Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Pittsburgh’

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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Heating Repair in Pittsburgh, PA: Thermostat Issues

Monday, October 7th, 2013

The heating system in your home is called a “system” for a reason: it is more than a single machine that produces heat, like the tank of the boiler or the cabinet of a furnace. A heating system also includes access to a fuel source, a distribution network, and an interface for the homeowner. That last item is the thermostat, and although it is usually distant from the heating unit itself and a physically small component, it is essential for getting you the warmth you need for a Pennsylvania winter.

Thermostats can require repair (or replacement) just like any part of your heating system. In this post, we’ll look at some thermostat troubles you might encounter and repairs they may require. For high-quality Pittsburgh, PA heating repair—from thermostats to whole system replacement—turn to Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have NATE-certified technicians ready to help you.

  • User error: Modern digital thermostats offer homeowners a variety of features, presented on large, easy-to-read displays with user-friendly interfaces. But it’s still possible to set them incorrectly so they turn heaters on and off at inappropriate times, or lower the temperatures when it should be raised. For zone controlled heating systems, you’ll probably have multiple thermostats, increasing the chance of one getting set incorrectly. Before you look for more serious technical issues with your thermostat, double check that you have it set correctly, and consult the user manual.
  • Miscalibration: A thermostat that misreads a home’s temperature will reduce the quality of your heating performance. Even if off by only a few degrees, a programmable thermostat can refuse to turn on when you most need it; or it will heat up your house to uncomfortable levels when you don’t need much heat at all. If multiple attempts to set the thermostat correctly do not work, you’ll need HVAC professionals to take a look at it.
  • Improper placement: If your thermostat was initially installed in the wrong location—near drafts or where it receives direct sunlight for long periods—it will record “ghost readings” of the temperature and turn on and off at the wrong times. You will probably need to re-locate it.
  • Failure: If the thermostat does not seem to affect the heating system at all, then there may be a wiring issue at fault that will require electrical work to resolve. There are other possibilities for why a heater won’t turn on, so get a professional to look over your system to decide on the proper repairs.

Getting fast and skilled heating repair in Pittsburgh, PA is essential during our long winters. If you have thermostat trouble, or any heating trouble whatsoever, contact Boehmer Heating & Cooling right away.

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Why Schedule Routine Heating Maintenance in Pittsburgh?

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

Cold weather demands adequate household heating in order to maintain your family’s comfort during the winter months. Pittsburgh is as cold as they come, and a good furnace or boiler is an essential part of your home. You may ask yourself “why schedule routine heating maintenance in Pittsburgh?” especially if your furnace or boiler isn’t breaking down. In point of fact, routine maintenance is the best way to save money on heating.

With machines that see a lot of use, such as your furnace, refrigerator or air conditioning unit, trouble doesn’t arrive all at once. Problems build up over time, exacerbated by normal wear and tear and fed by an “out of sight out of mind” approach to upkeep. Components can become dusty. Clogs can build up in flow lines. Old components can become worn out, leading to leaks, loose fittings and overheating motors. Every little issue like that forces your heater to struggle a little more get your home to a cozy temperature. Every little problem means additional cost to your monthly heating bill. And as the months and years go on, those problems can build up, adding more stress to the system until it suffers a serious breakdown. Since the heater does the most work in the winter, that may mean it stops functioning right at the point where you need it the most.

A routine heating maintenance plan can avoid all of that. A service technician can clean the heater’s components, tighten any loose cogs, replace minor components and identify potential problem areas before they get out of hand. That allows you to address upcoming issues in a timely fashion – preventing more expensive repairs down the line – as well as improving your heater’s overall efficiency (which saves money on those monthly energy bills). If you wish to schedule routine heating maintenance in Pittsburgh, contact the pros at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience installing and maintaining all manner of heating systems, and can set up a maintenance schedule that fits your specific needs. Call us today and let us show you what we can do for you.

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What’s More Beneficial for My Home: Air Conditioning Repair or Replacement?

