How to Save Money and Energy on Your Heating Bill

January 29th, 2013 Posted in Reducing HVAC Energy Costs
Comments Off on How to Save Money and Energy on Your Heating Bill

In the winter, many people worry about how to lower their heating bills. There are plenty of ways to save energy and cut down on those costs. Here are some good options.

  1. Set your thermostat on a reasonable temperature. In the winter, a good temperature to set the thermostat on is 72. This will warm your home, but you will not have to worry about the heating cost going up from constant use
  2. Close the vents to any unused rooms. If the room is not being used, it is cheaper to close the vents and door to the room than to than to continue heating it.
  3. Use insulated draperies on your windows.
  4. Make sure that there are no gaps around doors or windows. Gaps will allow warm air to leak out and cold air to get in. Install new weather stripping where gaps are found.
  5. Get a thermostat that is programmable. This will allow you to set it to turn the heat down when you are not home or when you are sleeping. This can drastically lower a bill, because it will keep the heat from running unnecessarily. 
  6. Change your filter. If the filter is dirty, it will make the furnace work harder and that will cost you more money.

By following these few simple tips, you will find that there is less energy and money being required to keep your home warm. You don’t need to sacrifice dollars to stay comfortable in your home if you learn to operate your heating system efficiently.

, ,
Read More

Why to Hire a Heating Contractor with Years of Experience

January 29th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Replacement
Comments Off on Why to Hire a Heating Contractor with Years of Experience

When you hire a heating contractor, you are trusting them to advise you on the best approach to your heating solution, whether it relates to repairs are the installation of a new furnace. As in any field of work, classroom education is no replacement for experience on the job. Years of experience offer a wider range of problems encountered and solutions found.

The more experienced the contractor, the more likely he is to spot energy efficiency issues and provide you with information on how to cut down on your heating costs. He’ll also have experience with a broader range of furnace brands and types of heating systems. This can be especially important if you have an older home with an older heating system. You want someone who isn’t trained in just the newest models, but someone who has hands on experience with the type of system you have in your home.

Another benefit of having someone with experience is that they tend to work faster. The more experience a person has in his line of work, the more efficient he will be with his time. His experience is also likely to help him determine the root of the problem faster than someone with less experience. That can make a big difference when you’re paying hourly labor rates for a furnace repair.

If you want the job does fast and done right, always opt for the heating contractor who has the most experience and highest recommendations from their previous clients.

, ,
Read More

5 Tips for Hiring a Heating Contractor

January 29th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Replacement
Comments Off on 5 Tips for Hiring a Heating Contractor

When you are looking for a heating contractor for HVAC repairs or for a new HVAC system installation, it can be difficult to make a choice from the many different companies available. Here are 5 tips to help you choose the right contractor.

1)    Check the Reviews- Search for reviews of the company on the Internet. You may be surprised by what you can find. Ask for references from former clients and then take the time to call and talk to them before you make your decision.

2)    Make sure they offer a detailed estimate- If the contractor is not willing to offer a detailed estimate, they may not be upfront about the costs and work involved. This could end up costing you more than you are willing to pay, if you do not get the estimate upfront.

3)    Make sure the contractor gets any appropriate permits- If permits are required for the type of work that you need done, make sure that they get the permits prior to the work being done. If you’re not sure if permits are required, call your city planning and zoning office to find out.

4)    Request proof of license and insurance- When you are paying someone to work on your heat, you need to make sure that they are licensed for the work and that they have insurance coverage to protect you if something should go wrong.

5)    Establish a relationship.  Any good contractor will be willing to answer your questions pertaining to the work that he will be doing. If you don’t feel comfortable with your contractor or they do not answer your questions satisfactorily, it is best to trust your gut instinct and move on to another choice.

 

, ,
Read More

What a Written Estimate on Installing a New Furnace Should Tell You

January 29th, 2013 Posted in Uncategorized
Comments Off on What a Written Estimate on Installing a New Furnace Should Tell You

When you are having a new furnace installed, it is very important to ask for a written estimate from your HVAC contractor before agreeing to any work.  The estimate should give a breakdown of what is going to happen in your home. This means that there should be full description of what the HVAC contractor is proposing to do. A written estimate should also give a detailed description of the furnace being installed, including make, model and BTU’s. Look for the listing of permit costs on the estimate. Has the contractor included it in his bid, or is he expecting for you to pay for the permit costs as an added item?

You also want to get an estimate of the amount of time that it will take for the company to complete the furnace replacement. This doesn’t have to be an hourly estimate, but you should receive an estimate on how many days they expect the project to take from start to completion.

Check the estimate to see if it lists the length and type of warranty being provided for the work that the contractor is going to do and for the furnace itself. If there are necessary costs, such as electrical work, to complete the installation, the estimate should state whether those costs are included in the estimate or not.

