgetting to turn down the temperature before you leave. It does all the work for you, based around your schedule. As you will see, the cost of installing a programmable thermostat is small compared to the energy savings you will gain.

Furnace Upkeep

Another thing you can do to help save money over the year is to regularly maintain the area around your furnace. Do not allow clutter to build up around your furnace, even though it may seem like an ideal place to store rarely used items. Clutter will reduce airflow and increase the amount of dust that collects near your heater, which can cause it to operate inefficiently. Check and replace your air filter often. You will be surprised at how much more energy efficient your home will become when you have a fresh air filter installed in your furnace. Such air filters only cost between ten and twenty dollars at most stores, and only need to be changed once every three months. Just make sure you know what size filter you need for your furnace before going to the store. The old filter will usually have the size printed on it, or you can look in your furnace manual for the information.

Sealing Your Home

To increase the energy efficiency of your home even more, you should consider checking your doors and windows for leaks that may be letting hot or cold air, depending on the season, out of your home, wasting the fuel used to heat or cool that air. One way to check for leaks is to light a match and watch the smoke to see if there is any air flow going through cracks in your door or window frames. If there are, you can buy many inexpensive products on the market that will limit the flow of air through those cracks or just eliminate them entirely, saving your heating and cooling systems from doing extra work with no pay off.

Improving Indoor Air Quality for winter

During the summer it is easy to get fresh air into a home simply by opening windows and doors, but during the winter most of us don't want to waste heat in this way, especially as energy prices are already so high. This can often mean that indoor air quality suffers during the winter months. So if increasing ventilation during the colder months isn't an option, then what other ways are there to improve indoor air-quality? The answer is quite a few, and it is well worth looking into ways to make sure the air is as fresh as it can be during these months. It can help improve health, especially if some of the home's occupants suffer from asthma or allergies, and can generally make you feel better.

Improving Indoor Air Quality through the Use of Air Cleaners

Air cleaners are designed to collect particles from indoor air, and some are more efficient than others. Many homes are contaminated with dust, mold, pet dander and pollen, and most people will benefit from cleaner air. You can purchase tabletop models, or can choose to have a whole house system. Some of the more sophisticated models are extremely effective at removing particles, while you might find that some of the cheaper tabletop systems are a lot less efficient. Air cleaners use sophisticated filters to trap particles by drawing in air through the filter before recirculating it into the room or house. The effectiveness of an air cleaner depends on the type of filter, and the rate at which it draws the air through the system. These types of air cleaners cannot reduce the levels of pollutants such as radon.

Improving Indoor Air Quality through Duct Cleaning

Air ducts are the perfect place for particles of dust and dirt to become trapped and regular duct cleaning is essential to prevent these pollutants from being released back into the home. Duct cleaning is necessary if your home is heated by forced air, and involves cleaning not only the air ducts, but also all the other components of a heating and cooling system. This is because it's pointless just to clean the air ducts, as otherwise once the system is turned back on all the dust and dirt will simply be recirculated through the complete system. It's probably not something that needs to be done every year, but it is worth checking every so often to make sure the ducts aren't looking too grubby. It might be worth doing if you've noticed anyone in your household suffering from allergies, or if you've noticed any unexplained illnesses. It is something that should be done by a specialist, and sometimes it may be necessary to use chemicals to control any mold growth that may have occurred.

Ventilation in a Home

Although it is tempting to try to seal your home up as tightly as possible, especially with the current high energy prices, all homes need a little bit of ventilation to ensure home comfort. If there is no fresh air entering the home then the likelihood is that pollutants will accumulate. Forced air heating and cooling systems don't bring in fresh air, so it's essential to make sure you have sufficient ventilation in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and for places where there are sources of heat such as for fuel-burning appliances and tumble dryers.

Ignore That Fall Furnace Tune Up at your Peril

It is all too easy to forget about booking that fall furnace tune up, but the consequences could prove to be costly. It really doesn't take long to arrange an appointment from a properly qualified service technician before winter gets a grip. The beauty of doing this is that any furnace repair issues will be detected before they can cause problems, and before they can evolve into much more expensive repairs. Annual maintenance really is the best way to avoid the need for emergency repairs. Warranties often stipulate manufacturer required maintenance schedules as a condition of the warranty. Many furnace repair problems are able to be fixed there and then, but if the technician is unable to repair it straightaway then another appointment can be made at a time that is convenient to you. This has to be a lot better than being faced with a boiler or furnace that breaks down at some inconvenient time.

Preventative Measures Leads to Greater Energy Savings

Very few people have the money to waste on today's energy prices, so anything that leads to energy savings has to be worth careful consideration. Regular maintenance can lead to greater energy efficiency, as qualified technicians will be checking to make sure all the parts work correctly, and can replace any filters or can carry out duct cleaning. All these things will keep heat pumps and furnaces and boilers working smoothly, and will also help maintain indoor air quality. This is particularly important during the winter months when most homes don't have as much natural ventilation as during the summer months when everybody tends to have more windows and doors open.

Replacing Inefficient Boilers with Energy-Saving Models

Although regular maintenance can do a lot to prolong the life of a furnace, all heating systems do have a limited life expectancy. If yours has spent the last few years making strange noises, and you know it is nearing the end of its useful life then it may pay to invest in a more energy efficient model before winter really sets in. It's something a good heating technician or furnace sales showroom can advise you on, as there really are a lot of different types to choose from. It is important to choose correctly as a new system has to be able to work in your existing environment, for instance, it may need to function with existing ductwork. This may mean that your home requires a certain modifications during installation to ensure the equipment works properly. Obviously it's essential to choose a top quality dealer who is able to give you the proper advice and furnace sales after care service.

