Archives for November 2015

Why You Need a Zone Control System in Your House

A zone control system is in charge with maintaining the optimum temperature in various rooms of your house. But isn’t that a thermostat’s job? While a thermostat has to control the heating and cooling settings in your home, most of the time, it only does the job successfully in one out of five rooms. One of the reasons why a thermostat is sometimes not enough is that second and third floor rooms tend to be warmer, while the basement or downstairs rooms are on the colder side. This happens because warm air is lighter than cool air and tends to rise up. Tall rooms are difficult to warm up during winter months and require their own individual settings as opposed to a small bedroom on the second floor. This is where heating system zone control comes in handy. It doesn’t only tell you which room is cooler and which needs a different temperature settings, it takes care to preserve the optimum heating, cooling and humidity levels.

How do zone controls work?

HVAC zone control systems are very simple. They comprise various thermostats that are all wired to the same panel. This operates the dampers in the ductwork within the air system. All the thermostats in your home work around the clock, reading the temperature in the room or area where they are installed, and automatically operating the dampers. According to their settings, thermostats will proceed to either cool down or heat up individual bedrooms. You can say goodbye to walking from a warm, cozy bedroom into a freezing bathroom. This is also the perfect solution for the spare guest room that seldom gets used. In the long run, HVAC zone control systems save homeowners money on energy bills. By turning off the heating or cooling settings in spare bedrooms that are rarely or never used by anyone, you can cut costs by as much as 30%.

Who needs to implement HVAC zone control systems?

Anyone who wishes to increase the comfort within their house and wants to be able to control the temperatures in various areas can opt for a zone control system. A thermostat does its job properly if you live in a studio or a two bedroom apartment. But larger apartments and multiple story houses would only reap the benefits of such a system. Who else needs to convert to a zone control?

Houses that have more than one level – warmer air rises above cool air, which can easily create an imbalance in a two story house. A single thermostat in a house that has more levels will most likely heat up the upstairs bedrooms and leave the basement and downstairs feeling cooler.
Homes with very large, tall rooms, vaulted ceilings, and atriums – warm air doesn’t sneak up only in houses with more than one level. It will also rises up to the ceiling in a large, open area. These spaces need their own settings during summer time as well as in the winter.
Basement or attic rooms – the appeal of an attic room with a glass ceiling or a home gym in the basement is unquestionable. But it can be tough to reach the optimum temperature in these spaces when they have different needs. The attic is bound to heat up faster, therefore it would require a lower heating setting. On the other hand, the basement takes longer to warm up, and requires more heat air.
A room with glass walls or big windows – it’s common knowledge that this kind of rooms loose heat faster. To maintain a comfortable temperature during winter days, the thermostat would have to compensate for the lost heat and bring in extra warmth. Likewise, in summer time, the windows are bound to heat up excessively because of the Sun. A zone control system would take care to continuously monitor the temperature and run enough cool air to keep a steady temperature.

HVAC zone control system benefits

Most homeowners are reticent to embrace the new HVAC zone control system technology. The initial cost is a substantial investment and many are still in the dark about the advantages of using a zone control system in their homes. So why would you need this kind of system?

Energy efficiency – by heating or cooling only those rooms in your house that you are actually using, you can save money on your energy bills. The US Department of Energy estimated that implementing zone control systems could help homeowners save around 17% to 30% on their electricity bills.
Home comfort – by maintaining the desired temperatures in various rooms of your house, a zone control system will constantly monitor and adjust the cooling or heating settings accordingly. You won’t need to worry you are comfortable in the living room, but your guests are cold in the guestroom.
Convenience – zoning systems are extremely convenient. Instead of manually adjusting the temperature for the entire house on a single thermostat, you can leave it to the zone control system to monitor and adapt the temperature in all the areas in your house.

Zone control systems specifications

This type of zoning systems are nothing new under the Sun. In fact, they have been used in stores, offices and large building for years. Their convenience and energy efficiency are now helping them make the jump from commercial areas into our homes.

A zoning system would be installed next to an existent furnace or air conditioning system;
Zone control systems can easily be installed by a HVAC contractor;
It is recommended to implement a HVAC zone control system in a house that is being built. This way, running wires through the walls and floors is made easier and more accessible. However, it’s not impossible to install zone control in an existing house.
You can choose from a wide variety of zone control systems: the Honeywell zone control system and the Aprilaire zone control system are among the most popular devices, known for their reliability and multiple functions.
Some zoning systems come with a portable control device that allows homeowners to change the temperature settings in various areas of the house without getting up from their chair.

Installing a HVAC zone control system in an existent home

If you’re tired of some rooms being too hot and others being too cold, you can rely on zoning control to fix that issue. Even if you live in an old house that never had zone control systems, you can hire a contractor to help you out with everything. To proceed with the installation, you’ll need:

A thermostat for each zone or room that requires unique temperature settings;
A solenoid pump and panel;
A zone control panel that will operate all the thermostats within the house;
A transformer;
Flex dampers that will enable individual thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature within a room.

