Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Pittsburgh Heating Tip: Problems Affecting Your Boiler’s Performance

Monday, January 28th, 2013

While there could be many problems affecting your boiler’s performance, there are a few common reasons your boiler is not heating your home enough. Call the Pittsburgh heating specialists at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for all your boiler needs.

If there’s sediment build-up inside the boiler tank, this could affect the performance. That’s why it is important to have a professional flush your tank during routine tune-ups so that it prevents decreased water levels, which affects how well the boiler heats your home or hot water. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge as well so that you know when the water levels are abnormally low. Consult your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to read the pressure gauge. Call a repair technician if the readings are not normal. This could prevent a safety issue or damage to the system.

If there’s too much air in the lines feeding the radiators, this could also affect performance. If you hear hissing noises, there could be too much air inside the lines. In gas boilers, a bad thermocouple sensor is another issue that can cause low heating output. This sensor measures the gas flow, so if it is broken, then you won’t be getting enough heat. Call for repairs if you think this may be the issue.

Lastly, a leaking boiler tank will definitely cause performance problems since a water leak can affect the temperatures of the water. Signs of corrosion or rust on your tank should be looked at by a boiler repair technician.

Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for heating repair in Pittsburgh!

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Boiler or Furnace: Which is Right for Your Pittsburgh Home?

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Boilers and furnaces are two of the most common heating systems in the United States. There are pros and cons to each heating system but when it comes down to it, the best system for your home is the one that you like the most. But which one is right for your home? This can be a hard question to answer without knowing the specifics of your home, your budget and your personal preferences. Boehmer Heating & Cooling has been providing complete boiler and furnace installation in Pittsburgh for many years. We’ve help countless customers figure out which system is right for their home and then installed it for them so that it works when they need. Here are some of the things to think about as you move forward with this process.

Radiant Heat vs. Forced Convection

Boiler systems generally heat your home using radiant heat. This means that the heat from the under floor or wall pipes radiates out into the room and heats up the objects in the room. You can also have baseboard radiators which heat the air. A forced-air convection system, like a furnace, heats up the air and moves it through your home.

The Pros and Cons of Boilers in Pittsburgh

As is the case with everything, boilers do offer some great advantages to your homes but they also have some disadvantages. To begin with, many people report that radiant is more comfortable than forced-air heating. If you have radiators in each room, you can turn some of them off if you’re not using the room which offers energy savings. However, boilers are typically much more to install and to replace. They also don’t offer any humidity control for your home because they don’t circulate air.

Pros and Cons of Furnaces in Pittsburgh

Furnaces offer certain benefits over boilers. They allow you to incorporate an air filtration and humidity control system directly into your heating system. They also cost much less to replace and to install. However, because they move air around, they pick up dust and other allergens and move them into the air.

If you need any kind of help picking out a new heating system for your home, just call Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience providing complete furnace installation and boiler installation in Pittsburgh. Call us today!

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Why Won’t My Pilot Light Stay Lit? Pittsburgh Heating Repair Tip

Monday, January 14th, 2013

There are a few different reasons why the pilot light in your Pittsburgh home may have trouble staying lit. While not all of them are particularly serious, any malfunctioning pilot light should be recognized as a potential safety hazard. If your pilot light just does not want to stay lit, we encourage you to contact the Pittsburgh heating experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have the skills, training and tools necessary to determine if your pilot light issues are just a matter of a faulty component or if there is a serious issue in your basement.

One reason that your pilot light may not stay lit is a faulty thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety feature that gas furnaces and water heaters feature designed to stem the flow of gas to the appliance in the event that the combustion process is not safe to perform. Basically the thermocouple detects heat at the burner of your furnace. If there is not sufficient heat to keep the combustion of the fuel going safely the thermocouple will sense this and trigger the shut off of the gas supply. If your thermocouple malfunctions it may not sense sufficient heat even if it is there, causing it to shut off the flow of gas even when there is no threat to your safety.

A more serious issue that may cause your pilot light to go out frequently is a problem with the supply of gas itself. For instance, if there is a gas leak en route to your furnace there may not be enough gas coming in to keep the pilot light lit. Anytime that you are dealing with a combustible fuel like natural gas you need to be sure that it is provided in a safe, effective manner. A natural gas leak can lead to exposure to carbon monoxide, a toxic gas.