Today's Furnaces Are so Much More Efficient

If you do need to replace an older furnace then it's almost certain to be at least 10 years old, and technology has improved greatly in the last few years. You may find you are able to replace your older furnace with something smaller due to increased efficiency. Older furnaces tend to have an efficiency rating of 55% or even lower, while today's newer furnaces can be up to 90% efficient, ensuring the heat produced is actually vented into your home and not the surrounding environment.

A Furnace Service Now Could Save Lots of Problems in the Middle of winter

The leaves on the trees are turning, there's a nip in the air and fall is definitely here. This means winter won't be far behind and homeowners need to act quickly to book their fall furnace tune up. If you’ve been delaying doing this essential task then consider how often you get your car serviced to ensure it is operating at optimum efficiency, and it's exactly the same thing for your furnace. The majority of furnace repairs are directly related to the system having received very little or even no maintenance. This can lead to the furnace breaking down prematurely, and could ultimately cost you a lot more money. Having a furnace service will save on your energy bills and help minimize the chance of the system breaking down at the worst possible moment. It's important to have regular servicing even if you recently had a new system fitted. In order for any warranties to remain valid it may be necessary to ensure manufacturer required maintenance schedules are kept up-to-date, especially as companies may demand to see proof of maintenance.

The Best Furnace Service Repair Company Can Offer a Comprehensive Service

By choosing us as your furnace service repair company, you can be sure that your furnace will be operating to its optimum capacity. You will have the advantage of dealing with fully trained and experienced technicians who are familiar with the latest heating and cooling technologies. Even the best maintained furnaces will break down from time to time, but having us as your furnace repair company will help ensure it is repaired quickly and efficiently, so you can enjoy a warm and cozy home once more. Any type of furnace can be serviced and repaired, but it is worth remembering that furnaces need clear air ducts to work efficiently, and also need to have their air filters changed frequently. This is one of the major reasons why it is best to have a full furnace tune up before winter sets in, so most potential problems can be prevented before they occur. In addition, a regularly serviced furnace is likely to be far safer, and it may even be a requirement of your furnace manufacturer that your furnace is serviced annually.

Getting a Replacement Furnace

Although having your furnace regularly serviced will prolong its life, there will come a time when you need to budget for its replacement. A lot of companies have regular furnace sales that make it easier to find something that fits your budget, which is suitable for your home. There's no doubt it can be quite an investment to purchase a new furnace, but the upside is you'll be getting something that is probably much more efficient, leading to greater energy savings and increased home comfort.

The Benefits of Choosing New Furnaces or Heat Pumps

If you have an aging furnace or heat pump, then you've probably got used to all its little foibles, and to a less than superior performance. That cold spot in the living room may suddenly disappear with the installation of a new furnace, and you may notice the thermostats are able to keep your home at a stable temperature, keeping you and your family comfortable right through winter.

Energy Savings Can Be Made with New Residential Boilers and Furnaces

The weather is turning colder and winter is just around the corner, so it's the perfect time to think about how you will be heating your home this year. At the very least it's an excellent time to book a fall furnace tune up and to receive a proper evaluation from a trained technician as to how your current furnace is doing. It might be that it only needs filter changes or a few simple tweaks to make it more efficient. However some people will already be aware that their furnace is really on its last legs and it's time to begin budgeting for a new one. Although a furnace can be a major outlay, energy prices have risen sharply during the past few years and everyone's heating costs have increased. Investing in a new boiler or furnace will lead to lower fuel costs, improved energy efficiency and home comfort and should lead to considerable energy savings. Modern boilers are far better than ever before and offer numerous new features to help improve indoor air quality while keeping your home warm and cosy during winter.

Choosing the Best Heat Pump, Furnace or Boiler for Your Home

The choice can be bewildering, and this is when it pays to bringing expert advice and help to decide which system is best for your needs. This is especially true as some systems such as geothermal heating and cooling systems will work better in certain areas, as will certain solar heating and cooling products. They will be able to evaluate your home and give you advice on the best choice according to your budget. They'll also be able to advise you on the best way to have a healthier home environment, and how to enhance your home comfort. This can involve aspects such as removing potential pollutants from the air, but it's also important to think about humidification as the correct moisture levels can make a real difference.

Improving Home Comfort through Air Movement

As fuel costs have increased more people have made the effort to insulate and seal up their homes in order to obtain energy savings. While this can be a good idea as it helps to reduce utility bills, it can also create less than healthy living conditions. One of the problems is that it can lead to imbalances in the amount of humidification in the home and can put homes more at risk of developing mould. All homes need some sort of airflow to remain healthy and to reduce pollutants that could potentially cause an illness. It's easy during the summer as all you have to do is open a window, but this can be a problem in the height of winter. Choosing a ventilation system that penetrates the whole home will help keep things comfortable. 

Home Comfort Is Where the Air Isn't Too Damp or Too Dry

Equally important is to make sure the air within the home isn't too dry, as this can reduce home comfort. In addition if the air is too dry then it can greatly reduce the indoor air quality and put the occupants at risk of developing allergies or respiratory illnesses, or from suffering from dry and itchy skin. If the indoor air quality is too dry then it can also damage the house. These types of things can all be easily integrated into a new heating and cooling system, providing the perfect way to improve indoor air quality while enjoying lower fuel costs.

Consider Installing Infrared Heating Units

If you are looking for an energy efficient heating method for your garage or work shed, consider investing in an infrared heating system. Some benefits of infrared heating are that infrared heaters expel radiant heat, which means it does not circulate air and will not disturb papers or stir up dust in your work areas, and that, depending on the type you use, they decrease the humidity in a space, which can reduce rust and wear on tools and automobiles. Talk with one of our consultants to see if infrared heating is a good option for your space.