Bear in mind that the ductwork you’ll need to implement in an existing house will rely completely on the number of zones you plan to set up. For example, if your design only includes two zones that are roughly the same size, the air ducts will have to handle as much as seventy percent of the HVAC system’s CFM. A system comprising three zones will need to handle fifty percent of the CFM.

Central air vs zone control systems

It can be difficult to believe that, in this day and age, there are still systems that we could be missing from our homes. While central air systems are incredibly useful and help us stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, they are not flawless. Since they use a single thermostat, they tend to be very inaccurate and they often only manage to maintain the optimum temperature level in a single room. Most homeowners are already familiar with this drawback, whether we’re talking about bedrooms that are too cold or kitchens that are unbearably stuffy.

Zone control systems take central air to a whole new level. By having various thermostats throughout the house and with all of them wired to a single power panel, users don’t only get instant comfort and convenience, they are also looking at lower power bills. HVAC zone control systems allow you to virtually divide your apartment or home into different areas, each having a unique climate control. Ideal for large houses with several family members, zone control systems will keep everyone happy at all times. No more dashing to the thermostat to turn up the heat every time someone is cooking dinner in the kitchen. Zone control systems eliminate the need to monitor the temperature in your house and completely take over the hassle.

Temperature zoning solutions might not have been originally designed to be implemented in homes and apartments, but their advantages can no longer be denied. They make controlling the temperature you want in specific areas a piece of cake, while helping you reduce costs. HVAC zone control systems keep all family members in a pleasant environment at all times. You can have custom made areas that comprise one or more rooms. Leave it to the thermostat to automatically activate the dampers and make sure the room temperature is continuously kept at the desired levels. Combining power efficiency, with comfort and convenience, zoning systems stand out of the crowd by allowing you to fine tune the heating and cooling settings in specific areas according to your own preferences.

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Furnace Troubleshooting 101

We owe the comfortable temperature and air quality within our houses to HVAC equipment. They do all the heavy lifting in the winter to keep us warm, while keeping us cool during torrid months. But none of these systems are immortal. Their life span varies depending on their quality and level of maintenance they’ve been receiving. You can take small steps in order to take care of your appliances’ longevity. High quality filters will not only make sure the air you’re breathing is bacteria and dust free, it will also keep the motor of your system clean and gunk free.

Nothing is more expensive than replacing your whole HVAC unit. So make sure to clean out any leaves or grass that can obstruct your air conditioning pipes. Stick to the two feet clearance rule and don’t place anything that close around your outdoor appliances. Another thing that’s worth remembering is to regularly check the filters. Replace them when they start looking shabby, and don’t use them for longer than three months. You should also keep an eye out for the refrigerant lines and on the carbon monoxide detector battery that might need changing every now and then.

Furnace not working?

If you’re unpleasantly surprised one morning by your furnace which broke down, there are some steps you can take in order to avoid spending a couple hundred dollars on a plumber’s bill. Don’t be intimidated by that big appliance in your basement. Chances are you’ll be able to save the day by trying out these quick suggestions:

The first step is to check the thermostat and make sure it’s not wrongly set on “cool” but on “heat”. Turn the heat up to see if the furnace starts working. If nothing happens, take a look at the thermostat’s wires. Is anything broken? You might also want to consider replacing the battery, opening the thermostat for a gentle cleaning and ultimately resetting it.
Make sure your furnace is actually switched on. There should be a wall switch next to your furnace. Also make sure to look at the circuit breaker for any tripped fuses.
When’s the last time when you changed your filter? A clogged filter is one of the main causes why furnaces shut off. Because air isn’t able to pass through the ducts, the furnace breaks down. All you have to do is replace the filters regularly, following the instructions in the manual.
Is the gas on? If the gas valve was turned off, your furnace will do the same. Check to see if the handle is perpendicular to the gas pipe. This way, you’ll know what the issue was.
The exhaust flue attracts birds because it’s warm. You should check to see if it’s clear or clogged with debris from birds. You can dismantle the duct to clean it thoroughly, but make sure to put it all back together in the correct order.

How does a thermostat work?

Used to control heating or cooling settings, thermostats have been one of mankind’s worst enemies since time immemorial. The more buttons they have, the more complicated they seem to be. To understand how they work, you should first know there are two types of thermostats. Mechanical thermostats will use physical ways to determine the temperature of the air and turn on a switch which activates a heating or cooling system. For example, a bimetallic strip made out of copper and iron will expand according to the room temperature. When the strip will bend and touch the electrical contact, the heating will be turned on. Digital thermostats have electronic sensors which detect the temperature and adjust the system accordingly.

