Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

What Can Happen if Your Heat Pump Loses Refrigerant

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014

The heat pump is one of the most efficient types of home comfort systems available for both heating and cooling. More and more, people are making the switch to heat pumps since they require little energy to run and may last longer than many other types of AC systems. However, like any type of electro-mechanical unit, a heat pump requires maintenance in order to run properly and offer the best performance. And one of the key steps of heat pump maintenance involves checking the refrigerant levels.

The term “heat pump” is a bit confusing as it leads many people to believe these are mostly used for heating purposes. However, the design of a heat pump is much closer to that of a standard home air conditioner. Heat pumps use refrigerant to cycle throughout the major components of the system in order to carry out heat exchange. In the summer, a heat pump uses refrigerant to absorb heat from the air in your home and move it outdoors. In the winter, it uses refrigerant to absorb heat form outside, even in very cool weather, to bring into the home.

As you can see, refrigerant, a chemical blend with the ability to convert easily from gas to liquid state and vice versa, is vital in heat pump operation. When refrigerant leaks, you simply cannot get the heating and cooling power that you need as the heat exchange process is jeopardized. But sometimes, the diminishing heating or cooling power is still tolerable, which leads many to believe they can continue to run their system on low refrigerant.

However, you should keep in mind that this is simply not an option. If you continue to run your heat pump at all with leaking refrigerant, you can damage a couple of key components. For one, you may force the indoor coil to freeze over during the evaporation process. But more importantly, you could damage the compressor, one of the most important (and costly) parts of your whole unit.

Only a trained and certified professional can work with refrigerant safely. Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling whenever you experience problems with your heat pump in Brentwood. We know how risky it is to wait for repairs so we’ll get the job done quickly and professionally.

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Is Rust a Sign That My Boiler Needs Repairs?

Wednesday, November 19th, 2014

Your boiler uses water to heat your home, but it is made to withstand the effects of rust. For rust to develop, there has to be enough oxygen present in the air in addition to the water; boilers are made to be as air-tight as possible, so rust shouldn’t be an issue. If you are seeing rust and corrosion on your boiler, it is time to call a technician as the rust is most likely the result of a problem somewhere in your system.  The trained and certified technicians at Boehmer Heating & Cooling are available around the clock when you’re in need of quality boiler repair service in South Hills, so if you are seeing significant rust on your boiler, call us today.

Sacrificial Anode

Manufacturers of boilers understand that rust development is a potential issue with any boiler. This is why every boiler comes equipped with a component called a sacrificial anode, also called a sacrificial rod. A sacrificial anode is placed at the top of the water tank. It is made from a highly active metal alloy that corrodes faster than the metal of the tank, so it “sacrifices” itself ahead of the tank. But should the anode completely corrode and not be replaced, the rusting process will move on to the tank itself.

Problems Caused by Rust

Rust and corrosion are never good for any whole-home system; here are a few ways it can be problematic for your boiler:

  • Development of leaks – if rust has developed in an area like your water tank, the expansion tank or on piping, water leaks can develop. This will lower the pressure in your system and cause heating problems in addition to potential water damage.
  • Problems with water temperature – rust acts as an insulator. If significant rust develops on your water tank or heat exchanger, the system can overheat. Additionally, the higher temperature can increase the pressure in your system, which can cause problems.

Maintenance Is Great Prevention

One of the best ways to ensure that your boiler isn’t rusting is to schedule annual maintenance. During a maintenance appointment, you system will be thoroughly inspected and the sacrificial anode will be checked and replaced if needed.

Rust is never a good sign on a heating system. If you are seeing excessive rust on your boiler in South Hills, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today to schedule a service appointment.

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3 Common Heat Pump Repairs

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014

Heat pumps are quickly rising in popularity among homeowners looking to replace their heating and cooling systems. This is because these units are extremely efficient, with very high SEERs (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios) so that you are likely to save a lot of money every month in the summer and a high HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) for heating efficiency as well. Heat pumps are efficient because they only move heat back and forth instead of generating it. And heat pumps are very durable, with a lifespan of over 15 years in many cases.

However, even the sturdiest heat pump may eventually run into the need for repairs. You can prevent repairs by calling a technician for maintenance every heating and cooling season. But when you need reliable heating repair in Brentwood, trust the exceptional technicians at Boehmer Heating & Cooling.

Heat Pump Repair Needs

Here are a few of the most common reasons homeowners call us for heat pump repair.