The estimate should also provide you with the terms of payment that will be expected should you choose that contractor to do the work. A partial down payment when signing the contract is standard. Full payment should never be required until the job is completed to your satisfaction.

Once you have found what you need on the written estimate, it is good to compare between contractors. Make sure that each estimate is providing comparable services and equipment to the others.

, ,
Read More

The Benefit of Replacing Your Old Furnace

January 29th, 2013 Posted in Furnaces
Comments Off on The Benefit of Replacing Your Old Furnace

There are many benefits to a person choosing to replace the old furnace. As with many other things in today’s world, furnaces continue to get smaller in size. You may find that a furnace replacement creates more space in your utility room, making it easier to navigate. Since older furnaces are more likely to create carbon monoxide problems than newer ones, you are also improving the safety of your home.

One of the most beneficial aspects of replacing your old furnace is that many newer furnaces are built to be more energy efficient. This saves stress on your finances. Another benefit to someone choosing to replace the old furnace is that many older furnaces will require more maintenance and repair as time goes on. The costs of repairs coupled with higher energy costs can easily eat away at a homeowner’s budget. In addition to being more energy efficient and requiring less maintenance, if something should go wrong with a new furnace, you will have the manufacturer’s warranty to fall back on to cover those costs.

When you have your furnace replaced with a newer, more efficient model, be sure to have your heating contractor explain where the furnace filter is located, how to change it and how often. This will be important in maintaining the full life of the furnace and keeping it operating at full capacity. Having an annual inspection done just before each heating season will also ensure that your new furnace keeps operating properly and efficiently.

, ,
Read More

HVAC for Second Homes and RVs

January 14th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
Comments Off on HVAC for Second Homes and RVs

As a responsible homeowner you exercised due diligence when choosing an HVAC contractor for residential HVAC service for your residence. You checked references and BBB (Better Business Bureau) ratings. You compared prices and equipment and established solid professional relationships. 

The same approach applies to your vacation home or RV (Recreational Vehicle). Your second home may be much smaller than your primary residence or located in a different climate zone, which could mean different HVAC requirements. For instance, you might need more or less insulation or  better windows. Available fuels can vary, as can prices. Don’t impose the values of your first home on your vacation home, rather, treat it as though you were learning for the first time. If you’ve chosen a good company there shouldn’t be any great problems. 

What if your leisure palace isn’t a “regular” home? Your lakeside villa may be a park-model mobile unit. Your beach cottage could be a motor-home or travel-trailer. There are different construction methods, power systems and space prerequisites, for example, but there are still going to be basic HVAC essentials to deal with. 

If you own a travel-trailer or motor-home you may find that your primary residential HVAC company also works on RVs or you might have to reprise your initial search to find a company that specializes in recreational vehicles. 

If you are talking about standard construction, then the biggest differences will have to do with size and location. If you are dealing with RVs you will have to familiarize yourself with some new concepts, such as battery banks, inverters, converters and appliances that that run on varied power sources. It depends on whether you are stationary and hooked to A/C power or traveling and relying on generators and batteries to make things work. Whatever you have to work with it’s a good idea to engage good professional help.

, ,
Read More

HVAC and New Construction

January 14th, 2013 Posted in Choosing an HVAC Contractor
Comments Off on HVAC and New Construction

While it may not always be easier and/or less expensive to do things right the first time, the long run usually supports the approach. This is especially true when considering the HVAC system for new home construction. You don’t need extensive personal expertise in the field, but you will need people who not only know what they are doing but also know what you want them to do. Communication is the key. 

Choosing the right HVAC installation contractor is imperative, and there are numerous articles on this site to assist you in that choice. However, in new construction, you are more likely to be dealing with the builder, not the series of sub-contractors he has picked and who are actually the ones who will construct your new home. This is true from foundation and framing to finish work and landscaping, and definitely includes HVAC work. 

Does this mean you have no input or influence other than choosing a builder? Of course not. Builders, even pretty good ones, are going to utilize what are called “builder grade” systems during all phases of construction unless you have contracted for something else before-hand. The contractor, like all good businessmen, will want to minimize his own costs in order to maximize his profits. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it also means that you may not get state-of-the-art systems as a matter of course. The builder could be using serviceable but dated technologies because they are more economical for him. 

What may work best for you in terms of zoned heating and air-conditioning, for instance, could cost more initially, but pay for itself in terms of fuel use and versatility. Up-grading at a later date is costly and disruptive, to the point where you won’t gain anything by installing the up-grade. Work with your builder to get it right the first time.

