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Archive for the ‘Heating and Cooling’ Category

Tuesday, January 7th, 2014

Air conditioning units have numerous components but the most common problems with central air conditioning involve only three parts. By troubleshooting and replacing these major air conditioner parts, your unit could be working soon without you have to call in a professional.

Check the Furnace

1. First, make sure the furnace is working fine. Turn the thermostat to run on air conditioning mode at a lower temperature. The furnace fan should start right away if it has no problems.

2. If it doesn’t kick in, turn off the circuit breaker, and turn it on right after to sort of reboot it.

3. If the furnace fan still fails to function, call in a professional.

4. You should also look at the outside unit of the air conditioner. Both the fan and compressor should be operating and, if they’re not, follow the tips and suggestions below.

Check Important Air Conditioner Parts:

– Contactor: Clean out the contactor relay of any debris by blowing compressed air all around its sides. Replace the contactor if some debris cannot be removed. Restart the unit.

– Capacitor: Discharge old capacitors by clipping a jumper lead to the resistor pack’s individual ends. Attach the opposite ends to screwdrivers with insulated handles and touch these to the capacitor terminals. Caution: The capacitor should be discharged first before you disconnect or remove wires.

– Fan Motor: The last of the air conditioner parts to check when you’re having problems with your central air conditioning is the fan motor. Its studs should be aligned with the fan guard’s (or condenser cover) holes. Tighten the acorn nuts. Put in the fan blade and electric connector. Slip in the wiring of the new fan.

Caution

Before removing access panels or handling connectors, make sure the unit and the furnace circuit breakers are turned off. Use a voltage tester on the wiring connected to the contactor to check whether the power supply is off.

Be careful in buying replacement air conditioner parts. Choose reputable local A/C dealers and appliance parts stores. You will need to take note of the make and model of your unit as well as the serial numbers on the outdoor unit.

When to Call in a Pro

After performing the tips above, test if the condensing unit will start up. Put back the access cover and outdoor disconnect block. Bring up the thermostat. Switch on both the air conditioner and furnace circuit breakers.

Allow about 15 minutes for the electrical components to reboot. Next, lower the thermostat, which should make the condensing unit start working. If this doesn’t happen, allow up to an hour for the system to adjust completely, and then repeat the steps above.

If the condensing unit still fails to run, then call in a professional to take a look at your unit. For help finding the right person to do the job, use Seva Call. We’ll do the searching for you free and connect you with the right professionals.

Tags: Air Conditioner Parts
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Investing in the Most Efficient HVAC System

Friday, January 3rd, 2014

If you’re looking to replace your existing HVAC system, now is the perfect time to invest in the most suitable and most efficient HVAC system for your home. HVAC systems today feature higher energy efficiency than ever before with new eco-friendly refrigerants, and are manufactured to last longer than older systems.

Here are more reasons why you should choose the most efficient HVAC system you can afford:

Enjoy Greater Level of Comfort

You will enjoy greater comfort in your home with a high-efficiency AC system. Today’s central AC systems have features that work to create a more comfortable indoor environment such as consistent airflow that allows constant supply of fresh and cool air inside your home.

The system’s high-efficiency air filters keep the air clean from contaminants and harmful microorganisms that can cause allergies and other respiratory problems. New HVAC systems also reduce variations in temperature between rooms inside the home so that temperature is consistent in all rooms.

Enjoy Cost Savings

If there’s one thing that high-efficiency HVAC systems are meant to do, it’s to lower operating costs. It’s just a matter of choosing the most efficient HVAC system that will suit your needs.

Modern systems also feature better technology to control humidity, which means you can adjust the thermostat a bit higher and still remain more comfortable than you normally would. This alone can give you savings during summer when you don’t have to make the AC work harder. The lower energy consumption would pay for the cost of the new system within a year or two.

Minimize Environmental Effects.

With the effects of climate change being seen more and more, many homeowners are looking to reduce the environmental impact of their homes. By using the most efficient HVAC system you can afford to invest in, you are doing your part in saving the environment, since the system needs less fuel to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Need Professional HVAC Installation?