One of the most popular Emerson thermostat is the White Rogers. As one of the leads in the industry, the multinational corporation offers a wide range of thermostats, varying from wifi devices with touchscreens to the traditional 80 series. If you’re having a hard time with the White Rodgers thermostat troubleshooting, you’re not the only one. A few things you can do before calling up a professional is to check the power supply for tripped breakers. You should also toy around with the heat setting and listen up for a clicking sound. If you can’t hear it, try resetting the thermostat. You might also want to open the cover of your thermostat and check the wires – nothing should be broken or sticking out.

Heater not working?

If all of a sudden you’re left with no hot water, the first thing you have to check is the circuit breaker, where a fuse might’ve tripped. Check the gas line. Someone might’ve accidentally switched it off. If the handle is parallel to the gas line, it means you have to keep looking for the issue. Another common cause is the emergency shutoff button. You can turn it off without noticing, which in turn switches off your heater.

If that’s not the case, head over to the thermostat. Keep an eye out for loose wires, old batteries and try to reset the thermostat according to the manual. If resetting the thermostat doesn’t prove successful, make sure the chimney exhaust flute is not clogged with debris. The flue’s warmth attracts birds in the autumn which could be the reason why the pipe is clotted and you heater broke down. You should also check the drain lines. These can easily get clogged with mold or sediment. To clean it up you’ll need a mixture of three parts water and one part bleach. Exhaust vents shouldn’t be blocked by anything. Make sure they’re clear and not clogged with ice or screen mesh.

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Everything You Need to Know about a Whole House Humidifier

When it comes to maintaining the perfect indoor comfort, we usually only think about heating and cooling units. Having a furnace in the winter is as essential as having air conditioning in the summer. But there’s something else we need all year round to tick all the important aspects of a healthy indoor environment: a whole house humidifier. Adding moisture to the air that you and your family breathe is as essential as keeping warm in the winter months. Most of the time, humidity is associated with hot days and all the discomfort that arises from that. But whole house humidifiers offer sundry benefits within a home. Dry air can make you wake up with a scratchy throat, dry mouth, itchy eyes and dry patches on your skin. You won’t even know all the benefits of a whole house steam humidifier until you’ve tried one yourself.

Low humidity issues

If you’re using a humidifier, your whole house and family members will benefit from it. These are only some of the problems that an insufficiently humid indoor environment will cause to your house and your health:

Dry air and low humidity will enable viruses and bacteria to thrive and cause colds. If you have elder family members with a weak immune system, or if you have children, they are even more exposed to developing irritations. Recent studies showed that low humidity leaves people more prone to infection. Those who suffer from asthma or allergies and don’t use whole house humidifiers will find their conditions get worse with each winter.
Low humidity is not only damaging for your eyes and throat. It will also cause your walls or hardwood floors to crack. Electronic gadgets are not spared the damage either. Static electric charges can your electronics to break down, making you bear the costs.
Dry air can make your energy bills spike. Low levels of humidity will actually make the air feel colder, making people more inclined to turn up the heat.

Dry air health problems

Whole house humidifier reviews sing its praises and emphasize how much it can help on health related issues. Most of us are in the dark about the disadvantages and the problems low humidity can create.

Bloody noses – on of the most common causes for bloody noses is dry air, with most of them occurring during the winter, in dry climates. Heated air doesn’t help either. It dries out the air even more, which, in turn, dries out the nasal membranes. This leaves us more vulnerable to bleeding and infections. Adding moisture into the room where your children sleep could prevent bloody noses and make it more difficult for viruses to create irritations.
Itchy eyes – another common symptom during winter months, dry eyes are a nuisance and can affect anyone. Heating our houses makes the dry air compensate for the low humidity by absorbing moisture from everywhere. When this happens, you can wake up with red, puffy eyelids and even blurry vision. Luckily, a whole house humidifier installation can fix the issue and prevent painful, itchy eyes.
Dry mouth – it’s not unusual to get thirsty during the night, but if you feel your mouth is uncommonly dry, this could indicate a low humidity level in the room where you are sleeping. A dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, it also leaves you more vulnerable to viruses and infections, making you more susceptible to catching colds.
Sore throat – waking up with a sore throat and raspy voice might make you believe you are catching a cold, but it might actually indicate there is not enough humidity in your house. This is not only unpleasant, it can also lead to other conditions and enable viruses and colds to settle in easier. Preventing a chronic dry throat only requires a whole-house humidifier that will keep humidity levels under control at all times.
Dried out skin – low humidity can promote fine lines, wrinkles and make you wake up with chapped lips. Taking care of your skin and sticking to a rigorous skin care routine will be sabotaged by the dry air in the room you sleep in. Installing a whole home humidifier will help your face look plumper in the morning and prevent fine lines prematurely become wrinkles.

Whole home humidifier or portable humidifier?

There are various whole house humidifier types out there to choose from. Portable models are smaller, easier to install and stand for a cheaper alternative. With the ideal humidity levels standing over 30 percent, anything below this level will trigger irritations, cause itchy skin and eyes and create a pleasant environment for viruses and bacteria. The Honeywell whole house humidifier is among the most popular models. This keeps the ideal humidity level between 30 and 50 percent. Whole home humidifier reviews seem to favor them over portable designs.