For more information on potential reasons that your pilot light will not stay lit, contact the Pittsburgh heating professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We want to make sure that you are safe in your Pittsburgh home. Let us help you heat your home and water in a safe, efficient manner. Schedule service today.

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Why Enroll in a Maintenance Plan? A Pittsburgh Heating Guide

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Making a sound investment is a great feeling. You work hard for your money, and when you spend it in a way that improves your life over time while saving you money along the way. Enrolling in a maintenance program with your Pittsburgh heating and air conditioning contractor is one of the best decisions you can make in terms of spending a little to gain a lot.

At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on not only the quality of our service but the value that we provide our customers. That is why we encourage you to enroll in one of our exceptional maintenance plans available throughout Pittsburgh. Contact us today for more information.

When it comes to getting the best, most efficient and most dependable performance possible from your heating and air conditioning equipment, regular maintenance is your best bet. There are numerous benefits that come with the professional maintenance of your home comfort systems. Maintenance ensures that each individual component of the system is operating properly, boosting efficiency and reducing the risk of damages and breakdowns. It also allows for the safe operation of your heater and air conditioner.

By enrolling in a maintenance plan you get many additional benefits. Our maintenance plans include discounts on repairs and reduced diagnostic charges or an option that includes no additional labor or diagnostic charges. You will not pay any overtime charges and we will always be there when you need emergency services.

Maintenance plans are a great idea considering the busy, hectic lifestyles that most people lead these days. You do not need worries about your heating and air conditioning systems added to your plate. When you enroll in a maintenance plan, you have a professional team to do that for you. You don’t even have to worry about remembering to schedule service.

As heating and air conditioning professionals, we here at Boehmer Heating & Cooling cannot recommend enrolling in a maintenance plan enough. It is the best way to keep your Pittsburgh home comfortable with total confidence. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have.

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Pittsburgh Heating Tip: Decisions to Make Prior to Your Furnace Installation

Monday, December 10th, 2012

While summer and fall are excellent times to start planning a new furnace installation for your Pittsburgh area home, it’s never too early to start comparing the different models if you know that you will need to replace your furnace.

There are some decisions you will need to make prior to the furnace installation, such as what type of furnace you want to install and what features are most important to you. You can always call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for advice. Meanwhile, we’ve put together some things to think about as you start making these decisions.

You can begin making your decisions by monitoring your heating bills and paying attention to how well your current furnace is performing. Are you paying outrageously high heating bills? How did your furnace test during the annual tune-up?  If you decide that you want a high-efficiency system, you’ll need to know how to read and compare the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) percentages and what they mean for you.

It’s a good idea to begin speaking with your heating contractor about the different models on the market, and they should be able to help you select the most cost-efficient furnace for your home. You’ll also need to decide what type of fuel you want to use. For instance, if your home has access to natural gas, heating with a gas furnace is much easier than getting oil delivered, and if you switch over, you will also save space since there’s no tank involved.

Don’t hesitate to call Boehmer Heating & Cooling if you having any questions about installing a heating system in Pittsburgh!

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Does Your Heating System Need Repair Service? A Pittsburgh Heating Guide

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

The winters here in Pittsburgh can be brutal. We all love the occasional outing into the snow, but when it comes down to it, you really need your home to stay warm and cozy. In order to make that happen, you need your heating system to be in good working order. However, sometimes it can be difficult to tell when your heating system needs repairs.

Low Air Flow

This is a very common heating problem in Pittsburgh. Here are a few causes of low air flow.

  • Air filter – If you have a forced air system like a furnace or heat pump, then you likely have a filter to keep dust and dirt from building up on the moving parts inside. If this filter isn’t changed regularly, it can cause a bunch of problems.
  • Fan – The fan inside your air handler is responsible for pushing the heated air throughout your home. If it isn’t working right, it could result in not enough air coming out of the registers.

Insufficient Heat

This is another common problem that we get calls for service for in Pittsburgh – here are common causes of insufficient heating:

  • Air filter – Again, regularly changing the air filter can keep your heating system working effectively.
  • Thermostat – Your thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature in your home. If it isn’t working correctly, it could be telling your heating system that the home doesn’t need heat, so it doesn’t turn on when it needs to.
  • Dirty burner – Sometimes, the burner in your heating system can become so dirty that only a part of the burner is actually working. This can cause insufficient heat in your home as well.

