Menu

Furnace Repair & Services

Essential Furnace Safety Tips for the Winter

, , , , ,

As temperatures drop, furnaces become indispensable for home heating. However, ensuring your furnace operates safely is crucial to prevent hazards. Here’s how you can maintain safety while keeping your home warm this winter.

Safety Tips for Your Furnace:

  1. Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections with Marsh Heating to ensure your furnace is in top condition. Our maintenance plans offer comprehensive checks that can prevent potential safety issues and extend the life of your unit.

  2. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless but highly dangerous. Install detectors near your furnace and in sleeping areas to ensure your family’s safety.

  3. Keep the Area Clear: Ensure there are no flammable materials near your furnace. This includes keeping the area free from storage, papers, and chemicals that could ignite.

  4. Check the Flame: The flame in your gas furnace should burn bright blue. If it’s yellow or flickering, it could indicate a problem, such as the presence of carbon monoxide. Call for service if the flame is not blue.

  5. Test Safety Switches: Modern furnaces have built-in safety switches that automatically shut down the furnace if a problem is detected. Test these switches to ensure they are functional.

  6. Consider a New Furnace: If your furnace is old and requires frequent repairs, it might be time to consider a new installation. New furnaces offer improved safety features, efficiency, and reliability.

Following these furnace safety tips can help you enjoy a safe, warm winter without unexpected breakdowns or safety hazards. Remember, keeping up with regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your furnace’s safety and efficiency.

Not sure about the state of your furnace? Contact Marsh Heating today to learn more about our maintenance plans or to discuss new furnace options. Ensure your home’s warmth and safety this winter season.

Furnace Options for Older Homes

, , , , , ,

Older homes come with unique challenges when it comes to heating efficiently and effectively. With 50 years of service and expertise, Marsh Heating understands the intricacies involved in choosing the right furnace solution. Here’s a guide to navigating furnace options tailored for older properties.

Choosing the Right Furnace:

  1. Size and Fit: Older homes often have space constraints or unique layouts that require compact or custom-fit solutions. Ensure the new furnace installation is sized correctly for optimal efficiency.

  2. Energy Efficiency: High-efficiency furnaces can offer significant savings on heating bills and are often a wise investment for older homes, which may not be as well-insulated as newer constructions.

  3. Type of Furnace: Consider whether a gas, electric, or oil furnace best suits the home’s existing infrastructure and your heating preferences. Each has its benefits and limitations, particularly in older structures.

  4. Integration with Existing Systems: It’s crucial to choose a furnace that can integrate seamlessly with existing ductwork and ventilation, minimizing the need for extensive modifications.

  5. Historic Preservation: In historic homes, preserving the integrity and aesthetics of the architecture is important. Work with a heating expert who understands these requirements and can suggest appropriate furnace repair or replacement options that comply with local regulations.

Advanced Features to Consider:

  • Variable Speed Blowers: These adjust the airflow to maintain consistent temperatures throughout the home, ideal for older homes with multiple drafts or uneven insulation.
  • Smart Thermostats: Upgrade to smart thermostats that allow for better control and scheduling, adapting heating needs without manual intervention.

 

Upgrading the furnace in an older home requires careful consideration of the structure’s specific needs. With Marsh Heating’s five decades of experience, you can trust that your new furnace installation or repair will enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency. Whether it’s a straightforward furnace repair or a comprehensive new furnace installation, we ensure your heating solution is tailored perfectly for your historic home.

Contact Us: Ready to explore furnace options for your older home? Contact Marsh Heating today to leverage our expertise and ensure your home remains warm and welcoming through the colder months.

Energy Savings For The Fall Season

, , ,

As the leaves begin to change and the air cools, it’s the perfect time to consider how you can save energy and reduce your heating costs. With a few simple adjustments, particularly to your home’s heating system, you can enjoy a comfortable and cost-effective fall season.

Optimize Your Heating System:

  1. Maintain Your Furnace: Regular furnace repair and maintenance are crucial to ensure your system is running efficiently. A well-maintained furnace uses less energy to heat your home, which can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.

