Reducing energy consumption in your home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is not only good for the environment but also for your wallet. Here are practical steps you can take:
Regular Maintenance: Ensure your HVAC system, including both new furnaces and new AC units, receives regular maintenance. This includes cleaning and replacing filters, checking ducts for leaks, and ensuring that all components are functioning efficiently. We offer a maintenance program.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Models: Consider replacing older systems with energy-efficient models. New furnace and new AC units often come with improved technology that uses less energy to operate.
Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can reduce energy consumption by adjusting the temperature according to your schedule. Lowering the temperature when you are away or asleep can lead to significant savings.
Seal and Insulate: Ensuring that your home is well-sealed and insulated can reduce the workload on your HVAC system. Check for drafts around doors and windows and add insulation where necessary.
Use Window Treatments: Smart use of blinds, curtains, and shades can help control the temperature in your home, reducing the need for constant HVAC adjustment.
Consider a Zoned System: Installing a zoned HVAC system allows you to heat or cool only the areas that are in use, which can significantly cut down on wasted energy.
By following these tips, you can enhance the efficiency of your HVAC system, lower your energy bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
You’re never going to run of reasons to love summer: the sun, tan, unlimited outdoor activities — the list goes on. And when you’re at home, you have an air conditioner to take care of your indoor climate. But everybody knows running an AC is quite expensive, and perhaps, you’re looking for ways to minimize your use of it and save some cash in the process.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your preferred HVAC company in Fridley MN. In this article, we will give you a few tips to consider to effectively cool your home without having to make your AC work too hard.
Check your home’s insulation.
Proper insulation keeps your home from
letting out cooled air and your hard-earned money. Windows, doors, attics, and
other parts of your home are often leaky because of poor insulation.
If your window sill has a crack or
there’s a tiny opening under the door,
conditioned air can easily sneak out of your home. This causes your air
conditioner to work longer and harder to reach your desired temperature.
Ultimately, this causes more wear and tear to your system, and makes your home
warmer than it should be.
In addition, proper insulation is also
crucial when it comes to keeping the hot outdoor air out of your home.
Insulation is your most effective way to protect the home from the heat of
summer and to keep the cool air from escaping through the leaky areas of your
home.
Therefore, you should contact a local
contractor and schedule a home energy audit, which will give you an idea of
your home’s current
insulation quality. Once determined, be sure to seal the leaks, install
weather-stripping, and add more insulation to get the most out of your air
conditioner while lowering your utility costs.
Guard the heat.
Keeping the heat from getting into
your house in the first place means spending less on your AC use. So, shade
windows and walls using external coverings, like blinds, canopies or large
potted greenery. Plant deciduous trees that cast shade over your home in the
summertime, but still let the sun shine through during winter. If your budget
permits, invest in window tinting, which will help keep the warmth in the cold
season, too.
Plan your daily tasks.
Keeping your home comfortable this
summer doesn’t rest solely
on your air conditioner. You can actually start planning your day wisely to
maximize your options. A good idea is to open the windows during early morning
hours and late at night but be prepared to close them and turn your air
conditioner or fan on when the heat becomes too much.
Similarly, you can also perform
household chores like dishwashing or pressing clothes during the cooler parts
of the day. To keep your house cool when you have to cook during the day, you
can opt to use the grill outside or the microwave to minimize the heat
circulating in your home.
Use ceiling fans wisely.
You might feel like ceiling fans just
push the hot air around your home rather than cool it down, and you’re right. Fans that aren’t rotating counter-clockwise may be
doing exactly that. With that in mind, you need to be a little wiser in
operating your ceiling fans. Set them to rotate counter-clockwise in summer to
push air down, which helps create a cooling effect and clockwise in winter to
pull cool air up.
In the warm months, set the fan speed
high and low in the cooler months. Ceiling fans can also be used alongside
other cooling systems, so making sure they rotate in the correct direction can
cause a significant change in the temperature throughout your home.