  • Not Enough Heat: If you feel little or no heat from your heat pump, you should call a professional right away, before the issue becomes worse. For example, if the reason for reduced heating is leaking refrigerant, it will only continue to leak, which means you may feel no heating at all, and it can cause irreversible damage to the compressor. There may be other problems with the heat pump components, or your heat pump may struggle when the weather outdoors becomes too cold. In this case, a technician may recommend a backup heating source.
  • Strange Noises: One other reason you may call a technician for heating repair is if you hear unusual noises from your heat pump. A banging noise could mean anything from a broken fan to a failing compressor. A hissing noises may indicate refrigerant leaks or duct leaks. It’s best to let a technician diagnose the problem before assuming the worst.
  • Unit Doesn’t Switch into Heating Mode: Heat pumps are basically air conditioners except for one key component, the reversing valve. This part allows refrigerant to switch directions so that it can heat your home. If your unit will not switch into heating mode, it could be a thermostat issue, or you may need to replace this part.

For expert heating repair in Brentwood, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today to schedule an appointment!

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How Do I Know When I Need to Replace My Old Boiler?

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014

Boilers can be great heating systems, but they will age and breakdown like any other mechanical system. It can be tempting to hang on to an aging system, particularly if it is still working, but sometimes nursing a system along can cost you more money than if you’d gone ahead and just replaced it. There are some common signs that can indicate it’s time for your system to go, as we’ll explain below. One thing to keep in mind with any boiler replacement in Baldwin is to make sure you hire professionals to perform the installation. Your heating system is critical to being comfortable, and the best way to ensure that you are comfortable this winter is to call your Boehmer Heating & Cooling expert for assistance.

Reasons to Replace an Aging Boiler

Here are some common reasons to consider replacing your boiler:

  • Age – with good maintenance, you can get up to 20 years out of your boiler, but once you start to encounter problems with a boiler this old (and you will), your money may be better spent on a new system.
  • Constant repairs – did your boiler need a lot of repair work to keep running last year, and are you potentially looking at more this year? At some point those repairs can add up to a significant expense.
  • Insufficient heating – is your boiler struggling to heat your home? It is not uncommon for aging boilers to have a hard time reaching the temperature you’ve set for your home.
  • Uneven heating – another sign of a failing boiler is uneven heating, aka, hot and cold spots. Maintaining consistent heating is important to your overall comfort level, which may be difficult to attain with an aging heating system.
  • High energy bills – are you seeing your energy bills go up even though you aren’t using your system any differently? When your system struggles to achieve the heating you need, it uses more energy to do so.

A boiler replacement in Baldwin can offer you better energy efficiency, better comfort and reliability. If you think it’s time to replace the boiler in your home, give Boehmer Heating & Cooling a call today to schedule an appointment.

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Signs That It’s Time for Boiler Replacement

Wednesday, October 15th, 2014

Boilers can be remarkably sturdy machines. Some well-maintained iron boilers have lasted over a century, and still see use in homes today. Despite their hardy natures, however, even boilers have a limit to their longevity. When that limit is reached, it pays to recognize the signs so that you can replace your boiler before it fails.

Rising Maintenance and Repair Costs

The easiest way to tell if your boiler is reaching the end of its life is by monitoring the cost of maintenance and repairs. If the cost of simple maintenance is significantly higher this year than it was the year before that, and the year before that, your boiler may be reaching the end of its life. The simple fact of the matter is that wear and tear is inevitable. No matter how well you maintain your boiler system, the years and decades of use will eventually cause parts to fail. This will happen more and more often, causing an increase in repair costs. Which brings us to our next point.

Frequency of Repairs

If you find yourself calling for boiler repair more and more frequently, especially within a relatively short period of time, you may need to replace your boiler. As mentioned above, wear and tear will become more and more pronounced on a system as it gets older. Since different parts tend to experience different levels of stress during normal operation, this can cause a waterfall effect. You may have just finished getting one part replaced when another one fails, and you have to start the whole process over again. This isn’t just annoying, it’s expensive. If it starts to seem like your boiler is in a constant state of disrepair, it’s time to replace it.

Heating Efficiency

If you begin to experience cold spots or other signs of uneven heating, it’s a good sign of problems with your boiler. One or two occurrences isn’t necessarily a sign of a deteriorating boiler. When the noticeable decrease in heating becomes constant, however, that is a reliable indication of a failing boiler.

If you think you may need to replace your boiler, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We offer quality heating replacement throughout the Brentwood area.

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Why Schedule New Furnace Installation This Fall?

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

So, your furnace is getting on in years, and you think it’s time to replace it. But when should you actually have it done? Does it even matter when you get a new furnace? As a matter of fact, it does. The fall season is the best time to ensure that your new furnace gets off to a good start. Let’s take a look at why you should have a new furnace installed in fall.

