Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Top 3 Reasons to Choose a Boiler in Pittsburgh

Monday, November 4th, 2013

Whether you choose to heat with a gas furnace or an older boiler, Pittsburgh residents need to know the benefits. We’re a tough town here in Steeler country, and our winters are as harsh as they come.  Whatever system you use to heat your household needs to be able to do the job for many years, and you have to rely on it to perform when life gives you other things to occupy your attention. Not every type of heating system fits every circumstance, and you’ll need to decide for yourself which one works best for your circumstances. Having said that, a boiler system – using hot water or steam to warm your household – offers a number of tangible advantages over other types of heating. Here are the top 3 reasons to choose a boiler in Pittsburgh.

  • No dust. Gas furnaces use a “forced air” system, which blows hot air through your home in an effort to heat it up. This can spread dust and debris around your house, which can exacerbate allergies and create irritation in the nose and throat. Boilers don’t need ductwork to circulate the warm air, so dust and debris won’t spread through your home like that.
  • Noise. Boilers are extremely quiet in their functioning, limited mostly to the burning gas or oil in the boiler itself.  That means you don’t have to put up with the sound in exchange for having a cozy and comfortable home.
  • Even heat. Along with the lack of dust comes a lack of drafts or cold spots in the home. The radiators in a boiler system warm the air evenly, increasing comfort levels and improving the overall quality of life in the home.

All of that comes with month-to-month costs that are comparable to gas furnaces and similar forms of heating. When looking at the possibilities of a boiler, Pittsburgh residents can talk to the experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We can explain the reasons to choose a boiler in Pittsburgh – as well as the benefits of forced air furnaces and other forms of heating – then install your chosen unit with professionalism and pride. Give us a call to set up an appointment today.

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Pittsburgh Heating Repair Guide: Faulty Fans

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

When it comes to heating repair, Pittsburgh residents benefit from knowing what to look for. Our chilly winters make heating a top priority, and problems should be addressed quickly lest they leave you without heat in the middle of a cold front. Homeowners should know the signs of a fan problem, which can cause a great deal of mischief when it comes to providing heat for your home.

Fans blow the warmed air to move it throughout your home, making them a vital part of the heater’s distribution system. If they’re shut off completely, either because the blower motor has overloaded or the entire system has lost electricity, then the air won’t move at all.

A less dire but still problematic issue occurs if the fan becomes loose in its housing, or if the fan blades become bent or broken. Besides impacting its overall efficiency, the misaligned blades can grind up against its housing in the heater, possibly causing damage and increasing the cost of anticipated repairs. Something similar can happen if something slips past the filter and gets caught in the fan. At the least, it will cause damage to the fan itself and other components. At the most, it could trigger an overloaded fan motor, shutting down the entire heating system.

There are several signs that a faulty fan is the source of the problem. If it’s grinding against something, you’re likely to hear it. In that case, you should shut off the heater immediately and contact a repair technician in order to prevent further damage to the system. A faulty fan may also signal itself with a reduced air flow, or air flow which has stopped entirely.

For issues with faulty fans and other forms of heating repair, Pittsburgh has a company ready to help. The experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling understand how to fix faulty fans, and are ready to get yours back to functioning effectively. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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When Is Boiler Repair Necessary?

Monday, September 30th, 2013

Boilers that circulate hot water through a home to warm it are one of the oldest kinds of heating systems. They are still popular today because of their efficiency, low maintenance, and quiet operation. Most likely, you haven’t paid much attention to the boiler in your own home, and it has gone about its job of keeping the cold Pennsylvania weather away. But if your boiler starts to exhibit problems, it may need repair. Here are some signs that your boiler will need professional fixes to keep it working at its best.

For Pittsburgh boiler repair, people have turned to Boehmer Heating & Cooling since 1933. Contact us if you think your boiler needs attention from a trained technician.

Loss of heat: The major sign of a boiler problem is that it is no longer bringing you the heat you need. First check that the thermostat is set correctly and no circuit breakers have been tripped. If the problem persists, the boiler will probably need repair. Since different boilers use different power sources (such as electricity, gas, or oil), there are a variety of reasons for the boiler to stop producing heat. Since trying to fix these troubles involves exposure to electricity or toxic gases, do not try to make major repairs on your own.