How Infrared Heating Works

Infrared heaters use propane or natural gas to power its heating mechanism, which radiates warmth, heating you and the objects near it, not the air itself. It heats in much the same way that the sun heats the earth, by warming the ground itself. For this reason, infrared heaters are extremely energy efficient because none of the heat is wasted, as it would be with a traditional heating solution that heats the air, because most of it rises and escapes. This way you and your work projects will be all that receives the heat. Even though the initial cost of the heaters may seem expensive, they will cost much less in the long run than other heating systems because of their efficiency. There are also thermostats you can install with your infrared heater that you can use to manage its heat output and efficiency even further.

Tube vs. Luminous

There are a couple types of infrared heaters you will have to choose from: the tube style and the luminous style. Tube infrared heaters are generally meant for heating smaller areas like residential garages or workshops. Since infrared heaters generate so much heat, it is necessary to install tube style heaters on a ceiling between ten to twenty-five feet high. They should also have some form of ventilation to prevent the heating tube from overheating and becoming damaged. The other option, a luminous infrared heater, is usually employed in larger areas, requiring a mounting height between fifteen and seventy feet. These kinds of heaters are best used by companies for various commercial buildings, but they can also be used for something that requires focused heat. Depending on your garage or other work space, you will most likely want tube infrared heaters, but there may be situations where you would want to look into luminous ones. You can call and consult with one of our professionals if you have any questions about what would best fit your needs.

Installation Considerations

Before you can begin installations on your infrared heater, you must obtain certain clearances. If you contact our representatives, we can walk you through everything you need to do to get infrared heaters for your space. Keep in mind that infrared tubes take up a lot of ceiling space, and you will have to install gas piping and ventilation for the heating units. There may be some preparation needed before you will be able to install depending on the state of your garage or work space. Our professionals can show you how you can prepare your space to be ready for installation.

Getting Furnace Repair and Maintenance Before Winter

It's that time of year when everyone thinks about getting their home ready for winter, and part of the preparations should include checking furnaces, boilers and thermostats to make sure they are all working correctly. It's no good waiting until there's a really cold spell and then finding nothing works properly as it could take quite some time to get a qualified technician to come out and get you warm and comfortable once more. Now is the perfect time to book that fall furnace tune up. Getting a furnace service will help ensure everything is running smoothly, giving the maximum results. Little things like filter changes and duct cleaning can make all the difference and can lead to considerable energy savings.

Your Furnace Has a Limited Life

Getting a regular furnace service can undoubtedly prolong the life of your appliance, but all tend to need replacing between the ages of 15 and 20 years, as according to the US Department of Energy, this is the average life expectancy regardless of whether or not your model is gas or electric. There are some warning signs that your furnace may need replacing quite soon, and one of the most common is noticing your utility bills are going up. It's just a fact of life that older furnaces take longer to start up, and have to run for a longer time to provide the same amount of heat given out by a new furnace. Older furnaces have a tendency to break down, and it can get to the stage where it's tricky or costly to find replacement parts. If your furnace is coming to the end of its useful life you may have noticed it is beginning to make some unsettling sounds such as beginning to rattle or creak or bang. This is not only a sign of its ill health, but may end up being the cause of a few uncomfortable moments if it happens at the dead of night.

A New Furnace Can Make You More Comfortable

Another sign that your furnace may not be performing as well as it should is if you have noticed your house becoming exceptionally dry. This can lead to dust frequently accumulating, as well as an increase in static shocks and allergies, and even in respiratory ailments. All homes need a certain amount of humidification for home comfort. A lack of humidity can be down to poor air filtration. If you've noticed cold areas appearing in your home, or find yourself constantly turning down the thermostat as you're worried about energy prices, then this is also a sign to look around for a new furnace. Your furnace is probably losing its ability to evenly distribute warm air throughout the house.

Advantages of Replacing Your Furnace

The cost of replacing your furnace might seem high but the energy savings can be considerable, and some places may be having furnace sales helping to keep prices within your budget. You will have a far greater choice of furnaces than ever before, and the savings on your utility bill should be immediate. Today's furnaces tend to incorporate a number of high-efficiency features and can reduce bills by hundreds of dollars a year.

Three Ways to Improve Air Quality

The leaves are changing colors and your mind is getting in gear to perform some pre-winter inspections. You know that a fall furnace tune up will help lower fuel costs, thereby resulting in energy savings. Higher energy prices cause everyone to think of ways to lower energy consumption, but not much thought is given to air quality. There are four things that you can do during your pre-winter inspection that will improve air quality and give you energy savings.

Check your ventilation system.

Your ventilation system is just one component of your HVAC system, but it is an important one. It is the system that carries the air from the blower in your furnace or boiler throughout your home. You should check to make sure that your ductwork is cleaned and in proper condition. Regular inspection of the ventilation system will reveal any cracks, rust spots, or leaks in the seams. Ductwork cleaning will ensure that the air has free passage through your home. If you find any cracks, holes, or leaks in the seams, you can seal those up with a special metal-backed tape or aerosol sealant. Rust spots and holes need to be repaired. Rust spots could mean that your humidifier is producing too much moisture or you may have a leak that should be addressed as soon as possible. Rust that dries up and flakes up could be blown out into your home with the air and cause health problems. 

Check your humidifier.

If you find the appearance of rust spots in your ductwork, this could possibly indicate that you have too much moisture in your home. This could mean that you have a problem with your humidifier. If your humidifier is working properly, your home will have the proper amount of moisture in the air. You should perform an inspection to make sure that the filters are clean. If you have too much moisture in your home, there is the potential for mold and mildew to grow. This can lead to fungal infections, respiratory infections, and it can cause the wood in your home to swell and buckle. If you have little moisture, your skin and mucus membranes will feel dry and cause irritations. It could also cause problems for people with respiratory problems such as asthma and emphysema. Dry air can also cause dryness and cracking in the wood in your home.

