Taking Care of Your Furnace Before the Season Ends

March 9th, 2020

technician-working-on-furnaceFor the most part, the weather in our area is relatively predictable throughout the year. As we transition into spring, however, it really could go either way. We may start seeing much warmer temperatures in just a couple of weeks, or we could have some more cold weather ahead. If the former occurs, you’ll likely be tempted to turn off your furnace for the season and not give it another though. However, if you have repair needs, delaying them could leave you with a headache and a costly repair bill.

Ignoring any sort of heating system malfunction can cause it to turn into a much bigger problem, leaving you with a broken down heater next fall when you need the system the most, or depending on the circumstances even a malfunctioning air conditioner—for example if the problem is a ductwork or an air filter problem.

But how do you know when you actually have furnace problems that need managing? We’ve provided some helpful signs below.

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Mid-Season Heater Needs to Be Aware Of

February 24th, 2020

heating-vent-in-wallWhat if someone asked you, “what’s the last thing you need right now?”

You probably wouldn’t have a fast answer off the top of your heat, but what if one of the options was “a broken down heater”?

We’re guessing this got your attention! The fact of the matter is, if there is any time of year that a furnace is going to break down, it’s right around this time of the year, when your heating system has already been through a lot of work and is struggling to do more. Fortunately, if you had fall maintenance done before this season began, you likely have little to worry about.

What if you skipped maintenance, though? Or what if you have an aging furnace and you’re not even sure of its status? Well then keep reading for some common problems we get calls for mid-season, and if you notice your furnace exhibiting any of these symptoms, please give us a call!

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Signs It’s Time for a New Furnace

February 10th, 2020

animated-checklistUpgrades are always fun, right? Well, not when it means you’re spending money that you didn’t expect to, which very well could be the case if your furnace fails on you suddenly.

The good news is, there are ways to prevent this from happening. Sure, your furnace is eventually going to need to be upgraded just like any other mechanical system or appliance. Scheduling routine maintenance for it every year is one way to keep on top of repair needs and make sure it’s working as efficiently and effectively as possible. It also allows our technicians to let you know if your system’s age is catching up with it.

Even without maintenance, though we don’t recommend skipping your annual tune-ups, there are signs you can watch out for that indicate it’s time to say goodbye to your old furnace and think about upgrading to a newer system. Read on to discover what these signs are!

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Does Your Heater Dry Out Your Air?

January 27th, 2020

white-question-mark-on-blue-backgroundMany homeowners believe that running their forced-air heating systems nonstop dries out their air and makes the indoor air quality poor, as a result. This isn’t entirely true, though, and we certainly don’t want you to start using your heater less as winter progresses. Dry air is definitely annoying, but restricting use of your heater won’t help your comfort.

In recent years, modern construction has meant that our homes are tightly sealed against the elements. This negatively impacts indoor air quality problems like dust infiltration. But dry air is a whole different ballgame.

Why is it such an issue, though? And what can you do to prevent it? When you work with a company that specializes in all HVAC services in Canonsburg, PA, including your indoor air quality needs, you can count on a quality answer. Our recommendation is the installation of a whole-house humidifier!

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Heating Efficiency and Repair Prevention

January 13th, 2020

animation-of-house-on-seesaw-with-money-symbolThe way you treat your heating system matters! No, we don’t mean you should be giving it constant praise and attention each day, but you should be following best practices in how you use your thermostat, how diligent you are about scheduling routine maintenance, and how soon you call a professional when you detect signs of a heater in disrepair.

These are all actions that help not only boost the efficiency of your heater, but prevent repairs in the meantime. Read on to learn more!

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Common Furnace Repair Needs

December 30th, 2019

jets-of-gas-furnaceHeating is an important part of home comfort around our area! Sure, we may get plenty of use from our air conditioners but our heaters get the brunt of the work throughout the year. That said, you need yours to perform flawlessly, right?

The only way to ensure this is the case is to have it routinely maintained by a professional. Every year, our technicians can come out to fully inspect, clean, and adjust your furnace as needed. If we see areas of improvement, we’ll alert you so that you can make a repair call right away. Tackling repair needs when they are still small is the best way to fend off bigger, costlier emergencies.

Of course, regardless of maintenance, it’s a good idea to be aware of common furnace repair needs so that you can be on the lookout. What are the most frequent? Read on to find out just a few.

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Is Your Thermostat Outdated?

December 16th, 2019

smart-thermostatAnd if your thermostat is outdated, does it matter?

Well, yes. Using outdated technologies often means you aren’t getting the most efficient or cost-friendly use out of them, and your thermostat is no exception. Your heater and air conditioner can be the highest-efficiency systems on the market, but with a malfunctioning, or old and ineffective thermostat, that might not mean much.

The thermostat is essentially the brain of your HVAC system, tasked with maintaining a comfortable temperatures inside your home. Today’s thermostats—smart thermostats but even the basic digital thermostat is an upgrade from the old manual slider devices still found in any homes—can do so much more than an outdated device. You may be wondering, “Do I really need a thermostat that can do more than just set temperatures?”

Of course you can keep things basic, but a smart thermostat offers a number of benefits that can save you energy, money, and frustration.

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Avoid This Potential Gas Furnace Danger This Winter

December 2nd, 2019

heater-jetsAre you one of the over 64 million homeowners in the U.S. who use natural gas for winter heat? It is that popular—but that also means that there are more people that may be dealing with safety issues. We don’t mean to say that gas furnaces post an inherent risk to homeowners—they don’t. They wouldn’t be installed in so many homes if so. In fact, current standards for gas-heating manufacturers put a special emphasis on maintaining safe operation.

But, if your furnace isn’t well cared for, you could certainly run into problems. No gas-appliance can be 100% problem-proof if it’s not adequately maintained. There’s one gas furnace danger, in particular, you should be aware of in an ill-maintained system, and that’s a cracked heat exchanger.

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Is Your Home Humid Enough?

November 18th, 2019

street-and-homes-in-philadelphiaWhen you live where we do, then you’re all too familiar with the experience of dry air. The missing moisture from the air can cause a host of problems in your home, especially this time of the year, as the temperatures cool and you need to use your heater more and more. Use of your HVAC systems actually help dehumidify your living space, exacerbating the problem with dry air and subsequent poor indoor air quality.

If you haven’t already taken advantage of a whole-house humidifier installation, the best time is now, while our current humidity levels are relatively balanced.

Chances are, you’ve seen portable humidifiers in drug stores, and you may even have one in your own home to help alleviate cold symptoms or allergy symptoms. But the whole-house humidifier tackles the root of the dry air problem.

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Tips for Boosting Heating Efficiency

November 4th, 2019

vent-on-wallWhen it comes to saving money on your HVAC costs each year, one of the best things you can do is confide in the experts of Pittsburgh HVAC installations for your new heater purchase. Our experienced team of technicians will make sure you’re matched up with the best heating system for your specific home, and that it’s sized and installed correctly.

What if we told you there’s more you can do each year to boost your heating efficiency, and many of the steps we’re about to share are free? It’s true. Read on to learn more about how you can boost heating efficiency this coming winter, and start saving some cash!

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