  2. Check and Replace the Furnace Filter: A clean furnace filter improves air flow and increases overall system efficiency. Replacing or cleaning your furnace filter every few months during the fall can prevent dust and dirt from building up, which can impede airflow and cause your system to work harder.

  3. Use a Programmable Thermostat: Setting your thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when you’re not home or when you’re sleeping can reduce your heating costs by as much as 10% per year.

  4. Seal Leaks and Insulate: Sealing leaks around doors, windows, and other openings can prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping. Adequate insulation in your attic, walls, and floors is equally important as it reduces the rate of heat transfer.

  5. Schedule Professional Maintenance: Have a professional technician from Marsh Heating perform a comprehensive check of your heating system to ensure everything is in optimal condition. This not only helps in energy conservation but also extends the life of your HVAC equipment.

Implementing these energy-saving tips during the fall can help reduce your heating costs while maintaining a comfortable and cozy home environment. Remember, effective furnace repair and timely replacement of the furnace filter are key steps towards a more energy-efficient home.

For more tips or to schedule a maintenance visit, contact Marsh Heating. Let us help you prepare for the fall season with efficient and reliable heating solutions.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

, , ,

As temperatures dip, a reliable furnace becomes increasingly crucial to your home’s comfort and safety. At Marsh Heating, with over 50 years of expert service experience, we understand the importance of catching furnace problems early. Here’s how you can identify signs that your furnace might need repairs.

Key Signs Your Furnace Needs Attention:

  1. Unusual Noises: Squealing, banging, or rattling sounds can indicate mechanical issues, from loose belts to a malfunctioning blower motor.
  2. Increased Energy Bills: An unexpected rise in energy costs often suggests that your furnace is not operating efficiently. It may be working harder than usual to provide the same amount of heat.
  3. Inconsistent Heating: If some rooms are too hot while others remain cold, your furnace may not be distributing air properly.
  4. Frequent Cycling: Does your furnace turn on and off more frequently than it used to? This could be a sign of a faulty thermostat or a problem with the furnace’s ignition system.
  5. Yellow Pilot Light: The pilot light should always burn a clear blue. A yellow or flickering flame is a potential safety hazard and could be a sign of carbon monoxide presence.
  6. Poor Air Quality: An increase in dust or soot particles in the air, or signs of rust in the exhaust or on the furnace itself, can indicate problems.

Mid Cities Furnace Repair: If you’re experiencing any of these issues in the Mid Cities area, it’s time to call in the experts. Marsh Heating is here to provide comprehensive furnace repair services. Don’t wait for the furnace to fail completely; addressing problems early can save you time, money, and discomfort.

Recognizing these signs early can be the key to preventing more significant furnace issues down the line. For reliable and efficient furnace repair, trust Marsh Heating. We are committed to maintaining the warmth and safety of your home with our expert services.

If you suspect your furnace may need repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us. With five decades of experience, we’re equipped to handle all your heating needs.

763.536.0667

End-of-Summer Home Maintenance Checklist

, , , ,

As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Here’s a comprehensive end-of-summer maintenance checklist to ensure your home is in top condition:

  1. Inspect Roof and Gutters: Check for damaged or missing shingles and clear out gutters to prevent water buildup.

  2. Check Windows and Doors: Seal any gaps to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs in the coming months.

  3. Service Your HVAC System: Schedule a professional inspection for your furnace or AC to ensure your system is ready for its next season of use. Replace filters and check for any issues.

  4. Test Safety Devices: Check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure they are functioning properly.

  5. Clean and Store Yard Equipment: Clean tools and lawn equipment before storing them for the winter.

  6. Prepare Your Garden: Prune plants, mulch garden beds, and plan any fall plantings.

  7. Examine Exterior Paint: Touch up any areas to protect the wood from moisture and temperature changes.

  8. Drain and Store Hoses: Drain garden hoses and store them to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

  9. Check Insulation: Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to keep heat in during the winter.

By following this checklist, you can protect your home from potential damage, save on energy costs, and ensure a comfortable environment as seasons change.