Carbon monoxide leak detection and radon mitigation is important

It is very important that you have a carbon monoxide leak detection system in place. Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless, and colorless gas. You can find carbon monoxide detectors in home improvement stores and some smoke detectors also can detect carbon monoxide. You should also have your home checked for radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally and it can seep into your home up from the ground through the cracks in the foundation. Radon can also enter your home through well water, so the well should also be inspected. If you detect a high level of radon, you should have a professional perform radon mitigation to remove the dangerous gas and keep more from seeping inside your home. 

Furnace Repair that You Can Do

The cooler weather that companies the coming fall season makes many homeowners begin the pre-winter inspections of the HVAC systems. As energy prices rise, everyone is looking for ways to save money, lower fuel costs, and improve home comfort. If you are confident in your abilities, you may be able to perform a few furnace service tasks yourself. There are a few simple things that you can do that could prevent a more expensive problem in the future. Doing these tasks will give you a better perspective of your equipment. You will be able to have a better rapport with your contractor when you need to consult with them. It will also give you a chance to inspect your entire HVAC system to check for any problems. 

The Furnace Will Not Run

Before you do anything, you should make sure that you have taken every safety precaution. Make sure that you are wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes. You should also protect yourself by keeping an open flame away from your working area, having a mask on-hand for any possible gas leakage. If your furnace is not running, you should locate the pilot light, reset button and thermocoupler. Most manufacturers situate them in close proximity. Find the panel door and open it. Check to make sure that the pilot light is lit and that all fuses are intact. Check the circuit breakers and make sure that the blower switch is in the on position. Also check to make sure that the gas valve is open and that the gas is on. 

Need More Heat, Please

If you are not getting enough heat, filter may need to be cleaned or replaced. Dirty filters can restrict air flow from the blower though the ductwork. It will also cause the furnace to constantly turn itself on and off.  Make sure the registers and blower are clean and the blower belts are secure and lubricated. A dirty filter or a clogged blower or register can drastically reduce air flow. The reduced air flow may prompt you to raise the thermostat and raising the thermostat will result in raising your energy usage. With rising energy prices, your energy bills will be even more elevated.

The Light Will Not Light and The Furnace is Loud   

If you have tried to light the pilot light and it will not stay lit, make sure that the gas valve is open and the pilot opening is clean. You may need to adjust the level of the pilot flame or clean or replace the thermocouple. If you notice an excessive amount of noise from the furnace, check to see if the access panels need tightening or if the blower and motor needs to be lubricated. Be sure to replace the belts if they appear to be worn and if they are broken.  If you think that the problem may be more complex or if you question your own ability to handle the situation, you should call a professional for any furnace service you need. A professional contractor will ensure that your furnace will receive the manufacturer required maintenance that it needs and it will be properly repaired if necessary. The contractor can also conduct a complete fall furnace tune up for you so that you will be able to enjoy energy savings now and in the future. 

Get A Heating Service Contract for A Furnace

If you own a home, more than likely you have an insurance policy to protect it. The insurance policy gives you peace of mind that in the event of a disaster such as fire damage, vandalism, or theft, your home and some of your possessions will be replaced for you. The policy will cover the costs to restore your home to its original state, less any deductible you have to pay. You may have health insurance to pay your medical bills in case of illness or an accident and you may have life insurance to pay your burial expenses and any outstanding debts you might leave behind when you pass away.  You can insure your pet, your jewelry, and even specific body parts, but what about your furnace? You may be able to benefit from having a service contract to protect your furnaces, boilers, and other components of your HVAC system. 

Furnace Service and Maintenance is Included

One reason to have a service contract is that the maintenance is included and your contractor will remind you when it is time for maintenance to be performed.  For those pre-winter inspections, your service contract may include maintenance tasks like cleaning the filter, coils, and other parts on the inside. The serviceperson will inspect the parts and the units for any sign of wear or corrosion. Your system will get cleaned thoroughly and any part that needs to be replaced will be replaced. It is important to keep your system clean to make sure that it lasts a long time. It will keep dirt and debris from building up, which will cause the deterioration of the system to accelerate. Dirt will cause the system to work harder than it should, causing it to use excess energy. Some people have noticed energy savings immediately after having their system cleaned.

Furnaces Get Special Attention with Service 

A furnace service contract gives you a degree of priority by establishing a relationship that will continue until you cancel the contract or let is expire. Your name and information will be on file with the company that will be easily recalled if you need to call for repair or an inspection. It will also help your agent keep you informed of upcoming manufacturer required maintenance dates that you may need to keep in order to keep the product warranty intact. Everything would be monitored for you so you will not fall behind schedule with cleaning and maintenance. A big reason that people need expensive repairs in the future is because they failed to maintain a regular maintenance schedule. Your service contract could help you do that, depending on the insurance agent you choose and the terms of the contract.  

Furnace Protection and Other Benefits

Many people have felt that sinking heart feeling when they see how far different the final repair bill is from the estimated one they initially received. Your furnace contract will include what costs you will be have to cover and which costs will be covered by the insurance. Make sure that you read the contract thoroughly and be sure that you fully understand the terms before you sign it. You may even find that some contracts will offer special saving offers if you choose or upgrade to certain levels of coverage. These savings could include discounts toward the purchase of a new furnace or discounts for radon mitigation or carbon monoxide leak detection services. 

Improve Indoor Air Quality with Ultraviolet Air Cleaners

Ultraviolet air cleaners have been able to help people who suffer from severe allergies and compromised immune systems. With the time for pre-winter inspections approaching, you may be thinking of a way to incorporate one of these systems into your home. While this is a new technology, the costs of the system may justify the expected energy savings versus energy prices or not. You should understand what these systems involve, how they work, and what they are capable of handling. You can consult with your contractor for advice that is tailored especially for your situation. 

