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5 Quick Heating System Fixes To Do Before Calling A Repairman
With the Richmond, VA winter in full swing, your heating system will work harder than ever. So if the furnace stops running or starts blowing cold air, you’ll want to have it repaired as soon as possible. However, there are a few steps you should take before you make that call. You may end up solving your heating problem without cost and inconvenience of a service visit.
1) Check The Air Filter
A dirty filter can block the return air flow, causing your heating system to work harder trying to blow less cold air into your house. The heat exchanger may overheat, and the furnace will automatically shut down. A dirty filter causes soot to build up in the heat exchanger, affecting the efficiency of the heating system and reducing its lifespan. Make it a habit to check the air filter every one to three months and change it when needed.
REMEMBER: Before you change the air filter, shut off the furnace and thermostat.
2) Check The Thermostat
Before you call a repairman make sure the thermostat is set to heat and not cool—you never know who might have changed the setting. Then set the thermostat 5 degrees more than room temperature to see if the furnace comes on. If it doesn’t, try replacing the batteries. Open the panel of the thermostat and gently remove any dust or debris.
3) Check The Blower Motor Panel
Make sure the blower motor panel is shut, if it was opened to do a repair it might not have been shut properly and the safety device may prevent the furnace from running.
4) Check The Air Ducts
Check to make sure the ducts are fully open. If they are open and some rooms are still cold, there may be cracks, gaps, or holes in the ducts allowing the hot air to escape. Find and seal the leaks with a mastic sealant.
5) Check The Gas Valve
It is possible that someone shut off the gas valve when doing a repair and forget to turn on. Simply turn it back on.
If you’ve tried these fixes and still have heating problems in your home, it’s time to call a professional in Richmond, VA for help.
Choose The Right Person For Heater Repair
Winter has arrived in Richmond, VA, and hopefully you’ve prepared and maintained your heater to avoid a costly repair in the middle of January. Having the heater inspected before the weather gets chilly can give you a heads up on possible problems and give you time to decide what action to take before the temperature outside drops. You can imagine how much easier it would be if your furnace would automatically fix itself when something goes wrong. Sadly, the heater doesn’t take care of itself and sometimes needs repair.
Preparation Is The Key To Staying Warm This Winter
However, even if you have your heater or furnace inspected regularly by a HVAC professional, it may still experience an unexpected problem at the worst possible time—the middle of winter. Your next course of action is finding the best company for your heater repair.
When looking for that perfect match, you should first consider scheduling. Can you find a company that provides same-day service? Will they come out on holidays and weekends? The heat can go out at any time, and usually at the least convenient. If you have to scramble to find a contractor while your family is freezing, you’ll probably go with the most convenient option, not necessarily the best. Vet your options before winter sets in so that you’ll be ready in an emergency.
What To Look For In A HVAC Contractor
It is important to check the guarantee offered by any heater repair company you’re considering. This is vital, since guarantees can vary extensively from contractor to contractor. The warranty should cover having the repair redone, if needed. In addition, deceptive pricing can be an issue with some HVAC contractors. Usually they will charge by the hour, so some might not be inclined to work quickly to get the job done, which can drastically increase costs. Referrals and reviews can help determine which contractors might employ this tactic. In addition, sometimes your local HVAC contractor in Richmond, VA will have special financing plans. Be sure to ask.
Let’s face it, if you own your home, you will need to have your heating system checked for maintenance regularly. Backing this up with the information on reliable contractors to call in the case of an emergency is also a necessity. You certainly don’t want to be without heat for days nor do you want to pay too much or receive bad service for your heater repair. Your best bet is to research reliable HVAC contractors in Richmond, VA and have their information handy.
Heater Repair: When To DIY And When To Call A Pro
It can be complicated and even dangerous to do your own heater repair. However, there are some simple steps you can take before you call a HVAC professional in Richmond, VA. Once you’ve tried the fixes below, if you still need heater repair, it’s time to call for help. Before you begin any heater repair DIY, remember to make sure the furnace, thermostat, and gas are turned off to keep it safe.
