Furnace Maintenance: 6 Tips to Energy Savings

Energy Efficiency Requires Furnace Maintenance

Whoa! Energy costs are way up and paying your heating bill this winter is tough, with a capital T! If only there were some low-cost or no-cost options to lower that nagging utility bill. Here are a few things to try:

Make sure you change your air filter regularly. The air filter constantly cleans airborne particles from your home’s indoor air. Air filters tend to be very effective, so the dust builds up rather quickly. However, once the filter is clogged, it restricts airflow. That seems like a small thing, but heating and air conditioning depends upon good airflow.
Speaking of good airflow, check all of the supply vents and return air registers to make sure they are not covered. Occasionally a drape or piece of furniture gets moved and covers the opening.
If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed when not in use. Remember, heat rises and when it is open heat is escaping from your home.
Learn to appreciate solar gain and begin a habit of opening and closing window treatments to heat your home. Opening the drapes and blinds on the south side of your home during sunny days can warm your home by 10⁰ Be sure to close them after the sun goes down since they can prevent heat loss.
Use the existing ceiling fans in your home to enhance your comfort. The wintertime setting for ceiling fans is clockwise; this draws air up and pushes the warm air trapped in the ceiling out and down. For your comfort, keep the fan on the lowest setting.
Pay attention to your thermostat and learn how to program it for energy/cash savings. Newer thermostats are either programmable or have smart capabilities, with a cell phone app to customize your programming. Find agreeable times with your family members to lower the thermostat for several hours. Ideal times for lowering the temp include while everyone is asleep or away at work or school. Reducing the temperature by 6 or 80 for at least eight hours per day will make a discernable dent in your utility bill.

Don’t forget that you are also heating water; check the temperature setting on your hot water heater to make sure it is not set too high.

Whenever possible, take the opportunity to add insulation, caulk, and weather stripping to prevent heat loss.
Schedule a routine preventative Furnace Maintenance visit with an HVAC professional annually. Keeping the system clean and in proper repair will ensure your furnace is functioning at peak efficiency. This does reduce costs as much as possible.

Have questions about Furnace Maintenance? We can help!

Schedule your free Furnace Maintenance consultation by calling AllCool AC & Heating at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

December 30, 2020December 30, 2020

3 Easy Furnace Maintenance Fixes

3 Easy Furnace Maintenance Fixes – Common Furnace Problems & Solutions

During the winter your family relies on your furnace to maintain comfort and heat your home. As the temperature drops, you do not want to face a breakdown and potentially lose your furnace’s ability to heat your home.

A commonly asked question is, “What are furnace problems to look for?” Most homeowners are looking for furnace maintenance tips to minimize the need for large furnace and HVAC repairs.

Here are the 3 most common furnace problems we’ve witnessed below and proactive furnace maintenance solutions to keep your heating system running at its peak.

Clogged and Dirty Air Filters

Clogged and dirty air filters put unnecessary strain on your furnace. In addition, a dirty air filter will reduce the air quality inside your home.

Replacing your air filter based on your furnace maintenance specifications prolongs the life of the unit and can drastically reduce your energy consumption.

The most effective way to avoid a clogged or dirty HVAC filter is regularly scheduled furnace maintenance. One of our NATE Certified Technicians can inspect your air filter and replace it if needed.

We will also provide a schedule for you to change your air filters based on several criteria such as the number of pets inside the home, tobacco use, chronic allergies or other conditions, and if you have elderly or infant family members.

Most filters provide replacement specifications and many modern thermostats provide an alert when air filters need to be replaced.

Ductwork Design Or Damage

Sometimes the original installation of your HVAC system can be causing your heating and/or cooling system to face challenges to keep up with the demand of your desired temperature settings.

Improperly installed or designed ductwork can lead to inefficient HVAC effectiveness.

Damaged ductwork could come from rodents, normal wear and tear, or damage caused by attic storage. Through the repetition of cycling back and forth from heat and then cold, ductwork experiences fatigue which leads to leaks.

Leaking ductwork is one of the leading causes of loss of energy efficiency in your HVAC system.

This repair is typically easy and one of our furnace maintenance professionals can repair or reconfigure ductwork quite easily.

Reduced Efficiency

As we have discussed, routine furnace maintenance is highly suggested to keep your heating system performing at its best. We highly recommend furnace maintenance twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall.