No Heat

Finally, if your heating system isn’t producing any heat, here are a few reasons why this could be:

  • Thermostat – Like before, a faulty thermostat can cause your heating system not to turn on at all.
  • Pilot light and/or Thermocouple – It’s expected that your pilot light will go out occasionally. But if it starts to happen often, you may want to call a heating technician. Also, the thermocouple is a fantastic safety device for your gas-fired system. It sits next to the pilot light and detects when there is flame. If it senses that the pilot has gone out, it shuts off the flow of gas. This keeps your gas-fired heating system from filling your basement with gas fumes. If it is malfunctioning, it could be shutting off the flow of gas and keeping you from getting any heat.

If you’re experiencing any of these heating problems in your Pittsburgh home, call the heating experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have experience working on all types and brands of heating systems. We can diagnose the problem quickly and get you back up and running soon. Call us today!

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What to Consider Before a Boiler Installation in Pittsburgh

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Boilers are a terrific heating system for your home in Pittsburgh and are one of the most popular heating systems in the United States. They offer reliable and comfortable heat for your home. When you start to think about getting a boiler installed there are a number of important considerations to take into account. At Boehmer Heating & Cooling we’ve installed countless boiler systems. We thought that it would be helpful if we put together a list of some of the most common considerations before you have a new boiler installed in your home.

Boiler Efficiency Rating

One of the most important considerations is the efficiency of your new boiler. Difference heating systems receive different efficiency ratings. Boilers are given an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. This rating describes the percentage of fuel that is actually converted into usable heat. For example, some older boilers and furnaces have an AFUE rating of 60%. This means that 60% of the fuel consumed is turned into heat while the other 40% is wasted. Newer systems can have an AFUE rating of 95% and higher. Obviously, you want to get the most efficient system possible. Normally, the efficiency rating is noted on the side of the unit.

Fuel Type

Depending on your home and where you live, you may want to think about the type of fuel that your boiler will use. If you have a natural gas line coming into your, perhaps for a water heater, you can have it piped to your boiler as well. But if you don’t have a gas line, it would probably make more sense to install one that uses oil.

Size of the Boiler

The physical size of the boiler is another thing you should think about before you have it installed. You want to make sure that you have the physical space for the new unit.

Installation

The final thing to think about is who you want to install your new boiler. You should always have a professional heating contractor come to your home to finish the installation. Improper installation is one of the most common sources of problems for our customers in the Pittsburgh area. You want your heating system to start off on the right foot.

If you have any questions about our boiler installation services in Pittsburgh, give Boehmer Heating & Cooling a call. We have experience working with all types and brands of boilers. Contact us today!

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Pittsburgh Boiler Tip: 5 Common Boiler Problems You Don’t Know You Have

Monday, November 19th, 2012

Heating homes in Pittsburgh with boilers is common, especially in older homes. While boiler systems are relatively simple, there can be many hidden issues with them.  Here are 5 common boiler problems that you may not be aware of. Call the heating experts at Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning any time for more tips and advice.

1. Sediment Buildup and Pressure Gauge Problems

If you notice that your boiler is not producing enough heat or not working at all, there are a few reasons that this can happen. Something could have gone wrong inside the boiler that has decreased the hot water levels, which can be caused by sediment buildup or the pressure valve. If you aren’t sure how to check the pressure gauge, call your heating contractor. You may be able to adjust the water levels if the water is low, but if there’s mineral buildup, your boiler will need to be drained and flushed out by a professional.

2. Boiler Expansion Tank Issues

There are a few reasons your boiler expansion tank is causing problems. The air pressure could be low, which an issue that can be detected by inconsistent temperatures within the tank. The hot water should be at the bottom and cold at the top. If this is reversed, you could have problem with the air pressure or a water level problem. Call your Pittsburgh heating contractor if you suspect an issue with the expansion tank.

3. Broken Radiator in Boiler Systems

Usually if you are having trouble with the radiator, excess air in the lines or inside the actual radiator could be causing the problem. Hissing noises and lack of heat could be indicators of this. Problems with air in the lines will require a repair service.