Monday, September 9th, 2013

Any time your air conditioning unit requires repairs, it raises the question of whether you’d be better off with wholesale replacement. Air conditioning repair can address certain lingering issues, and a regular maintenance program can extend the life of your unit, but eventually, full-bore replacement may be in order. But when exactly?

The decision to repair or replace ultimately rests with individual circumstances. If the repairs are sufficiently minor and the air conditioning unit looks to keep running for the foreseeable future, it’s probably best to conduct the repair and leave the unit in place. If repairs grow too frequent or cost too much, however, then it may make more sense to install a newer and more efficient unit. It all comes down to money: how much you’re spending on repairs and upkeep versus how much the initial cost of a new unit might be.

A general rule of thumb is to evaluate your AC’s performance after ten years to see if you would benefit from a new unit. Proper maintenance can keep your AC system running for longer than that, but if you’ve passed that 10-year mark and you’re investing in significant repairs, you may want to think about a new unit. Another sure sign is the size of your electric bills every month. If your bills seem inordinately large in the summer months when you run your air conditioner – even after you’ve paid a bill to have it repairs – then the benefits of replacement may outweigh the initial cost.

A good litmus test for efficiency is the unit’s SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioner. If you’re going to replace your air conditioner, you should look for a unit with a higher SEER rating than your old one. Units with the EnergyStar sticker have a SEER rating of at least 14.

Whether you need to install a new unit or simply need to repair your old one, it pays to consult with an expert. The professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling handle air conditioning repairs and installation throughout the Pittsburgh area. Call us today and let us show you what we can do for you!

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Would I Benefit from a Humidifier in Pittsburgh?

Thursday, August 29th, 2013

Humidifiers can augment and enhance your air conditioning unit by maintaining comfortable levels of moisture in the air. Most people are comfortable with humidity levels between 30% and 65%. In towns like Pittsburgh, that’s not usually a problem in the summertime when humidity levels are high. In the winter, however, humidity levels can drop severely as heating systems and furnaces dry out the air inside your house. In those situations, would you benefit from the addition of a humidifier in your house? Chances are, you will.

First and most importantly, a humidifier will help you maintain your personal health and comfort levels. Dry air can irritate the mucus membranes in your nose and throat, making you more vulnerable to colds and infections. Nosebleeds are not uncommon with low humidity, and people with asthma or allergies may notice their symptoms becoming worse. Low humidity can also damage furniture, wallpaper and other home furnishings: wood can contract when it becomes dry, leading to cracks in hardwood floors and wooden furniture.

A humidifier counters that by introducing water vapor into the air, mitigating the dryness brought about by your furnace or heater. In addition, it helps your body feel warmer and more comfortable, aiding the heater with its job and helping your system function more efficiently. Humidifiers list their capacity in gallons; a home between 1000 and 2000 square feet, for example, should use a humidifier with 8 to 9 gallon capacity.  A trained professional can find the right size humidifier for you, as well as explaining options such as hydrometers, which measure the moisture in the air.

If you’ve decided that you need a humidifier, call the experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling to talk about installation options. We have served the greater Pittsburgh area since 1933, and we have considerable experience in installing humidifiers into people’s homes. We can size your home for the right humidifier to meet your needs, then discuss your options for brands and models. We pride ourselves on efficiency and professionalism, and won’t rest until you are completely satisfied with our installation. Call us today to set up a consultation.

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Will a Heat Pump in Pittsburgh Work Year ‘Round?

Wednesday, August 21st, 2013

Heat pumps are designed to both heat and cool your home. They essentially pull the heat from the air and transfer it to another location, moving heat out of your home when you need it to be cool, and absorbing it from the outside when you need it to be warm. That makes it a good fit in cities like Pittsburgh, which have warm, humid summers and cold winters. Will a heat pump work year ‘round in a city like that? Generally speaking, heat pumps work best in milder climates, when the temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees. A geothermal heat pump, hybrid system or a cold-weather system could be more beneficial than a typical air source heat pump.