Whether you need to install your new high-efficiency HVAC unit, or you require emergency service or preventive maintenance on your system, TalkLocal is ready to help you find the right professionals for your job now. Simply let us know what service you’re looking for, and we’ll match you with three qualified and reputable service professionals located in your area. Use Seva Call now!

Tags: Most Efficient HVAC System
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Different Electric Heaters Homes Can Use

Thursday, January 2nd, 2014

With a portable electric heater, you can keep certain spaces in your home warm and comfortable without having to heat your entire house. Always plug the heater into an electric outlet and not into an extension cord. Keep it at least three feet away from furniture, bedding, curtains, or drapes. Here’s a quick guide to different electric heaters homes can use:

Oil-filled radiators

This heater has the appearance of a traditional radiator. It produces heat when electricity warms the oil inside it. Oil offers good heat retention, so this type of heater gives off warmth for some time even after it has been turned off. It is best used in the living room and in bedrooms.

Fan-forced heaters

A fan-forced heater has an integrated ventilator that propels air over metal coils heated by electricity. You can adjust the airflow so that it focuses on only a specific area of a room, such as the sitting area. It is perfect for offices and workshops.

Ceramic Heaters

These types of electric heaters for homes make use of ceramic plates with metal embedded inside. When this metal is heated by electricity, heat is given off to the surrounding areas. Ceramic heaters provide focused heating quickly and do not get hot to the touch. They are available in various shapes, so they are perfect for sun rooms, porch enclosures, and small offices.

Low-Profile Heaters

This device works by using electric cables to heat internal copper tubes through which air moves. Many units have built-in thermostats. Low-profile heaters are quiet and can easily heat big spaces and, therefore, make ideal electric heaters for homes with family rooms and basements.

Need Heater Repair?

Is your portable electric heater giving off an odd burnt smell? Did the light, fan, or heating parts just stop working? Before you toss out your heater or try to remove the back off and attempt to fix it yourself, call in a qualified technician to take a look at it.

They should be able to tell you if repair is possible or you need to replace the heater. TalkLocal can get you connected with three local qualified, technicians now. Use our free service and find the right professional fast!

Tags: Portable Electric Heater
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Pellet Stove Cost

Wednesday, January 1st, 2014

A modern, elegant, energy-efficient pellet stove represents a great long-term investment. It brings considerable financial and environmental benefits and triggers the complete satisfaction of millions of homeowners. But is the pellet stove cost a major drawback or an actual advantage? Keep reading to find out.

Discover the Most Important Reasons to Buy a Pellet Stove

Both fire logs and wood pellets allow users to experience the benefits ensured by two widely accessible, greener heating alternatives. However, pellet stoves and wood stoves display different particularities. Pellet stoves represent useful, practical appliances because:

– They can heat up indoor areas with a total surface ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet

– They are up to 15% more energy efficient than wood stoves

– Require less energy than 4 X 100-watt light bulbs

– Pellets are relatively inexpensive (250 dollars per ton is the average price), easy to store and are up to 50% drier than wood

– By burning 1 bag of pellets that weights 40 lbs., a homeowner can count on a constant heat source for approximately 24 hours.

Evaluating the Pellet Stove Cost

Don’t expect to pay a fortune for a pellet stove. Most new models carry price tags ranging from $1,700 to $3,000 and up. However, if you are not intimidated by this initial cost, note there are other expenses that you should factor in.

For instance, the average home requires approximately seven tons of pallets per year. Moreover, pellet stoves have fans running on electricity that add about $9 to your monthly bill. On the other hand, in most cases, the installation of a pellet stove is cheaper than the installation of a traditional wood burner.

Rely on an Expert Opinion

Do you have any doubts regarding the pellet stove cost? If so, ask a heating and cooling expert for advice. Find the best specialists in your area with TalkLocal, a great free service created to simplify your life by connecting with the professionals in your area.