Questions? Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Like many homeowners, we know you want your home to be as energy-efficient as possible. While these three tips will definitely help, they are not substitutes for professional HVAC maintenance. So, talk to one of our St. Louis Park heating and air conditioning experts and find out how you can keep your air conditioner in tip-top shape and save as much energy as you can. For over forty years, we have been the go-to contractor for homeowners looking to have comfortable, energy-saving homes.
Compared to a furnace, a heat pump
requires less maintenance. Since the process does not involve the combustion of
fuel, it is also much safer. There are steps that you can perform on your own.
But as a responsible owner, you should consider having a professional look
after your heat pump. And in this article, we will tell you why.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable HVAC company in Richfield MN. We are experts at maintaining home comfort systems, including heat pumps. We have teams of seasoned and NATE-certified professionals who will ensure your heat pump gets the care it deserves.
Here are a few reasons why you should
look into having professional maintenance done on your heat pump at least once
per year.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
According to the Environmental
Protection Agency, indoor air can be up to 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor
air. In some cases, it can be up to 100 times more dangerous, i.e., during home
renovation work. This issue is particularly harmful to those who have allergies
or preexisting respiratory conditions.
Not only does your HVAC system give
you indoor comfort, but it also plays a significant part in maintaining the
quality of your indoor air. As forced air moves throughout your ductwork, it
carries with it any loose contaminants that are confined due to clogged filters
and dirty system parts. These particulates can pollute your indoor air, causing
allergic reactions and respiratory tract infections.
The regular replacement of filters,
and cleaning of ducts, and coils will ensure your furnace effectively collects
dirt, dust, and debris. When your system is regularly maintained, you can
easily avoid health risks by allowing clean, safe air to flow throughout your
home.
Early Detection and Correction of
Issues
Professional maintenance on your heat
pump will ensure every part of the system stays in great shape, guaranteeing
efficient heating and cooling for your home. A team of qualified HVAC professionals
understands your heat pump from the inside out. They will give it a thorough
cleaning, and inspect every part. In case there are minor issues, they will be
able to detect them and make the necessary adjustments to avoid them from
getting any worse.
Costly heat pump repair is something
you would like to avoid, and professional maintenance can help you do so.
During a heat pump maintenance visit, the technician will inspect, calibrate
and clean every part of your system. This reason alone can save you hundreds if
not thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Personal Safety
Sure, there are simple tasks that you
can do on your own, such as cleaning the filter, but there are other things
that require special knowledge and tools. For example, if the condensate line
is not dripping while the system is on, this could mean that there is an
internal obstruction that needs to be removed immediately. It can also mean
other things. A qualified professional can look into the problem and take away
the clog easily and restore the unit’s proper operation. Trying to DIY this
step may be inconvenient and even dangerous for an untrained individual, so it’s safer to have a knowledgeable person
do it for you.
Warranty Coverage
This is one of the most important benefits
of having an annual system check-up. You should be aware that most, if not all,
equipment manufacturers require proof of annual maintenance when a repair claim
is submitted under warranty. Certain components that make your heat pump work
are substantially expensive, such as the compressor and condenser. Investing in
an annual maintenance program will keep such parts covered under warranty. This
coverage will save you a considerable amount of money should a costly component
ever needs to be repaired or replaced. Therefore, continued warranty coverage
should be a key point you should consider as you decide to get professional
maintenance for your heat pump.
Need Help? Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Your heat pump is a valuable piece of equipment that deserves professional care. Thankfully, you can trust a Bloomington heating and air conditioning company like us which has been recognized for its excellent workmanship and unparalleled customer service. Should you need help taking care of your heat pump, all you have to do is give us a call and we’ll be there in no time.