Repairs You Can Do Yourself:
- Check the thermostat. Always, always check to be sure the thermostat is set to heat before you assume it is a heater repair issue. In addition, check the date and time settings, replace old batteries, and examine the wires that connect the thermostat to the filters.
- Check the power. The heater repair is often as easy as ensuring that the furnace is turned on. Check that the power switch on the side of the furnace is on, the front panel cover is tightly closed and the push-in switch is pressed down, and the circuit breaker is on and that the fuse isn’t blown.
- Check the gas. Also check that the gas hasn’t been turned off. If you have a boiler, make sure the pilot light is lit.
- Check for blockages. Dirty or blocked drains may trigger the furnace to automatically shut-off. Make sure the drains are clear of debris and sediment—flush them out with a water and bleach solution. Check for blocked or leaky ducts, and check the chimney exhaust flue for blockages. Clear any debris or obstacles that might be blocking the intake and exhaust vents both inside and outside the house.
- Clean the filters. Dirty filters are the cause of many furnace problems, which is why you should clean and replace them regularly. And it’s one of the easiest fixes you can do. A clogged filter blocks warm air and results in overheating that automatically shuts-off the furnace.
Repairs To Leave To A Pro:
- Replacing any parts inside the furnace such as the inducer fan motor should be done by a professional. Although it may seem easy at first glance, the job requires special procedures and sealants.
- Replacing the gas valves also requires a professional. The gas valve installation needs to be calibrated for your furnace and your home’s gas pressure. This requires a trained expert who can safely do this.
- Any other heater repair you are unsure about should be left to a Richmond, VA professional. Consider carefully, it may seem more economical not to call for heating repair, but it is worth it to keep your furnace running efficiently and your home safe.
7 Easy Ways To Cut Your Home Heating Bill
It may be approaching the middle of winter, but it’s not too late to lower your energy bills and to keep your home comfortably warm. Below is a list of problem areas that, once resolved, may dramatically lower your heating bills in Richmond, VA.
1) Check And Replace Worn Weather Stripping
If you have torn and worn weather stripping around your doors and windows, your furnace is working harder than it needs to, and you’re losing money on your heating. This is a simple replacement job, merely pull off the old and tack on the new.
2) Check Your Door Threshold
If you notice daylight seeping in under your front door, then you can be sure your heated air is seeping out. Most thresholds can be adjusted to a height that will eliminate a gap. Be careful not to raise the threshold too much; if the door drags it may wear out the weather stripping.
3) Use A Portable Heater
Use a space heater in any room your family gathers on a regular basis and turn down the temperature on the furnace. The rest of the house may be cooler, but you’ll still be warm and you can save on your energy bill.
4) Cover Windows And Sliding Patio Doors With Plastic Film
You can find inexpensive transparent film to use on your windows and doors at home centers. The film is simple to put on, won’t hurt your trim, and virtually invisible if put on correctly.
5) Make Sure the Attic Access Door Is Insulated
Although your attic may be well-insulated, the access door may not be. Use adhesive to attach fiberglass batt insulation to the attic side of the door, this will help keep heated air from escaping through the attic.
6) Ductwork Leaks
Check your ductwork for places where it might have pulled apart at the corners and seams. Use metal tape or a mastic sealant to seal any leaks.
7) Check The Furnace And Gas Fireplace
In this case, you’ll need to pay for a service call but the long-term savings in heating is well worth it. A tune up will include an inspection, proactive maintenance, and identification of parts that need to be repaired or replaced. In addition, the Richmond, VA HVAC professional will check for gas or carbon monoxide leaks. Many warranties require this type of maintenance.
UV Light Purifiers: Why Is It Important To Have One In Chester, VA?
Water is essential to our daily survival, and during the dry winter months in Virginia this is even more important. So, why is it important to purchase a UV Light Purifier during the winter?
We’ll explain a few key reasons below:
Influenza
During the winter season, we all have had our bouts with ailments and sickness, but influenza is the last thing we want to catch. A good UV light purifier is instrumental in combating the flu virus, by killing all strains that are contaminating your air. Cleaning the air during the winter months never has been more important.