Ultraviolet Air Cleaners Basics

Ultraviolet air cleaners use ultraviolet radiation from lamps. In the ultraviolet spectrum, you will find three bands: UV-A, UV-B, which is the band that causes the most damage to the human body, and UV-C, which is the band that is used by these air cleaners, are short wave ultraviolet (UV) rays that cannot penetrate the skin. The ultraviolet lamps use the UV-C wave to destroy biological contaminants such as viruses, mold, mildew bacteria, fungi, and germs. There are three types of this class of cleaner: Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) cleaners, photocatalytic oxidation cleaners, and ozone generators. UVGI uses UV lamps to kill the contaminants and is the most commonly used. Photocatalytic oxidation air cleaners use a catalyst that is combined with the ultraviolet lamps that reacts with the light to transform harmful pollutants into harmless particles. Ozone generators produce ozone that is used to kill the pollutants. 

Where They Can Be Used

For many years, ultraviolet air cleaners have been used widely in hospitals and operating rooms before they were available for home use. These systems can destroy bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that cause infection and complications for patients who are already compromised. These systems do not rely on air being blown through the unit; instead, it relies on the germs being mobilized to the location of the lamp in order to be killed. If you want one in your home, you must install the lamps directly over the coils in your existing HVAC system. The lamps will prevent mold and mildew from collecting in the drip pans which can end up being ventilated though the house. If you or a sick family member needs to be in a more sterile environment, you can put the portable unit in the room and it will help. 

What are the Benefits and Limitations?

While the ultraviolet air cleaners have the ability to kill biological pollutants, you should be aware of the limitations. The unit does not rely on air moving through it. It does not move air toward it. It uses the ultraviolet rays to burn the contaminants as they pass through the rays. This means that the pollutants must travel to the lamps in order to be destroyed. The unit does not circulate the air or use any type of blowers, fans, or air handlers. The germs must travel to the lamps and stay there until they are burned up. This is the only protection you will get when installed in the HVAC system is that it will keep it free of mold and mildew. You will also need multiple lights, depending upon the size of your home and the architecture of the ductwork. These air cleaners cannot remove larger particles from the air, such as pet dander, dust mite and cockroach allergens, dust, or pollen. It also cannot remove gaseous pollutants, such as paint or gas fumes. For complete, optimum indoor air quality, you could combine the ultraviolet air cleaner with a HEPA filter air cleaner. You should be prepared to perform regular maintenance on this type of system. The bulbs in the ultraviolet air cleaners must be replaced yearly because they burn out. Your energy bill may actually rise because of the running air cleaner. 

Heat Pumps can Save Homeowners Money Over Other Systems

There are different types of heat pumps available for heating and cooling your home. One is the geothermal type, which uses the heat from the ground, second type is the air system, and third type uses water to heat and cool the home. All three systems are made of one piece of equipment for both cooling the home and heating, instead of needing two separate units for each purpose. Heat pumps use the air from outside the home to bring inside while cooling or heating the air as it returns. 

Even in cold and wet weather, the pumps extract some of the air from outside, in order to heat the air for inside usage. Two main components make up this type of system. One of the parts is located inside the home and the other is situated outside of the home. Efficiency is vital when placing these heating and cooling units in homes. Some of the locations will not benefit the home as well as others. For example, if the climate where you live is primarily cold and the unit is placed in an area that receives a lot of heat from the sun, it may not work as efficiently as ones that are placed in a shaded area around the home. Likewise, the outdoor unit should never be covered with a tarp or cover, or it may hinder its performance. 

The Heat Pump Takes Air from the Home without Waste

Taking the heat out of your home is the other purpose that a heat pump performs. The warm air is removed from inside the home and taken outside. This is why the heat pumps are such an efficient choice, because there is very little wasted air in the warm months. With other types of units, there is much wasted air, making them less cost-effective. In the hot months, it is very beneficial to use a heat pump that actually takes some of the hot air out of the room for better indoor cooling. 

Cost Savings with Heat Pumps are Endless

The energy cost savings for the unit choices when you pick heat pumps is endless, no matter if you are heating with propane, natural gas, electricity, or oil. Many times, the ground source will work more cost efficiently than others, but air source pumps are a good option, as well. Both of the systems will save loads of money on your heating and cooling needs. Any amount of savings these days is good, but when the heating or cooling bill can be lessened by 30% or more, it is a good choice to make for most homeowners. 

Talk to a Heat Pump Specialist

If you are in need of a new cooling and heating system, speak with a reputable HVAC specialist to assist you in deciding upon the type to choose. These experts can inform you of the specific installation and equipment charges. They will also let you know an approximate time frame for getting the unit installed and how much work will be required. The ground source pumps could possibly require an area of your lawn to be disturbed, and this could affect your decision, as well. 

Home Repairs You Can Do Before Calling a HVAC Specialist

HVAC stands for heating ventilation and air conditioning, and basically refers to anything that pertains to these areas. An HVAC specialist is trained in repairs for any of those products. They can fix air conditioning problems, and repair or install ventilation and heating systems. 

While fixing certain things like the thermostat or changing the air filter can be done on your own, you may find yourself in need of an HVAC repair specialist. Whether you are having trouble with air cleaners, air handlers, thermostats, boilers, or hybrid systems, the HVAC expert can handle all of these repairs. 

Other Easy Air Conditioning Maintenance

Air conditioning systems require maintenance, in order to keep working properly. These things can be done on your own, without much trouble. One of the biggest reasons that furnace units go bad is from incomplete maintenance. Changing air filters is another one of the things that you can do yourself, without calling a specialist. The filter needs to be cleaned or replaced before each season for most furnace models. However, you should consult the owner’s instructions for more specific time intervals. You should also make a note in your records when it was replaced, this can be used as a reference guide for your efforts. Some homeowners keep a file with information on all of their appliances, like air conditioning units and furnaces. 

