When is it time to replacing a heating system?

Winter in New Orleans

Like a car, heating systems need routine maintenance. Whether they are oil or gas fired, it is important that the burners ignite and burn properly, and that the flue gases are effectively discharged to the outside of your home.

Here are a few signs that your heating system may be in need of attention.

  • Is the gas usage on your bill increasing? That can be a sign that your heating system is inefficient.
  • If you have a natural gas heating system, a yellow or flickering flame may be a sign that your burner is not firing properly and poisonous carbon monoxide can be drawn into your home.
  • If you hear banging, popping, rattling, or squealing noises coming from your furnace
  • If your furnace blower is running excessively
  • The furnace is blowing cold air sometimes

Old and poorly maintained furnaces run the risk of discharging excessive carbon monoxide into your home. Some of the signs of excess carbon monoxide are streaks of soot around your furnace or supply registers, excessive rusting on the flue piping coming from the heating system, or even water leaking from the base of the chimney, vent, or flue pipe.

Always be mindful and monitor your furnace for any of the signs noted above and always make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of your home, particularly close to your furnace room.

As furnaces age, they run the risk of developing cracks in the heat exchanger, causing carbon monoxide to leak into your home undetected.

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning include:

  • frequent headaches
  • a burning feeling in nose or eyes
  • nausea
  • disorientation
  • flu-like symptoms

If you or your family are experiencing symptoms like this, you should immediately open your windows and place an emergency service call to a heating professional.

If your heating system is about 18 to 20 years old, it is time to have it inspected to ensure it’s safe operation. Compare your energy bills over the last 3 years and see if there has been an increase of usage over time. If your heating system is running inefficiently, you are spending more money than you should on energy costs and can use those dollars on purchasing a new, more efficient system.

Newer systems can provide you with a substantial energy savings and provide you with more comfort in your home. The newer technology of the heating systems on the market today are designed to provide more even heating, at a lower cost of operation, and with more versatility in operation. Couple that with a smart thermostat and the savings can be even greater.

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How a smart thermostat adapts to your holidays.

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The holidays are a lot of fun, but they’re also pretty hectic. Additional traveling, shopping and socializing mean you’re probably not at home as much as usual. But no matter if you’re home or away this holiday season, a wireless programmable thermostat can help you stay energy efficient and comfortable—which is one less thing to worry about.

Monitor and adjust the temperature in your home from anywhere in the world with a wireless, programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats help you save money on your heating and cooling costs by striking the perfect balance between comfort and efficiency!

Air One recommends the Honeywell’s FocusPRO® 6000 which offers the perfect blend of features, performance. energy savings and value. With the largest backlit screen in its class and an easy-to-read digital display, FocusPRO 6000 prominently displays both room and set temperature. Plus, Red-LINK™ wireless models are available which allow you to re-locate a thermostat, upgrade equipment, add zoning and more — quickly and easily — without wires. Control your thermostat remotely from your iPhone or Andriod phone with an easy-to-use app!

To learn more about wireless programmable thermostats, contact us today!

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It Was Warm Just A Minute Ago…

Prepare your home for Fall’s unpredictable cold snaps with these helpful tips:

Don’t Let Cold Walk Through The Front Door

fall_checkup

Doors are great for people and pets. Unfortunately, cold will also try to sneak in every time a door is opened. And it will try to force its way in through leaking seals around your doors even when they’re closed. Replace worn or insufficient weatherstripping to preserve the barrier between cold and comfort.

Get Out The Caulking Gun

Small holes can mean small air leaks. And small air leaks are all it takes to let the warmth inside your home escape into the wild. Caulk small holes and cracks yourself, or find a local handyman to give you a hand. Pay close attention to areas around doors and windows, where weathered wood can start to break down.

Let Your Furnace Breathe

Your air handler or furnace is going to be working overtime as the weather gets colder. Make sure it has unrestricted airflow with a clean furnace filter. Drier winter weather can also produce more dust, so checking your filter now will help keep your air cleaner as the seasons change.

It’s The Humidity

If you have a whole-home humidifier, Fall is the perfect time to check the pad, and replace it if necessary. That way, you’re ready to fight off static shocks and damage to your furnishings before they start.

Make Sure Your Furnace Is In Shape

The best time to repair or maintain your furnace or heat pump is before you really need it. Schedule an appointment with us to get a system checkup to make sure you’re squared away before it becomes an emergency. Performing a system check will also make sure your furnace, air handler, heat pump or air conditioner are all ready for the up-and-down temperatures that Fall can bring, as the weather goes back and forth between wet, dry, hot and cold.

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