Indoor Allergens
Indoor allergens such as mold, mildew and dust wreak havoc on your immune system and can make the whole season miserable for you. Consider a UV air purifier to help combat the poisons that potentially cause those allergies to flare up. Not only will the light kill mold and mildew, but it will also filter animal dander and dust to reduce or eliminate the allergens that cause discomfort.
Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, can ruin the air quality in your home and make you sick. Removing them is important to a healthy clean air environment. By utilizing a UV air purifier, you are able to oxidize those VOCs, and remove the potential threat, thus providing your home with good clean air to breathe.
There are more benefits than just these three to list, and we can certainly help you understand the greater need for a UV light purifier. Please contact us, if you would like more information on how to clean the air you breathe and enjoy the purification benefits that we can provide.
Commercial Heating Maintenance In Chester, VA: An Ounce Of Prevention Is Worth A Pound Of Comfort
Keeping your commercial heating and cooling system performing at its best in Chester is important both in the cold of winter and in the intense heat of a Virginia summer. One of the most important things you can do to keep the system running efficiently is to not skimp on the preventative maintenance and upkeep of the system.
Many owners make the mistake of waiting until there is a problem to fix something. Unfortunately, waiting until there is already a problem adds both time and cost to the repair bill. Preventative maintenance should ideally be performed twice per year. One time to ensure the heat is working properly and a second to ensure the AC is functioning and blowing out enough air.
During this important maintenance, a HVAC professional will check to make sure all of the ducts are clear of debris and buildup in addition to checking for any leaks in gas lines and blockages that can occur in the unused system.
Believe it or not, it only takes a few stray leaves clogging up the air intake to make your commercial heating and cooling system lag and start to wear itself down. Additionally, a commercial HVAC professional will also check for any odors such as gas leaks in the system or mechanical parts which need to be replaced.
Here at Weather Crafters, we do more than just clear the debris. Another important aspect to a good preventative maintenance schedule is your indoor air quality, which will also be checked to make sure the heating and cooling system is running at peak efficiency.
After one regularly scheduled bi-annual maintenance service, you are sure to notice a difference in the efficiency of your system, and a drop in your heating or cooling bills.
To schedule your preventative maintenance appointment, contact us today.
Gas Furnace Maintenance/Tune Up In Chester, Virginia
The 2016 Farmer’s Almanac says that Central Virginia will experience a cold winter. Most likely, we’ll see more snow than we normally do. The coldest days are forecast to be in mid-January, continue throughout most of the month and return in mid-February and early March. Along with these cold periods, some of the snowiest days could be from early to mid-January and late March. In order to prepare for these temperatures, our team at Weather Crafters in Chester, Virginia can help with all of your gas furnace maintenance and tune up needs.
We realize that because the weather has been so up and down lately that you probably have put off calling someone to inspect your heating system. Now that the winter weather is right around the corner, it’s time to make sure your unit is working properly and operating at peak capacity.
Did you know that most heating systems that aren’t properly maintained use more electricity? With proper maintenance and tune up of your gas furnace you will:
- save money on energy bills because of higher efficiency
- be better protected from any potential safety hazards
- have a healthier air quality
- be more comfortable
- have a more reliable system
If you reside in or have a business in Chester, Virginia or in the surrounding areas, give us a call, and we’ll come out to inspect your gas furnace. For more information or for a time to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
3 Differences And Advantages Of Radiant Heating In Chester, VA
Radiant heating systems rely on radiant heat transfer or the transferring of heat directly to people and/or objects via infrared radiation. These systems provide heat to floors and structure panels by way of hot-water tubes or electric wires. The direct transfer of heat differs drastically from forced-air systems, which blow heated air through ducts and vents. There are various styles and versions of radiant heating systems such as air-heated, electric, or hydronic. There are many advantages to buying, installing, and utilizing a radiant heating system.