In a perfect world, there should be no airborne allergens in your
home. Everybody should be able to breathe clean, fresh air without worrying
about allergy triggers. But this is not a perfect world. This season is known
for the release of pollen, causing countless people to suffer from hay fever
and spring allergies. Sadly, there is no permanent cure for allergies. However,
there are practical ways you can employ to minimize your risk of allergic
reactions.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your total HVAC company in St. Louis Park MN. We are experts at establishing clean indoor air in residences and workplaces.
Overview
According to research, 8 out of 10 people in the United States are
exposed to dust and 6 out of 10 people are exposed to cat or dog dander. Also,
cockroaches cause allergic reactions in those who live in downtown areas or
southern parts of the country. These studies are sufficient reasons for you to
take your indoor air quality to a state where you can effectively fight off
airborne allergens. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take.
Clean your house regularly.
Most homeowners dust off their homes at least once weekly. However,
many fail to wipe their HVAC vents and registers. These vents transport forced
air from your HVAC system, collecting dust. This is then circulated throughout
your home via your furnace or heat pump. You should first gather the dust in
every room, using damp or treated rags when dusting your home to keep it from
picking up mites and other dust particles that can trigger allergic reactions.
Keeping your home clean is an effective way to fight allergies.
Be on top of dust mites.
Keeping your home clean is a step toward controlling indoor
allergens. So, keep surfaces clean and tidy. In your bedroom, try to have bare
floors and walls. If possible, avoid wall-to-wall carpets, and if you really
want to have carpeting, use low-pile carpets or washable throw rugs. If you
can, avoid heavy drapes and overstuffed fabric furniture as well. To
effectively protect yourself against dust mites, wash your bedding, uncovered
pillows, and stuffed toys in water at a minimum of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry
them in a hot dryer.
Consider duct cleaning.
You may not realize it, but your air ducts are another source of
allergens in your home. Your home’s ventilation system and duct network
usually run through the attic, basements, and crawlspaces—areas that are rarely
cleaned. If your ducts are old, leaking, or have cracks, they can suck in air
from these areas. Your HVAC system then pumps the air directly into your living
spaces, further casting allergens that are normally found in the dirtiest parts
of your home.
Duct cleaning and maintenance should be entrusted to a qualified
HVAC professional. If you think there are issues within your ductwork, call a
trained technician who will inspect and seal them off. Maintaining your ducts
is a great way to ensure your HVAC system does not circulate airborne.
Upgrade your air filter.
Your HVAC system is equipped with an air filter to keep pollen, pet
dander, and other airborne pollutants at bay. Your regular filter should be
kept clean to ensure its potency. However, you can improve your home’s indoor air quality by upgrading to a high-efficiency particulate
air (HEPA) filter. These types of filters are known to capture up to 99.97
percent of airborne contaminants, including allergens. You might want to
contact your preferred HVAC contractor to determine the right high-grade filter
for your existing unit.
Use a whole-home humidifier.
Maintaining a healthy indoor air quality not only involves house
cleaning or vacuuming; it also requires making sure your home is properly
humidified. The cool mist released by a humidifier helps invigorate the body
and clear up the congestion in the nasal cavity. That’s why you should
consider running one if you have someone suffering from sinusitis.
Protect Your Family with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Airborne allergies can be prevented. By following these steps, you can increase your level of protection and have peace of mind. For best results, give us a call and we’ll give you more information on how to give your family the best protection against airborne allergy triggers. We are your trusty Fridley heating and air conditioning company.
If you want your home to have the most
efficient HVAC system and meet your heating and cooling needs, you should take
a look at heat pumps. But owning one comes with the responsibility of taking
care of it. Considering that comfort systems can cost a considerable amount of
money, you should do everything you can to ensure your heat pump lasts for as
long as it can. With proper usage, you will enjoy the best performance, the
most energy savings, and the most lifespan out of your heat pump.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Maple Grove MN. We have been helping homeowners like you establish comfortable and energy-efficient homes for over four decades now.
Here are heat pump usage tips you
might want to consider.
Set the temperature properly.