Thermostat Stops Working

Most of the time when a thermostat stops working, it will be a simple fix like replacing the battery in the device, and other times, you can just replace the whole thermostat with a new one, in order to fix that issue. Some of the newer kinds of thermostat will tell you when to replace the batteries by indicating low battery on the display. This is the best way to decide how to fix it when the temperature isn’t regulated by the thermostat. You can tell that there is a problem with the device when the air conditioning unit or furnace keeps running all the time. It isn’t always going to be the thermostat, and after replacing batteries and it is still not working, it may be time to call an HVAC expert. 

Duct Cleaning

When it comes to duct cleaning, there are a number of things that homeowners can do themselves, even though some tasks will entail hiring an HVAC specialist. For the thorough cleaning inside of the ducts, an experienced professional can get underneath the floors to reach them, if you cannot. You can walk around the basement area and check for leaks in the ductwork to repair any tears or holes that may be present and visible. Be sure to use mastic sealant or a good metal tape to seal any air holes or leaks. Duct tape works well for many things, but isn’t reliable when it comes to actual duct repairs. It is very important to repair air leaks in the ductwork or you will be losing air into the basement or crawlspace that is meant to be heating or cooling the other rooms in your house. Losing air will equal losing money on high energy bills. 

How to Know if You Need Radon Mitigation

Everyone is concerned about the indoor air quality in their homes. People buy smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, humidifiers, air cleaners, and many other devices and systems to breathe healthier, but there still lurks a deadly gas that threatens the lives of everyone that lives in your home. The deadly gas is called radon, and if you have high levels of radon in your home, you will need to remove it. The removal process is called radon mitigation. In order to improve your indoor air quality and get the best performance out of your HVAC system, you should test the levels to determine if you need radon mitigation. 

What is Radon?

Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that is produced when uranium breaks down in the soil, rock, and water. It has the chemical symbol Rn and has an atomic weight of 86 on the periodic table. It is a noble gas, which means that the outer shell of each molecule has a complete set of electrons that prevents it from readily reacting chemically with other molecules. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and even though radon is found in the soil, the concentration varies from location to location. Air pressure inside the home is lower than the pressure in the soil around and underneath the home. This causes the radon in the soil to be sucked up into the home through any cracks or openings in the foundation. Since radon can also be found in rocks such as granite and limestone, radon can also be introduced into the home by seeping out of building materials in the home, such as countertops, tables, or fireplace surrounds. 

The Importance of Testing

It is important to test for radon in your home because this gas is radioactive and it has been known to cause certain cancers. It is the cause of most of the cases of lung cancer in nonsmokers and it greatly increases the risk of smokers of developing lung cancer. You should perform at least two short-term tests or one long-term test. A short-term test will measure the radon levels over a period of 2 to 90 days and long-term tests will take over 90 days. It is best to perform two short-term tests so that you can get a more accurate reading in the event of transient weather that can skew the results. The long-term test will give you a better picture of the average radon level in your home year-round. After testing, you send it to a testing site for processing. When you get your results, you should consult with a professional who can provide guidance on any actions that need to be taken. If you have a well, you will need a different type of test in order to measure the radon level. Radon is measured in picocuries per liter, or pCi/L. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that no home should have a radon reading of less than 2 pCi/L. If you get a reading that is 4 pCi/L or higher, you will need radon mitigation. 

Radon Mitigation Methods

The EPA recommends that you hire a contractor for radon removal because it requires special skills and knowledge. The method used will depend upon the initial radon level reading, the size of your home, and the type of foundation upon which your home sits. The most common and effective method is soil suction. This method draws out the radon from underneath the home and vents it out through pipes that siphon it out into the air above the home. If you don’t know what type of foundation you have, the contractor has several diagnostic tests at their disposal to help determine how the radon is entering the home. If your home has elevated radon levels from building materials, the best method to use is mechanical ventilation, which uses fans to replace the indoor air with fresh outdoor air. This will help improve indoor air quality. If you have radon in your well water, your contractor can use an activated charcoal filtration system or an aeration system. 

Lower Fuel Costs without Compromising Home Comfort

With the economy in the doldrums, everyone is looking for ways to lower their heating and cooling costs. After you have already done the small things to save money, like turning down the thermostat, installing energy-efficient window dressings, and sealed up those drafty spaces, you may want to go further. If you want to experience long-term savings, you should consider replacing or retrofitting your existing heating and cooling system. Three systems that are gaining popularity are: hybrid, geothermal heating and cooling, and solar heating and cooling. 

Hybrid Systems Basics

A hybrid system, the most popular of the three systems, is also called a dual-fuel system because it utilizes two fuel sources. It uses an electric heat pump coupled with either a gas boiler, oil furnace, or a gas furnace. The system will automatically switch between fuel sources to use the most cost-efficient fuel. The settings for the automation depend upon the home comfort you desire, the seasonal temperature range, and the utility rate patterns. These settings are done by your dealer or installer, so be sure to communicate to them your expectations for home comfort. During the colder months, the system uses a unit located outside the home to absorb heat and pull it inside. The warm air is then circulated throughout the house. During the warm months, it transfers the warm inside air to the outside to create a cooler atmosphere indoors. 

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems Basics

A geothermal heating and cooling system consists of a heat pump that uses the earth’s temperature to heat or cool water or refrigerant that cycle through underground pipes. It uses the constant temperature of the earth, which is independent of the air temperature which fluctuates. The heat pump is installed indoors while conventional air-to-air heat pumps are installed outdoors. Because geothermal heating and cooling systems do not use air, it does not need fans to circulate air over the compressor coils. It uses a quiet circulation pump and a compressor to move the refrigerant; therefore, it operates quietly and more efficiently. Geothermal heating and cooler systems tend to last longer and they require very little maintenance. 