Simple Home Repairs You Can Do Yourself

, ,

Home maintenance doesn’t always require professional help. There are several simple repairs you can undertake yourself to keep your home in top condition, saving both time and money. Here are some DIY fixes that any homeowner can manage:

  1. Unclogging Drains: Use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to clear blockages in sinks and tubs.
  2. Fixing Leaky Faucets: Often, a quick washer replacement can solve a dripping faucet, conserving water and cutting down on utility bills.
  3. Patch and Paint: Small holes in walls from nails or minor dings can be easily filled with spackling paste and covered with touch-up paint.
  4. Squeaky Doors: A little WD-40 or silicone spray on hinges can quiet those irritating squeaks.
  5. Replacing Thermostat Batteries: Keep your HVAC system running efficiently by regularly changing the batteries in your programmable thermostat.
  6. Furnace Maintenance: While major furnace repair should be handled by professionals, replacing filters and cleaning vents are simple tasks that improve efficiency and safety.

These manageable projects not only enhance your home’s functionality but also increase your comfort and pride in your living space. However, it’s wise to call in the experts for more involved issues like major furnace repair. This approach ensures your system remains reliable, especially during peak usage times.

We at Marsh Heating have been proudly providing HVAC services to the Twin Cities for over 40 years, building a legacy of trust and expertise in the community. Whether you need a simple tune-up or major furnace repair, we’re here to help every step of the way.

What You Can Do to Avoid Furnace Repairs?

,

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.

Why You Should Entrust Furnace Repairs to HVAC Professionals

,

We are living in a day and age when practically anything can be learned online, thanks to video sharing sites and blog content that give us step-by-step guides. Countless photographers, cooks, musicians, and other professionals learned their craft simply by watching YouTube videos.

Honestly, there are some HVAC issues you can also address by watching videos or reading blogs. Simple things like filter cleaning and replacement can be done by you. However, there are reasons why entrusting your repairs to qualified technicians is still the wisest thing to do when dealing with your faulty heating system.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning has teams of experienced and certified HVAC professionals who repair furnaces for a living. Our guys understand your heating system from the inside out. We are your top heating company in Burnsville MN.

Here are some reasons why you should second-guess DIY-ing and go with a legitimate HVAC professional instead.

Safety

This is undoubtedly the most important reason why you should only entrust your furnace repair to someone who knows what they’re doing. A person who does not have the required training and certification can cause tremendous losses. If you have a gas-fired unit, there are hazards associated with handling repair jobs, one of which is carbon monoxide poisoning. Without the right tools and experience, it will be virtually impossible for you to detect this deadly gas because it has no smell nor color. When inhaled for extended periods, carbon monoxide can displace oxygen in the blood and derive the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Concentrated amounts of CO can overcome you in minutes without you even knowing what hit you — causing you to lose consciousness and suffocate.

In addition to carbon monoxide poisoning, trying to repair your furnace without proper training exposes you to electrical hazards. HVAC repair requires electrical knowledge and experience. A technician usually turns off all pieces of equipment before performing repairs, tests, and other servicing procedures. Electricity is not something you would want to play with unless you are trained to do so. Possible incidents can happen such as electrocution, electrical fires, and other costly errors if an untrained person handles these procedures.

Working with a qualified technician may cost you some cash, but what comes with the price is safety and peace of mind. You are guaranteed to have your furnace repaired sans the safety hazards. And when it comes to your family’s safety, we’re sure you can’t really put a price tag on it.

Energy-Efficiency

Repairing a malfunctioning furnace isn’t just about making it work. It also involves maintenance, testing, calibration, and other processes to ensure the unit runs as efficiently as possible. The technician knows the recommended settings in which the furnace will run while consuming the least amount of energy. Such knowledge demands training and experience to get everything in order.

Entrusting your furnace to an expert sure involves a service fee, but what comes with it is the guarantee that your system will work according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Because of this, the furnace will use less energy to run, saving you a considerable amount of money on heating costs per year.