Tags: Pellet Stove Cost
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Gas Heating Parts Maintenance

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Scheduling a regular maintenance inspection of your gas furnace is the best way to prevent most equipment problems. Therefore, before you encounter any issues, call in a professional to check your furnace’s gas heating parts and the rest of the unit.

As with any motorized equipment, a home’s heating system needs regular servicing. Many parts need to be adjusted regularly, and the burner also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.

Gas Heating Parts that Require Maintenance

Some gas heating parts may have to be repaired or replaced. All of these would be caught during a routine inspection. In a gas furnace maintenance inspection, the following gas heating parts will be checked by a licensed professional:

– Heat exchanger

– Electronic ignition system

– Burners

– Pilot and pilot safety system

– Flame patterns

– Heat rise

– Thermostat

The contractor will also check or test for the following:

– Carbon monoxide leaks

– Leakage in visible gas pipes

– Fan

– Motor and bearings

– Belts and pumps

– Air filter

– Furnace controls

– Exhaust and venting

– Chimney

General Costs of Furnace Maintenance Inspection

A furnace maintenance inspection by a licensed professional usually costs around $60 to $150. Always ask what the furnace check will include before hiring a contractor. In between scheduled inspections, homeowners can do some practical things to maintain the gas heating parts, such as:

> Cleaning or replacing the air filter (on a forced-air furnace) every month or couple of months. A clean filter will improve airflow and make the furnace run more efficiently.

> Checking that the airflow is not obstructed near the baseboard heater, radiator, hot air registers, or return grills.

When choosing a contractor, the important thing is to make sure to hire a licensed expert who knows your particular equipment and which codes must be followed. A qualified contractor would be able to help ensure that your system operates with peak performance and efficiency so that it will last longer and continue to give you savings.

Hire a Qualified Heating Contractor

Is it time to schedule a maintenance check of your natural gas heating system? TalkLocal is your best connection to a qualified service professional in your area. Let us help you find the right contractor now!

Tags: Gas Heating Parts
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Large Wood Stoves

Monday, December 30th, 2013

A good wood stove can help you heat up your home in a time- and cost-effective manner. However, when it comes to purchasing the perfect wood-burning stove for your home, there are numerous factors that you should take into consideration, including size, price tag, burn time, heating capacity, heat output, emissions, efficiency, and combustion technology.

All these decisive factors can delay your decision-making process and make you feel confused and insecure. Are large wood stoves an excellent long-term investment or a mere waste of money? Keep reading to find out.

Size Does Matter

If you want to preserve an ideal temperature inside your home at all times during the cold season, you must go in favor of a stove with an ideal heat output. A bigger stove does not always lead to a higher level of comfort, but it always triggers supplementary expenses.

On the other hand, a stove that is too small for your real needs can force you to overheat its components and thus, reduce its lifespan.

A stove that is too big for your environment will make you believe that it’s a good idea to cut down the regular fuel load and reduce the temperature in the fire chamber. In fact, this is a bad practice that triggers more smoke and increased pollution levels.

How to Evaluate Your Real Heating Needs

Large wood stoves can be pretty expensive. Don’t waste a significant amount of money on things that you don’t really need. Here are a few things that you should know about different sizes of wood stoves:

1) Small wood stoves come with a firebox volume under 2 cubic ft. and can be utilized to heat up one large room.

2) Medium wood stoves display a firebox volume under 3 cubic ft. and can be utilized to heat up small and medium houses.

3) Large wood stoves display a superior firebox volume over 3 cubic ft. and can heat up larger properties and even leakier homes.

Ask an Expert

Should large wood stoves be considered a real necessity or an uninspired purchase? It all depends on your actual heating needs. To make the smartest decision, choose to consult a heating and cooling expert before buying a wood burner. Find the best specialist with TalkLocal, your best connection to the professionals in your area.

Tags: large wood stoves
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Quick Guide to Furnace Natural Gas Conversion

Friday, December 27th, 2013

Should you switch to natural gas heating in your home? Of course, natural gas companies say you should. To be fair, natural gas is indeed a more versatile source of energy than propane or oil fuel. You can use natural gas to fuel a range of appliances from your furnace to the stove or washer.