In terms of reading the temperature of
a room, a heat pump works differently compared to your old heating system. Set
your heat pump to a comfortable temperature and make little but accurate
adjustments over a few days until you’ve reached your
desired setting.
Making big jumps upward or downward
can activate the backup heater, making your setup less energy-efficient. Keep
in mind that heat pumps circulate air that feels cool out of the vent, but is
warm enough to heat the house properly.
To save energy, lower the temperature
a few degrees overnight or when you’re away for
several hours. Some heat pumps are equipped with programmable thermostats that
are designed to automatically make adjustments without relying on additional
heating systems.
Normally, the backup heating unit
automatically starts when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. To
increase your system’s efficiency,
set the thermostat to 68 to 70 degrees during the cold months and 78 to 80
during the hot months. Doing so will enable your thermostat to work without
triggering the automatic start of the backup heating system.
You don’t have to set the temperature back at
night.
If you have a two-stage thermostat,
you don’t have to
change the settings at night because turning the heat back up in the morning
may activate the backup resistance heater, which can easily erase all energy
savings you collected from turning it down throughout the night. In case you
want to lower the temperature at night to make your sleep more comfortable,
slowly increase the setting a few degrees at a time in the morning and check
the thermostat indicator to make sure the backup heater is not activated.
Make sure your heat pump has proper airflow.
Any HVAC equipment needs enough space
to have proper airflow. For the indoor part of your heat pump, be sure to clear
the area surrounding it and keep all furniture away from the unit. Avoid
blocking the vents and registers to ensure proper airflow. For the outdoor
unit, keep it clear from plants, shrubs, leaves, and similar items.
Change your filters regularly.
Your heat pump’s filter plays an important role in its overall
performance. It traps airborne contaminants, such as dirt, dust, and dander,
which can hamper the system’s airflow if
the filter is clogged. Also, a dirty filter can cause your system to overheat,
force it to work harder and use more energy while failing to deliver a
comfortable temperature. To avoid these problems, simply check your filter once
every 30 days and clean it as needed. If you have a replaceable filter, you can
buy one from your favorite home improvement store.
Restart the unit properly.
In case of a power outage of more than
30 minutes, you will need to manually restart the system. While the power is
still out, you can use the heat pump’s emergency
heat. When power comes back, wait for about an hour before programming the heat
pump to its normal setting. The refrigerant may need to heat up first before
turning the unit back to a normal setting.
Ask the Experts in Home Comfort
For more information on proper heat pump care, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We offer comprehensive heat pump maintenance, ensuring optimum performance and outstanding energy efficiency for your heat pump. We are your reliable Plymouth heating and air conditioning company.
Furnace repairs don’t come cheap. In
fact, you’re probably going to get charged just to have a heating expert visit
your home. That goes without saying the inconvenience brought about by a
malfunctioning unit, especially when you need it the most. But don’t fret, with a few steps you can actually avoid the inconvenience
and costs associated with a faulty furnace.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your leading heating company in Roseville MN. We have teams of trained and seasoned technicians who are adept at maintaining furnaces in tip-top shape.
Here are some tips you should consider to make sure your furnace
works as it should.
Choose the right furnace for your home.
The first thing you need to do is to make sure your furnace meets
your home’s heating needs. Therefore, you should pay close attention to the
unit you want to be installed in your home. Choose a reputable brand that is
known to build heavy-duty, energy-efficient HVAC systems. These names may cost
more compared to less-known ones, but quality eventually wins over price.
Pick the right installation team.
The quality of installation plays a major part in the overall performance and energy efficiency of your furnace. That’s why you should choose the right HVAC company, which may require some research. Selecting the right team to install your system is as important as choosing the furnace itself. A good team of technicians possesses in-depth knowledge of the product and installs the system according to the manufacturer’s specifications. As a result, you’ll enjoy optimum comfort and significant energy savings.
