How To Choose The Right Residential Heater To Heat Your Home: Part 1

Most homes that are serviced by HVAC Philly in the greater Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery County Pa areas are heated with either furnaces or boilers. Now that we are officially in fall and the temperature is starting to drop our natural habit is to wonder if our homes are ready to handle the next heating season.

HVAC Philly is providing this guide, which is specifically geared toward those homeowner looking for more information on residential boiler systems; common boiler fixes, features, considerations before a new purchase, energy efficient upgrades and top brands.

Considering that half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling (according to Energy Star), making the most economical decisions about your home’s heating system can have a significant effect on your utility bills.

And most importantly your comfort.

Now is the best time to check your boiler and make sure it is working properly. If it is not or if it is getting old, you might want to consider purchasing one of the newer boilers on the market.

Common Problems with Boilers You Could Encounter

There can be one or two minor problems when your system is first started for the season. Unfortunately, you usually learn about these common problems when it’s already cold outside, making the need to address the issue much more urgent.

Let’s face the most common problems you might encounter first before you take a look at a newer energy efficient boiler.

You’ll need to know what type of boiler you have. Most produce steam or hot water using natural gas or heating oil, and all are either condensing or non-condensing. While these systems differ in their controls they both utilize a boiler.

Your first step will always be to determine if you have a hot water boiler or a steam boiler. If you don’t see a circulator (pump on a hot water heating system) or if you have a clear glass tube on one side of your boiler then it’s a steam boiler. That is great information to know if you have to contact a technician.

Here’s a quick checklist before calling in the experts:

1. Check Your Pilot Light

The problem could be as simple as a draft blowing the pilot out. Or it could debris clogging the gas delivery nozzle. Checking the pilot light is a consideration if you have either a hot water or steam boiler.

2. Investigate Loss of Pressure

This commonly occurs because of a water leak somewhere in the system. However, the cause could also be due to a faulty pressure relief valve. In order to determine the cause, it’s best to contact a professional at HVAC Philly who will be able to pinpoint and repair the problem quicker than you can on your own.

In the case of the steam boiler, you can check the water level at the site glass. The site glass should be filled up 3/4 of the way.

3. Could You Have a Faulty Thermostat?

Thermostat issues are exactly as they sound. If yours is inaccurate or is not operating properly then you must replace it. This is something that you can typically replace on your own.

4. Is There a Deep Rumbling Coming From the Boiler?

The noise you hear is called – Kettling. Not the best sign for the health of your boiler. Probably at the top of the list of the most common problems with boilers is limescale buildup within the boiler’s heat exchanger. Cleaning the system will take care of that problem. Probably best to call a professional to “err” on the side of caution.

Be sure to follow us for Part 2 of this guide where we will go over Key Boiler Features and Advantages.

Give HVAC Philly a call at (215)725-6111 to schedule your annual maintenance tune-up or if you have any questions.

Follow us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, or LinkedIn to learn more. HVAC Philly is readily available to answer any questions or to schedule an appointment. www.hvacphilly.com

HVAC Service Provided to

Philadelphia, South Philadelphia Feasterville, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley, Fairless hills, Churchville, Newtown, Southamptown,  Warminster,  Holland,  Jamison,  Morrisville. Elkins park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Abington, Huntingdon valley, Willow groove, Horsham and Jenkintown.

HVAC Heat Pumps and Your Home

One of the most important aspects of any heating system is the actual heat pump itself, which acts like the “lungs” of the entire HVAC system. It works by drawing in cold air, and pushing heat out, in turn creating a comfortable temperature for you to live in.

 

HVAC Philly, who have been serving the greater Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks County areas for over twenty years, has put together some important facts that you need to know about your heating systems.

 

What Is A Heat Pump?