On the other hand, there are important things to consider before pursuing furnace natural gas conversion. Read on to understand its advantages and disadvantages.

Reasons to Convert to Natural Gas

First of all, here’s how it works: A gas supplier will pipe natural gas into your home, similar to how your water is supplied to many homes. With this setup, there’s no need for constant reminders to refill the propane or oil tank. Here are more advantages when your furnace uses natural gas:

– Improved energy efficiency: Your furnace can become more energy efficient, since natural gas usually burns more completely than other types of fuel. Also, in newer models available today, the most energy-efficient oil furnace is still a little less efficient than a gas-burning furnace.

– Pay after usage: Most, if not all, oil and propane suppliers require prepayment before usage. When you convert to natural gas, you normally have to pay after a month of service, thus only paying for what you actually use.

– Get rebates: Your local natural gas company is likely offering a rebate for customers to switch to natural gas. Some companies even offer a new gas furnace as incentive.

– More than 80 percent of the natural gas used in the country is locally produced, making its cost more stable than other fuels.

Reasons to Think Twice About Converting to Natural Gas

One very important thing to determine even before you weigh the pros and cons of using natural gas heating is whether your area has a supplier and that there are available hookups for your home. Otherwise, connections to the gas main is needed, which involves installing a pipe to the street from your home and running new pipes inside the house.

Also, converting an existing oil furnace to natural gas is most likely expensive. It requires burner replacement at the very least, and upgrading is simply impossible on many older furnaces. It does make perfect sense, however, to convert your aging oil furnace to natural gas if it’s time for a replacement anyway.

Final Words

As you can see, it’s not that simple to just switch your heating system to use natural gas. You should consult with a reputable HVAC contractor who can help you in reviewing the benefits and costs. Count on TalkLocal to match you with the right contractor for your job – fast and at no charge! Try us now.

Tags: Furnace Natural Gas
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Comparing Electric and Gas Central Heating

Thursday, December 26th, 2013

An electric heating system is cheaper and easier to install, not requiring a chimney, like a gas heating system does. On the other hand, electricity costs more than gas so the operational costs of a gas heater are lower than an electric heater. In addition, gas heating warms up bigger spaces better than electric heating, although the latter may be more cost-effective for small spaces.

Here’s a more detailed look at how electric and gas central heating compare with each other when it comes to installation, cost, and safety.

As mentioned above, a gas heating system requires a chimney through which gas emissions will be vented. In general, when a chimney is installed, a venting and air duct system must also be installed throughout the house. Also, a gas heater is quite large and will require professional installation.

As for wall-mounted electric heaters, they also need to be professionally installed, but the job is much easier and can actually be done by homeowners. If using portable electric heaters, these do not need to be installed.

Two things should be considered when comparing the cost of electric versus gas central heating: the cost of installation and the cost of operation. It is more expensive to install a gas heating system than an electric one because, as described above, it needs a centralized furnace to be installed with vent outlets. Electric heaters are relatively cheaper to put in.

In terms of the operating cost, however, gas heaters win because of the fact that gas is typically cheaper than electricity. Also, a gas heater generates more heat than an electric heater in the same length of time. An electric space heater is the cheaper option if you plan to heat up only a small space and only at lower temperatures.

A radiant heater, a common type of electric heater, produces focused heat and can pose risks of ignition. An electric space heater can also cause household fires, so make sure to keep them at least three feet away from combustibles like drapes and bedding.

With gas heaters, if you’re using a ventless system, it is crucial that it is installed in a properly ventilated space and that the occupants turn off the unit before sleeping. Gas that did not burn completely might release hazardous gases like carbon monoxide.

If you’re not sure which heating system will work best for you, consult with an HVAC expert who knows everything about electric, gas central heating and all other types of heating for your home. Use TalkLocal to get in touch with reputable heating professionals quickly and easily. Contact us now!

Tags: Comparing Electric and Gas Central Heating
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Finding an HVAC Repair Contractor

Wednesday, December 25th, 2013

It’s easy to ignore the comfort that your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system provides, that is, as long as it is working. The moment something goes wrong, however, finding an HVAC repair contractor becomes top priority.