Whole house humidifier pros:

Don’t require maintenance;
The initial setup is enough to control the humidity levels in the entire house;
No need for refills, since it uses water directly from the plumbing system;
Noise levels are kept to a minimum;
Cost less than portable humidifiers.

Whole house humidifier cons:

They need to be installed by someone with experience;
Are prone to gather mineral deposits;
Must be cleaned with vinegar when the heating season ends.

As a comparison, portable humidifiers must be plugged in and require their own water supply. Small portable systems can humidify a maximum of two rooms.

Portable humidifier pros:

Highly convenient due to portability;
Very convenient, since it can be moved from room to room;
Ideal for renters who can’t make major changes to a place they don’t own;
Easy to install and control.

Portable humidifier cons:

More expensive than the best whole house humidifier;
They are heavy and might be difficult to move, despite the wheels;
As noisy as an air conditioning;
Constant refilling of the reservoir;
The water tank could help bacteria develop, and the humidifier would in turn spray germs within your house.

Opting for a whole-home humidifier

With a one-time installation and set-up, you’ll forget all about your whole house humidifier once it’s attached to your central heating. Unlike its portable countertype, whole-house humidifiers will keep the optimum humidity levels throughout the entire house, not only in one or two rooms. Adjusting the humidity settings can be a hassle, without a whole house unit system. This will make sure there’s not too much humidity in the air and automatically adjust the humidity levels to strike the perfect balance of moisture in the whole house. There are various types of whole house humidifiers to choose from. According to consumer ratings, the best whole home humidifiers are made by Aprilaire. What sets them apart is their innovative feature which allows users to choose between an evaporative or steam humidifier. The water vapors of the Aprilaire whole house humidifier protects the lungs and adjusts the humidification levels to suit the indoor environment.

Other benefits of a whole house humidifier

Most humidifiers nowadays come with a humidistat. This is a user friendly tool which will enable you to control the humidity levels in your entire house from a single control panel. It monitors the humidity in the air and shuts down the system when the desired humidity level is reached. Since too much humidity can produce condensation on walls and windows and can even help mold and bacteria develop in your house, a humidistat is highly important. Not only will it keep an eye on the humidity levels, it will also enable you to program and preset your favorite settings. Whole house humidifiers are great for your health and comfort, keeping dry eyes and cracked skin at bay. What is more, humidified air will help you be more energy efficient. While it won’t make you feel warmer, it will encourage you to turn down the temperature on your thermostat and save up as much as 4% on your heating bill.

What to look for in a humidifier

There is a difference between a unit that can cover 4,000 square feet and one that will only handle 2,000 square fit. Keep this in mind when you go shopping for a whole house humidifier and choose the one that will perfectly suit your needs. Likewise, mind the evaporation rate and choose the system with a higher number. This will ensure the air is moisturized quicker and more efficiently. Incorporated automatic humidistats are a plus. Look for a whole house humidifier that will monitor the humidity levels in your house and adjust them automatically. Remember to take into account the installation process. If you want to install the unit yourself, make sure you don’t need a technician to help out with the process. Inquire about the unit’s warranty and maintenance requirements beforehand. You should know what is expected of your in terms of care and replacing any faulty parts.

You don’t need the latest heating or cooling system in your home in order to install a whole house humidifier. This system can easily be attached to any existing heat unit and once it’s in place you can forget about refills, moving it around and dealing with bacteria. Just reap the benefits of a silent system that will keep infections and viruses at bay.

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HVAC Troubleshooting and Solutions

No one doubts the reliability of HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), but, like any other household piece of equipment, they are not immortal. Since they are bound to break down every now and then, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and know a few things about heating or cooling units. Most of the times, your answer lies in the simplest solution out there. If you want to avoid huge bills for hiring professional experts who will fix the issue within five minutes, you can roll up your sleeves and get ready for some DIY.

To make sure you prevent the following HVAC electrical troubleshooting, take care of your air conditioning, furnace and boiler all year round, whether you are actively using the units on a daily basis or they are taking a break for the summer. You don’t need a simulator software to pinpoint most troubleshooting HVAC. Generally, homeowners can tackle the problems themselves merely by consulting a HVAC troubleshooting chart and ruling out worse causes. This way, HVAC owners not only save money in the long run but they also work on improving the units’ longevity.

Blown Fuses

Learn from the experts. The first thing a professional service expert will check are any tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Since the fuses are used to prevent overheating, they are bound to react in time order to avoid further damage to the control panel. If your heating or cooling system uses its individual power panel, check that one for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. However, if this is a recurrent problem, there might actually not be anything wrong with your HVAC unit, but rather with the circuit breaker panel. In this case, check with an electrician who will help you with your problem.

