How to Choose A Heater or Furnace For Your Home

Choosing the appropriate heating system for your house may be a difficult task. Although it varies depending on the system, it typically lasts around ten to 20 years. As a result, it's critical to think carefully about all of your choices before making a decision.

What is the difference between a heating system and a furnace?

A furnace and a heater are very different systems. Often, homeowners will mistakenly think they can fix their furnace by simply adding some heat to the property or vice versa. Unfortunately, this is not the case at all. Both of these heating methods have entirely different functions and uses. Additionally, both of them need professional installation for them to work safely.

Furnaces

A furnace can be either forced-air or hot water. A furnace uses propane, oil, natural gas or electricity to heat the air within your house and then send that warm air into different parts of your home through duct work. Forced-air furnaces use a blower fan to circulate the heated air throughout the property. On the other hand, hot water furnace systems use heated water to create warmth in your home.

A furnace is ideal for buildings with multiple floors because it can efficiently move warm air around the entire house with its duct work system. If you're planning on using the furnace only during certain seasons of the year (i.e., summer or winter), then this furnace is probably right for you.

Heaters

A heater works like a furnace in that it converts fuel into heat and then sends warm air throughout the property. However, there are two significant differences between these heating systems: 1) a heater doesn't require ducts to circulate hot air; this means that homeowners only need vents placed around their property and 2) heaters typically cost less than furnaces.

Depending on the heater you choose, these heating systems can be powered by either gas, oil or electricity. If your furnace does not have a duct system to distribute air throughout your house, this is probably right for you because it will only need vents to circulate warmth.

What is the best type of heating system for my home?

Your furnace or heater needs to match the size of your house and the building's structure. For example, if you have a large home with high ceilings, it would be best to get a furnace that can distribute heat throughout all parts of your property so everything is warm.

Additionally, if you plan to use only certain seasons, consider getting either a gas furnace or electric heater, depending on which fuel type will better serve your heating needs in those months. Most homes require both systems because they're ideal for each season: Furnaces are great during cold weather, while heaters work just fine during hot weather when homeowners need warmth without humidity and air conditioning costs skyrocketing.

It's also important to consider the long-term costs of a furnace or heater. If you're able to, try out furnaces and heaters in your property with friends before purchasing one for yourself so you can get a feel for what works best in your house. Also, check which system is more comfortable during cold and hot months, because comfort plays a vital role in choosing heating systems.

Another consideration will be safety features like carbon monoxide detectors if any individuals living in the home have respiratory problems, since gas furnace systems release this pollutant into your air throughout their duration of use.

A furnace or heater might seem complicated at first glance, but that's not true at all - think about how much time they save homeowners per year on energy costs!

Do I need to hire an HVAC contractor?

Yes!

You might be tempted to install your furnace or heater on your own, but that's not safe, and you could end up causing more damage than good. Since HVAC systems are complicated, only a trained professional should handle furnace installation or furnace repair. There is simply too much risk involved in heating equipment, so don't try to handle furnace installation yourself!

Please stay safe and hire an HVAC contractor to help you when it comes time for furnace or heater repairs and furnace installation. New England Cooling Towers, Inc is here to be your go-to HVAC contractor. Contact us today!

 

3 Reasons To Call A Heating Service Company

When it comes to any type of work on your furnace, it is likely in your best interest to call a professional for the job. A heating service has trained professionals who know how to work with your furnace and will do all that they can to meet your needs. Here are three great reasons to call a heating service.

You Need A Furnace Inspection Before You Turn It On
Before you turn your furnace on for the year, it is very important that you take the time to have it inspected. A professional will be able to come to your home and do a full inspection of your furnace, as well as any maintenance that needs to be done. They will then start your furnace and make sure that it functions properly for you. This ensures your furnace runs well and that you keep nice and warm on the cold winter days.

Your Furnace Is Overheating
If you find that your furnace is overheating in an effort to try and warm your home, then you want to call a professional to come and look at it right away. An overheating furnace is not only ineffective at heating your home, but it can also become very dangerous if it isn't fixed quickly. The likely cause of an overheating furnace is build-up that has clogged the duct of the furnace, making it difficult for the hot air to come out and spread through your home. A professional will be able to safely and effectively remove the clog, or whatever the issue is, and get your furnace functioning as it should once again.