It is also important to work with a company duly licensed and
certified to deal with heating systems. A legitimate HVAC company complies with
legal requirements, whether it’s federal, state, or local. By
determining the contractor’s authority, you can have peace of
mind, knowing that they will be there in case of complaints and inquiries after
the installation is completed. To do this, you can check a contractor’s history by verifying it with the Better Business Bureau’s website.
Moreover, work with an installation team that has the North American
Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. This certification will guarantee
the workmanship and customer service skills of the technician are on par with
industry standards.
Pay attention to your furnace.
It’s possible for your heating system to not be in good condition but
you haven’t noticed it. But the sooner you identify the problem, the better.
If you ignore the issue, a furnace repair can easily cause you major financial
concerns. So, be sure to get in touch with a professional if you notice unusual
things, such as abnormal short-cycling (turning on and off of the system), odd
noises coming from the unit, hot and cold spots, unexpected temperature
fluctuations.
Be on top of the filter.
Your furnace’s filter is the part that you can clean or replace without the help of an expert. You can save money on a service call just by simply knowing how to manage it. A clogged filter causes different kinds of issues, including inconsistent heating and system overheating. To ensure the system has proper airflow, change your filter at least once per month—you’ll be happy you did.
Schedule routine maintenance.
The most effective way to keep your furnace in great shape and
prevent repairs is by scheduling maintenance for your system. A regular furnace
tune-up is a service offered by many HVAC contractors. This process gives your
furnace a comprehensive inspection and adjustment, making it less likely you’ll run into problems when your furnace is working the hardest.
Qualified technicians will check your heating system’s ignition, examine the filter, replace or adjust small components,
clean off the burners, and more. These steps are critical to the proper
functioning of the system as well as its operational safety. Now, we’re sure you won’t risk your family and home’s safety.
Ask the Heating Masters
To enjoy hassle-free New Brighton heating and air conditioning maintenance, be sure to work with a reputable company like Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Because of our dedication to excellence, we are duly recognized as a Lennox Premier Dealer, a distinction given to contractors that meet and exceed industry standards in workmanship and service.
Taking care of your furnace is a responsibility that yields several
benefits, and in this blog, we’d like to discuss with you some of
those good things.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable heating company in Anoka MN. We are dedicated to helping homeowners keep their furnaces in tip-top condition. Consider these advantages as you’re looking into the upkeep of your furnace.
Lower Energy Costs
A furnace can easily account for nearly half of your total energy
bill during the heating season. That can easily go up, especially if we have a
particularly long winter. This is why professional furnace maintenance is
essential to help you save money on energy.
A properly maintained furnace is more energy-efficient. In fact,
studies show that regular professional maintenance can save you as much as 30
percent on your monthly energy bill.
The reason behind this energy efficiency is a thorough cleaning of
your heating system. A trained technician inspects, cleans, and regulates your
entire HVAC system to ensure it runs in the most energy-efficient ways. It is
quite normal for furnaces to collect dust, dirt, and debris, which add strain
to the unit, making it harder to heat your home. But when neglected, the
collected dirt can cause different issues.
If you have a gas-fired unit, the gas lines and burners can also
lower the system’s overall efficiency, especially if
they are not maintained. A professional can perform a comprehensive check and
identify which parts need cleaning and lubrication. When your furnace is clean
from the inside out, it is guaranteed to work in tip-top condition, lowering
your energy use.
Fewer Repairs
Not only is a furnace breakdown frustrating, but it’s also expensive. In a perfect world, you want to deal with as few
as possible and when you get maintenance frequently, you can turn that ideal
scenario into a reality. Cleaning and parts checks prevent the vast majority of these
issues you commonly face.
Are you aware that regular tune-ups can actually help you avoid
about 85 percent of the repair needs your furnace might ever need in
its lifespan? A qualified technician checks for small problems before they even
have the chance to become bigger.
The HVAC professional will alert you to these small needs during
your tune-up, giving you enough time to get repairs on your schedule. Once
those alerts are addressed, you’ll have the peace of mind that your
furnace is ready to go and keep your family warm and comfortable all season
long.