Frozen heat pump

There is no escaping the heat pump’s coil freezing during winter months. But when the unit gets completely covered in ice, that’s a sign something is not right. Heat pumps are equipped with a defrost cycle, which is in charge of defrosting the ice coils, ensuring the unit runs smoothly. When the coils are entirely frozen, the refrigerant and the cold air can’t undergo the transfer. A unit that is entirely iced-up will be damaged and rendered useless. Depending on the model of your heat pump, the unit will have its own method to start up the defrosting mode. If the heat pump fails to automatically start the defrosting cycle and you notice the layer of ice is only spreading as days go by, there could be a restriction somewhere. There could also be something wrong with the thermostat, the heat pump’s sensor, or the outdoor fan motor could have an issue. None of these problems can be fixed by the homeowner, so you’d be better off calling in a professional service person.

Humidifier not working

If you’ve never used a humidifier, you’re probably a stranger to its benefits. This tool maintains the optimal levels of humidity within your house, keeping sore throats, itchy eyes and dry skin at bay. Most of the times, the humidifier can be fixed by the homeowner. Simple solutions like opening a water valve could fix your issue without making you resort to looking for answers in a HVAC troubleshooting guide. Humidifiers are not high maintenance systems, but they need to be cleaned out regularly. A clogged filter could be restricting the water vapors, making your humidifier useless. If the panel is clean, other causes could be at play here, including a clogged orifice or water valve, a bad motor, faulty wiring or a defective solenoid valve. Reach out to an expert who will know how to make your humidifier work properly again.

Steam rising from an outdoor unit

This is a common complaint at the start of every heating season. The steam that rises from the unit can be alarming, but, in fact, it’s a sign that everything is working properly. You can rest assured the motor is not burning up and the compressor is still running. The steam only means that the unit is running a defrosting setting, which will keep icicles away from its essential parts like the blower motor. The defrost mode sets in automatically, but it shouldn’t go on forever. If you notice steam coming out of your outdoor unit on a daily basis, this could point towards a different problem. You could be dealing with a faulty defrost control or thermostat or even a restriction. The only things the homeowners could fix is a blocked coil, which is easy to clear out of any debris.

Air vents not giving off enough airflow

If you feel like there is less airflow than it used to be in one or more rooms within your home, hold on before calling up a pro. A dirty cleaner is the common problem, but the good news is that you can change or clean the filter yourself. The second most common issue is that your air vents are blocked by something or even entirely closed off. You can check to see if the vents are open, making sure to look at the return vents as well. Another thing you should look at are the dampers, to make sure they are open and rule them out as the main cause. If none of these are causing the poor airflow, you might need a professional fix. Causes that homeowners couldn’t tackle on their own are frozen coils that restrict airflow, a defective blower motor, or an incorrectly installed ductwork. An HVAC blower motor troubleshooting expert will be able to zero in on the problem and fix it for you.

Indoor unit leak

The first reaction is to panic when you see water leaking out of your furnace or boiler. While this does indeed signal an issue, it could be something minor, easily fixed by the homeowner. Sometimes, all you have to do is tighten up the joints to prevent any dripping. The leak you notice might also be a combination of condensation and a dirty coil. Indoor coils are not immune from freezing. Once the ice starts melting, all the water will start dripping on the floor. If this isn’t happening during winter time, it could indicate a different problem. Sometimes, the fixes are a piece of cake, but the rest of the time, you’ll need to call up a specialist. They will deal with blocked drains or pump tubing, defective coils, broken joints or a leaking humidifier.

Hot water quickly runs out

It’s very unpleasant and frustrating when your boiler runs out of hot water while you’re in the middle of a bath. Depending on the heating system you use, the causes could vary. You could be dealing with a faulty element if you have an electric heater. An indirect heater running out of hot water could point towards a faulty thermostat or a defective circulator. A bad thermostat is the most common problem and the problem is easy to check by the homeowner. However, if you can’t locate the issue, ask for a plumber’s advice before the malfunction starts affecting other parts of the hot water unit.

No air conditioning

This is bound to happen to anyone and it’s one of the most common complaints during summer time. Before picking up the phone to schedule a check-up, there are some things you can go over on your own in order to rule out the most obvious issues. You should first head over to the thermostat and make sure it’s set on the “cooling” setting. You could also try turning it up or down by 5 degrees to see if you notice any change in the air conditioning unit. Next, it’s on to the power panel and breaker circuits. If nothing is wrong with these, you can try resetting your outdoor unit by pushing the red button on the side. You should also check the pump on the indoor unit, which sometimes turns off everything if it overfills. Turning it back on will fix the problem. If none of these suggestion revive your air conditioning, you might be facing a more serious problem, such as faulty compressor valves, a defective metering device or a malfunctioning reversing valve. In this case, look for a HVAC compressor troubleshooting expert for an accurate diagnosis and fix.