Extreme corrosion: Any place where water comes in contact with metal can potentially lead to corrosion. If the corrosion on your boiler is too extensive, the metal will weaken. Corrosion is one of the principle causes for your boiler to leak water, and you should attend to it as soon as possible. The repair work needed varies: a superficial layer of rust is easy to deal with, while enormous corrosion may require replacing the whole tank.

Consistent, unpleasant noises: Boilers usually make little sound as they work, so if you hear a loud rumbling or shrieking noise it may indicate a problem. Rumbling can point toward too much cold water mixing in the tank, or a burner clogged with dirt. Shrieking needs prompt attention, since there could be a loose bearing in the electric motor or oil pump.

It’s important to get an informed opinion on anything that seems to be amiss with your boiler. Because of the variety of models, it is difficult to pin down exactly what might be causing a heat loss or a strange noise. The experts in Pittsburgh boiler repair at Boehmer Heating & Cooling can get to the root of the problem and offer you a solution, fast. Contact us today!

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Heating Options: Should I Consider a Furnace in Pittsburgh?

Monday, September 16th, 2013

If you’re considering installing a new heating system, whether for your new home or as a replacement for your old heater, a furnace is one of the most attractive options available today. A Pennsylvania winter can be an ordeal without the proper heating system keeping you warm, so keep a few of these pointers in mind when it comes to deciding if a furnace in Pittsburgh is your best choice.

No matter what heater you choose, contact Boehmer Heating & Cooling for knowledgeable consultation and professional installation. We have over seven decades of experience with the heating needs of Pittsburgh residents.

Furnaces can be powered either by gas or electricity. A gas furnace usually costs less to run than an electric furnace. They also generally have longer lifespans than other options like heat pumps or boilers. A properly installed furnace should also pose no health risks or dangers to air quality because of leaks.

One of the great advantages of an electric furnace is its efficiency. The modern electric furnace often has a high AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating and are one of the best ways to heat your home. In a tough winter, an electric furnace is one of the best ways to keep your home evenly heated at the comfort level you want.

A furnace requires ductwork to distribute heat through your home. If you already have a central air conditioning system, the furnace can use the same set of ducts and won’t pose any installation headaches. If you don’t have ducts in your home, there is obviously going to be a few added steps in the installation process.

Boehmer Heating & Cooling can help you choose the right furnace for you and take care of its installation. We’ve handled heating needs since 1933, so we should be your first choice when you want to install a furnace in Pittsburgh.

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Upgrading to a More Efficient Furnace in Pittsburgh

Monday, March 25th, 2013

The spring off-season is a great time to make any upgrades to your heating system. If your furnace is getting older or requires frequent repairs, then it’s probably time to think about a high-efficiency replacement. Efficiency measures the amount of fuel or electrical input to the amount of heating output. Upgrading is a great way to improve your long-term savings, and allows you to take control of the future of your home comfort. Today’s energy-efficient models are powerful systems that make very little waste. Are you ready for a new furnace in Pittsburgh? Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

One of the most important ratings in the heating industry is known as AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It estimates the yearly average of heating output per energy input. It’s a percentage that indicates how much of the furnace’s energy is converted into heat, and how much is waste product exhausted outside the home. Some of today’s furnaces have AFUE ratings of up to 97%, which means that only 3% of the furnace’s energy is wasted—an incredible ratio. Most modern furnaces are AFUE rated at 90% and above, which is a drastic improvement from those produced just 15 years ago.

If you’re considering upgrading to a more efficient furnace, perhaps one with a much higher AFUE than your current system, you’ll also need to consider whether to choose gas or electric. You should take into consideration several factors: what type of energy source your current system runs on, the respective costs of gas and electric in your area, as well as your budget. If you’re already set up for a gas furnace, then perhaps it makes sense to stick with your setup and simply swap out the unit itself. If you previously had electric and you want natural gas, then you’ll need to make sure that you have a gas hook-up nearby that is available. While both types are efficient, electric furnaces tend to be more so, because they don’t need to convert a fuel, such as gas or oil, and they can theoretically operate at 100% AFUE.