Most heat pumps have two different sections, an outdoor section and an indoor section. The first one contains a compressor that places pressure on refrigerant gas, and a coil that cools the pressurized gas into a liquid state, releasing heat into the outside air. The liquid refrigerant then moves into the indoor unit, which contains a coil of its own. The liquid expands in that coil, which pulls heat from the nearby air. A fan then blows the cool air into your home.

That process takes place in the summer, and isn’t dissimilar to the process used by a tradition air conditioning system. In the winter, however, the process is reversed. The indoor coil condenses the gas into a liquid, releasing heat into your home. The liquid is then sent to the outdoor unit, where it evaporates and absorbs heat from the outside air. That allows the heat pump to act as both a heater and an air conditioner in one single unit. However, it only works efficiently if the outside temperature is over 40 degrees. When it gets colder, you’ll need a supplementary heating system in place. Geothermal heat pumps, however, use the temperature of the earth which stays constant all year round, so they are able to heat your home throughout the winter.

If you want to install a heat pump in your home, or you already own one and need a maintenance or repair call, then contact Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We’ll discuss your options with you and then work hard to implement the correct solution.

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Try Something New with Your Air Conditioning Replacement in Pittsburgh

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013

As much as the AC experts here at Boehmer Heating & Cooling would like to tell you that you will never have to worry about problems with your air conditioner, it simply is not true. All air conditioners will need to be replaced at some point. Mechanical systems just cannot run forever. When you decide to invest in a replacement air conditioning system, give us a call. We have a great selection of home cooling systems for you to choose from, and we’ll make sure that you find the right one for your home and personal cooling preferences. Here are a few to consider.

While split central air conditioners are the most common air conditioning systems, many homeowners find that the energy efficiency problems they have with their ductwork, or the indoor air quality issues that may arise with such systems, leave them wanting something new and different. If you are interested in eliminating the use of ductwork in your home altogether, contact us today. With a ductless mini split system, individual blowers are connected to an outdoor unit via a simple conduit. No ductwork is used, and there is no way for energy to go to waste or for pollutants to make their way into that ductwork.

You may find that your air conditioning costs are too high. For a truly efficient air conditioning system, consider the installation of a heat pump in your home, which can provide both heating and cooling. These systems do no rely on the consumption of fuel in order to heat your home. Instead, they utilize the heat transfer process in order to move heat from one area to another. Only a small amount of electricity is required to do so. This allows you to heat and cool your home more affordably and in a very environmentally friendly manner.

There is no reason that you have to stick with what you know when scheduling your air conditioning replacement in Pittsburgh. Let us help you get the most from your AC. When you work with the professional air conditioning technicians at Boehmer Heating & Cooling, you can be confident in the quality of the services you’ll receive.

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A Guide to Your Pittsburgh, PA Air Conditioning Installation Options

Tuesday, August 6th, 2013

Choosing the right air conditioning system for installation in your home can be a more challenging endeavor than you may suspect. Many homeowners in the market for a new AC are taken aback at just how many options are available to them. It can be tough to sort through them all with confidence. When you schedule your air conditioning installation in Pittsburgh, PA with a qualified professional at Boehmer Heating & Cooling, you can be sure that you’ll get all the information you need in order to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with the decision you make. The same can be said regarding your satisfaction with the quality of the service you’ll receive.

Split central systems remain the standard for whole house cooling systems. Using an outdoor condenser unit along with a system of ductwork which distributes cooled air throughout your home, split central air conditioners have proven time and time again that they are an excellent home cooling option. Of course, not all homes can accommodate the bulky ductwork that they require, nor do all homeowners want to deal with the project of a ductwork installation.

