Too much condensation on your windows can indicate that your humidity is too high. In the winter, excessive humidity can even cause frost to form indoors.
We recommend calling a professional service to have your heating system winterized, rather than trying to do it yourself. Specialized equipment is required to properly add anti-freeze, and not all heating systems are compatible with this process.
If you think your energy bills are getting out of hand, you're not alone. In 2009, the average annual cost of home energy was $2,000. There are ways you can help reduce furnace related costs, though. Here are a few: Have your system checked and adjusted annually, install a programmable thermostat if you don't have one, and clean or replace your furnace filter regularly.
If your furnace frequently cycles on and off, it may be time for a replacement. Older furnaces can’t heat the air as efficiently as newer ones.
Are you concerned that your heating system may not be able to withstand another severe cold weather spell in your area? Let’s talk about the last time your unit was serviced and how that could help keep it running all winter long.
Using solar energy to power your water heater will result in 50% more efficiency than using natural gas or electricity for power, but a back-up system may be required for cloudy days.
Ductwork is the component of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system that carries conditioned air, such as warm air in the colder, winter months, throughout your home. The main ductwork supply is in the ductwork trunk, which distributes the highest air volume. The side branches of this system are what enable each room to be heated.
Active solar heating systems store the sun's heat in a solar collector and use that heat to warm the air, which is then distributed throughout your home through the use of ducts.
Although it's tempting to get the least expensive equipment you can find, it isn't always cost effective. Getting the heating unit size that's right for your house will make it run most efficiently.
The fan that exhausts the heated air from your heating system does more than move heat; it also plays a role in venting combustion gases. Fan powered exhaust systems are usually found in newer construction designed for greater energy efficiency.
When you think of your home's heating system, you may only think about the parts that keep your home warm in the winter. Don't forget about your boiler system though.
There are a number of different ways to heat a home. One of the most common methods in the U.S. is either oil-fired furnaces or natural gas fired-furnaces. In locations where natural gas is not available, bottled LPG gas is available.
Spill switches on heating systems are protective devices designed to prevent combustion gases from escaping into a building. When they sense the heat of combustion gases that should be traveling up the flue, they shut the heating system down.
There are two different types of heat loss from a home. Fabric loss occurs through the building materials of the house. Ventilation loss occurs through drafts or ventilation.
Do you have asthma and allergies? Making sure the air that goes into your furnace and through your ventilation system is clean can make a big difference. HVAC experts can help you find the right filtration system, whether it's allergen filters or an electronic air filter.
Heating system controls regulate when the various components of the heating system turn on and off. By far the most important control from a homeowner’s standpoint is the thermostat, which regulates the distribution system to keep you comfortable.
Home furnaces use either natural gas or oil as fuel. Gas furnaces are from 80% up to 98% efficient. Oil furnaces are from 80% up to 90% efficient.
Fuel oil systems are one available heating option, although their operating costs can fluctuate depending on the world political climate. Although the technology was once superior, it has recently taken a backseat to more efficient and cost-effective systems.
Did you know that geothermal heating is considered to be one of the safest heating options? As these systems do not use flammable fossil fuels to function, there is no combustion, chance of an explosion, hazardous fumes, or risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
If you’ve noticed that your monthly heating bills have steadily been creeping up despite keeping the thermostat set at the same temperature, it’s time to call for service on your unit. Even a small issue with your heating equipment can equal big increases in what it costs to operate it.
A good heating system is about more than just the heater—it's also about proper ventilation. Without proper ventilation, especially in your attic, moisture can build up and cause problems. HVAC heating experts will make sure your whole system is working well.
Did you know that high-efficiency condensing furnaces (90% AFUE and above) are a bit more complex than conventional units? This is due to the heat exchanger technology used and the method used to exhaust the combustion gases.
If you're away from home for regular intervals throughout the week, consider installing a programmable thermostat. The pre-programmed settings on these thermostats can save you about $180/year in energy costs.
If it's time to replace your furnace, it isn't all bad news: Sealed combustion and other new technology furnaces are safer and more energy efficient than ever before. Some EPA Energy Star compliant furnaces are more than 90 percent AFUE efficient. They have 12 percent better annual fuel utilization efficiency than the national minimum. In English, that means your family will be safer, and you'll break even faster.
Boilers have very few moving parts, which is a big reason why they're known for being durable and reliable. However, they will eventually wear out, and an HVAC heating expert can help you get a new, improved, and more efficient replacement.
To determine whether your commercial HVAC system is truly cost-effective, you need to consider much more than just the installation costs. Experts recommend that you calculate the first several years of ownership as well.
Did you know space heating is the second highest use for commercial energy in the United States? At least 41 percent of the energy consumed in the US in 2008 was for home and business use, and that number is expected to rise 13 percent over the next 20 years.
Few things are as frustrating as having your heating equipment break down on you in the middle of a cold winter. When you need to ensure your family will have plenty of heat all winter long, we’re always ready to help maintain your unit.
