Your HVAC Troubleshooting Guys

As long as my furnace provided heat, I paid very little attention to it.

• I should have kept up with filter changes and scheduling professional maintenance in the fall.

I neglected the heating system until it suddenly quit in the middle of the night. Since it was the end of January and the outdoor temperature was down to ten degrees, I had no alternative but to call for emergency repair. I was not only worried about my family’s comfort but the possibility of the water pipes freezing. It cost me a small fortune to get a licensed technician to come to the house at that time of night. When the technician took the system apart, he found a considerable accumulation of dust and other debris on the inner workings. He said that this grime had restricted air flow through the system causing it to overheat. After a very thorough inspection, he informed me that the heat exchanger was cracked. I assumed that he could simply replace the heat exchanger, clean the furnace and get the system working again. I learned that the cost of a new heat exchanger was more than the furnace was worth. Because I hadn’t kept up with seasonal upkeep by a professional, the manufacturer’s warranty was no longer valid. I ended up paying for a brand new furnace to be installed. After that horrible experience, I immediately signed up for a maintenance plan. I am now diligent about air filter changes and annual upkeep. I am determined to take very good care of the furnace and make sure it lasts for as long as possible.

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There are also some extra perks of investing into a maintenance program

The investment into a top quality air conditioner and furnace was significant. These systems are two of the most expensive appliances installed in the home. I spent extra in order to take advantage of higher SEER and AFUE ratings. My family relies on the heating and cooling units just about year round. In order to optimize value, I take very good care of my furnace and air conditioner. I make sure to replace the air filters every month. I’ve also enrolled into a maintenance plan with a local HVAC contractor. The maintenance contract includes two visits per year. A licensed, fully insured and NATE-certified technician provides upkeep for the furnace in the fall and for the air conditioner in the spring. During the visit, he utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic software to test operation. He thoroughly cleans all of the components, tightens electrical connections, lubricates moving parts, verifies the integrity of the heat exchangers, tests the refrigerant and replaces any worn or broken parts. This service fulfills the requirements of the manufacturer’s warranty coverage. It also restores the heating and cooling system to peak capacity and energy efficiency. I can be sure that my family enjoys optimum comfort and indoor air quality. There is less chance of a malfunction and the equipment should last longer. There are also some extra perks of investing into a maintenance program. I benefit from priority scheduling and don’t pay any added fees for overtime service. I get a fifteen percent discount of labor and parts for any repairs. I like the peace of mind of knowing my furnace and air conditioner are ready for the upcoming demands of the season.

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I’ve read that a properly maintained furnace can last anywhere from fifteen to twenty years.

My current furnace is definitely older than twenty years.

It was already installed when my family bought the home twenty-three years ago. While the heating system has been wonderfully effective and reliable, it has started to have some minor problems. Every winter, I can expect a small repair. The cost of the diagnostic fee, parts and labor adds up very quickly. Plus, I’ve noticed that my utility bills are a bit higher every month. The furnace seems to be supplying less heated air than it once did. Because of this, it needs to run longer and work harder to meet the thermostat setting. It uses a lot more energy and makes more noise. I am a bit worried about the furnace quitting during the middle of a winter blizzard. My family can’t go without a working heating system when the outside temperature is below freezing. There would be the risk of water pipes freezing. I’d need to rush to get a new furnace installed and be stuck accepting whatever model was readily available. I’d prefer to take my time, research different models, look into financing and consult with a local HVAC contractor. It would be more convenient to schedule the replacement during the late summer or early fall. I know that proper sizing and installation protocols are extremely important to the efficiency, reliability and longevity of the furnace. There are models on the current market that provide some really helpful and cost-saving features, such as zone control and wifi accessibility. I would be willing to spend more to purchase an Energy Star furnace that achieves a higher AFUE rating. Since we will most likely keep the new furnace for at least twenty years, it’s important to make smart decisions and be happy with the results.

 

 

hybrid heating

I’ve read that most people spend approximately ninety percent of their time inside.

The weather in my local area often makes getting outside just about impossible.

Between the summer heat and humidity and the sub zero temperatures and snow during the winter, we are extremely reliant on the air conditioner and furnace. I look forward to the few weeks out of the year when I can open the windows and welcome in a fresh breeze. In-between, the living space tends to get very stale and stuffy. I’ve gone to great lengths to tighten up the house and eliminate energy losses. All of the caulking, insulation and weatherstripping has helped to prevent the heated and cooling air from leaking out. Unfortunately, the lack of natural ventilation creates some problems with indoor air quality. The furnace and air conditioner circulate the same air throughout the house over and over again. Any dust, pollen, dander, bacteria, VOCs, viruses or pathogens are trapped inside. I have finally found the next best thing to opening the windows. I invested into a heat recovery ventilator that is designed to bring fresh air into the house all year round without energy waste. The ventilator significantly improves the health, cleanliness, smell and comfort of the home. Because it is a heat recovery model, it takes advantage of the outgoing air during the winter, using it to preheat the air it brings in. This lessens demands on the furnace and saves money on energy bills. During the summer, the ventilator helps to combat excess humidity, reducing the workload of the air conditioner.

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