You seldom need to know what a capacitor or a transformer is in order to pinpoint the issue and fix it with a simple step. As long as you know where to find your power panel and how to reset a tripped circuit breaker, you could be saving yourself a lot of money. If you need more help, look for tips from books or YouTube videos. There is no shortage of DIY tutorials out there that will guide you through the process of cleaning out or replacing a filter step by step. If you feel overwhelmed by HVAC troubleshooting, don’t postpone scheduling a service call. By taking care of your heating and cooling units, you only do yourself the favor of maintaining a cozy environment in your house and avoiding potential future expenses.

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Comprehensive Furnace Maintenance Guide

Heating and cooling systems are the best solutions to keep your home a pleasant environment both during winter and during summer. While maintenance is usually kept to a minimum, to make sure you’re looking after your furnace’s longevity, take notes on these ABCs of furnace maintenance. Propane gas furnace maintenance or oil furnace maintenance? Regardless of the type of system you own, you can keep everything in check with a few preventive steps you can repeat every month or each winter.

What can go wrong?

Furnaces are reliable and you shouldn’t have any problems with them. However, a furnace that won’t turn on or give off heat indicates there is a problem with the heating source, the thermostat, or the distribution system. If you’re having trouble running your air conditioner, boiler or furnace, there could be an issue at the source. This could be happening either because fuel is unable to get to the unit or, if fuel does reach the system, it fails to ignite and turn it on. On the other hand, if you can turn on your heating system, but you don’t feel the heated air coming into your rooms, you probably have a problem with the distribution system. A defective thermostat could be overturning your settings by switching the system on and off and throwing the preset temperature completely off track.

Furnace maintenance checklist

HVAC repair costs can set you back a few hundred dollars. Most of the time, the problem is not that serious and can be fixed by anyone who can follow some simple guidelines. If you find your furnace humidifier has stopped working properly, or that the steam boiler is not giving hot water, don’t rush to the phone to call a furnace repair pro to look at your heating system. Here are some tips and tricks on how you can take care of your unit in order to avoid the additional furnace maintenance cost.

The first step in pinpointing the issue with your furnace is to check if it’s receiving power. Take a look at the main panel. Are there any tripped circuit breakers? Your furnace might have its own direct power entrance, on another panel, or even a fuse mounted on the unit or within. Check these as well, to rule out the power issue.
Most furnaces have a “reset” button. Before pressing it, wait for the unit to cool down. Repeat the process if the heating doesn’t restart on the first try, waiting 30 minutes between each attempt.
Some units might have an individual switch. Check to see if it’s on.
To rule out the thermostat isn’t faulty, take a look at the settings and try to raise or lower the temperature to see if anything happens.
Sometimes, the simplest issues are to blame. For a unit that uses natural gas, make sure the supply is turned on; if the system uses oil, check the supply isn’t running low.

Safety first

Making sure your heating or cooling units are working properly isn’t dangerous, but there are some safety measures you should keep in mind before tackling the issue.

Before starting working on the faulty unit, you have to turn off the power. Head over to the electrical panel and remove the fuse that fuels the heating unit. If you don’t know what circuit breaker to trip, the safest method is to turn off the power for the entire house. If your furnace uses a separate electrical panel, perform the above mentioned steps there.
If your air conditioning service or furnace unit trips the circuit or causes the fuses to blow each time they are turned on, you have a problem within the electrical system.
If you smell gas in your house and your heating system runs on gas, leave the windows and doors open and get out of your house. To prevent a blast, don’t shut off the gas and don’t switch on the lights. Call the gas carrier to let them know about the gas leak as soon as everyone is safely out of the house.
Experts recommend you schedule an annual professional check-up for your heating system. The best time for the inspection is when the heating season ends. To kill two birds with one stone, perform the professional check-up for your air conditioning as well.

Tips on cleaning a furnace

Whether you acquired your home heating system from Lennox or Trane and you’re a client of Enbridge in Calgary or other energy delivery company in Toronto or Chicago, you’ll still have to deal with dirt and dust. These two can affect the furnace’s efficiency and sneak its way into the key components of the unit: the motor, which can overheat, the filter, which can get clogged, and the blower. It’s recommended you replace the filter before the heating season starts and clean it periodically, at least once a month after you turn on the unit. To check on the filter’s condition you can take it out of the furnace and look at it in the light. If it’s extremely dirty, don’t postpone replacing it, even if it was only used for a week or two.

Keeping the blower and the pulleys clean is just as important as replacing a dirty filter. In order to clean the blower, you have to take out the filter panel so you can reach in front of the furnace. If you need to disconnect any cords or wires, don’t forget to mark them, so you know how to reassemble them in the right order. To clean the blades of the fan, you can use an old toothbrush, vacuuming the dust and dirt on the belt. The motor tends to clog with buildup, so it’s always ideal to clean it with a damp cloth and remove the dirt and dust.