This maintenance will keep your HVAC system running at its optimal efficiency level.

There are reasons why you will lose efficiency that cannot always be prevented with maintenance. An aging heating unit will gradually lose its ability to maintain the desired comfort levels within your home.

Time will eventually cause a breakdown of the system’s mechanics, leading to costly repairs and the inevitable replacement.

Modern units promote an efficiency level of about 90%, an older unit may only be able to perform at 60%.

Not only does this minimize the comfort level, it inconveniently adds to your utility bill. Learn more about HVAC efficiency ratings here.

Want more information about Furnace Maintenance? We Can Help!

If you are considering preventative Furnace Maintenance services to better your HVAC Efficiency and prepare your home for cool weather, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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November 16, 2020November 16, 2020

HVAC System Maintenance: 5 Reasons Why Your Heating Costs Are Through the Roof

5 Reasons Why Your Heating Costs Are Through the Roof

Heating costs are sure to rise as the outdoor temperatures fall during winter. If you notice your heating costs increasing each year, it is safe to say that your HVAC System may be showing signs of aging or needs repair. The most common sign is that your heating system is losing efficiency.

The more your HVAC System loses its ability to heat your home, the more it will cost you to achieve the same level of comfort. Here are some of the most common causes for your heating system to lose its efficiency.

How do furnaces lose efficiency?

Dirty HVAC Air Filters

Your HVAC filter being dirty is the leading cause of heating system inefficiency. Replacing your air filter regularly will keep efficient airflow through your HVAC system. Clogged air filters reduce the airflow causing multiple components to drop in performance. Continue neglect of replacing your air filter regularly can even result in system failure.

Most air filters are scheduled to be replaced every 60 to 90 days. Pet owners, tobacco users, and those with elderly or small children in the home may consider replacing their air filter more frequently.

Dust and Debris Buildup

The air filter will only remove a certain amount of dust and debris from settling on your components. This build-up will reduce their efficiency. Your HVAC System coil is one component that is expensive to replace and whose lifespan can be increased with proper cleaning. Your HVAC system has two coils, an evaporator coil, and a condenser coil.

Dust buildup on your evaporator coil reduces the ability to reduce humidity in your home’s air. Debris buildup on the condenser coil limits the condenser coil’s ability to release that heat outside.

The best way to prevent dust buildup is to have your heating system undergo preventative maintenance twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. Our experienced technicians will clean and shore up your system and report any potentially problematic areas to address.

Failing Ductwork

Your ductwork is the delivery system for cooling and heat to your home. When this delivery system is compromised, that system is less efficient and your HVAC system must work harder to achieve the same level of comfort. During a preventative maintenance appointment, our technicians thoroughly inspect your ductwork to identify any wear and tear or potential areas that may cause improper air flow.

Blocked or Close Air Vents

Many times we forget to keep air vents free of furniture or rugs, and sometimes we close air vent to attempt to redirect airflow. Without a zoning thermostat, your heater will continue to heat that room regardless.

Aging Heating Systems

The average lifespan of your HVAC system is about 15-20 years. Proper maintenance can increase lifespan considerably. As your system ages, it will decrease its efficiency. As technology increases, systems become more efficient, work less, and last longer.

Want more information about HVAC System maintenance? We Can Help!

If you are considering preventative heater maintenance services, call us at 281-238-9292 or contact us via email.

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October 3, 2016February 10, 2020

Home Heating Fire Prevention Safety Tips

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When the temperature drops, we look to our heaters to keep us cozy. However, if you do not take precautions, you might become another statistic. The simple truth is that 50 percent of fires caused by home heaters occur during the winter months. If you have any concerns about your heating system or any other extra space heaters you might be using, it is wise to contact a Katy heating repair company to have them assess the safety of your HVAC system and any other devices you employ to stay warm. Follow these tips to increase your protection from an accidental fire and contact a Katy HVAC repair company if you have any concerns about your heating system.