, ,
Read More

Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioning System

January 14th, 2013 Posted in Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Comments Off on Troubleshooting Your Air Conditioning System

When it’s hot enough to fry eggs on the sidewalk the last thing you need is an air conditioner on the blink. It can happen, though, because the hottest weather is when power systems are stressed and can easily be overloaded. What to do if your AC suddenly stops working? Well, before you call the HVAC service  hot-line there are some steps you can take yourself. 

The following list includes some of the most common air conditioning repair problems you are likely to face, as well as some advice on when to call in the HVAC repair experts. 

  • Air conditioner stops, won’t turn back on – First, check that the thermostat is set to cool and that the power switches are turned on. At this point you should also check all fuses and circuit breakers to make sure the home electrical system is working.
  • “Funny” noises coming from AC unit – Turn unit off, then go outside to see if fan blades are dirty.
  • Unit leaking refrigerant – When the unit is leaking or is low on refrigerant, don’t simply add more refrigerant. This is “call the repairman” time. Your HVAC tech will come out to address the issue, test your unit and make sure it is properly charged with refrigerant.
  • Unit is leaking water – It’s likely that the unit isn’t cooling properly and that cooling coil may be freezing over. The problem could be an inadequate air supply or low refrigerant. This will require a tech to diagnose and fix.
  • Thermostat disagrees with thermometer – This might be a simple DIY fix; recalibrate and reposition thermostat  so that it accurately senses room temperature. 

If you are at all uncomfortable performing any of these steps don’t hesitate to call yoru residential HVAC contractor.

, ,
Read More

Alternative Heating Fuel: Wood

January 14th, 2013 Posted in Furnaces
Comments Off on Alternative Heating Fuel: Wood

In some parts of the country heating with wood is a primary way to stay warm during the cold months. Wood stoves, pellet stoves, fireplace inserts and heatilators have long been the heating systems of choice in cooler climates. They can function at a fraction of the cost of systems using other fuels, but they do have their limitations and problems. Wood systems tend to be dirty and they can take up a lot of valuable space.   They can also be dangerous in households with small children and pets. 

There is, however, a way to combine the economy of wood with the advantages inherent in other heating systems, and that is to install an outdoor wood furnace/boiler. These furnaces don’t take up any indoor space and can usually be integrated with your current residential HVAC system, even forced air systems that deliver heat through floor registers. 

 For reasons of safety, efficiency and peace-of-mind, professional installation is recommended. You want an HVAC contractor who is not only licensed and insured but who is also familiar with multiple-fuel systems. Newer furnace designs adhere to rigid emissions standards which makes them an environmentally safe choice that utilizes renewable fuel sourcing. 

Wood furnaces can not only heat your home but they can also be utilized to supply your hot water needs, reducing or eliminating the cost of running your standard water heater. In addition to working with forced air systems they will integrate with radiant heat systems. Very little electricity is used to run fans and blowers, so a small generator is all you need for backup if the power goes out in the rest of the house, which makes all the sense in the world if you live in blizzard country! 

Discuss the possibilities of a wood furnace with your local HVAC company and make sure your house can stay warm no matter what the weather is like.

, ,
Read More

Mold in the HVAC: What to Do?

January 14th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
Comments Off on Mold in the HVAC: What to Do?

Mold in the HVAC system is a common complaint, and one that is easy to understand. Why? Because mold is present in all buildings and all it needs to proliferate is moisture and food. You can’t eradicate mold completely, but there are some steps you can take to minimize chances that it won’t get completely out of hand. 

Preventive measures include checking the HVAC system for proper condensate drainage and that drip pans and condensate lines are not plugged. See that blowers, air-handlers and plenums are free of moisture. Your HVAC contractor should take of these items during your routine residential HVAC maintenance service call. 

Moisture can build up in areas you can’t see and mold doesn’t take long (as little as 48 hours) to start flourishing. So, despite your best efforts you can still end up with a mold problem. If that happens here are some measures to take to bring the situation back under control. First, the HVAC system needs to be turned off and anyone working on the cleanup should be wearing at least an N-95 respirator. 

  • Replace porous materials – This includes any insulation or filters that have gotten wet. Bag wet materials in 6 mil. or thicker plastic and discard. Remove any standing water with a wet-vac.
  • Clean non-porous surfaces – Use detergent and water to to clean vents, ducts and registers.
  • Vacuum – Even dead mold spores, can make people sick, so that material must be removed after cleaning. Vacuuming with hepa filtration is the best method. 

You can do these jobs yourself if the system is small and everything you need to clean is easy to get to, but you may need to call in professional assistance. More and more HVAC companies are hiring or training personnel to handle what can be a complex problem. Control the mold; don’t allow the mold to control you.

, ,
Read More
Older Entries

Find Local Company | HVAC Directory | Find Local HVAC Companies