Perfect Timing

There’s a reason that most annual furnace maintenance takes place in fall. The best time for any sort of preventative maintenance is right before a period of heavy usage. This ensures that your furnace is in peak condition at the time that you need it the most. The same principle applies to installing a new furnace. A new furnace is already in the best possible condition, which means that it will be giving its best performance during the winter months. Since you were probably planning on scheduling an HVAC service call during the fall season anyway, why not install a new furnace at the same time? That way, you can stay right on schedule without having to change any plans to accommodate a new appointment time.

Convenience

Installing a new furnace necessitates the removal of the old one. This is obvious, we know, but it should factor into your thinking about when to install your new furnace. Whenever you install your new furnace, you’ll be depriving yourself of heat for at least a day. That day without heat is bound to be uncomfortable if you wait until the winter months.

You should also consider the ebb and flow of demand on HVAC repair services. During the winter months, calls for fast furnace repair tend to spike. This makes things more difficult if you want to install your furnace during the winter months. You are far more likely to get prompt service if you call for a furnace installation in fall, when there are fewer customers to compete with.

If you need a new furnace installed, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We install furnaces throughout the Whitehall area.

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Have Your Boiler Repaired before Winter Strikes

Wednesday, October 1st, 2014

Boilers have been the most popular heating option in homes in the United States for a very long time, and for good reason. Boilers are generally rather reliable, and modern units have a long lifespan and can be very efficient. But because you use your boiler for much of the year, it’s likely that you will need to call a technician for heating repair at some point in the life of your system.

If there is a problem with your boiler, don’t wait to schedule repairs. When you let a repair need go on for too long, it can only get worse. And you don’t want to be without a boiler in the middle of a cold winter night, right when you need it most. The following list describes just a few of the problems that should be repaired before winter begins. For heating repair in Pittsburgh, be sure to call Boehmer Heating & Cooling at the first sign of trouble.

  • Water leaks: When water leaks from your boiler, it is a serious problem that cannot wait for repair. Water may leak from the expansion tank, the pump, the pressure relief valve, or from the gaskets. But even a minor leak can become worse, causing reduced heating, and possibly damaging the foundation of your home over time.
  • Strange Noises: Another repair that cannot wait until winter is unusual noises. While these noises may sometimes seem bearable, they could indicate problems with the pump or sediment in the tank. A damaged pump may only need simple repairs or it may need to be replaced. And if sediment continues to collect in the tank, it will reduce the tank volume, increasing the temperature and leading to overheating.
  • Not enough heating: If your home is not warm enough, it could be any number of issues. A leaking tank, broken thermostat, or pump problems are just a few of the potential culprits.

Don’t need any repairs before winter? Be sure to schedule heating maintenance with a professional technician toward the beginning of the heating season. A maintenance technician will thoroughly inspect your unit for any possible repair needs. Whether you want to schedule preventive services or find out you’re in need of heating repair in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

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Top 3 Reasons to Install a Furnace

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Furnaces are one of the oldest of all ways to heat a home; only the fireplace pre-dates them, and the furnace arose from the same principles as a fireplace. However, furnaces have kept up technologically with other heating systems and remain the most popular way to provide warmth for houses to this day.

So even though you have a number of options for home heating, such as a boiler or a heat pump, a furnace may still be the best choice of all. We’ll look at some of the reasons you might want to install a furnace in Pittsburgh, PA for the next bout of freezing weather. Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling to talk to our heating specialists about scheduling a new installation for your home.

3 reasons to consider furnace installation

  1. Heating effectiveness: Pittsburgh winters can be tough. You want a heater that can bring you sufficient warmth to keep the cold back. Furnaces, in particular gas-powered furnaces, are among the most effective heating systems when it comes to the basic job of heating. They outperform heat pumps, which can struggle with extreme low temperatures, and are often a good choice for older homes that have insulation problems.
  2. Flexibility: When it comes to matching heating systems with homes, furnaces have the most flexible options. Regardless of your heating requirements, there is almost always a furnace that can take care of it. They come in many different sizes, efficiencies, and fuel types. With electric, gas, propane, and oil options available, you can find the furnace that fits your budget and home comfort needs.
  3. Fuel efficiency: Gas furnaces are the most popular furnace model, and they are among the most fuel-efficient heating systems available. Modern high-efficiency gas furnaces can score AFUE ratings of 95% and above, which means only 5% of the heat is wasted. This will help reduce your heating bills while still giving you the same superior heating performance.

You’ll only get the most from your furnace with professional installation

If you think a furnace is your optimal choice for heating your home, call up professional installers to help you choose a unit and size it to fit your home. Without the work of skilled installers, you could end up with a furnace that’s wrong for your home and works incorrectly, possibly even dangerously.