General Safety Tips for Home Heating

– A fire extinguisher is inexpensive and can be the difference between life and death. Make sure yours is charged and ready to be used.
– Do not heat your home with your oven.
– Portable radiators and space heaters require a lot of electricity. Never plug more than one heating device into an outlet simultaneously.
– Teach your children to stay at least 3 feet away from space heaters and fireplaces.
– Fires happen rapidly and can cause confusion. Have an evacuation strategy, and practice it with your family. An effective plan includes at least two ways to escape your home if a fire starts. After exiting the building, your family members should gather at a predetermined spot, such as your mailbox, to make sure that everyone escaped safely.
– To prevent combustible items from catching fire, keep them away from any type of heating devices, such as a fireplace, furnace or space heater.
– When you leave a room, turn off any space heaters. This will also reduce your power bill because you will not be heating an unoccupied area of your home. Turn it back on when you re-enter the room.
– Do not run space heaters while you are sleeping.
– Never use a gas-powered electrical generator inside your home in the event of a power outage. Outdoor units should be positioned as far away from your windows as possible. They produce carbon monoxide, which can overcome you as you sleep.
– Be sure your smoke detector is working properly. It is also wise to buy a carbon monoxide detector for extra security. If a detector begins making a chirping sound for no apparent reason, the battery is dying and needs to be replaced. You should change the battery when the weather gets colder to make sure you are protected.
– Do not leave burning candles unattended. That is a recipe for disaster.
– If you smell gas, never light your gas heater. Vacate your home and contact your fire department or the local gas company.

Safety Tips for Your Heating Equipment

– If your furnace is not keeping you warm, have a Katy HVAC repair company examine it. A simple tune-up can make a big difference.
– Have your chimneys and heating equipment cleaned annually by a professional.
– A Sugar Land heating repair company can professionally install central heating units, stationary heating devices and water heaters according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and local fire codes.
– Make sure that any wood-burning stoves were installed correctly and are adequately ventilated. This will prevent carbon monoxide from accumulating.

Safety Tips for Fireplaces

– Ashes must be cold before you remove them from your fireplace. Use a covered metal container for their disposal. Never use a plastic container. It could melt and ignite. Store the metal container a safe distance from your home.
– You need to have a strong screen in front of your fireplace to prevent sparks from popping out of the fireplace.

By following these tips, you will reduce the likelihood of a fire. All Cool A/C and Heating can examine your HVAC system and any other heating devices in your home. Call us at 281-238-9292 to schedule an appointment for a tune-up or inspection. We are also available for emergency services.

September 27, 2016February 17, 2020

Tips for Buying a New Furnace for Your Home

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Winter is on the way, and it is not going to wait for you to buy a new furnace. You need to start thinking about your purchase now so that you can be ready for the colder weather. By planning ahead, you will avoid having an emergency Katy HVAC repair call in the middle of a cold snap. These tips will help you make the right choice.
At first, you may be overwhelmed by the available options for your new furnace. The size, type and efficiency
rating will all have an impact on the cost of your new furnace and how much you will spend to keep your home cozy. These concerns will also have a bearing on how long you can expect it to perform at its peak level. Proper size and expert installation are two of the most important factors.

The first consideration is the furnace’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). You should always choose the most efficient furnace that you can afford. Regulations stipulate that minimum-efficiency furnaces must have an AFUE of at least 80 percent. That means 20 percent of the natural gas is being wasted. High-efficiency condensing furnaces rate as high as 97 percent. By lowering your monthly heating bill, these models will pay for themselves. You should keep these things in mind when selecting a new furnace.

Types of Furnaces

Your central heating and cooling system could be either a packaged system or a split system. With a packaged system, your heating and cooling components are housed in a single unit. Packaged systems are good if you lack space inside your home.

On the other hand, split systems have a furnace, a condensing unit and a coil that is mounted on top of your furnace. They are usually found in the attic, utility room or crawlspace.

Gas or Electric

The most economical way to heat your home when the weather dips close to freezing is with natural gas. Electric furnaces are an alternative, but they can cost more to run than a gas furnace because electricity rates are higher.

The least expensive option is an electric-powered heat pump, which does not use as much electricity as an electric furnace. They also have the added benefit of functioning as an air conditioning unit in summer. An electric-powered heat pump could help you avoid a Katy air conditioning repair next summer.