• A heat pump is a device that actually does both the heating and cooling in a space, usually a residential or commercial building. But when you hear the word “heat,” you might initially think of a heater.
• A heat pump is a device that uses a small amount of energy to move heat from place to another – usually from either the air or ground into a building.
• Heat pumps pull air from outside inside. When cooling is needed, then refrigerant cools the air before a fan blows the air indoors.
• One of the biggest advantages newer heat pumps have over traditional HVAC units is that there’s no need for a separate furnace and air conditioner. The unit is one unit and does both. They are also more energy efficient, since they move existing heat, rather than burn fuel to create it.
• They work best in moderate climates where the temperatures never swing to extremes, so those home and business owners that live in the greater Philadelphia, Montgomery and Bucks County, PA area where the seasons are fairly constant, a heat pump may be able to help you put a little money back in your wallet while keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• A reputable company will sell several types of HVAC products. But, the main types of heat pumps on the market are “air-source,” “ground-source,” and “absorption” heat pumps. Air-source heat pumps use an outdoor fan to bring in outside air and move it over coils filled with refrigerant.
• There are two sets of such coils that transfer heat indoors. From there, it’s blown off the coils by a secondary fan and then distributed through your home as cold air.
• Ground source pumps absorb heat from the ground or an underground body of water. They then transfer it indoors and from there the secondary fan provides the cold air.
• Finally, an absorption heat pump is powered by natural gas, solar power, propane, or geothermal heated water rather than by direct electrical current.
• Absorption pumps can be used for large-scale cooling applications, but they can also be used in residential. The main difference between the absorption and air-source (or ground-source) pump is that there is no compression of refrigerant. Instead, the absorption pump absorbs ammonia into water and then a low-power pump pressurizes it.
• From there, the heat source boils the ammonia out of the water, and the cycle repeats.

Other Types Of Heat Pumps

Two uncommon types of pumps include the mini-split heat pump and the reverse cycle chiller. The mini-split heat pump connects an air-source unit to multiple indoor units. These indoor units then connect to water heat or space heaters.

A reverse chiller heats and cools water, rather than air and operates in below-freezing temperatures.

Give HVAC Philly a call at (215)725-6111 to schedule your annual maintenance tune-up or if you have any questions.

Follow us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, or LinkedIn to learn more. HVAC Philly is readily available to answer any questions or to schedule an appointment. www.hvacphilly.com

HVAC Service Provided to

Philadelphia, South Philadelphia Feasterville, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley, Fairless hills, Churchville, Newtown, Southamptown,  Warminster,  Holland,  Jamison,  Morrisville. Elkins park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Abington, Huntingdon valley, Willow groove, Horsham and Jenkintown.

Stormproofing Your HVAC System during a Hurricane

As we all know hurricane season is in full force and tearing through the Atlantic with a vengeance this year.  With the devastating damage occurring throughout the east coast, Florida, Keys and Texas, it makes those of us in the greater Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery County, PA areas much more concerned about what we can do to be prepared.

Hurricanes are, to a very great degree, destructive.  Most homeowners and residents already know to stock up on water, nonperishable foods, flashlights, batteries, and stormproof your home. However, most people simply forget about their HVAC systems. HVAC Philly put together some tips to help you protect your home and HVAC systems before and after the storm to help you keep your family safe during hurricane season.

Before the Storm

Prevention is crucial when it comes to protecting your home and HVAC systems during the hurricane season.

Home and business owners invest a significant amount of money to install and maintain their systems. By not taking precautions to secure your HVAC system to remain unaffected by the storm or with minimal damage, it will cost hundreds even thousands of dollars to repair or replace the unit. Here are some tips to get your HVAC system ready before the storm hits.

• Have a professional HVAC technician, like our experts at HVAC Philly, come out to perform a maintenance check on your systems.
• If the current climate is warm enough that you need to use the A/C, cool your home as much as possible before the storm since you are not able to use it during it. If you are using a window A/C unit, unplug and remove it before you seal the opening.
• Secure you’re A/C unit or any HVAC components are secured to the base using either hurricane straps or a protective cage. Put a tarp over your A/C unit to help keep any loose debris and objects from damaging the unit.
• Remove any loose debris and items around the unit to prevent any impact damage as well as trim any trees that can break free during the storm.
• In case the storm knocks your power out, purchase a generator to use until the power comes back on.

During the Storm

Even with preparing and prepping before the storm hits, when the storm is actively striking your home, there is still work to be done. It is most important, to prevent damage to the unit during the storm, that you turn off the circuit breakers for HVAC equipment.

