Pros and Cons of Gas Furnaces for Heating

January 8th, 2018 Posted in Furnaces
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Are you considering a new installation for your heating needs? One option is a gas furnace, a popular choice for providing excellent heat for your home. Gas furnaces have both pros and cons, which you should consider before choosing this heating source for your home. Here are some of the basic benefits and disadvantages to consider before you choose a furnace for your heating needs.

Gas Furnace Pros

Natural gas furnaces are one of the most common types of furnaces, and for good reasons. Many towns and cities have easy availability to natural gas, a convenient fuel source that is piped directly to the home. Some of the pros of a gas furnace include:

  • Gas furnaces are efficient, using less energy and a clean source of fuel for combustion. A small amount of electricity is needed, but energy use is low, and the cost is low for heating compared to many other heat sources.
  • Good air quality. Gas furnaces filter the air from your home to remove contaminants, helping improve air quality.
  • Quick heating. Compared to heat pumps and some other heating options, gas furnaces can provide quicker heating in colder weather.

Gas Furnace Cons

While adding a gas furnace can be quick and convenient for many homeowners, it is not always the best choice. Retrofitting an older home for new duct work and gas line connections can be time consuming and expensive. Another issue is safety. While rare, gas leaks are possible, which can pose a risk to your home and family.

If you are in the market for a new heat source, consider a gas furnace. If your home is already equipped with the proper duct work and easy gas connections, it can be an efficient, effective heating option with low cost benefits.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
264 Buchanan Highway
Dallas, GA 30157
(770) 505-7426

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Ductless Mini Splits for Single-Area Climate Control

January 8th, 2018 Posted in Ductless Mini-Split Systems
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There are times when you need to add heating and cooling to a room or area, but connecting it to a home’s main HVAC system is not possible or would not be efficient. There are options for providing a single area with climate control, without adding duct work or connecting it to an existing furnace or air conditioning unit. Ductless mini splits are the perfect solution for providing an efficient heat and cooling source to a garage, spare room or other confined areas. Here are some of the benefits of using mini splits in your home.

  • No ductwork. Adding duct work to connect a garage or addition onto your central HVAC system can be expensive. Mini splits are individually operated and can be added anywhere you need heating and cooling.
  • Energy efficiency. A separate heating or cooling unit can be an energy-efficient option for rooms that are rarely used or do not have their own vents. It is more efficient to only use the climate control when needed, instead of heating or cooling rooms that are not in use.
  • Ductless mini splits can be installed with programmable thermostats that can help keep energy costs low. Program to turn heating or cooling down or off as needed to save on electricity when not in use.
  • If you want climate control in zones, mini splits can be used for individual rooms to manage costs and differing climate needs. This can be perfect for keeping rooms “warm” in the winter, but not at the temperature of the rest of the home.

If you are interested in installing a ductless mini split in your home, contact your local HVAC service to learn more about the cost and options available.

Posted on behalf of:
Western Aire Heating & Cooling
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 505-7426

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Why Keeping HVAC Equipment Updated is Profitable

January 8th, 2018 Posted in Commercial HVAC Service & Repair
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Whether you own a small to medium business or run a large corporation, overhead costs are always a concern. Heating and cooling your business is a major expenditure that can cut into profits. While it can be expensive to invest in new HVAC equipment and upgrades, it is a wise investment to make. Often the money you spend on improving your cooling and heating system can lower your overhead and even pay for itself in the long run. 

Options for Improved Commercial HVAC Efficiency

If your commercial HVAC system is outdated, you are most likely paying more in energy bills than is needed. HVAC systems have vastly improved in efficiency in the last decade, both at the residential and commercial levels. There are many different options to improve efficiency depending on the type of business you run and the region where you live. Regardless of the type of HVAC system you use, one option that can improve your efficiency is automation.

Installing a commercial HVAC automation system allows you to have better control over your heating and cooling use. These advanced systems allow for customized climate control management 24/7, giving you a more precise application to control your HVAC use. While there is an initial investment, there is an excellent return in efficiency savings. Many companies can cover the cost of installing automation within a few years with their energy savings. This coupled with upgraded HVAC equipment that uses less energy can have a sizable impact on your overhead and profitability.

Stop wasting money on your industrial heating and cooling bills. Check into upgrading your HVAC equipment and switching to an automated system to save money and increase your profits.

Posted on behalf of:
JS Thomas Service, Inc
4085 Nine McFarland Dr
Alpharetta, GA 30004
(770) 475-2600

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Mildew on My Woodwork: What’s Wrong?