Zones in Your Home

You may have noticed that different areas of your home heat or cool faster than others. This is due to location, number of windows, etc. For example, your thermostat may be near an area that warms rapidly. When the thermostat reaches the desired level, the rest of the house may not be as warm or as cool as it is near the thermostat. Conversely, if your thermostat is in an area that takes longer to heat, the rest of the home may be hotter than the area near the thermostat, which will result in a higher heating bill. A zoned system uses several thermostats that control their own zones. As the different zones become warm, dampers in your ducts will open or close so that the temperature within your home remains even. This assures that you will spend the least amount of money to keep your home comfortable all year long.

Variable-speed Blowers

You can also choose between variable- and fixed-speed blowers. Variable-speed units alter the speed of the blower so that it is quieter and keeps the air at a more consistent temperature.

All Cool A/C and Heating can consult with you and recommend a heating system that is the best fit for your home. Give us a call at 281-238-9292. We have been serving Katy, Sugar Land and Houston for over 25 years. We are available 24 hours a day for emergencies, such as a Sugar Land air conditioning repair.

December 17, 2015February 17, 2020

Consider Your Heater NOW

Cooler days are now here, and cold days are right around the corner. It feels like we just turned off our air conditioners, but now is time to consider our heaters. As the seasons pass, dirt and dust accumulate and wear down your furnace. Since a clean furnace runs better than a dirty one, a yearly cleaning is always recommended. This cleaning will also decrease the chances of harmful debris damaging your heating system. Most HVAC technicians recommend performing this annual checkup in the fall, if possible. If you do it early, you will have enough time to take care of any possible problems before the really cold weather comes.

Homeowners can check some of the simpler things themselves. Such things include:

– Making sure the furnace has power
– Making sure the thermostat is properly set on heat
– Making sure the thermostat batteries are in good condition (for those that have them)
– Making sure your air filter is clean

If a checkup reveals that repairs to your heating system are necessary, your Sugar Land or Katy HVAC repair technician is ready to help. Some repairs, such as a malfunctioning thermostat may be relatively easy and inexpensive to fix. However, if your system needs in-depth repairs or replacement, our licensed HVAC technicians will let you know exactly what you need. In-depth diagnostic testing will be done to your heating unit, and we will give you a written estimate of any repairs needed. Likewise, we will tell you the approximate time the repairs will take.

We realize that no one likes to deal with heating or air conditioner maintenance or repairs. However, a minor problem today could turn into a major repair tomorrow–if you wait too long. By performing an HVAC checkup today, you may save time, money, and the aggravation of being inconvenienced by a malfunctioning heater this winter.

http://www.centralhtg.com/blog/furnace-check-up-every-year

http://www.hvaceprimer.org/air-conditioning-installation/introduction-to-air-conditioning-repairs/

November 24, 2015February 17, 2020

Getting Your Furnace & Home Ready For The Winter

The dog days of summer have gone away and left the greater Houston area with much cooler temperatures. Although Katy, Sugar Land and the surrounding areas have seen fewer than 15 snowfalls since the late 1930s, it still gets cold enough in the winter to run the heating unit. Even though Houston and its suburbs average roughly 18 days each year with temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, no one wants to get stuck with a broken heater. If you don’t want to be caught in the cold, it’s time to get serious about Katy heating repair before the coming winter freezes you out of house and home.

5 Tips to Prepare Your Home for the Winter

Get your heating system inspected and serviced.
Your heating unit has been idle for months. Before running it this winter, have a Katy or Sugar Land heating repair professional check the entire system. A professional can identify problem areas that could lead to malfunctions during cold nights. In addition, a repair professional can inspect the ductwork and remove debris or fix any cracks where hot air could escape.
Adjust the ceiling fans.
During the winter, your ceiling fans should rotate in a clockwise direction to circulate warm air throughout your home. As the hot air rises, the fan blows it back down and keeps each room at a more comfortable temperature. In the summer, adjust the fans to spin in the opposite direction and to promote cooler airflow.
Check for adequate insulation.
Much of your home’s heat loss occurs through the attic. If you want to cut utility costs and keep your home warmer, make sure that you have good insulation in your attic has. If you see signs of moisture, heat or pest damage, have new insulation installed before turning on your HVAC system.
Inspect the chimney.
If you have a fireplace, inspect your chimney for air leaks. Wood and gas fireplaces have metal dampers that warp and corrode over time, creating gaps around the edges. As winter approaches, cooler air forces its way through the gaps and creates a draft in your home. You should also have a professional inspect the chimney for debris, leaks and nests before lighting a fire.
Cover the water heater.
Cooler outdoor and indoor temperatures affect your hot water heater and pipes. Wrap your hot water heater with an insulated blanket to keep the water much hotter in the winter. You can also wrap the pipes with specialized pipe insulation to help the water stay hot as it flows from the heater to the kitchen or bathroom.
Seal all cracks and crevices.
Your heating unit has to work much harder when you have hot air leaks in your home. Do an interior and exterior check for gaps, cracks and crevices around windows, doors, electrical outlets and other wall access points. Use a silicone or foam sealant to plug the holes and keep the warm air inside your home.
Use lighter colored drapes.
Doing something as simple as replacing your dark curtains with lightly colored fabrics makes a difference in heating in your home. Lighter fabrics allow more sunlight to pass through and provide natural warmth. Change your curtains in each room to let the sunshine in and to keep the cold air out.

