Minimizing Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants

April 9, 2019

If respiratory health is a concern to you, then you’ll definitely want to do what you can to reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants. Many homes have become efficient at providing insulation from exterior temperatures, but a side effect is that airborne irritants can build up. Here are ways you can reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants. Reduce Pollutants One of the smart things to do is to reduce the influx of pollutants. Certain cleaning products and paints contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, and these are released into the air when those products are used. Look for more natural products if you don’t want to bring VOCs into your home. Let in Fresh Air Bringing in fresh air is beneficial. A cheap, easy thing you can do is to open up doors and windows on nice days and evenings. Increasing circulation can also be achieved through the use of mechanical products. Turning on fans in the kitchen, attic, or bathroom that blow air outside can improve air low and get some of the harmful irritants out of your house. Clean Often Additionally, cleaning is very important. Weekly vacuuming can remove a lot of dust and debris that have accumulated...

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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

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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Furnace Repair Warning Signs

February 21, 2019

It’s late at night. You wake up to a quiet house that’s steadily getting colder. The furnace has stopped working, and now you need to make an emergency repair call. However, your furnace may have been giving you the message that it needed a repair for some time. This article will describe some common signs that a furnace repair may be coming soon. Unusual Noises Every homeowner knows that the heating system makes some amount of noise. The normal sounds tend to fade into the background. If you hear other, unusual sounds, your furnace may be telling you something. Call a professional if you hear: Rattling sounds: It could just be a loose screw or it could be something more important. Scraping sounds: The sounds of metal on metal may indicate parts that have come out of alignment. Whining sounds: A loose motor belt will squeal at a high pitch. Booming sounds: If your furnace fires up with a bang, it may mean that the timing of the burner is off. Strange Smells There is often a slight burnt smell when the heater turns on for the first time of the season. Most other smells coming from your furnace indicate...

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The Benefits of Regular Heating Maintenance

February 12, 2019

You probably would never drive your car around for an entire year without having any maintenance tune-ups. The same should go for your home’s furnace or heat pump. It also needs yearly maintenance to make sure it’s running properly and ready when you need it. Consider these benefits that heating maintenance can provide. Improved Efficiency Regular heating maintenance helps ensure that your heater will continue to run at its optimal performance. An important part of maintenance is making sure dust and debris are regularly cleaned out of your heating equipment. It is not enough to just change or clean your system’s air filter monthly because dust can still accumulate and interfere with your heater’s performance. Prevents Major Breakdowns Yearly maintenance can alert you to small problems before they grow into big and expensive repairs. Our service technician will inspect all moving parts and make needed adjustments and recommend parts replacements as needed. This helps cut down on breakdowns when you need your heat the most. Keeps Your Family Safe Yearly furnace or heat pump maintenance includes an inspection of wires and other electrical connections in your heater for any fraying or scorching that could indicate a fire hazard. The technician...

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What to Look for in Your Heating Repair Company

February 2, 2019

Shopping around for a new heating repair company because you are new to the area or just need a fresh start? There are a handful of characteristics you should look out for to spot the top companies. Experience and Local Presence Choose a company with experience. was established in 1983 and has been providing heating repair services to O’Fallon residents for more than 35 years. It’s not just that we’re established, but we’re also experienced in the community. You know our company will be here for you. Licensing and Certification Your heating repair company should be fully licensed as required by the state and your local jurisdiction. Insurance and bonding are important as well, and a company should be proud of its certificates, such as certifications from North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Also, be on the lookout for a good Better Business Bureau rating. Customer Service Approach How does a company make you feel when you deal with them? A company that is truly committed to customer service will always be professional and respectful. The technicians will go above and beyond to ensure that you’re satisfied with the customer experience. Makes and Models Serviced Many heating repair companies are factory-authorized,...

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Checking for Air Leaks in the Home

January 28, 2019

Air leaks are responsible for a large percentage of energy loss in a home. It is estimated that almost half of your energy bill goes to the heat that is lost through these leaks. Sometimes, they may be huge and easy to notice. However, there are those that are very small and can only be found using special techniques. Before calling a contractor to seal the leaks, you can detect them on your own. Try the following methods. Using Your Hand to Detect Air Leaks Your bare hand can be a perfect tool to use for detecting leaks, especially those that are rather large. To get started, turn the furnace on so that your home heats up to a comfortable temperature. Then, walk around your home and pass your hand around the areas that are prone to leaks. Common leak sites include exterior door edges, window seals, vents, electricity connection points, and even kitchen and bathroom fixtures. When your heating system is on, it’s also a good idea to examine your ductwork to check for leaks that may prevent warm air from moving efficiently throughout the home. Using a Candle to Detect Air Leaks Candles can be used to detect...

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How to Choose the Right HVAC Contractor

January 18, 2019

An HVAC contractor plays a major role in determining how your heating system functions. This is the company you’ll rely on to fix your mechanical problems and install everything from important parts to an entire system. In addition, you’ll count on this resource for expert advice and routine maintenance. Considering the importance of this choice to your comfort and well-being, you’ll want to enlist a conscientious HVAC contractor, and you shouldn’t hire one without asking a few questions. Even though there may be many companies in your area, you should take some time to find the one that fits the bill. Experience With Different Heating Systems Different types of heating systems require different installation and maintenance practices. Therefore, the contractor you select should be versatile and capable of working on a variety of equipment. When technicians only know about one type of system, chances are they won’t properly understand something different. At , our personnel is trained to deal with all makes and models. Certification and Accreditation A heating contractor that is accredited and certified can be trusted to behave competently and professionally. Various organizations offer accreditation, and they require compliance and testing prior to granting it. Before you commit,...

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How to Tell If You Need Furnace Repair

January 8, 2019

is a premier heating company in O’Fallon, and our technicians know that a well-maintained heating system can last for decades. However, there are those times when the system simply needs to be fixed, and that’s usually beyond the ability of the owner. How do you know when the time has arrived? The Furnace Simply Won’t Run If your furnace won’t come on even after the thermostat is reset and the circuit breaker is checked, you’ll probably require technical assistance. Sometimes, a furnace won’t respond because its motor is overheated. If you wait for several minutes, try to turn on the furnace again and it still won’t operate, it’s time to call in our team. You shouldn’t try to restart an oil furnace after the third try. Oil can build up in the combustion chamber and cause a flash. Energy Bills Keep Going Up As a furnace gets older, it gradually becomes less efficient. You can see this when you receive your monthly bill and the operating expenses keep going up even though you’re not using any more energy than usual. The Unit Keeps Cycling On and Off When a furnace keeps cycling on and off even after the filter and...

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