Furnace vs Fireplace: Which One is More Efficient?

November 15, 2019

People in Missouri have all sorts of options when it comes to heating their homes, but the most common debate is probably furnace versus fireplace. Both options offer advantages, and the choice of whether you should go with a gas furnace or a gas fireplace may come down to personal preference and the design and size of your house. Among the factors you should consider are BTU ratings, efficiency and reliability. What Is a British Thermal Unit? Heating power is measured in British Thermal Units, or BTUs. One unit is equivalent to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. BTU ratings give you as the homeowner an idea of how powerful a furnace or fireplace is. It should be noted, however, that the BTU rating of a particular furnace may not be directly comparable to that of a fireplace because of differences in their operation. Judging the Efficiency of a Furnace Versus a Fireplace For furnaces, the manufacturer will usually list the unit’s extraction efficiency in the manual. Extraction efficiency is about how much of the fuel is turned into heat. The problem with a furnace is that some...

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3 Tips for Maintaining Your Furnace This Winter

November 7, 2019

has been a leading provider of heating services in O’Fallon for more than 35 years. Our clients often ask us what our top tips are for preventing furnace problems in winter. While in-person answers are personalized to the customer, here are our top three tips for the average homeowner. 1. Schedule a Tune-Up in Autumn We recommend a tune-up in advance of the cold setting in. In fact, most furnace problems that occur during winter can be avoided through preventative care. It may seem like an unnecessary cost when everything was fine with a furnace the year before, but tune-ups are relatively inexpensive. They include a comprehensive examination as well as whatever maintenance your system may need. 2. Inspect Your Furnace Filter Each Week Air filters have a much bigger effect on the efficiency and wear and tear of a furnace than most people realize. Many people have the notion of changing the filter every three months, but this is just a guideline and often woefully inadequate during winter. Our recommendation is to check the filter each week. If you can see that the filter is dirty, replace it, and if the color is unusual, schedule service. 3. Reduce Your...

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