3 Differences and Advantages of Radiant Heating in Chester, VA
1) Efficiency
Radiant heating systems are highly efficient as they provide direct heat to floors, walls, and even ceilings delivered via hot-water tubes or electric wires. Radiated heat is created by warming objects in a room, which avoids the stealing of heat from bodies. Utilization of radiated heat and hot-water tubes drastically lowers the amount of energy needed to heat a household, especially compared to air-force systems. Due to ductwork, most forced-air heating systems generally loose up to 30 percent of the heat, causing prolonged usage and higher energy bills. Radiant heating has become a popular choice for energy and cost efficient households.
2) Allergy Considerations
Radiant heating systems are as close to hypoallergenic as any heating system on the market. Air-forced heating systems project air through vents located in rooms in a household. Dust, mold, pollen or other allergen particles, which collect in vents, are then dispelled into the air. The environmental effects can instigate allergy or asthma attacks in prone individuals.
As radiant heating uses hot-water tubes or electric wires within the flooring and walls of the structure to provide heating, this form of heating does not contaminate or disturb waylaid allergens.
3) Versatility and Convenience
One of the most forgiving benefits of a radiant heating system is the opportunity to forget it. Radiant heating systems are extremely quiet whereas forced-air systems generally switch on via the clanking and warming of the motor as well as the air itself flowing through vents and into the house.
Radiant heating systems can use a variety of fuel sources such as solar water heaters and wood-fired, gas, or oil boilers. This versatility will come in handy when considering sustainable and energy-efficient options, such as using solar power.
On top of convenient noise levels and fuel source versatility, is also the convenient avoidance of vent installation. This means cost savings on installation as well as a more diverse space for arranging furniture or placement of decorations.
Located in Richmond, Virginia, Weather Crafters Heating and Air Conditioning has been supplying high-quality, competitively priced heating and air conditioning services for over 45 years. With a staff of experienced and highly trained HVAC sales and installation professionals, Weather Crafters prides itself on dedicated customer service and satisfaction. For more information or to speak with a representative directly, please contact us.
5 Tips For Maintaining A Geothermal Heating System In Chester, VA
If you have problems with your Geothermal Heating in Chester, VA there are a few basic DIY troubleshooting tips you can follow. These heating systems are easy to keep up and proper maintenance is the most important factor to keeping your unit running without a hitch.
- Check the thermostat at least once a month. If the thermostat uses batteries, then keep them fresh so it continues to works at its full power.
- Choose air filters that suit your needs. There are two basic filter types, disposable and non-disposable. You can throw away disposable filters after the first use. There is no need to reverse the filter or remove the dust. You can clean non-disposable filters. Make sure you look over them every other month and clean them according the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Examine the condensation pans at least once a year, especially during heavy cooling periods. Clear any clogs, drain excess fluids and watch for algae. If you see algae have the unit professionally treated.
- Inspect the ducts once a year or more. Locate every visible duct and make sure they are all connected. Also, look at the registers in each room. They should all be open and have good airflow.
- There are units that have LED lights that display the status of different system parts. Look at the lights first if you have problems. This gives you a general idea about where the problem is located. The owner’s manual should have a guide to what the lights mean. It will also tell you how to fix problems for each system part.
Although these DIY tips are helpful, it is still a good idea to have your system checked at least a couple of times a year. In addition, you may run into issues that are best handled by a professional. Call a HVAC company with experience in Geothermal Heating in Chester, VA that can keep your unit running smoothly all year round.
5 HVAC Buying Tips For Homeowners In Mechanicsville, VA
Research and preparation are critical when it is time to replace your Mechanicsville home’s heating unit. Buying a new HVAC system is a major financial investment. As a homeowner you want to make sure you are getting the right unit and the best installation service available. Here are five tips that will help you make a good decision.
A significant number of homeowners who replace their HVAC units end up with the wrong size equipment, according to the Department of Energy. The result of this includes high utility bills, damaged equipment and mold build-up in the ductwork. To avoid this, you will need a precise estimate from your contractor to assess the exact physical make-up of your home. This will ensure a proper installation.