After the Storm

Once the storm has passed, follow these steps to make sure your unit is running properly.

• Step outside and check your equipment for any damage like dents or dings so that you know if you have to take any action. If you feel that something is obstructing your system and preventing your unit from working properly, contact HVAC Philly before you turn your unit back on.
• Switch your breakers back on and make sure you restart your unit slowly while monitoring the equipment for any unusual noises.
• If you removed your window A/C unit or any outdoor furniture, feel free to put the items back into place.
• If any flooding occurs on the inside or outside of your heating and air conditioning units, never restore power to the system or turn the thermostat on until you have a qualified HVAC technician inspect your equipment. It’s best to call HVAC Philly to schedule a system inspection on your unit.

Whether it’s hurricane season or not, it is important to schedule an annual maintenance tune-up for your HVAC system to make sure it’s working efficiently. Give HVAC Philly a call at (215)725-6111 to schedule your annual maintenance tune-up or if you have any questions.

Follow us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, or LinkedIn to learn more. HVAC Philly is readily available to answer any questions or to schedule an appointment. www.hvacphilly.com

HVAC Service Provided to

Philadelphia, South Philadelphia Feasterville, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley, Fairless hills, Churchville, Newtown, Southamptown,  Warminster,  Holland,  Jamison,  Morrisville. Elkins park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Abington, Huntingdon valley, Willow groove, Horsham and Jenkintown.

 

Avoid Heater Repair with Fall Heater Maintenance

It’s already mid September, and although the weather is still warm, crisp Fall days are right around the corner. Before you know it, you’ll be running your heater nonstop to escape the winter weather. When’s the last time your heater had a check up? If you’re like most folks, chances are, it’s been a while. Getting heater maintenance before the long winter ahead will save you money in the long run by preventing breakdowns, avoiding the need for heater repair, and ensuring you’re comfortable all winter long.

Let’s check out some common heater issues that occur due to a lack of maintenance.

Inadequate Heat Flow

As a heater ages, integral parts of the machine lose efficiency due to rusting, normal wear and tear, and dirt accumulation. If you don’t properly maintain your heater, you may start to notice uneven heating in your home. Common signs include cold areas due to inadequate heat flow, rooms that get too hot, or weak air flow. If you experience this in your home, you’ll know that you’re long overdue for a tuneup. Regular maintenance will prevent these problems and stop them from becoming major issues that require expensive heater repair.

Rising Heating Bills

Another effect from an inefficient heater that hasn’t been maintained is the drain it puts on your wallet. Heaters that don’t receive regular maintenance have to work harder to keep the same temperature as a new heater. A harder working heater requires more energy to operate, and you’re going to pay for that extra energy. Over the course of a full winter, the cost really adds up. Think of it like a bicycle. If you let your chain get rusty, it’s going to be a lot harder to pedal than if you had kept your chain lubricated all along. A little maintenance really does go a long way in this case.

Loss of Warranty

Most heater warranties state that the warranty is void if your heater breaks down or is damaged due to improper maintenance. This could lead to big headaches if you haven’t had regular maintenance and need an expensive heater repair that would normally be covered by your warranty.

Avoidable Danger

Remember that your heater is a potential fire hazard. No one wants a worst case scenario. An unchecked heater could develop a deadly gas leak in its heat exchanger, become backed up due to air flow problems, or present a handful of other dangerous situations that could’ve been avoided and identified with regular maintenance.

Don’t put off heater maintenance this fall if you want to avoid costly heater repair. Your wallet will thank you, you will be comfortable all winter long, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your heater is operating safely and efficiently.

If you’re in Philadelphia, Bucks, or Montgomery County, give the experts at HVAC Philly a call at 215-725-6111. We have over 20 years of experience as trusted HVAC experts in the Greater Philadelphia Area and would be happy to make sure your heater is in top condition.

Stay warm, my friends.

Preventive Maintenance To Prepare Your HVAC System For Winter

As the change in the temperature comes with the fall season, it gives a great opportunity for homeowners to save on HVAC costs by being able to open windows and temporarily power down our HVAC units. However, it will soon be time to turn on the heat.