Upgrading your furnace is a great way to maximize your savings over the long term and your comfort in the short term. For furnace installation in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today! 

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Pittsburgh Heating Guide: 5 Easy Ways to Save Energy

Monday, March 4th, 2013

As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to save energy. As one of the leading energy efficiency experts in the area, Boehmer Heating & Cooling is committed to informing you about some easy ways to save energy. Remember that there is no substitute for professional consultation. We’re happy to sit down with our customers and find ways they can make their homes more energy-efficient. For more information, or to schedule heating and air conditioning maintenance in Pittsburgh, call us today!

  • Enroll in a maintenance program. Prevention is the best medicine, as they say and we agree. Enrolling in an annual or bi-annual maintenance program is one of the best ways to prevent major repairs before they happen. It may also be able to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Let the Pittsburgh heating and air conditioning repair experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling come take a look at your equipment.
  • Replace your attic insulation. Attic insulation has a major impact on the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems in your home. In the winter, thin, old or rotting insulation is one of the greatest factors contributing to heat loss. In the summer, poor insulation can allow hot air into your home from your attic.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is a great way not only to customize your home living environment, but also to ensure that any temperature changes occur gradually and not drastically. This will allow your system to “anticipate” changes in temperature. Programmable thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating and air conditioning systems much more conveniently.
  • Change your air filters. You have air filters throughout your heating and cooling systems. They are there in order to prevent dust, pollen, and debris from entering into your indoor air. They need to be changed and replaced on a regular basis so they don’t get in the way of your cool or hot air.
  • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescents, or CFLs, are highly-efficient bulbs. Not only do they use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, they also last up to 10 times as long.

There you have it: 5 easy ways every homeowner can save energy. When you need your heating and air conditioning repair in Pittsburgh or any installation or maintenance, call on Boehmer Heating & Cooling. No job is too big or small. Call us today. 

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Pittsburgh Boiler Repairs: When to Schedule

Monday, February 25th, 2013

In Pittsburgh, cold temperatures last well into spring. If you want to ensure that your home stays comfortable all year long, don’t wait to schedule boiler repair service. If you think your boiler is no longer operating effectively, it may be time to schedule a consultation with a boiler repair specialist. Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today for more information.

When should you schedule boiler repair? That depends on the problem, of course, but as a general rule, it’s important to keep in mind that boiler problems do not simply go away. Even if the symptoms are no longer there, the underlying problem is likely still the same and may have worsened. Even if your boiler is still relatively effective, scheduling routine service can significantly reduce the likelihood of major repair needs and increase the durability of the system. Familiarize yourself with the following symptoms—if you recognize any of these issues in your boiler system, then don’t hesitate to call in a pro to have a look.

  • Excessive noise. An appliance as large as your boiler is bound to make some noise, but if there are especially loud or unusual sounds coming from your boiler, it could be an indication of a serious problem. You may have air in the system, water pressure may be too low, or, if you have hard water, there may be lime scale build-up on the heat exchanger inside your boiler, thus causing it to rumble.
  • Pilot light keeps going out. This is a common issue, and may be due to too much debris in the supply line to the pilot, which is not giving the flame enough fuel to burn, or there may be a draft in the system that keeps blowing it out.
  • No heat. Your boiler requires power, and if a fuse has blown or if a circuit has been tripped, then it cannot work. Other reasons vary: water level might be low, thermostat malfunction, pilot light or electronic burner ignition malfunction, and other so on. This is probably the most obvious reason to schedule a boiler repair, but due to the complexity of the factors involved, it is not easy to determine a definite cause.

Thankfully, knowing when to schedule a boiler repair in Pittsburgh is much easier than repairing the boiler itself. If you have any doubts about your system or if it’s already giving you problems, give Boehmer Heating & Cooling a call today.

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Pittsburgh Boiler Repair Guide: Why Does My Boiler Make Strange Sounds?

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Does your boiler bang, squeal, or make other noises? There can be a number of reasons for strange sounds emitting from your Pittsburgh home’s boiler. As one of the home’s most hard working appliances, the boiler accounts for a significant part of your utility bills. It is imperative, therefore, that the boiler stays in top shape throughout the year, but especially during the heating season. The most important thing to keep in mind is that a proper diagnosis must come from an expert. Call the Pittsburgh boiler technicians at Boehmer Heating & Cooling to discuss your concerns with a professional.