Beware of HVAC companies making low-ball offers and promoting steep discounts. It is possible that those companies are cutting corners or using second-rate parts. Whenever you consult with a HVAC technician and ask for a step by step explanation of the installation process. It’s also a good idea to ask for price quotes from multiple companies.
Before you sign a contract, consider including a 5 percent penalty to the contractor if the job is not completed on time. There are many companies who hire high school co-op students or helpers to work with mechanics. The mechanics do not specialize in installing specific system types and lack the support, which causes unnecessary delays.
Hire a trustworthy HVAC contractor. Look for companies in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and/or have the necessary insurance to protect you from an on-site injury and property damage.
A reputable Mechanicsville heating company stands behind its products and services. The proof of this is with a written guarantee. Make sure there is a no-questions asked, no-hassle 100% satisfaction guarantee that protects you and your family from unexpected breakdowns.
Is Geothermal Heating Right For Your Midlothian, VA Home?
Geothermal heating in Midlothian, VA does not warm your home by using electricity or burning fossil fuels. Instead, it uses electricity by tapping into the near-constant temperatures found deep in the earth. So, no matter what the temperature is outdoors, beneath the earth’s surface, the temperature remains the same. Below are a few advantages of using this alternative energy source for your home.
- A geothermal system is one of the most efficient ways to heat your home, according the Environmental Protection Agency. This is important because over 50 percent of your home energy costs go toward heating. So this energy alternative can save you a lot of money. In fact, a typical system can return up to four dollars of heat for every dollar spent on electricity. When it comes to washing dishes, bathing and laundry, it reduces the use of energy needed for heating water.
- Since it uses the earth’s constant temperature, geothermal is an energy source that is both sustainable and renewable. It provides a near limitless supply of energy. Regardless of the weather it remains efficient throughout the year.
- The comfort level of your home also remains pleasant every day of the year due to the consistent, even temperatures.
- You may qualify for savings and tax credit because the efficiency of these systems lowers your energy costs. In some cases, there are local rebates and incentives available to homeowners. Check with a HVAC company for details. Keep in mind tax credits are subject to IRS regulations. It’s always best to consult with a tax professional for tax preparation advice.
If you want to learn more about this cost-saving, energy-efficient system, contact a HVAC company that deals with geothermal heating in Midlothian, VA. They can answer your questions and recommend the best unit for your home heating needs.
Heating and Air Conditioning Midlothian and Chesterfield, Virginia
Getting The Most Out Of Your Heat Pump In Winter
Snow and ice are regular features of a Virginia winter. Is your home’s heating system equipped to handle the coldest of nights? Astute homeowners have been installing ground-source heat pumps to save money on utility costs and to bring natural, constant comfort into the home. Here are some common checks to ensure that you get the most out of your system this season.
Antifreeze Verification
Your contractor for heating and air conditioning in Midlothian and Chesterfield, Virginia will bring the tools and know-how for this job. A hydrometer is needed to check the specific gravity of the fluid used for heat transfer. The reading will be compared to a chart for the solution used. Common fluids are ethanol, methanol and propylene glycol. If the antifreeze doesn’t measure up, your contractor can remove and replace the system fluid.
Static Pressure Test
This check is important as your heat pump’s effectiveness depends on the relationship between pressure, volume and temperature. In the end, your goal during winter is to leverage the earth’s higher temperature to warm your home’s interior. Your tech will bring a digital manometer, check the reading and then compare this charted numbers. If not running to full efficiency, your contractor can begin troubleshooting to make sure that your home is as cozy as can be.
Thermostat Reset
On certain units, it’s best to contact a professional in heating and air conditioning in Chesterfield and Midlothian, Virginia to perform a reset. If a novice performs this action, the results can be worse after than they were before. Also on some units the reset is actually performed on the circuit board itself.
Ground source heat pumps are popular for a reason: they lower your energy bill, help your equipment not to overwork itself and are good for the planet. Use the tips provided to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your heating system this winter season.