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Will your system be ready to handle this year’s cold weather?

By scheduling regular preventive maintenance, which is performed twice a year, you can help your system keep up with seasonal temperature changes here in the greater Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery County PA area, as advised by our local HVAC experts, HVAC Philly. As well, it can increase HVAC performance and help you avoid costly emergency repairs—there is nothing worse than for you and your family to be left without heat in the middle of a snowstorm. Even though most newer heating systems require little maintenance, a quick tune-up will greatly extend the life of your HVAC equipment, making sure that it always runs at peak efficiency.

*Be sure that all major furnace maintenance is always handled by a licensed HVAC technician.*

HVAC Philly provides some steps you can take on your own that can result in a more comfortable winter:

Step 1) Power down

Turn off all power to the unit before performing any maintenance; wait for the blower to stop.

Step 2) Replace filters

Replace air filters at least once every three months. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, resulting in lower efficiency.

Step 3) Perform a sound check

Turn your unit on, and check for unusual sounds, like banging or rattling.

Step 4) Look for signs of moisture

Check for moisture on windows or rust or dirt accumulations on the vent pipe. This can indicate improper operation.

Step 5) Assess the room temperature

Check your thermostat’s temperature while the unit is on to ensure rooms are reaching their full comfort potential.

If, during your basic unit checklist rundown you find any unusual noises, excess moisture or other signs that your unit is not functioning properly, contact a certified HVAC technician. Our HVAC Philly technician will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures in addition to regular pre-season maintenance. This will ensure that all parts are cleaned, drained and lubricated, and all assembly and burner controls are working correctly. A thorough inspection will also verify that the heat exchanger is doing its job and the flue system is free of cracks and corrosion.

Once maintenance is complete and your system is running at peak capacity, you can relax in the comfort of knowing your system will provide ample and consistent heat throughout the season.

Give us a call today at (215) 725-6111 or schedule your appointment online.

Follow us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, or LinkedIn to learn more. HVAC Philly is readily available to answer any questions or to schedule an appointment. www.hvacphilly.com

HVAC Service Provided to

Philadelphia, South Philadelphia Feasterville, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley, Fairless hills, Churchville, Newtown, Southamptown,  Warminster,  Holland,  Jamison,  Morrisville. Elkins park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Abington, Huntingdon valley, Willow groove, Horsham and Jenkintown.

 

Should I cover my air conditioning unit in the fall?

There are important times throughout the year that it is necessary to do maintenance on your heating and cooling system. Those times are in the spring for your air conditioner, and in the fall for your heating unit. In addition to that maintenance schedule, home and business owners ask if their outside air conditioning unit may need to be covered once the summer is gone and the weather turns cold.

When You Should Cover Your A/C

There is, indeed, a reason to cover your air conditioner when the summer has ended, and it is not just for the winter. Your unit is built to withstand the rain and snow, but it is not built to keep out leaves, seeds, or nuts.

You will want to cover your system during the fall only. When leaves or seeds get into your air conditioner, they can create an environment where moisture collects, which then, in turn, causes corrosion. It can even clog up any moisture drainage your system has built-in.

If you do decide to cover your air conditioner, only cover the top of it. If you make your own cover, be conscious that it should only come down the side only about 6 inches. You don’t want to cover it completely.  If you do, you can create serious problems. A cover that completely covers your unit will trap moisture inside which then causes rust and corrosion.

Why You Do Not Need To Cover Your Air Conditioner

People often cover certain things around their home to keep the elements away. For example, swimming pools and lawn furniture, especially if a garage or storage shed is not available. But for those of you wondering if you should cover your outside air conditioner, it does not require a cover.

Some people are under the impression that a cover will protect the air conditioner unit from:

Dirt

When on, the unit sucks in air, which also brings in the dirt. Once it is off, no dirt or other debris will go inside.

Snow, Ice, and Cold Weather

Outdoor cooling units are built to endure these harsh winter weather conditions, which eliminates the need for a cover.