If your boiler emits banging noises, as though metal parts were clanging together, it may be the rapid expansion and contraction of your boiler’s internal components. There may also be air pockets trapped in the boiler caused by a decrease in water flow, which may be due to corrosion or a problem with hard water. Water flow problems can also be caused by a flow rate setting or a faulty pump. Strange sounds are only part of the list of symptoms, and assessing your boiler requires a hands-on approach.

If your boiler operates without clanging, but you notice uneven baseboard heating, or if your fuel bill jumps from one month to the next, those may also be signs that your boiler needs expert repair. In any event, know that you can rely on your local Pittsburgh boiler technician to make a professional diagnosis and to offer you a solution.

A noisy boiler is never a good sign. Schedule an inspection with Boehmer Heating & Cooling to determine if your boiler needs repair or if it is a part of its normal operation. It’s the first step to maintaining a effective and efficient boiler. Call us today. 

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Pittsburgh Geothermal Question: Is Geothermal Installation Possible in My Yard?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Geothermal systems are a terrific way to potentially reduce the amount of energy that you use to heat and cool your home. Most heating systems have to burn a fuel source in order to create heat. But geothermal systems actually use the endless and free energy stored in the earth to both heat or cool your home. At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we provide complete geothermal installation in Pittsburgh. Because of the unique way that geothermal systems work, not every home can accommodate them. If you’re interested in having a geothermal system installed at your home, here are a few of the considerations that you need to think about.

How Geothermal Systems Work

If you were to dig down into the ground about 10 feet the temperature there would be about 55° F. No matter what the temperature is outside the ground below the surface will stay that same temperature. Geothermal systems use a long series of coils buried in the ground to take advantage of the energy stored there. A heat pump in your home circulates refrigerant through those coils.

In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the ground and moves it into your home. In cooling mode it does the opposite: it removes heat from the air in your home and exhausts it in the ground.

Geothermal Installation in Pittsburgh

During geothermal installation large holes need to be dug into the ground to bury the coils. The coils can be installed vertically in some homes where space is limited. The holes need to be dug very deep into the ground to accommodate the long pipes of refrigerant. In a horizontal installation, a large area of ground is dug out and the coils are laid out and then buried.

If you’re interested in potentially reducing the amount of energy that you use to heat or cool your home, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for geothermal installation in Pittsburgh.

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Basic Boiler Components: A Pittsburgh Boiler Guide

Monday, February 4th, 2013

For a long time, boilers have been one of the most popular home heating options on the market. Their great durability and even, efficient heating suggest that this will not change any time soon. Boilers also feature fewer moving parts than many other home heating systems, reducing service needs and the frequency of breakdowns. At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we believe that homeowners should have a basic understanding of their heating systems. This can help you recognize problems with your system and even to use it more efficiently. Here are a few descriptions of the basic components that make up the boiler in your Pittsburgh home.

The burner that your boiler uses to heat water or create steam is one of the most important parts of your boiler. The thermostat (another important component) that you use to regulate temperatures in your home tell the burner when it needs to kick into operation. Fuel is fed into the boiler and combustion takes place, allowing the burner to heat the liquid your boiler uses to warm your home.

The burning of this fuel takes place in a chamber known as the combustion chamber. Temperatures in the combustion chamber get very hot, very quickly. The heat from this chamber is then sent to the boiler’s heat exchanger.

A heat exchanger is responsible for transferring the heat created in the combustion chamber into heating liquid. The water in a series of pipes absorbs this heat and is pumped throughout your home. This is how the heat created by your boiler is utilized to keep your entire house warm.

While a boiler does not have many moving parts, it is still necessary to schedule routine maintenance service to ensure that all of its components are in proper working condition. This will help to boost efficiency and will also keep your boiler operating safely. Don’t take any chances; schedule boiler maintenance service today.

For more information about the way in which your boiler heats your home in Pittsburgh, contact the home heating experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We can help ensure your comfort and the safe operation of your home heating system. Our professional boiler technicians have the answers to any questions you may have.

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