Warranty

Your furnace has expensive parts like the heat exchanger. When it fails, you’d be happy to know that it will be covered as long as the unit is under warranty. But manufacturers will only provide insurance for the parts if the system is regularly maintained and looked after by an authorized contractor. In other words, trying to repair your malfunctioning unit on your own automatically voids your warranty.

Dealing with a broken furnace is stressful by itself, but if you do not have a warranty, you will also have to personally take care of all the repair costs. This amount will include the costs of the parts and labor, which can be pretty daunting, especially if you’re not financially prepared. To ensure you don’t void your warranty, only work with a qualified technician.

Need Help? Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning

Your furnace is an indispensable piece of equipment that costs thousands of dollars. You invested a lot by having one, and the least you can do is to have it taken care of by people who are trained to fix any issues. For hassle-free Shakopee furnace repair services, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. Our certified and seasoned technicians are adept at dealing with malfunctioning furnaces and can get them back in shape in no time.

Why Call the Experts for Furnace Repair

,

When it comes to enduring a Minnesota winter, no one would ever take having a working furnace for granted. But as many of us may have experienced, they seem to break down at the most unfortunate times.

Now is a good time to discuss why calling an expert for furnace repair in Brooklyn Park MN can ensure your furnace is running properly especially during the coldest days of winter. Our trained technicians at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning can help repair your heating system according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Also, with regular maintenance, we can aid in catching a needed repair before it becomes an emergency that leaves you with no heat in your home during the cold winter months.

Here are some issues that could cause a furnace to malfunction. Check these things first, but ask for professional help as soon as things get too tricky.

Temperature Issues

Most people are quick to jump to conclusion that minor temperature issues or air circulation problems are caused by a faulty thermostat. They try to resolve it by setting the thermostat to an even higher temperature. However, this only worsens the problem, as it causes furnace parts to become overworked and eventually fail.

A faulty thermostat may cause problems to the furnace’s fan and may also affect your home’s comfort levels. In other words, the furnace may not be able to warm up your home when the thermostat is not working properly.

Check the thermostat and confirm it is set to “HEAT” and not “COOL”. Also, the fan must be set to “AUTO”. Then, check if the thermostat is set to a temperature high enough to allow the furnace to produce heat.

If neglected, your thermostat can cause the furnace to blow cold air. In checking the thermostat, consider a few things such as the batteries. Before moving to the more complex issues, ensure that your thermostat has fresh batteries installed.

Dust and dirt usually cause the thermostat to show inaccurate temperature readings. If you have an older thermostat and discover that it is dirty, use a paintbrush to wipe off the dirt and see if it works again. If you notice any corrosion on the thermostat, remove it with an electronic contact cleaner.

Make sure that the thermostat is free from direct sunlight and appliances that generate heat like cooking devices.

Furnace Leaks Water

Though the existence and/or accumulation of water are far more common and acceptable with air conditioning, it is not entirely unusual for heating.

Newer high-efficiency furnaces have a tendency to produce water while heating. With any type of central air system, drainpipes are utilized to ensure proper water drainage, leading to an exterior exit point, usually located around the foundation of the home or under a sink attached to the home’s drain system.

Furnaces can leak water because drain pipelines are clogged with yard waste or other debris. There might be a cracked hose inside the furnace or the heat exchanger. Cracked hoses leak water and weaken drain systems that are vitally important to the heating system’s safety features.

Leaky furnaces require immediate attention from professional HVAC technicians as continuous leaks can damage your home. Water pooling together can ruin woodwork, ceilings, floors and even rapid microbiological growth if left unattended.

Clogged Filters

Dirty filters may not seem like a big concern for some homeowners, but they play a major role in the efficiency and performance of your heating system.

Since the air in your home is constantly flowing through your air filter, dirt and dust are fetched every time the system is running. These airborne particulates can quickly clog the filter, affecting both airflow and air quality.