Advanced Detection of Dangerous Leaks
If you have a gas-fired unit, it utilizes combustion as part of the
system’s overall process. A simple problem in the furnace’s combustion system can lead to a gas leak. If the unit hasn’t been properly maintained, it runs the risk of carbon monoxide
leaks. While you can detect a gas leak by its smell, it is harder to identify a
carbon monoxide leak because this gas is both colorless and odorless. Exposure
to high levels of carbon monoxide can cause severe headaches, nausea,
confusion, and in some cases, even death.
By allowing a professional to perform routine maintenance, he can
spot potential leaks and seal them off right away, eliminating the risk of
inhaling these dangerous gases.
Safety
Heating systems are not innately
dangerous. Otherwise, they won’t be allowed to be sold on the market,
let alone be used at homes. This statement is particularly true of modern
units, which are built with safety in mind, with several features to
ensure the safest operation.
However, when a gas-fired system isn’t well maintained,
you could run into problems—many of them. A poorly maintained gas furnace has
the risk of developing cracks. The one place you don’t want these
breaks is on the heat exchanger, which can cause a carbon monoxide leak in your
home.
This problem is most likely to occur with an aging furnace rather
than with a younger system. But maintaining it when it is still new lowers the
risk of problems taking place later on.
Questions? Ask Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
These are just four of the benefits of our Champlin heating and cooling/furnace maintenance offering. To know more, simply give us a call. We’d love to help you get your unit in great shape, ensuring both safety and reliability.
If you’re in the
market for a new furnace, you must be prepared not only financially, but also
practically. Choosing your next heating system isn’t as easy as picking a
washing machine or a dishwasher. There are more factors you need to consider.
Since it is going to be one of the major pieces of equipment in your home, you
should do some research and get relevant information. You need all the help you
can get to make sure you’re buying the right unit.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable heating company in Andover MN. We have been helping homeowners establish comfortable homes in the most energy-efficient ways. Here are four factors you might want to consider as you search for your new furnace.
Stages of
Heating
Furnaces can
be classified as single-stage, two-stage, and multi-stage heating systems.
Single-stage
furnaces are the most common on the market; they are also the cheapest. They
have a singular-size flame and is either on or off without options in between.
These units create a loud sound before delivering warm air to the vents, and
when the desired temperature is reached, it turns off and back on when needed.
Two-stage
heating systems are engineered to be more efficient than their single-stage
counterparts. They have two flames, with a smaller one that runs non-stop when
temperatures are milder. But when it gets colder, the larger flame starts up to
provide more heat. These furnaces are quieter than single-stage units.
Multi-stage
or modulating furnaces are the best option for your home because they are the
most efficient. They can heat your home uninterruptedly with minimal energy
use. The flame slowly increases or decreases, giving your home consistent heat.
Proper Sizing
Buying the
most advanced or the most expensive furnace doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be getting
the greatest comfort. When it comes to furnaces, size does matter—that is to
say, sizing your furnace based on your home’s needs.
If you tend
to worry about your budget, you may lean towards a smaller, cheaper unit.
However, when a furnace is too small, it doesn’t have enough power to
properly heat your home, making it run longer, in an attempt to reach your
desired temperature. Not only does it use more fuel, but it also forces your
furnace to work with added strain. An undersized furnace uses more energy to
perform its job and is more likely to fail prematurely compared to a properly
sized unit.
Meanwhile, an
oversized furnace heats the home too quickly but consumes too much energy. A
furnace that is too large tends to short cycle, which means the unit will shut
itself off before it even reaches the right temperature. Frequent short cycling
isn’t good for
the furnace as it causes the unit to fail prematurely.