For homes with too little space for ductwork installation, ductless mini splits are a great option. As you can probably guess by their name, ductwork is completed eliminated from the equation with a ductless mini split air conditioning system. Individual, wall mounted blowers are connected to an outdoor condenser unit by a simple conduit. Within this conduit are the refrigerant and power lines of the system, as well as drain lines where necessary. By distributing air directly, ductless mini splits are a great option for zone controlled cooling enthusiasts.

Heat pumps are another cooling system to consider. With a heat pump installation, you can keep your home comfortable throughout the year while using less energy than ever before. This is because heat pumps transfer ambient energy into or out of your home to keep it comfortable, rather than depending on the consumption of fuel for conditioning air. Only a small amount of electricity is used in the process. This makes for very efficient heating and cooling.

To learn more about the air conditioning installation options in Pittsburgh, PA, give Boehmer Heating & Cooling a call. We are happy to discuss all the different air conditioning systems we offer for installation in your home. Contact us today to schedule service.

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How Programmable Thermostats Work With Your AC

Monday, July 29th, 2013

The thermostats in your home often go unnoticed because of how small they are. However, they are actually one of the most powerful components of your air conditioning system. We wanted to assemble a short explanation of why thermostats are so important and how programmable thermostats interact with your air conditioning system.

Most homeowners are familiar with digital thermostats—which are essentially the digital version of the old, round manual thermostats. But programmable thermostats offer homeowners a much higher level of control over their home’s air conditioning system . Basically, these thermostats will automatically adjust the temperature of your home during different parts of the day, such making your home warmer during times it is usually empty, which allow you to save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Programmable thermostats come in several different types and homeowners should look over each one to determine which one is best for them. If you have a consistent schedule where you work 5 days a week and then stay at home on the weekends, then a 5-2 or a 5-1-1 thermostat might be best for you. These allow you to set one schedule for the work week and then another schedule for the weekend. However, if you have a schedule that changes often, you may want to think about a 7 day programmable thermostat. This allows you to set a different schedule for each day of the week.

Programmable thermostats come with a variety of different functions depending on the model and brand that you get. Some can access the internet and others have a remote control which allows you to adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere in the house.

When you get a new programmable thermostat, many of them will start with a comprehensive on-screen interview that will allow the thermostat to determine your schedule and your energy usage goals. This kind of personalization is one of the main reasons why homeowners decide to get a programmable thermostat.

If you need help with any services for your air conditioning in Pittsburgh, just call the friendly experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling.

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Pittsburgh, PA Air Conditioning Repair Tip: Spotting a Refrigerant Leak

Monday, July 15th, 2013

The level of refrigerant that circulates through your compressor, coils, and expansion valve is vital to the effectiveness and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system, no matter what type it is. You simply cannot expect your home to stay cooling during the summer months without the correct refrigerant charge. In today’s post, we’d like to examine this issue a bit more closely.

Because your system does not expend refrigerant during the cooling cycle, there are really only two reasons why it is low. Either it was not installed with the correct amount of refrigerant to begin with, or it has developed a leak, due to either a puncture or corrosion. Let’s take a look at a few signs indicating you may have a refrigerant leak:

  • Inadequate cooling: One of the most common indications that you have a refrigerant leak, and thus low levels of refrigerant, is inadequate cooling. If you recognize a drop-off in your system’s ability to keep your home cool, then it may not have enough refrigerant to complete the cycle effectively. .
  • Warm air: If you feel warm air coming through the ductwork and you’re calling for cooling, then you know something is not right. One of the causes behind that warm air could be low levels of refrigerant. Your condenser coils simply cannot be effective if there is not enough refrigerant. Likewise for your indoor evaporator coils, which are responsible for cooling your air.
  • Hissing sound: Do you hear a hissing sound at or near your AC components? If so, the sound you might be hearing is not air but gaseous refrigerant. Not only is this harmful to the environment, but it can be devastating to your cooling performance and energy efficiency.

Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today should you have any issues with your AC’s refrigerant level. We can assist with all of your air conditioning repair needs in Pittsburgh, PA.

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