Keeping Your Home Warm in the Winter

Having the Katy and Sugar Land HVAC repair professionals at All Cool A/C & Heating inspect your heating system is one way to get a jump on the cold season. By inspecting your attic insulation, sealing all leaks and doing general maintenance around the house, you can enjoy much warmer temperatures as winter invades the Houston metropolitan area. Call us at 281-238-9292 and we will get your ready for winter.

September 21, 2015February 17, 2020

Why You Should Get Your Furnace Checked Annually

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Can you feel it in the air? Autumn is here, and winter is not going to be far behind it. This is the perfect time of year for you to get a Katy heating repair company to examine your HVAC system and give it a pre-winter tune-up.

It is really a no-brainer. You have your teeth examined every year. You change the oil in your car and tune it regularly. As a homeowner, you would be remiss if you did not have the single most important part of your home checked to make sure that it is going to function at peak performance throughout the holidays to keep you cozy into next spring. The Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, ENERGY STAR and your local utility company recommend annual furnace examinations by a local, qualified Katy of Sugar Land heating repair company.

How an annual furnace exam can save you money

You will recoup the small amount it costs to have your furnace checked by a Katy or Sugar Land HVAC repair company. Here is how you will reap the savings.

– By having your furnace tuned up at the beginning of the season, your energy bills will be lowered. A good tune-up includes a thorough cleaning of your burner and heat exchanger, which are critical for keeping your furnace running efficiently all season. Efficient heaters cost less to run.
– You will extend the life of your furnace by replacing broken parts and repairing any problems. A new heater costs far more than a tune-up does.
– When you have your trained heating professional tune-up your HVAC system, you can prevent small problems from becoming big headaches. This will save you money by reducing large repairs.

Problems with furnaces that are not working well

Your family can be subjected to serious problems if your furnace is not running its best. A checkup will make certain that you do not have any gas leaks in your home. Furnaces that have not been regularly maintained are likely to give off carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless gas that can sicken or even kill. Additionally, if your furnace is new, regular scheduled maintenance will keep your manufacturer’s warranty intact.

Here is a list of the things a thorough annual furnace or HVAC checkup should include.

– Analysis of combustion gases to make sure they conform to your furnace’s specs
– Examination of the seal on the blower access door
– Assure proper ignition of burners
– Checking for leakage or blockage of the drainage system
– Checking for leakage or blockage of the vent system
– Examine fresh air intake grills for blockage
– Wiring veracity test
– Replace out-of-date filters
– Complete amp-draw test
– Inspection of heat exchanger for rust
– Inspection of blower wheel
– Static air pressure tests
– Gas pressure testing
– Temperature rise checking

You might be wondering if homeowners can do this by themselves instead of hiring a heating company. Because maintaining an HVAC system requires a wide knowledge base and experience, most homeowners would not do the job well.

The unvarnished truth is that it is better to have a regular annual checkup than it is to have the HVAC repairman come over for an emergency call in the middle of the night. That one visit will probably cost two or three times as much as a standard pre-winter checkup. It makes sense to do it on your own schedule before you have an emergency. Give All Cool A/C and Heating a call before the cold weather arrives. They offer 24-hour emergency services, and they stand behind their work. They have been serving Katy, Sugarland, Richmond, Memorial and the surrounding area for over 25 years.