Useful Ways To Lower Your Winter Heating Bills
Winter will soon blast its frigid way through Virginia, bringing with it stroke-inducing heating bills. There are several things you can do to save on heating in Midlothian, Virginia without compromising on comfort, and learning about them while winter is still readying its chilling assault can save you a lot of time, money and cold nights.
Seal Up Your Home
Now is a great time to stock up on caulk and weather stripping before everyone else starts sealing up their homes in preparation for winter. Air leaks siphon heat from your home, which causes your furnace to work harder than it absolutely has to. According to the Department of Energy, you can potentially save as much as 30% on your heating bills with this step alone. Check out the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for a guide on how to properly seal your home.
Ensure Your Attic Is Well Insulated
The amount you pay for heating in Midlothian, Virginia has a lot to do with how well your home is insulated. Heat rises, which means that your attic space should be well insulated to keep all of that warm air from escaping. While you’re checking the attic, be sure to check the insulation in your crawl spaces, floors, basement walls and ceilings.
Reduce Your Vent Fan Use
Vent fans are great for pulling moisture and smoke from the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room, but they’re also great at pulling warm air from your home and funneling it outside along with your money. If you absolutely have to vent a room, try to send the air to another part of the house rather than outside.
Don’t pay more than absolutely necessary for heating in Midlothian, Virginia. Ask your local HVAC professional for more effective ways to keep your heating bills from freezing your financial assets this winter.
So How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Furnace Repair?
Like car problems, having problems with your furnace can bring no end of anxiety and frustration due to the fact that you may not know how much the repair will cost. Several factors impact the overall cost of heating repair in Chesterfield, Virginia, and learning more about those factors can help you better prepare your nerves and your finances for that final bill.
Quality Counts
A majority of service technicians will charge you just for coming out to your home to look at your unit to determine what’s wrong. The more experienced a technician is, the more you’re likely to be charged. You may also be charged more if you call on a weekend, holiday or for an after-hours emergency. Something else to bear in mind with this cost is that the technician might determine that an electrician will be needed to take care of your repair.
Labor and Parts
Parts and labor is something else that determines how much you’ll pay for heating repair in Chesterfield, Virginia. A minor problem can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 for parts and labor while a more major one can run the gamut from $200 to $1,500. Your unit might also need a new thermostat, which usually runs between $80 and $300, depending on the model. To help with this cost, see which HVAC experts in your area offer pre-paid visits at a discounted fee. You know you’ll have problems with your unit, so you might as well save money any way you can.
The best way to control how much you pay for heating repair in Chesterfield, Virginia is to properly maintain your unit. There may be a minor problem right now with furnace that can quickly and easily taken care of. Call up a reputable HVAC technician to inspect your unit if it’s been a while since it’s been serviced.
Benefits Of A Ductless System For Winter Heating
As central climate control units become more and more common in homes, more and more consumers are enjoying these feature-rich, efficient systems. Traditional heat pumps heated air through ducts, but ductless systems deliver air directly into different zones. Made up of a small outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, these systems offer a cost-effective way to replace inefficient window units, space heaters, and radiators. When preparing for the coming winter in Chesterfield, consider installing a ductless system in your home.
One of the main reasons homeowners switch to ductless cooling and heating is the overall cost savings these systems provide. Smaller than traditional forced-air systems, ductless systems operate on less power, automatically saving you money on your utility bill. With this system, you can also create a zone in your house—that means you no longer have to heat rooms that aren’t occupied.
Traditional HVAC systems require regular duct cleaning, and even after cleaning, dust and allergens can be left behind. However, a ductless system offers multi-stage filtration that can significantly reduce dust, bacteria, pollen, allergens, and other particles in the air.
The process of installing a traditional system is long and arduous, taking several weeks and disrupting your household. Ductless systems are less invasive and much quicker to install. Depending on the number of indoor and outdoor units required, a ductless system could be up and running in as little as a day—well before the worst of the winter weather sets in. In addition, multi-split systems run on small pipes that require a mere three-inch hole, so you don’t have to worry about replacing walls or loosing square footage in your home.