Some of the newer space heating boilers also are designed to provide efficient water heating, because they don’t heat and store water at the same time. They feature a well-insulated indirect tank that connects to a water-heating coil in the boiler.
Heating can be gas, oil, or electric systems, which means heating experts are trained and experienced in how to repair, maintain, and install all three system types. They even know how to work with electrical circuitry, so you can count on them to fix your problems.
One of the most common types of heaters used in most homes nowadays is the force-air, or whole-house, system. Here, gas, oil, or electricity is used to heat air, which is blown with a fan around the house via ducts that lead to vents on the floor or ceiling.
Did you know that you could save about 40% on heating bills just by replacing an old furnace with the one that has an Annual Fuel Utilization (AFUE) rating of 60%?
Since it’s more difficult for a heating system run efficiently during cold weather when it hasn’t been properly calibrated, it’s smart to have your unit serviced before the beginning of cold weather. If you need a little help with its servicing, we’re always ready to lend a hand.
In mixed or hybrid heating systems, the heat exchanger must be regularly inspected and repaired, if needed. The heat exchanger is how heat is transferred from the hot water to the air before being sent through the heating system.
Not only has central heating improved the comfort level of everyone who owns it, but it has also saved many lives. In Britain, mortality rates skyrocketed during freezing temperatures. Once central heating was introduced, they no longer had to rely on fickle open fires to secure warmth.
So why are high-efficiency gas furnaces so efficient? These furnaces use a second heat exchanger in order to reclaim some of the heat that is lost in the form of water vapor, which is then transformed into usable heat.
Don't forget that fast isn't always as important as correct when it comes to heating equipment repair and maintenance. Taking the time to do it right will cost you less in the long-run.
Did you know that, in freezing and below-freezing temperatures, it takes water lines about three days to freeze in a home without heat? Speak to your HVAC heating professional to ensure that your home is appropriately heated during colder temperatures, so that you water lines remain operational.
A key part of designing a heating system for any building is making sure that rise and flow of heat through spaces are taken into account. The is called the "Stack Effect," and HVAC experts know how to adjust systems to fit how it works in your house.
Do you know that the terms constant volume and variable volume refer to the volume of air that flows through the HVAC system in case of commercial heating systems?
Forced air heating systems are the most common in the U.S. The air is heated in a furnace (using electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, or solar energy), and then distributed throughout your home through ducts and registers.
What are the advantages of gas furnaces versus oil furnaces? Gas is the more common type due to its efficiency and cost. Oil is more common in regions where natural gas is less available.
Most heaters and boilers are dependent upon atmospheric venting (also called "natural venting"), which uses the lighter properties of heated air to remove exhaust gases. Newer, airtight homes can interfere with proper venting and create problems if not properly configured.
Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) are expensive and difficult to install. However, the EPA estimates that a geothermal heat pump can cut your heating energy costs by anywhere from 30% to 70%.
A heat pump is often used in heating, ventilation, air conditioning—HVAC—systems and provides an energy-efficient way in which to heat a home in the winter. A heat pump, which differs from a furnace, does not burn fuel to create heat and does use electricity to move heat throughout the home.
When a heater is properly maintained, it should last between 10 and 15 years, but losing your heater during a cold spell can be life-threatening. If your heater's getting up there in years, then it's a good idea to take the safe approach, and replace it before it fails.
An HVAC system may run into problems during cold weather if it is not maintained properly. It is advised to have your unit serviced before the beginning of cold weather to avoid any sort of inconvenience.
In water-to-air heating systems, one of the critical measurements is the thermal conductivity of the liquid, as it describes the heat transfer efficiency of the system. The lower the thermal conductivity, the greater the costs for generating heat.
You can help maintain your heating system by checking for air leaks from cracks and holes in your ductwork. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that good air duct maintenance, and insulating ducts that pass through cold areas of your home like the garage or basement, could increase the amount of warm air exiting your registers by 60 percent.
Your charming fireplace creates holiday ambience, but it can also make your heating system work less efficiently. Convection currents created by your carefully tended fire can actually pull room air up your chimney and out of your home.
Did you know that certain types of furnaces run off of a low-moisture corn? Since the same corn you can find at feed stores is the fuel source, it's usually easy to find enough fuel in the winter.
Did you know that certain types of furnaces run off of a low-moisture corn? Since the same corn you can find at feed stores is the fuel source, it's usually easy to find enough fuel in the winter.
Did you know that certain types of furnaces run off of a low-moisture corn? Since the same corn you can find at feed stores is the fuel source, it's usually easy to find enough fuel in the winter.
#FunFact Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can save you an estimated 10% – 30% on your monthly heating and cooling expenses!
Family-owned since 1972, Millfair Heating & Cooling provides clients with the prompt, dependable service they need to enjoy the comfort they deserve! Same-day appointments are available. Get in touch with us today | (814) 864-0186
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Did you know that certain types of furnaces run off of a low-moisture corn? Since the same corn you can find at feed stores is the fuel source, it's usually easy to find enough fuel in the winter.