4. Thermocouple Failure in Gas Boilers

If you have a gas boiler, it is equipped with a thermocouple sensor that monitors the gas flow to the burners. It helps to regulate the amount of heat that is produced. If your pilot light has gone out and you cannot get it lit again, it may an issue with the thermocouple. This a fairly easy part to replace, so call a service technician if you are having problems getting the pilot light on your gas boiler to stay lit.

5. Boiler Leaks

Water leaking from your boiler is something that should be taken care of by a technician. Leaks can reduce the pressure inside your expansion tank, and this will affect proper temperature control. If you notice water leaking from your boiler or any corrosion on the equipment, call a heating technician.

If you suspect any of these problems with the boiler in your Pittsburgh home, call Boehmer Heating & Air Conditioning.

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Why AFUE Ratings Matter When Installing a New Furnace in Your Pittsburgh Home

Monday, November 5th, 2012

When you are in the market for a new furnace for your Pittsburgh home, there are several reasons you should pay attention to the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. All newer model furnaces get an AFUE percentage, which measures how much fuel a particular model converts into heat. Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings are more efficient, but the size and type of furnace will also factor into how much you’ll save on energy costs.

Understanding the AFUE Ratio

The minimum AFUE rating for new furnaces is 78%. This means that seventy-eight percent of the fuel is turned into heat, and the remaining percentage is lost either through poor insulation, air leaks, or the ventilation system in the home. Because there’s no heat loss through a chimney flue, some all-electric furnaces can have an AFUE rating as high as 98%. However, if the cost of electricity used to meet your normal heating needs is higher than the efficiency savings, you may want to consider other options. Talk to a qualified HVAC contractor for advice about the most cost-efficient heater for your home.

Furnace Efficiency Features

Furnaces manufactured 15-20 years ago have significantly lower AFUE ratings (between 55%-70% for most older models) because they are typically single-stage, or single-speed systems. Single-stage furnaces are less efficient because they are designed to cycle on at full capacity and shut off when the desired temperature is met.  Newer, two-speed models have a second setting that runs consistently at a lower speed, which saves energy by burning less fuel. Multispeed furnaces that have variable-speed blowers are the most efficient because they operate at various levels and automatically adjust to the thermostat to maintain a constant temperature.

If you look at the AFUE ratings for multispeed and variable-speed furnaces, the ratios should be above 80%. Keep in mind that this only determines the efficiency levels for the furnace itself. You’ll need to factor in whether or not your home has proper insulation and other upgrades, such as double-paned windows and doors.

Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling to speak with one of our qualified HVAC technicians about a furnace upgrade for your Pittsburgh home.

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What You Should Consider Before Upgrading the Heating System in Your Pittsburgh Home

Monday, October 29th, 2012

Many Pittsburgh homeowners who heat their homes with an older heating system—whether it’s a furnace or a boiler—may want to consider upgrading to a more efficient system. Older furnaces with an AFUE rating of less than 80%, for instance, could be costing you a lot more than you realize in heating bills.

While it is a significant initial investment, upgrading to a more efficient furnace or boiler will pay for itself in energy savings. Before you decide on whether or not an upgrade is right for your home, here are some things to keep in mind.

Fuel Costs

Some types of fuel, such as electricity, are more expensive in certain areas. Depending on where you live, you may want to compare the cost of fuel before choosing a heating upgrade. In fact, natural gas may or may not be available to your home. Check with your utility company to find out what types of fuel are available and which ones would be more cost-efficient for heating your home. You can always call a qualified HVAC technician if you have any questions about a heating system upgrade.

Insulation

Whenever you are thinking about upgrading your heating system, you’ll want to make sure your home is properly insulated and sealed. If you purchase and install a highly efficient furnace, it won’t save as much in energy bills if your house is poorly insulated. Get a home energy audit with a local energy resource organization if you aren’t sure. You might want to also consider upgrading your old windows and doors, or installing storm doors and windows to improve air tightness.

Property Value

A lot of homeowners forget that any upgrade or remodeling project will increase the value of their home. Not only will a heating system upgrade lower your heating bills; it will also add value to your home and property. Always make sure you choose the right system for your home so that it lasts as long as possible.

If you are considering upgrading the heating system in your Pittsburgh home, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company to speak with one of our HVAC experts to ask about our quality products and installation services.

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