Do New Furnaces Work Differently Than Older Furnaces?

March 19, 2019

In O’Fallon, St. Charles and the rest of St. Louis County, MO, we rely on our furnaces in the winter, so we need to keep track of when our older furnace has exceeded its useful lifespan. At , our customers often ask us to explain what the differences are between the older and newer models of furnaces and if it is a good time to upgrade to a newer furnace. Depending on the age of your current furnace, there may be differences in how the new models of heating systems operate. The following are some of the major differences. Thorough and Efficient Heating The newer furnaces are often able to heat your home more thoroughly and more efficiently because more air is blown over the heat exchanger. More Cost-Effective Energy Source Some older furnaces work by converting electricity to heat. That is often the most expensive way to heat a home unless you are using a heat pump. The newer furnaces use gas, which is more efficient and cost-effective in converting to heat. Variable-Speed Air Handlers – More Efficient and Quieter The new furnaces are equipped with variable-speed rather than single-speed air handlers. These devices can lower or raise the...

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Don’t Panic When Your Furnace Won’t Shut Down">Don’t Panic When Your Furnace Won’t Shut Down

March 10, 2019

If your furnace or heating system won’t shut down, you shouldn’t worry. You just need to set up a service call with your local heating company. In the meantime, there are ways to shut down the unit to avoid any further damage to your system. Why Won’t My System Turn Off? When your system is constantly running, this is a sign that something is wrong. There are several causes for this issue. One of the most common issues is the thermostat. The wiring, switches, or heating sensors can fail on your unit. If this is the case, then you’ll need to replace the thermostat with a newer model. A damaged primary controller can also cause the furnace to stay turned on. This is the main heating element of the system. If it stops functioning, then the furnace can’t regulate temperature. Your system may have another mechanical issue as well. A boiler system uses a check valve to warm your home through heated water sent through radiators. A properly functioning valve will circulate the water throughout the system. A faulty check valve could be the cause of this type of heating system to fail. If your heating system will not shut...

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Choosing the Best Heating System for Your Home

March 1, 2019

Whether you’re in the process of building a new home or you’re replacing an existing heating system and looking to explore your options, this type of project is a major investment. To take some of the confusion out of the process of choosing the best heating system for your home, let’s look at the three of the most common options for heating installations — furnaces, heat pumps and boilers — and some other factors that you’ll want to consider. Furnaces A common heating system used by homeowners in O’Fallon, MO, and the surrounding area is a furnace. This particular heating system works by delivering forced hot air throughout your house via ductwork and vents. Gas, oil, and electricity are the three main fuels a furnace could use. Annual fuel use efficiency percentage (AFUE) for a furnace is determined by the type of fuel it employs and how efficient the particular model is. The higher this rating, the greater your long-term savings potential will be. Heat Pumps and Boilers Heat pumps work by using outside air to heat your home during the winter months. If indoor air quality is a big concern for you because of allergies and other health issues,...

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