Features
Shooting for
high-end features offers significant benefits and adds substantial value to
your furnace. If you want a more efficient unit, look for one with a
variable-speed blower, variable heat output, and dual heat exchangers. You can
also look for advanced filtration systems to improve your home’s indoor air
quality. Choosing a unit with digitally-controlled zoning systems is perfect if
you have a larger home. If you want a peaceful environment, choose a furnace
with low noise levels and sound-absorbing materials. And don’t forget to
look for an ENERGY STAR-labeled system. Such a furnace meets and even exceeds
federal standards for energy efficiency. But keep in mind that with these
features, you will be paying more than with a standard unit.
Warranty
Not every
homeowner pays close attention to the warranty of a furnace. However, this is
an important factor to consider, especially when the system fails unexpectedly
or prematurely.
The warranty
on your furnace will differ depending on the manufacturer, model, and dealer.
High-efficiency furnaces typically have longer warranties compared to
low-efficiency units. With a furnace having at least 90 percent AFUE, it is
especially important to have a long-term warranty on the heat exchanger because
this part is quite expensive to replace or repair.
Upgrade with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
If you need help finding the right furnace for your home, be sure to reach out to us and speak to one of our heating specialists. As your dependable Coon Rapids heating and air conditioning installation company, it would be our pleasure to assist you in making a well-informed decision.
During winter, it is expected to run your furnace non-stop,
especially during the coldest part of the season. As such, the rise of your
energy cost is inevitable. But did you know that there are other reasons why
you pay more for energy during this time of year?
Here at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, we aim to provide you with not just products and service that meets your heating or cooling needs. As your leading heating company in Richfield MN, it is our objective to provide you with relevant information that will help you understand your HVAC systems better. Here are things you may want to think about.
It costs more to generate power.
The delivery of electricity from the power plant to your home is an
intricate process. The generator moves power through the grid before it arrives
at your local network, bringing the electricity to your residence. Since homes
need more energy during winter, the cost of power generation and delivery
increases as the grid becomes more overloaded. You will see this spike shown in
your electricity bill.
Using electricity wisely is a step you can take to minimize energy
use. So, disconnect unused appliances and use energy-saving light fixtures. You
can also try opening your curtains and blinds during the daytime to take
advantage of the greenhouse effect and allow the sun to naturally heat your
home. But don’t forget to close the curtains at night.
You can also save energy by putting on warm clothing. It’s much more economical to warm your body than your house. To keep
the thermostat low, simply wear a nice sweater and warm socks around the house.
Stay snug at night under a thick blanket, comforter, or quilt.
You’re using hot water.
Electric water heaters consume a lot of energy. Electric hot water
heating elements can become covered with silt and other water sediments. This
issue insulates the water from the heat source, making the heater work harder
than usual. Added use of hot water for washing clothes and personal services
can increase your usage, resulting in higher energy costs.
Drying clothes is a rather challenging task during winter because
your home’s exterior cannot provide the heat needed. One of the appliances you
operate during frigid days is your tumble dryer, which uses a considerable
amount of electricity.
You can set the temperature on your water heater a few degrees
cooler to save you a couple of dollars on your energy bills.
Your old furnace uses more fuel.
Another reason you have higher than average heating bills during
this season is an aging heating system. Furnaces typically work anywhere from
10-15 years before they’re considered outdated. If your
existing unit is beyond this age, you may notice it has more frequent
breakdowns and more energy to provide your required heat level. The only
solution to this problem is to upgrade your furnace to a new, more efficient
unit. While doing so involves an upfront cost, you’re going to have
to upgrade your system soon, anyway. A new furnace will pay you dividends in
the long run as it helps you save energy each month.
Your home has poor insulation.
The quality of your home’s insulation says a lot about your
energy consumption. If you have an older home, it’s best to consider
improving your insulation. It’s easy for an older home to lose heated
air through the doors, windows, or any opening in your inner and outer walls.
Consider having your insulation professionally checked and upgraded to keep the
hot air in and cold air out. Alternatively, you can try caulking and
weatherstripping to air-seal your home. Such an upgrade will cause a
significant reduction in your energy use.