January 8th, 2018 Posted in Dehumidifiers
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When you notice your wood baseboards or window sills are covered in mildew, it can be alarming. Not only is this unhealthy and bad for your expensive woodwork, it can mean there is a problem with moisture in your home. Mildew growing on surfaces is a sign that you may need to consider a change in your HVAC system.

Mildew flourishes in high-moisture air and unventilated areas. It is normal to have mildew appear in high humidity rooms like your bathroom, especially when it is not properly ventilated. However, it should be easy to control if you have a good HVAC system and air filter. Circulating and filtering the air helps remove moisture and mold spores from the air, keeping mildew at bay. However, if your HVAC system is not working properly, or there is high humidity in your region, you may experience mold and mildew in your home.

Combatting High Humidity

To stop mildew and mold, you must reduce the humidity in your home. Ideally, the humidity in your home should average about 40-50% to keep mold and mildew at bay. If you have been having mildew problems, call your local HVAC service. They can test the humidity in your air and do a complete inspection on your HVAC system. It may need a tune-up, new filter or duct cleaning to improve your air quality. If the humidity in your home is too high, they can recommend a dehumidification system that can be added to your HVAC to lower the moisture content in your air.

Mildew on woodwork and other surfaces should be taken seriously, as you may have mold growing in other areas in your home. Talk to your HVAC service company to find a solution to keep your home mold and mildew free.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Buford, GA 30519
(770) 475-9528

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Maintenance Checklist for Your Heating System

January 8th, 2018 Posted in HVAC Maintenance
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Whether you have a furnace or heat pump, maintaining your system can help it run more efficiently and extend the life of your equipment. Maintenance is key to keeping energy and repair costs low. Don’t wait for a problem to arise before you get your heating system the maintenance it needs. Here is a checklist of maintenance items that should be done throughout the year on your heating system.

  • Check and replace filters as needed. Many heating system filters need to be changed monthly or bi-monthly during the colder seasons. Make sure to check your filter each month and change out as needed. This improves your air quality and energy efficiency.
  • Check and clean vents. Blockages in your vents can waste energy when heating your home. Make sure all vents are delivering warm air and clean them as needed.
  • Program your thermostat. Save money on your heating bill by making sure your thermostat is properly programmed. Lower the heat when no one is home and set the max setting at 68 degrees when you are home.
  • Schedule a tune-up. At least once a year your heating system should be serviced by your HVAC company. Fall is a good time to get your system tuned-up, but if you missed your maintenance, it is better late than never. Get on a routine of servicing your A/C in the spring and your heating system in the fall to keep your HVAC system in good shape all year round.

Routine HVAC maintenance can ensure your heating system is ready to tackle the winter months. Keep up with filter and vent checkups every month to ensure the best efficiency for your heating system all winter long.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
3870 Peachtree Industrial Blvd. Suite 340-129
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 475-9555

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Is Your Furnace Telling You It Is Time to be Replaced?

January 8th, 2018 Posted in Furnaces
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Furnaces can last 10-20 years, sometimes even longer, but they do eventually need to be replaced. With ongoing repairs, a furnace may continue working, but that is not necessarily the best option. Replacing your furnace may be a major expense, but it can save you money in the long run. Your furnace may already be alerting you that it needs to be replaced. Here are some of the signs:

  • More noise. If your furnace is getting noisier each year, even with regular tune-ups, it may be trying to tell you it is time for new heating system. If your furnace is 15 years old or older, it is unlikely to quiet down with service, but the noise lets you know it is coming to the end of its lifespan.
  • Soot or rust around vents. Older furnaces that use fuel tend to create more CO2 that can lead to rust and soot in your ducts and around your vents. This can affect your home’s air quality, as well as drying out the materials in your home.
  • Higher energy bills. Does your heating bill go up every year? It may not be just higher fuel or energy costs; your furnace may be less efficient. Newer furnaces are more efficient and can help you pay for your new model over a few years of lower heating bills.
  • More repairs. If you are on a first-name basis with your furnace repairman, it may be time to replace your furnace. Repairs can keep your furnace running, but in the long run, it will cost you more.

If these signs are occurring with your furnace, talk to your local HVAC contractor about the new options available. You can save money off your monthly heating bill and have fewer repairs with the purchase of a newer, more efficient furnace for your home.

Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
5950 Shiloh Road East
Alpharetta, GA 30005
(770) 475-9555

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