Have Your Commercial Boiler System Inspected Annually

September 12th, 2013 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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The inspection of most commercial HVAC systemsis regulated by standard codes to enforce compliance for public safety.  Specific local codes vary depending on location Furthermore, many business insurance companies demand annual inspections of commercial boiler systems by a licensed boiler inspector. 

With fall fast approaching, now would be a good time to have that annual inspection of your business boiler system, to ensure that it is working safely and efficiently before the coldest of winter’s temperatures arrive. An annual Certificate of Inspection is provide for the business owner to post, upon approval of the annual inspection report. 

Your commercial and industrial HVAC sevice contractor will ensure the safe operation of your business boiler systems. Due to regulatory standards, there is a fee for the annual Certificate of Inspection for each boiler and air compressor. Welding must be performed by a certified welder. Certification requires a fee for testing and renewal. Additionally, there is a fee for insurance inspection. 

Code Standards are used to enforce compliance, according to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, to govern the rules and construction of boilers as well as their material specifications, rules for the care and operation of heating boilers, the construction of pressure vessels, welding qualifications, as well as the specific rules and guidelines published by many oversight bodies such as the National Fire Protection Association, National Board of Inspection Codes, American National Standards Institute, etc. 

Given the vast amount of red tape involved in ensuring consumer safety in the use of business boiler systems, it would be wise to engage a “third party evaluation,” independent of owner and manufacturer, to accurately assess the health of the heating equipment’s condition.

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Why Your Furnace Filter Is Important

September 12th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Both the forced-heated air we use in the winter and our central air conditioning flows through the house in the same ducting in most of our HVAC systems.  And, as mundane as they look, our HVAC systems could not properly do the job they are intended to do without an appropriate air filter. Many homes today are also equipped with air exchange systems that literally exchange the air in our homes without our awareness. All of the air that we breathe in our homes, regardless of the season, flows directly through the furnace filter. 

As you can see, an extremely important component of your HVAC system maintenance is that this filter be changed, at the very least, every three months if not monthly. Your air filter has a major affect on the quality of the health and safety of your indoor air, as well as the efficiency of your cooling system. If you suffer from allergies, or have pets at home, it is even more important to remember to change your filter regularly. When your filter becomes dirty from the gradual build-up of trapped particles, it becomes more difficult for air to get through which will ultimately increase your energy bill and decrease the lifespan of your HVAC system. 

Furthermore, there are several different kinds of filters today and having the right furnace filter for your home may also contribute more to your comfort.  You can choose from the relatively inexpensive disposable fiberglass filters, disposable pleated or electrostatic, permanent electrostatic or high-efficiency pleated. Be sure to discuss these options with your local HVAC professional to make sure that you filter meets the individual needs of your home..

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Maintain Your Furnace and Prevent Repairs

September 12th, 2013 Posted in Furnaces
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As with most systems of any importance, keeping your HVAC or furnace system well maintained is paramount to avoiding big and potentially expensive breakdowns in the future. Of course, when we’re talking about providing heat to your home in the middle of winter’s coldest temperatures, there is no convenient time for a failure of your home’s heating system. 

The best way, according to all the experts, to prevent future costly residential furnace repairs is to annually schedule a tune-up of your furnace. Furthermore, not only can your local HVAC professional contractor ensure that your system is operating safely at maximum efficiency, thereby saving you up to 10% in heating costs for the year, but your heating professional will be able to catch and address small problems before they become big problems. Some technicians have reported that the majority of their furnace repair calls have resulted from dirty motors, caused by failure to replace the furnace filter when it is dirty. 

Given the hazardous nature of the furnace system, it is not advisable to perform maintenance on the furnace yourself. Limit your involvement to checking and replacing the furnace filter about once a month, checking the heating registers to make sure they are not blocked by furniture or other objects, close the heating vents in unused rooms, and monitor the thermostat to save energy by keeping it low at night and even lower when no one is home. 

 Keeping your HVAC system well maintained will not only ensure that it is operating at optimal safety and efficiency levels, but it will also help to add to the longevity of your furnace. Above all, if you do develop problems or concerns with your heating system, call your local HVAC professional to schedule a service call as soon as possible.

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Gain Energy Efficiency with a Furnace Tune-Up

September 12th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Fall is quickly approaching and, just as we monitor and change our clocks and fire alarms by the seasons of spring and fall, so should we give our attention to a tune-up of our home’s HVAC systems. According to some reports (depending on your location), having your furnace tuned-up in the fall could save you approximately 10% on heating energy costs throughout the winter.

The cost of regular residential HVAC system maintenance is minimal, compared to potential energy savings, as well as the cost of preventing potentially costly repairs. Of course, there is nothing like the peace of mind in knowing that your heating system is safe, efficient, and dependable when winter’s cold temperatures arrive in earnest. 

Your local HVAC technician will test all of your gas or combustion systems, to ensure that carbon monoxide levels are safe and that your system is operating efficiently. Your HVAC contractor will check the flue temperature, take draft measurements, clean the burners, combustion and heating surfaces, and make adjustments to the air flow rate, as well as fuel flow, to ensure optimum functioning. 

Once your tune-up is complete, you will only have to check and replace the furnace filter about once every month. Also, make sure that your heating registers are cleaned, and free of objects that can block the flow of heated air; you may also want to close the heating vents in rooms that are unused. Furthermore, consider maintaining your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees and turning it down at night when you are covered with blankets, as well as when you aren’t home. Lowing your thermostat in this way can save you an additional 10% off your energy bill.

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Time to Schedule Your Fall Heating System Check-Up

September 12th, 2013 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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As the seasons change and our bodies begin to notice the change in temperature, it is a natural reminder to pay attention to our household HVAC systems. When summer and winter actually arrive, contractors seem to be the busiest; so, as the warmth of spring begins, have your cooling system checked and, likewise, as the chill of fall begins, make sure you get the heating system checked. It is always preferable to keep your system maintained, preventing the unnecessary expense of costly repairs. It is also better to not be caught unaware by a potential heating malfunction in the middle of winter’s coldest temperatures. 

As part of your regular residential HVAC system maintenance, have your local HVAC professional check your thermostat settings to make sure that you are comfortable while at home, but also to ensure that you’re saving energy when the home is empty. Your HVAC contractor will tighten all electrical connections and lubricate all moving parts, inspect the drainage of condensate, and check to ensure that your system controls are safe and operating properly. With regards to your heating system, you can expect them to check all connections having to do with gas (or oil) including the burner and its combustion, as well as the heat exchanger; thus, eliminating any potential fire and health hazards while ensuring that your system is safe and efficient. 

Also, if you are currently unaware of the location of the furnace filter, have your HVAC technician show you where it is and how to change it. Once your fall heating check-up is complete, the only thing you’ll have to do is change the furnace filter about once a month to maintain energy efficiency, clean air, and prevent possible system damage.

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