Compact and efficient, ductless heating systems follow ENERGY STAR guidelines, making them more energy efficient than the minimum standards set forth by the U.S. federal government. This both saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint. These systems also utilize advances in chemistry to reduce effects on the environment.
Ductless heating systems are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and completely customizable. They offer homeowners the ability to cool and heat specific zones of their home to the exact temperature they desire, providing consistent and exceptional year-round comfort.
Knowing When To Call An HVAC Professional
With the way the Internet has made information so easily accessible, many people hop online to figure out what’s going wrong with their HVAC units before seeking out professional HVAC service repair in Midlothian, Virginia. It’s good to learn how to care for your unit on your own, but it’s also good to know when it’s time to call in the experts.
It’s A New Year
You can prevent needing to go online to figure out what’s wrong with your HVAC unit if you take good care of said unit. Make sure you have your unit professionally maintained by an experienced HVAC technician at the beginning of the year. Specifically, you’ll want to have faulty wiring corrected, and ensure there aren’t any leaks that need to be taken care of.
You Have A Problem That Can’t Be Seen By The Naked Eye
If you look over your thermostat and unit and have no idea of what’s wrong with it, it’s time for HVAC repair in Midlothian, Virginia. Trained experts know what to do when your boiler has flooded the basement, your pilot light won’t stay lit, you have water leaking from your indoor unit and when your heat pump is stuck in “defrost mode.” You could very easily wind up doing more harm than good by tinkering with your unit and trying to take care of the problem yourself.
It’s In The Middle Of Winter
There are few things worse than your furnace quitting on you during a cold snap. Instead of freezing both outside and inside trying to see what the problem is with your unit, let an experienced technician handle that for you. Not only are pros likely to know exactly what’s wrong, they’re also more likely to get things working faster.
Not every HVAC problem can be solved with the help of Google and YouTube tutorials. Start looking for reputable heating repair in Midlothian, Virginia now so you know who to call in case of a future HVAC emergency.
Regular Servicing Steps For Your Gas Furnace
In order to keep your energy costs down and make sure your house stays warm in winter months, the furnace in your home must be in good working order. Several factors can decrease the efficiency of your unit, and as a rule, only a trained professional can safely and adequately address all possible issues. To keep your unit working smoothly, start by contacting a gas furnace service in Midlothian, Virginia. A skilled technician will go through a series of steps to ensure that your furnace is in proper operating condition.
First, a technician will check the air filters that stop dirt and debris from entering your unit. If you have dirty filters made from cardboard and fiberglass, they will be discarded and replaced. Dirty filters made from plastic must be vacuumed, then washed and air-dried. If your furnace has a dirty electronic air filter, the technician must follow the procedures outlined in the accompanying manual for that product.
All furnaces have blower motors with bearings that must remain well-lubricated in order to function properly. Many motors are lubricated at the factory and sealed. During servicing, the repair person does not typically need to worry about pre-lubricated bearings unless there are obvious problems. However, the bearings in a non-pre-lubricated motor must periodically receive a few drops of oil. A gas furnace service in Midlothian, Virginia, can determine which type of unit you have.
A furnace has a burner, as well as components that spread the heat generated by that burner. Typically, these parts will last for a long time. However, they can malfunction and cause serious problems. During servicing, the technician will visually inspect the burner, the venting system and the heat exchanger on your unit, look for any indications of damaging corrosion and make sure each component works properly. During inspection, the heat exchanger is typically removed in a multi-step process.
For more information on required maintenance for your unit, ask your gas furnace service in Midlothian, Virginia.
Three Benefits Of Geothermal Heating In Richmond, VA That Will Warm Your Toes
You have a lot of different options when it comes to heating your home. While each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, there is one that you might not have thought about before: geothermal heating. Here are three primary benefits to geothermal heating in Richmond, VA.