When that happens, your furnace will find it more difficult to work efficiently. In fact, clogged filters may even cause the system to shut down. This is a safety mechanism on newer, high-efficiency systems to prevent further damage to the unit due to dirty air and lack of airflow. If your furnace won’t function, the first thing you need to check is the air filter. In most cases, just by cleaning or replacing your air filter, you can get the system running again.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning Cares About Your Home Comfort

If your furnace ever breaks down and you want it fixed in a professional and timely manner, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning.

Our team members and on-field technicians offer the most reliable furnace repair with top-tier customer service. We are the Maple Grove heating company that specializes in HVAC installations, maintenance, tune-ups, and repairs.

Tips to Follow Before Calling a Furnace Repair Contractor

,

Minnesota winters can be ferociously chilly. That is why you need your heating system to be in its best condition, especially during the coldest months of winter. What if your furnace gives up on you, leaving your home frigid? Your first instinct is probably to call a furnace repair company to inspect your system.

While that’s actually a good and safe choice, it is possible that your heating system malfunction is actually very minor and something you can correct yourself.

Here are a few tips to follow before calling a professional for furnace repair in Minnetonka, Plymouth ant other metro cities.

Perform an Electrical Check

The first thing you need to identify is if there is power to the system. Make sure there is no power interruption in your area before calling your local heating company.

If the breaker for your furnace has tripped, reset it and see if your unit starts working again. If the circuit keeps on tripping, then there is a more serious electrical problem that requires professional checkup.

If the fan does not run, check the fuse and make sure the furnace switch is in the ON position. Also, watch out for loose electrical connections. Check the panel board and look for any burn spots. If you feel uncomfortable performing these electrical checks, have a professional do it for you instead.

Check the Filter

The filter’s job is to clean the air that goes into the furnace and the heated air that circulates throughout the house. If there are blockages in the filter, airflow is compromised, which causes the furnace to overheat.

There are newer furnace models that automatically shut down before too much dirt is accumulated, telling you to clean the filters. However, older units will keep on working – but with considerably less heat production and capped efficiency.

Pros recommend changing furnace filters every 30 to 60 days, depending on how dirty the air is. Properly maintaining your filter can greatly impact the overall performance of your furnace.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is responsible for telling the furnace to function. That is why a malfunctioning thermostat can effectively disable your entire heating system. If your furnace stops working, you should always inspect the thermostat before performing any other troubleshooting steps.

You need to make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT. Also, keep in mind to set the thermostat to a thermal reading that is above the room’s temperature.

If your furnace has a thermostat that is battery-operated, check the low-battery indicator that typically flashes if they need changing. You’ll be surprised to know that a lot of furnace repair service calls are actually solved by simply replacing the batteries.

Check the Vents

Your furnace is vented to the outside to get rid of the after-effects of gas combustion. During winter storms, these vents can be clogged by snow and cause issues to your heating system.

If you have a new, high-efficiency furnace model, you do not need to worry since these units are designed to stop working when the vents are clogged. This is one of the safety features of some of the latest models.

However, if you have an older furnace that doesn’t have this safety feature, your system will continue to run, accumulating significant amounts of carbon monoxide, a very hazardous gas. You will need to manually check your vent pipe to make sure it is not clogged.

A common mistake homeowners commit is that they close all the vents in unused rooms. This could actually lead to damage to your system as closed vents generate higher pressure, causing high resistance and heat build-up within your heating system.

How Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help

If you have attempted these simple troubleshooting tips but your furnace still gives you a headache, call a trusted heating company in Plymouth and Minnetonka, MN such as Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning.

We are a premier HVAC company serving the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We have been the preferred heating and cooling contractor of our clients since 1974. Our certified technicians have years of training and experience, and they can help you with your furnace repair needs.

We offer after hours service should your furnace let you down after normal business hours. Our technicians won’t keep you freezing while you wait for someone to repair your furnace.

Load More

Request Service
Call Us 763.536.0667
Get An Estimate
Back To Top
Copyright 2024

Contact Us

Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning
6248 Lakeland Ave N
Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
(763) 536-0667