Solar Heating and Cooling Systems Basics

You can choose between two types of solar heating and cooling systems. An active solar heating and cooling system uses either liquid or air that collects in a hydronic collector. This system collects and absorbs heat from the sun and transfers it directly into the home or a storage system to be distributed throughout the home where it is needed. Solar systems can be used with absorption heat pumps and coolers, boilers with hot water radiators, or radiant heating systems. People have used the active solar heating and cooling systems to reduce and even eliminate their need for electricity, propane, and oil heating. A passive solar heating and cooling system uses the power of the sun in a more indirect manner. You can create a passive system by installing precisely-designed overhangs, a white reflective roof, and reflective double-glazed windows. You can also incorporate landscaping that would provide a copious amount of shading and even install a photoelectric panel. One drawback to this system is that it is not as effective if you do not have adequate exposure to the sun. Solar heating and cooling systems require that you adhere to a regular maintenance schedule to keep the system from breaking down. 

Buying a New Air Conditioning System

Whether you are purchasing your first air conditioning system or replacing an existing unit, there are a few factors to keep in mind—factors that will increase your indoor air quality and home comfort while taking your budget into consideration. Always remember, though, your local provider has the knowledge and experience to inform you of what air conditioning system is best for your home.

Air Conditioning to Fit Your Home

The first factor to consider when buying your new AC (air conditioning) system is the size of the space that needs cooling. If you only need one or two rooms cooled, you may want to consider investing in ductless air conditioning units. They are smaller and do not require a big system of air ducts to be run through your home to provide airflow. This can be a cheaper alternative to the central air option, since you only need as many indoor units as you need and they can be run separately to meet your needs. Central air conditioning becomes more cost effective than the ductless units when the sum payment of the individual units is larger than the single central air system. Your electric bill will also increase with the number of ductless units running. If you are not sure what option is best for you, your local provider will be able to answer any questions you have.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio For You

It is important to choose an air conditioning system with a good SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) number. This number measures how efficiently your air conditioner will run—the bigger the number the smaller the dent in your electric bill. In hotter climates you will want a higher SEER rated air conditioner that will be able to stay on longer without using as much energy, but in cooler climates, where your air conditioner will only be used seasonally, it may be cheaper to buy an air conditioning system with a lower SEER, since it will not be in use nearly as much. Try to find out what the standard SEER number is for you area. Keeping this in mind may help you maintain your home comfort and your financial comfort at the same time. Remember to ask your local provider about the SEER number to ensure the indoor air quality. They will find the right fit for you and your wallet.

Weighing AC Costs and Services

One of the last decisions to make when buying a new air conditioning unit or system is compare the prices between your local providers. Doing so should be obvious, but there may be some costs beyond the base price of the system that should be considered. For instance, how much do they charge for the installation? Do they provide regular maintenance and repair services, and, if so, at what price? These questions can also be influenced by the kind of air conditioning system you will be purchasing. Is it one that will require more maintenance? Perhaps it would be better to buy a slightly more expensive system that will last longer without as much need for professional care. Hopefully, with these things in mind, you will be able to weigh your home comfort needs against your air conditioning costs and find the perfect fit for you.

Preparing Furnaces for Winter

After a long summer, furnaces need certain checks in order to run most efficiently when cold weather returns. The last thing anyone would want is for his or her furnace to break down when it drops below freezing. In order to prevent this, a certain amount of maintenance and cleaning should keep your furnace in good working order as long as you continue to have scheduled checks by a local professional service provider, who will be able to determine if you will need any furnace repair.

Basic Furnace Checks

Two of the most basic parts of your furnace you can check are the filter and the fan belt. After a year’s worth of work and a summer’s worth of sitting and building up dust, the filter may need to be changed. If this is the case, the replacement process should be as simple and easy as it is shown in your user manual. Checking the fan belt is as easy as feeling if the belt is loose. If it is your local service provider will be able to replace it without any trouble. Checking these two things should be a simple way to increase the efficiency and lifespan of your furnace, thus creating much more home comfort for you during the upcoming winter months. Remember not to make any of these checks if your furnace is running.

Keeping It Clean

After a long summer, it is not unreasonable to think that dust and clutter would find its way in and around your furnace.  Take a day at the end of the summer to dust and vacuum out the furnace and its ventilation system. This will reduce the amount of dust that is circulating through your home when the weather gets cold. Your home will have a higher indoor air quality, which will help you to settle during the winter months. Any trash or potentially flammable items that have collected near your furnace should also be moved, not only to make the area less cluttered and more efficient, but to help to prevent any possible fire hazards.

Checked By a Professional

Often times people try to avoid having a professional repair man come into their homes, because it costs money, but there is no better way to ensure that your furnace will be in it’s best working condition than by hiring your local furnace repair and service provider to come into your home and make sure your furnace is in top condition. An annual check up before winter is a safe and easy way to make sure your furnace won’t be breaking down right when you need it. And as long as you are being careful and taking care of your furnace during the rest of the year, you shouldn’t have to worry about needing to make any costly repairs, but things do happen that are out of your control. Machines break down over time, and it would be to your benefit to make sure that does not happen at inconvenient times. Nothing destroys home comfort more than when furnaces break down during the coldest months of the year.

The Importance of Thermostats

It’s surprising that something so small can have as big of an impact on our daily lives as a thermostat can. It’s true though. In order to get the most out of your heating and air conditioning, it is important to know what kind of options you have when purchasing a thermostat, placing a thermostat and also programming a thermostat. All of these things can influence the level of home comfort you experience by increasing your indoor air quality.

Picking A Thermostat

When buying a new thermostat or replacing an old one, take into consideration the features you want it to have, so it will best fit your lifestyle. Most likely, you will be buying a programmable, digital thermostat. If this is the case, look to see what each product will allow you to program it to do. These options, if used to their full potential, can greatly increase your home comfort by decreasing the amount of time spent making adjustments to your home’s temperature. If there are any features that you are uncertain about, remember to ask your local provider what each thermostat is and is not capable of.