Lubricating a furnace motor

Furnace motors can easily overheat, causing the entire unit to turn off. To keep the motor working at full power, lubricate it regularly by applying motor oil into every port. Don’t be too generous with the lubrication process. If you add more than necessary, you risk over-lubricating, and you’ll end up doing more damage than good. To reach the ports, unscrew the plates and use tiny amounts of oil.

Replacing your drive belt

We’re tempted to wait for the drive belt to break down before replacing it, convinced that as long as it’s working, it’s as good as new. But if you didn’t replace your furnace’s belt in the last three years, and you’re ready for some DIY, you should at least keep a spare one in your house, just in case. A busted belt can cause other problems, like reduced airflow. You can buy a replacement belt online or at any hardware store. Before you start your handiwork, inspect the belt to make sure you replace it with the same model. You’ll find a series of numbers and letters on the outside of the belt, which indicates the exact model and type.

The first step is to power off the unit completely from its switch button or from the control panel. Then, to access the blower, remove the panels and any screws holding them together. Don’t rush into things, the old belt shouldn’t be forced out. Pulling it out could damage the motor or even the blower. Instead, use a marker to make a note of the motor mount’s position and with and wrench, start loosening the bolts. This will help you take out the belt easier, without damaging other parts. Take advantage of the occasion to clean the pulleys and the blower, which often gather dust and dirt. You can also lubricate any oil ports, avoiding staining the copper parts within the motor. To set up the new belt, begin with the smaller pulley and place the motor mount back, according to the mark. The belt shouldn’t be extremely taut, but it should be firmly stretched out. Finish off by reattaching the screws and the panels and turning on the circuit breakers.

Additional tips and tricks

When it comes to furnaces, seasonal cleaning and care will take you a long way and even spare you additional costs. Regular filter cleaning will prevent dust and dirt reaching the blower and slowing down the unit. You’ll never have to clean the blower as long as you clean or replace the filters as soon as they get clogged. Never use a furnace without a filter. This won’t only damage the main parts of the unit (the blower wheel, the furnace controls and the air ducts), but the charred air will also soil your walls, upholstery, and carpets. Lubrication is unnecessary for furnaces that don’t have oiling ports. For those with oiling ports, a maximum of 20 drops is more than enough. Most furnaces that break down require uncomplicated solutions. Frequently, a tripped circuit breaker, a clogged filter or a turned off switch are the causes of the malfunction. If you want to roll up your sleeves and save some money, instead of calling a professional service person, you can investigate the issue yourself. Make sure to follow all the safety advice before getting to work. Furnace maintenance will not only discard unnecessary expenses, it will also prevent unpleasant surprises when you least expect them.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3.

Everything You Need to Know about Central Air Installation

Central air installation is making its way into every household. And it’s no wonder, since no one likes sweating in the summertime. No longer a luxury, air conditioning units are a must, in areas where summer temperatures spike and the nights are unbearable. New models are becoming more efficient, quieter and cheaper. With all this in mind, it’s difficult to say no to central air conditioning installation. Thorough research on the internet and time spent reading reviews will help you decide what the best air conditioning for your home is, and it will shed some light on the steps you have to go through. But the ultimate question is “how much to install central air?”

The ABCs of central air

There is something you should do before drafting up a budget, starting to save money for the investment, and even before you ask around “how much does it cost to install central air?” Read all about the basics and know exactly what you need for your house. There is a significant difference between an air conditioning unit that can cool down 200 square feet and a central air installation that can handle a couple thousand feet. Narrow down your search and focus on an installation that will be able to cope with the square footage of your home. But don’t go overboard. While buying a central air installation is a sensible investment, don’t fall into the trap of buying more than you need.

An air conditioning that is too big will be difficult to handle, uncomfortable to set-up and more expensive. You might also want to get familiar with specific air conditioning terms. For example, tons are used to measure the output of an air conditioning unit. The higher the number, the more heat the installation will be able to remove from your house within an hour. If you’re looking for a central air conditioner installation that meets the expectations of a home measuring 1,500 square feet, look at units that are around 2.5 tons. But there are other factors to consider, besides central air installation cost. The rooms on the second and third floor are bound to become hotter during summertime than the basement. To make sure you factor in all the variables, you might want to hire an air conditioning contractor, who will help you make the right choice to suit both your home and your budget.

Cost to install central air

You might be tempted to keep an eye on sales and seize an air conditioner deal from a local wholesaler. This could bring down the central air installation cost, but you’ll need some expertise in order to make sure the installation job is done properly. We recommend you leave the whole process to professionals who’ll ensure that the job is done flawlessly and there are no faulty parts within the installation. If you’ve just moved into a new house or apartment that has never had air conditioning before, you’ll find there is an entire list of things to take care of. This is where a HVAC contractor will come in handy. The air conditioning installation will require additional breakers in the electrical panel, as well as wires within the foundation. You’ll also need a separate duct connected to the HVAC unit. An experimented air conditioner contractor will be able to give you an accurate estimate on the cost of installing central air in your home. Be prepared to pay anywhere between $3,000 for the cheapest models and $5,000 for a two ton unit. The latest systems can set you back by up to $10,000 if you are interested in top notch quality and an extended warranty.