While it’s understandable that you want to get the unit fixed as soon as possible, it is very important that you don’t hire just any HVAC technician. You need a qualified professional who is knowledgeable and skilled at repairing HVAC systems.

A Quality HVAC Repair Contractor is:

– Compliant with all local and state codes and regulations.

– Properly insured (has worker’s compensation and business insurance coverage).

– Courteous, prompt, and delivers reliable service done, whenever possible, at the client’s convenience.

– Skilled and knowledgeable at servicing your specific equipment, and if necessary, designing and installing the appropriate system for your home.

– Updated on the latest developments in thier field (equipment, technology, and system design) in order to help clients choose and install the most efficient and reliable system.

Remember that your HVAC system should be suitable to the specific needs of your home. A good HVAC repair contractor should be able to determine whether your existing HVAC system is right for your home and make the necessary suggestions.

When installing a new system, an HVAC contractor will choose the individual components of the system to ensure it will work at peak efficiency in providing comfort to your home.

When Interviewing an HVAC Repair Contractor:

> Ask for customer references. Contact previous customers to find out if they were satisfied with the contractor’s service. A reputable contractor would willingly offer this information.

> Ask if the contractor has a license, if this is a requirement in your area. The contractor should give you his or her license number.

> Ask if the contractor and/or the technicians they employ have passed certification exams given by independent trade organizations that test the knowledge of technicians in modern HVAC systems.

> Ask if the contractor is a member of any nationally recognized industry association, which is a great way to stay up to date with the latest technical information on HVAC systems.

Are You Ready to Hire an HVAC Repair Contractor?

If so, we’re ready to make your search quick and easy. TalkLocal specializes in matching clients with service professionals. We’ll connect you with three qualified HVAC repair contractors in your area, so all you need to do is make the final choice. Try our free service now!

Tags: HVAC Repair Contractor
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Energy Saving Tips for Central Heating Gas Boilers

Tuesday, December 24th, 2013

Several retrofits can be done on your gas-fired furnace or boiler. However, before going ahead with any retrofitting jobs, look at the possibility of replacing your furnace instead, and see if that would offer more benefits and savings. Here are some possible retrofits for central heating gas boilers:

1. Add a vent damper.

A vent or flue damper will prevent losses through the chimney by shutting off the vent of the boiler when it’s not firing. You will benefit more from adding a vent damper if you have a steam boiler or a bigger boiler. However, it may not be a cost-effective addition if you have a newer furnace model that is properly sized to your home.

2. Install an intermittent ignition device.

If you have an older boiler or furnace with a continuous pilot light, you may consider retrofitting it with an intermittent ignition device. However, it may not be that cost-effective on an aging system. It is important that this device be installed by a professional.

As an alternative to this, so you can save on fuel costs, consider turning off the furnace pilot in the spring and turn it back on in autumn.

3. Derate the gas burner.

It is common in many homes today to have oversized central heating gas boilers, especially since many homeowners have already upgraded their home’s energy efficiency.

In some instances, it’s possible to lower the gas boiler’s heating capacity to allow it to run more efficiently by derating the gas burner or minimizing the size of its orifice. When derating or down-firing a gas burner, fuel use is reduced by installing a nozzle with a lower GPH (gallon per hour) rate.

Proper derating usually requires that the size and shape of the combustion chamber is reconfigured and/or the fuel pump pressure is adjusted.

If you have a steam boiler, you should only derate it if you’re modifying the system to remove extra radiators.

Derating is quite a complex job and can sometimes lead to building code violations so it should only be handled by a qualified professional. It offers a potential savings on fuel costs of up to 15 percent.

Improve Your Home Heating Efficiency

Are you considering the above suggested retrofits for your home? TalkLocal can connect you with professionals trained on central heating gas boilers. Our service is free and quick. Let us start the search for the right technician for your needs. Contact us now!

Tags: Central Heating Gas Boilers
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