Quiet
Your home should be a place of peace and quiet and listening to sounds of different appliances shouldn’t have to be one of the sounds that you hear every day. The sound of a geothermal heater running has been likened to the soft and quiet hum of a refrigerator. Considering your heater will be in your basement and behind closed doors, this is no big deal at all. Even a traditional electric or gas furnace is going to make some noise, particularly when it first kicks on and while it is running as well.
Cost Saving
There is no getting around it: The cost to install a geothermal heater in your home is going to be more than you would pay for an electric or gas furnace, especially if you have to retrofit it into an existing home instead of a new construction home. However, the ongoing costs of maintenance and reflected on your heating bills will be significantly lower.
Safe
Perhaps the most significant benefit of a geothermal heat pump involves you and your family’s safety. Geothermal energy does not emit toxic gases into your home the way that a traditional furnace can. Carbon monoxide is a potentially fatal gas that is odorless and tasteless and all too commonly leaks when furnaces are not regularly cared for. You will have significantly less risk of an explosion in your home with a geothermal heat pump.
Although there are many benefits of traditional furnaces, whether electric or gas, geothermal heating in Richmond, VA might be a good thing for you to think about if you are interested in a safe, cost effective, and quiet solution to help you get the most enjoyment out of your home as possible for years to come.
What On Earth Is Geothermal Heating In Chester, VA
Geothermal heating is a type of heating system that uses the sun’s energy or heat and circulates it through your home. Geothermal heating has been around since the Paleolithic era and is the most natural way to heat your home. Here are some things you should know about it.
How It Works
The earth stays a consistent temperature no matter what, regardless of how the temperature is changing. It is able to maintain its temperature because it absorbs all of the sun’s energy throughout the entire year. A geothermal heat pump is used to extract hot air from the ground and circulate it up and out through a heat pump which then carries the air through the ductwork in your house.
Efficiency
Geothermal heat is more efficient than any other type of heating because it does not burn fuel to heat your home. Instead, it just moves warm air from one location (the earth) to another (your home). It is also a much more even heat, since the ground typically maintains the same temperature all year round. You will be much less likely to have pockets of colder air in some parts of your home than in others.
Cost
The upfront costs of a geothermal heating system can be thousands of dollars, and less if you are installing it as part of a new home you are having constructed. However, you will easily recuperate the cost of the initial install in a few years and you will have more comfortable, more efficient heat.
Sound
When you are heating your home with a regular furnace, you can usually hear it when it first kicks on for the day, and sometimes you can hear it even while it’s supposed to be operating quietly in the background. With geothermal heating in Chester, VA, you probably will not hear a thing unless you are right next to it. Many people state that geothermal heat pumps are about as loud as a regular refrigerator.
5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Boiler Service in Chester, VA
Boilers are a great way to heat your home because of their small size, silent functioning, and their ease of installation. If you are thinking about switching to boiler heat, make sure you avoid otherwise preventable boiler service in Chester, VA by having the right boiler installed. Here are some considerations to make when deciding on a boiler.
Position and Flue Type
With boilers specifically, much of the cost of your system relies on the position of the boiler. When choosing a boiler, you have the option of choosing either a wall hung or floor-standing model. There are two types of flues: open and room-sealed. The type of flue that you require when choosing a boiler service depends on where in the room you have the boiler located.
Size
Boilers can be very small, but make sure to talk to a qualified boiler service in Chester, VA to make sure you get the right size. If you do not get a unit large enough for the number of bathrooms you have, or the amount of square footage you need to warm up, you run the risk of causing damage to your brand new unit.
Operating Cost
Boilers are generally inexpensive to operate. However, some are going to be more efficient or higher rated than others. When you are looking for a boiler, make sure that you are asking the contractor about how much the boiler costs to operate and that you look for the stickers on the side of the unit that indicates how energy efficient the unit is.
Safety
Boilers are very safe as long as they are installed by a qualified and experienced professional. When you make the decision to move to a boiler for heating your home, make sure that you are having a qualified boiler service perform the installation. In order for your boiler to continue to operate safely, you should be sure to ask the installers about ongoing maintenance that will help your boiler be a safe fit for your family.