Boehmer Heating & Cooling will make sure you end up with the right unit for you. Our trained technicians will deliver a fast and effective installation that will leave you with many years of trouble-free warmth. Call us today for Pittsburgh, PA furnace services.

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At What Point Should I Be Concerned About Rust on My Boiler?

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Rust is a natural chemical reaction that occurs between metal and water in the presence of oxygen: it’s something we expect to happen whenever iron-based metal is exposed to water. However, the boiler in your home that keeps you warm during chilly Pennsylvania winters does not usually rust, even though water is a basic part of its operation.

The reason you don’t often see rust or corrosion on your boiler is that manufacturers design them to work as air-tight as possible. There is little oxygen available to allow for the oxidation that leads to rust. As long as your boiler receives regular, annual maintenance and proper repairs, it shouldn’t show signs of rust until near the end of its lifetime. If you have a professional service like Boehmer Heating & Cooling taking care of the needs for your boiler in Pittsburgh, PA, you can expect a long and rust-free performance life.

But is a bit of rust necessarily a need for repairs? At what point should you be concerned about the appearance of corrosion on your boiler?

The answer: Any rust on a boiler is a negative sign and a reason to call for repairs.

If rust develops on a relatively young boiler, it could point to a number of serious issues. Sediment and dirt might be infiltrating the tank through breaks in underground pipes. The expansion valve on top of the tank could have broken and permitted oxygen into the tank. The pH balance of the water is too acidic. Any of these problems needs to be addressed, not only to stop the development of corrosion, but to prevent other issues in the system.

The most damaging consequence of rust along a boiler is that it weakens metal and will lead to leaks. If it spreads across the tank, it could lead to the tank bursting. Rust developing along the connections will cause them to start leaking extensively. Rust is also a natural insulator, and this will upset the temperature balance inside the tank, leading to overheating and an increase in pressure.

If too much rust develops along your boiler’s tank, your only option is usually to have the tank replaced. If caught earlier enough on the heat exchangers and other replaceable parts, technicians can usually stop it. But you have to move fast: the moment you find rust on your boiler, call up a dependable repair service to look into the problem and find a solution.

Since 1933, Boehmer Heating & Cooling has provided people in Pittsburgh, PA with boiler installation, maintenance, and repair that has kept them warm. You can trust us to help you with any trouble you encounter with your boiler.

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Common Boiler Problems

Thursday, February 27th, 2014

Listing “boiler problems” takes a more work than listing “furnace problems” or “heat pump problems.” That’s because boilers experience fewer repair needs and malfunctions than other home comfort system because they do not use as many mechanical parts that can break or wear down. Boilers have remarkable longevity because of this, and with basic maintenance performed once a year by a professional, your boiler should give you at least two decades of excellent heating.

But although there are fewer “boiler problems” to list, they do exist. Here are some troubles with boilers that will require you call for heating repair in Pittsburgh, PA. You can reach Boehmer Heating & Cooling 24 hours a day when you need emergency work to restore your malfunctioning boiler.

Boiler problems that require repairs

  • Frozen pipes: In a city that can get as cold as Pittsburgh, pipes freezing can become a major problem—and the pipes attached to your boiler are as susceptible as those attached to your regular plumbing. Frozen pipes will often burst, and you’ll need professionals to replace the afflicted sections. The repair technicians can also help you insulate your pipes to avoid freezing problems in the future.
  • Leaking: Any system that circulates water can suffer from leaking. Aging pipes, poor soldering, corrosion, high water pressure… all can lead to your boiler springing leaks. You need professionals to seal the leaks before it reduces your boiler’s heating ability, and also to find out what caused the leaks in the first place.
  • Sediment build-up in the tank: Over time, the water tank of a boiler can begin to collect sediment that will settle along the bottom of the tank. This sediment can contribute to rust and a dangerous increase in water pressure. Technicians can flush the tank to eliminate the build-up.
  • Limescale: If the water inside the boiler’s system is hard (i.e. it contains too much calcium and magnesium), the high temperature will cause a phenomenon called limescale to develop inside the tank as it heats the hard water. Limescale is in insulator, and this will unbalance the temperature in the tank, leading to high water pressure.
  • Cold water mixing in the tank: A broken mixing valve can cause cold water to enter the top of the tank and begin mixing with the hot water, causing a drop in water temperature throughout your home. If you notice rumbling from the tank, this is probably the reason.

Call for professional repairs

Boehmer Heating & Cooling can take care of the heating repair in Pittsburgh, PA you need to restore your boiler if any of the above happens. Don’t try repairs yourself… you may only cause further damage. Put your trust in our NATE-certified technicians.

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