Placing A Thermostat

Almost all thermostats monitor the temperature of the air around them in order to keep your home’s temperature balanced at the level you have selected. This is why it is important to carefully select where in your home you want to mount the thermostat to you wall. Be careful of placing it above any air vents where temperatures will be shifting more dramatically than in other places in your home. A thermostat will shut off a furnace when the temperature becomes higher than what you have set it for, thus a poorly placed thermostat that is exposed to more heat will shut off your furnace too early and leave you with a cold home. Also be careful not to place your thermostat near points in your home where cold air is generated, like windows and doors, or your furnace may be overworked and your home will end up hotter than expected. Keep in mind that electronic equipment like computers also generate heat, so avoid areas around such devices as well. To keep your home comfort level at the point you want, try to place your thermostat in an area that best represents your home’s average temperature level.

Programming A Thermostat

There are certain functions in programmable thermostats that you will want to take note of in order to spend the least amount of effort adjusting your home’s temperature while still having it operate efficiently and cheaply. For instance, you can program certain thermostats to adjust the temperature when you are away and do not need your home to be as cool or as warm. Granted, this can still be done on older models, but you must adjust your thermostat manually every time you leave and enter your home. Performing this task manually is when forgetfulness and human error can end up increasing your energy bills while decreasing your home comfort and indoor air quality. Saving money can be easier than you may think.

Tips to Improve Home Comfort

Often times it is believed that the process of improving your home and living conditions needs to be a painful, costly struggle. This need not be true. There are several easy ways you can enhance your indoor air quality and cut down on air conditioning costs by repairing and cleaning your ventilation systems, adding new energy efficient features to your home, and making or breaking a few personal habits.

Better Ventilation Equals Better Savings

There is a system of airflow in your home that needs to be maintained in order to efficiently increase your indoor air quality. Any gaps or interruptions in that system can create unpleasant effects to your home comfort. Leaks in your home may cause extreme seasonal temperatures to invade your otherwise comfortable environment. Check for such leaks around doors, windows, and exit points for air conditioning equipment. Some of these leaks are easily fixed by simply applying some caulk. This will also help to ensure that none of your heated or air conditioned air will be escaping into the weather, preventing your heating, cooling, and finances from being over worked. You may also want to look into cleaning your ventilation and air ducts. A long build up of dust and grime can lead to lower airflow quality and a general stagnant feel to your home environment. Many of your local heating and air conditioning providers offer professional duct cleaning services that will improve your overall indoor air quality and home comfort.

Deflected Heat Is Less Heat

One way to give your air conditioners a bit of a break during the summer months is to make your home as resistant to hot summer sun as possible. Here are a few methods of reducing the incoming solar heat, but remember there are many other methods not listed here, maybe ones that have not even been thought of yet. Notice what side of the house the sun is facing during the hottest point in a day. Now pull the blinds and shades on that side of the house, so the sun does not get a free pass to heat up your house. Depending on how much money you want to spend and on how long you are willing to wait, you can plant trees on that side of your house to provide cool shade for you and your family. Another way of deflecting the sun’s heat is to paint your home with light colors that will deflect heat away from your home more than it would if it is painted with darker colors.

Making Cooler Habits

There are a lot of things in any given home that generate heat: ovens, lights, computers—those are just a few examples. If you truly want to save on your electric bill, why not try some simple habits that can be practiced daily. Turn off lights whenever you leave a room. Do the same for household electronics. Also, try making a habit of grilling outside for your summer meals. Ovens generate a lot of heat, forcing your air conditioner to work extra hard to bring your temperature back down to your usual home comfort level.

Changing Habits Can Save Money on Air Conditioning and Repairs

In most households, saving money on basic things is important in order to run a cost-efficient home. Electricity is a big expense for homeowners, and the bill increases according to electricity usage. Most of the electricity used in the home during the warmer months is by the air conditioner. This is one area where homeowners can save money. By becoming aware of certain habits that need to change, the home will run more smoothly. Some of the tips listed will lower your electricity bill and allow more energy efficient use of the AC system. 

The first tip for saving money is to choose the air conditioner size correctly. Sometimes, people think that bigger AC’s will provide more home comfort and feel that it is the best for the home. This isn’t always true. Using an AC unit that is too big for the home will not provide uniform temperatures or lessen humidification, so in this case, bigger isn’t necessarily better. Check with an HVAC specialist for more accuracy when choosing the right type of air conditioner for home size. 

Give the Thermostats a Break

Placement of the thermostat and proper usage can help save money. Many times when people come home from work, they flip the thermostats to an excessively low level thinking it will make the AC get colder faster. This is not true and can damage the unit and cost more money when the unit works harder to get to the low temperature. It will not enhance the air conditioning and repairs may be necessary from overuse. The placement of thermostats is another great factor to consider when saving money. It should never be located around warmer items, like televisions, lamps, or stereos. This could accidentally trick the thermostat into working harder than is required. 

Proper Unit Placement Will Save on Air Conditioning and Repairs

Another common mistake that wastes money is placing the air conditioner in a spot that collects heat. Just because there’s an available space beside the house doesn’t make it the best choice. Make sure that the unit is placed in a shady spot or else it will have to work harder than necessary. Being in direct sunlight hinders the unit from working properly. Similarly, you will not want to place it behind bushes or shrubs to hide the unit. This will obstruct ventilation and can clog the condenser coils so that repair is needed, along with making it less efficient to run.  

Consider Ductless Air Conditioning

If your home currently uses several window AC units to provide home comfort, it would be less expensive to cool the area with ductless air conditioning. These units are revolutionary cooling solutions and situate in one or two story homes. Many homeowners are switching to the ductless air conditioning these days, due to the money saving factor of running traditional AC units. In addition, some of these units are called heat pumps and double as a heater for warming the home in the winter months. Having the ductless units installed in the home will save money on air conditioning and repairs, along with helping you heat your home more efficiently in later months.