Additional costs

There are a few things that could spike the price of your central air installation. If the design of your house is tricky, it might require additional duct work, which is bound to increase the total cost of the investment. Likewise, if you’re in need of a new thermostat, get ready to add that expense to the list of additional costs. If you don’t want to put up with a noisy air conditioning unit, there are ways to reduce the noise levels and make sure air conditioning doesn’t keep you up all night. Most units run at around 75 decibels, which translates to a noise that is loud enough to be heard through a window. Recent air conditioning models come with an implemented noise reduction feature. However, this doesn’t come cheap. If you decide to invest in a durable installation, expect to pay more for extra options that will keep you comfortable and happy on hot days.

How it works

A central air conditioner installation works in the same way a refrigerator does, only on a bigger scale. Employing chemicals that change their state from gas to liquids over and over again, the heat within a house is sucked out and replaced with cooler air. An air conditioner comprises an evaporator, which is part of a furnace, a compressor and a condenser, which are on the outside. When the compressor receives low pressure gas, the fluid is squeezed and it exits as a high pressure gas. As the fluid passes through the condenser, it cools down and shifts to a high pressure liquid. This goes on to pass through the evaporator, and, as its pressure drops, it transforms into a gas. The evaporating process draws out the heat within the room. When the fluid goes through the evaporator as a low pressure gas, it returns to the compressor to restart the process again. The fan that is attached to the evaporator is in charge with circulating the air within the rooms of a house. Since hot air is lighter, it rises above cooler air to be sucked into the central air unit.

Troubleshooting

After spending time on tackling the issue of how to install central air, and after investing in extra features, air conditioner maintenance will be minimum. However, you might deal with various issues like leaks or poor airflow over the years. Before you rush to the phone to schedule a service check-up, there are some steps you can perform to try to fix the problem yourself. These are the most common issues that tend to pop up over time.

Air conditioning not working at all

If you’re taken by surprise by your central air conditioning that has stopped working, you should first head to the thermostat and check if it’s working properly. If there’s nothing wrong with the thermostat, try checking the following:

Head over to the electrical panel and look for any tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Resetting them should solve the problem and restore your air conditioning to proper functioning.
Check to make sure the furnace power switch is on. You will find a power button on the outdoor unit.
Switch off the central air conditioning’s power and replace the batteries on your thermostat. Wait five minutes before giving the unit another try.

The central air unit is not cooling properly

If your air conditioning is working but it’s doing a poor job, there are some steps you can perform to locate the issue.

The first thing you should check is the filter. A clogged panel will most likely obstruct the air from flowing into the room, leading to poor cooling. Filters should be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis in order to avoid damage to the other parts of the air conditioning unit.
If the coils are surrounded by ice, you can close the unit, switch it back on and turn on the fan. You should notice the ice melting in a couple of hours.
Since they suck out all the moisture from the air, central air conditioners are bound to produce a lot of water. The drain pipe that is supposed to evacuate the water can get blocked, resulting in the air conditioning breaking down and creating a puddle on your floor. Cleaning the drain will take care of the issue.

Unusual noise coming from the A/C

If you start noticing a strange sound coming from your central air unit, it’s probably produced by a faulty or worn out belt. Generally, the belt that links the motor to the slips of the blower slips and needs to be replaced. A grinding sound coming from the blower usually points towards a motor problem. For this, you might want to call a professional service person. A rattling noise from the furnace might indicate that the panels are not tightly screwed on.

Air conditioning maintenance and guidelines

You might be tempted to neglect periodical maintenance for your central air unit. But if you want your investment and efforts to pay off, keep this check-list in mind so you can strike the perfect balance between cost efficiency and performance levels.

Air conditioning filters are often neglected and forgotten. Regularly replacing and cleaning your central air filters will improve the unit’s efficiency and increase its longevity. Filters do not only keep your air clean, they also keep the essential parts of the system dirt free.
Air conditioning coils are bound to clog and collect dirt over the years. An obstructed coil will lead to poor airflow and decrease the performance of your air conditioner. You should periodically clean the area surrounding the condenser unit and remove falling leaves and other debris that could clog the coils.
The condensate drains play a major role in the well-functioning of your central air unit. To keep them clean and dirt free, take a wire and pass it through the drains to clear out any debris. This way, your system will be able to prevent excess humidity that could produce condensation and affect the walls and woodwork in your house.

When looking for a suitable central air installation, you have to ask more questions than the classic how much does central air cost? You should take into account the square footage of your home, employ a seasoned HVAC contractor and also get ready to pay for extra options that will ensure you’re comfortable during the oncoming hot summer months. Latest air conditioner models come with top of the line features, but maintenance is a requirement that shouldn’t be neglected or postponed.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3.