Save Money on Energy with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Heating your home doesn’t have to be expensive. With the help of our heating experts, you can save your hard-earned dollars by making your home energy-efficient. To find out how, give us a call. We’d love to sit down with you and understand your heating needs more. With over forty years of experience as your preferred Bloomington heating and air conditioning maintenance company, we sure have the solution to your heating issues.
Did
you know that not every furnace issue requires technical expertise? You heard
us right. Sometimes, all you need is a little troubleshooting knowledge to
carry out the task.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable heating company in Blaine MN. We have been helping homeowners keep their homes comfortably warm and safe for over four decades.
Here
are some do-it-yourself tips you can follow when your furnace gives you a
headache instead of warm air.
Be on top of your filter.
Whenever
you’re
experiencing furnace issues, the first place you would want to check is the air
filter, which cleans the air that goes into the furnace as well as the warm air
that flows throughout the house. Air filters collect dust, debris, and other
particles in the air. Over time, the filter gathers too much debris that it can
restrict the air circulating through your furnace. This dirt buildup adds
pressure to the furnace, causing it to work harder than it should. A dirty air
filter blocks the airflow, resulting in a smaller amount of heat, a
stressed-out furnace, mold buildup, higher utility and repair costs.
Without
a doubt, dirty filters are one of the most common yet avoidable maintenance
issues in residential furnaces. If you have a fairly new unit, you have less
work to do because certain furnace models automatically shut down before too
much dirt is collected, prompting you to clean or replace the filters.
Unfortunately, older units don’t have this function and will keep on working—but with
significantly diminished efficiency.
We
recommend that your air filter should be replaced every 3 months, depending on
how dirty it is. Set a monthly reminder to check your furnace filter.
To
make sure you have the right filter, try these steps:
Remove
the dirty filter to identify which type and size of filter your furnace is
equipped with. Find the right replacement. Filters are usually available at
hardware stores, home improvement stores or online. If you can, stock more than
one filter. Look for the markings on the new filter that tell you which side of
the filter should face the furnace. Slide the filter into place and put the
cover back over it. Don’t forget to take note of the date you replaced your
filter.
Check the burner flames.
The most common failures related to your burners can come from contamination. You will want to inspect your burners to make sure they are free from debris or any kind of impurity. Make sure your burners are clean and one way to do this is to look at the flames.
Check
if the flame is blue and consistent, which means your burner is likely clean.
If it is yellow, you probably have dirty burners. You can clean your burners
with a vacuum cleaner. Just make sure to turn the power and the gas off before
taking this step. Another area you should clean with a vacuum cleaner is
the area around the blower.
Check your gas valve and pilot light.
If
your furnace’s
gas valve or pilot light is malfunctioning, chances are, your heating system
will act up.. If the pilot light has gone out in your heating system, you need
to light it up again. But before relighting it, make sure your gas valve is
turned off. It may have been turned and left off accidentally, causing your
furnace to produce less heat. Also, before lighting your pilot light again,
turn off the gas for about 5-10 minutes to ensure that all fumes have
evaporated and you can light it up the pilot safely.
Reset your circuit breaker.
In
case your furnace fails to produce heat, resetting your circuit breaker can be
an easy fix. If the thermostat is set to “HEAT” but the system is unable to heat the home, it’s possible that you have a tripped
breaker or a blown fuse.
To
check your breakers, go to your home’s breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls
the furnace. You want to make sure it is set to the “OFF”
position, or whether it’s in the middle. Flip the breaker back and forth. Then,
make sure it stays in the “ON” position. This trick will reset the breaker. If this does not do
it, you have a problem with either the wiring in the circuit or the circuit
breaker itself. If so, consult an electrician.
Ask the Heating Gurus
If the problem seems too complicated, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, your trusted Columbia Heights furnace repair company. We’d love to restore the heat in your home in no time.
