Boehmer Heating & Cooling Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Pittsburgh’

Pittsburgh Air Conditioning Maintenance Tip: Benefits of AC Maintenance

Monday, April 8th, 2013

While it’s not yet hot enough to begin using our air conditioning in Pittsburgh, spring is an excellent time to think about air conditioning maintenance and its potential benefits. While installing an appropriately sized system and making sure it has an excellent SEER rating are both important factors in energy efficiency and cooling performance, maintenance is the key to long-term reliability. It’s estimated that neglected air conditioners lose about 5% of their efficiency every year of use. You need professional care on a regular basis to ensure you get the most for your money. For Pittsburgh air conditioning maintenance, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

Here are a few benefits of air conditioning maintenance:

Improved energy efficiency: Efficiency measures the cooling output against the electrical energy input. Due to the ever-rising energy costs, homeowners and business’ alike are looking for ways to maximize the energy efficiency of their cooling systems. Routine inspection, cleaning and tune-ups of your AC go a long way to ensuring that you get the most cooling on the dollar.
Extended system life: No matter whether your air conditioning system is 3 or 13 years old, it’s never too early or too late to enroll in a routine maintenance program. As dust and debris accumulate inside the components and mechanisms of your cooling system, they will begin to interfere with performance and may eventually cause premature system replacement. When you invest in a cooling system, you want to be sure that it’s going to last. Maintenance is the best way to make that happen.
Reduced need for major repairs: While some repairs are inevitable, routine air conditioning maintenance significantly reduces the risk of major repairs, those that are most costly. Often, during the thorough inspection and cleaning of your system, your technician may discover minor problems that need to be repaired. Always make sure to take care of any minor repairs because they can lead to major problems in the future.

We hope you found this list of maintenance benefits useful. If you’re still unconvinced as to the merits of our Pittsburgh air conditioning maintenance service, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Maintenance, Brentwood, Mt Lebanon, Pittsburgh
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Benefits of Using a Heat Pump in Pittsburgh

Monday, April 1st, 2013

At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we do everything we can to ensure that our clients are able to keep their homes comfortable throughout the entire year. That is why we offer such a great selection of home heating and air conditioning systems to choose from, as well as a wide array of outstanding HVAC services. We also like to help our customers keep comfortable in the most efficient way possible. We know how expensive it can be to heat and cool a home. If you are interested in an efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, give us a call to learn more about the benefits of using a heat pump in Pittsburgh.

One great benefit of using a heat pump in Pittsburgh is the fact that it acts as both a heating and air conditioning system. This means that you only need to invest in one system in order to keep your home comfortable throughout the year. When you schedule your heat pump installation with a qualified professional you can count on a great, reliable performance, no matter what season it is.

Of course, many home comfort system options double as both heating and cooling systems. What truly sets a heat pump apart is the great benefit of its outstanding efficiency. Heat pumps are among the most efficient heating and cooling systems available. The more efficient a heating and cooling system is, the less it costs to keep your home comfortable.

The key to the great efficiency with which heat pumps operate is their dependence on the heat transfer principle to heat and cool your home, as opposed to the consumption of fuel. A heat pump uses just a small amount of electricity to transfer heat into or out of your home, unlike a traditional system. By transferring existing heat, a heat pump is able to keep you comfortable while using very little energy. This is not only a great benefit to your budget but also to the environment.

To learn more about the benefits of using a heat pump in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have the answers to all your questions. Let us keep you comfortable with greater efficiency than ever before.

Tags: Heat Pump, Heat Pump Installation, Heat Pumps, McCandless, Pittsburgh, Washington
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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!

Tags: Furnace, Furnace Installation, Heating, Heating Installation, McCandless, Pittsburgh, Washington
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Will Your Pittsburgh AC Be Prepared for Summer?

Monday, March 18th, 2013

The question on many minds of homeowners as the temperature begins to rise is whether their AC systems are ready for summer. It’s an important question. The cool, crisp air of the home AC is a reprieve from the hot and humid days from June through September. But this doesn’t happen automatically—as with any system, your AC requires maintenance to ensure that it works all summer long. That’s why it’s crucial for homeowners to begin to prepare their systems for the summer months. That way, you can be prepared for even scorching heat, and feel confident that your system is up to the task. Don’t put your comfort at risk. For AC maintenance in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

Here are some ways to prepare your AC for clean cool comfort all summer:

Enroll in a maintenance plan. Routine inspection, cleaning and precision tune-ups is the best way to ensure that your system works effectively and efficiently. Certain plans may also include discounts on repairs and diagnostics, as well as equipment. Not only does regular maintenance lower your energy bills, it also extends the life of your AC.
Clean your air filter. Your air filter is designed to prevent the passage of airborne allergens like dust and pollen into our indoor air. When it becomes dirty or clogged, however, it can also reduce energy-efficiency and cause damages in other parts of the system. This is an easy way to prepare your AC for the summer.
Install a programmable thermostat. The thermostat is your interface between you and your AC. Programmable thermostats give you the option of customizing your indoor climate. You can program certain days of the week or times of the day to adjust automatically to certain temperatures. This helps your system make gradual instead of sudden changes, and it allows you to control your cooling when you’re not there.

These are just a few of the ways to make sure your AC is prepared for summer. For more information, or to schedule AC maintenance in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: Air Conditioning, Air Conditioning Maintenance, McKees Rocks, Pittsburgh, Upper St Clair
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Is Geothermal a Good Cooling Option in Pittsburgh?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

Every year, thousands of homeowners are turning to geothermal heating and cooling for its highly-efficient, cost-reducing, and eco-friendly energy. It is very similar to how a heat pump works, and shares most of the same components. But it differs from the air source heat pump in its capacity to harness the energy of the earth. When looking at cooling options in your area, you’ll have to take into consideration your cooling needs, the size and location of your home, as well as your budget. A geothermal system can be an innovative and reliable way to make your home comfortable this cooling season. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with a Pittsburgh geothermal expert, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling.

The two major components of your geothermal cooling system are underground piping, also known as the “earth loop,” and the geothermal heat pump. Depending on your location and the topography of your land, your geothermal piping will be arranged either in a shallow horizontal bed, or in deep vertical wells. The pipes are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and they circulate the water-refrigerant mixture in a closed or open loop. The geothermal heat pump is just like a regular heat pump, but instead of transferring heat indoors and outdoors by drawing it in and out of the air, it draws the heat from the earth loop during the winter, and disperses it into the earth loop during summer.

Geothermal Benefits:

Efficiency: Geothermal cooling can often cut your bills in half. The heat pump uses very little energy when compared to a standard air conditioner.
Durability: As an alternative to other systems, geothermal cooling systems are made with durable materials that are intended to survive the elements and last many years.
Eco-friendly: In a world of every-increasing energy demands, it can be comforting to know that you rely on the temperature of the earth under your feet to cool your home. You’ll not only save money, but you can also reduce the production of ozone-depleting substances.

All in all, geothermal cooling is a great option. For more information, or to schedule a consultation with a Pittsburgh geothermal cooling expert, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

Tags: Geothermal, Geothermal Cooling, Geothermal Installation, McKees Rocks, Oakmont, Pittsburgh
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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.

Tags: Energy Saving, Heating, Jefferson Hills, Pittsburgh, Shaler
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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.

Tags: Boiler, Boiler Repairs, Heating, Pittsburgh
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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.

Tags: Boiler Noise, Boiler Repair, Heating, Pittsburgh
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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.

Tags: Geothermal, Geothermal Installation, Heating, Pittsburgh
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