Moisture

Moisture (water) can freeze the air conditioner’s condenser coils, which can cause damage over time. However, there is no way to keep moisture out 100% of the time. Either through the humidity in the air or from the wind, moisture is sure to seep in.

With a cover on your air conditioner, you actually trap the moisture in, which can then create mold. You are much better off not using a cover for this reason.

Rodents

A cover will not keep small animals away, in fact, just the opposite. Animals want to get out of the cold, and your cover can provide them with a new winter home. Remember, rodents and other small animals are known for finding their way into very small spaces.

Remember, your air conditioner is already built to protect against typical winter conditions. Therefore, you do not need a cover for it for the reasons you might think. You only need to cover your unit in the fall.

If you’re in need of a new air conditioning unit, just let us know.

Give us a call today at (215) 725-6111 or schedule your appointment online.

Follow us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, or LinkedIn to learn more. HVAC Philly is readily available to answer any questions or to schedule an appointment. www.hvacphilly.com

HVAC Service Provided to

Philadelphia, South Philadelphia Feasterville, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley, Fairless hills, Churchville, Newtown, Southamptown,  Warminster,  Holland,  Jamison,  Morrisville. Elkins park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Abington, Huntingdon valley, Willow groove, Horsham and Jenkintown.

 

Preparing Your HVAC System For The Fall Season

Scheduling a regular maintenance service for your HVAC system is an important factor to add to your to do list for many reasons. Not only can a routine maintenance extend the overall life of your heating and cooling system, but it can, at the same time, help to improve your home’s indoor air quality, lessening some airborne allergy symptoms, and reducing your energy costs. However most homeowners will only take the appropriate steps to maintain their HVAC systems in the summer season when system use is at an all-time high, working hard to cool your home, maintenance is also very important during other seasons as well.

With the fall season is right around the corner, now is the perfect time to give your HVAC system a little special attention. HVAC Philly, who serve the greater Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery County PA areas provide you with following maintenance tips (below) that will ensure your heating and cooling system functions as efficiently as possible this fall.

Change the Air Filter

One of the easiest ways to get your HVAC system ready for fall is by changing the air filter. Air filters are used to capture dander, dirt, dust and other pollutants before they can be dispersed throughout the rooms of your home. However, over time, air filters will become heavy with an excess particulate matter, which is exactly why changing the air filter each month is crucial to maintaining good indoor air quality. Changing the air filter in your HVAC system only takes a few minutes and will provide instant results.

Adjust Your Thermostat

If you have a programmable thermostat, you can prepare your HVAC system for fall by adjusting the settings on your device. In Pennsylvania, the fall months bring relief from the heat so you will not need to depend on the same heating and air conditioning settings as you do in the summer. Adjusting your programmable thermostat to accurately reflect the drop in outdoor temperature will keep your home comfortable and will lower your energy bills as well.

Schedule a Maintenance Checkup

After a hot summer, your HVAC system will benefit from a professional maintenance checkup. During a maintenance checkup, an experienced technician, like our professionals at HVAC Philly, will perform a comprehensive inspection and tune-up of your entire HVAC system. This will ensure that any components that may have sustained damage during excessive use in the summer will be addressed and ready to keep your home comfortable throughout the fall months and beyond.

Schedule Your Maintenance Checkup With HVAC Philly Today!

If you have not scheduled a professional maintenance checkup for your HVAC system recently, now is a great time to make an appointment. At HVAC Philly, our maintenance services include an extensive list of quality services that keep your HVAC system working as efficiently as possible. Want to learn more? Give us a call today at (215) 725-6111 or schedule your appointment online.

Follow us on Facebook, Google+, Tumblr, Twitter, or LinkedIn to learn more. HVAC Philly is readily available to answer any questions or to schedule an appointment. www.hvacphilly.com

HVAC Service Provided to

Philadelphia, South Philadelphia Feasterville, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley, Fairless hills, Churchville, Newtown, Southamptown,  Warminster,  Holland,  Jamison,  Morrisville. Elkins park, Cheltenham, Glenside, Abington, Huntingdon valley, Willow groove, Horsham and Jenkintown.