You Are Having Duct Issues
If you find that you have damage to the duct work in your home, such as cracks or leaks, this may cause the warm air that comes out of your furnace to turn cold before it reaches you. Hiring a professional from a heating service to come and inspect and repair your duct work is an excellent way to get your ducts fixed properly. Give us a call today!

Four Top Energy-Smart, Money-Saving Furnace and Heating Tips

 The U.S. Department of Energy spotlights the impact that heating has on typical energy bills, accounting for nearly half of your home's energy usage at 42 percent. So, it makes good sense to concentrate on applying smart furnace and heating tips to deliver a noticeable impression on household consumption and your wallet. This winter tackle high heating bills with these four approaches.

1. Have Your Furnace Serviced
Furnace tune-ups prepare your equipment for extended use during chilly winter months. A trained HVAC technician performs checks and calibrations on the various components of your furnace and heating system. A thorough exam ranges from gas burner and inlet pressure checks to thermostat and vent system inspections and an overall operation review. Problems, potential breakdowns, and energy-draining issues can be identified and addressed before they compromise the efficiency of your system and drain your wallet.

2. Minimize Drafts
You lose up to a quarter of the heated air in your home through drafty windows and doors. Keep that warm air from escaping by sealing those cracks and drafts with weather-stripping, caulk, or foam. Even hanging blinds or thicker curtains during the winter can help minimize heat loss. If it's in your budget, consider upgrading your windowpanes for better insulation.

3. Be Smart About Your Windows
Keeping warm air from escaping isn't the only way to ensure your windows aren't wasting energy and costing you money. Ensure you're paying attention during warmer times of the day and take advantage of nature's heating unit – the sun. Open blinds and window coverings on the windows in your home that face south during warm hours. Then close them before it becomes cooler to help trap that natural heat indoors.

4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats give you more control over your heating system. They offer energy savings and support more comfort while applying smart home heating practices. Set it for 68°F during the periods when you're indoors, awake and active. Program it for between 58°F and 61°F while you're sleeping and when you're not home. These simple adjustments can lower your heating bills and reduce energy waste. With the programmable option, you enjoy convenience and more heating consistency.

Call on our team of professionals for furnace and heating service, repair and HVAC equipment installation to help keep your home toasty during cold weather months.

5 Easy Ways to Improve Your Air Conditioner's Performance

As temperatures climb, you rely on your air conditioner to keep you comfortable. Your cooling system is one of your home's biggest energy expenses. That's why it's important to make sure you're getting the best performance from your air conditioner. Read on to learn how to improve your air conditioner's performance this summer.

Keep Vents Clear
Make sure your indoor supply vents aren't blocked by furniture, curtains, or toys. All of the vents in your home should be open and clear. Vacuum and dust around the vents to help keep them clean and maintain airflow.  

Keep Windows Covered
When direct sunlight hits your windows, your home will heat up quickly. Your air conditioner will work hard to keep you cool. Closing your curtains and blinds during the day will reduce the amount of heat entering your home, which will reduce the strain on your cooling system.  

Turn Up the Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees can save energy and reduce your cooling bills up to 10 percent. A programmable thermostat lets you set the temperature on a pre-set schedule. You can raise the temperature when you are away from home, then lower it shortly before you arrive. With a smart thermostat, you can even adjust the temperature from your smartphone.   

Change Your Air Filter
A clogged air filter can interfere with airflow and lower the performance of your air conditioner. Changing your air filters regularly will ensure your A/C keeps running efficiently. Replacing the air filters will also help to improve your indoor air quality. Most air filters should be replaced once per month.    

Schedule Air Conditioning Maintenance
Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure you're getting the best performance from your air conditioner. A properly maintained cooling system lasts longer, works more efficiently, and saves you money on your cooling costs.

Contact us to learn more about the air conditioning maintenance services we offer.

4 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

As a homeowner, you rely on your heating and cooling system throughout the year. Keeping your furnace well-maintained will ensure it keeps working when you need it most. Proper maintenance will also help extend your HVAC system's life. The following tips will keep your furnace running smoothly and help you avoid costly heating repair.

Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor HVAC unit should not be obstructed. Trim back any shrubs or trees near your outdoor unit to keep it clear. You should have at least two feet of clearance around your HVAC unit. Remove any debris such as twigs or fallen leaves.
Clean the Condenser and Evaporator Coils

The outdoor and indoor HVAC units both have coils. To keep the system running properly, the coils should be kept clean and free of debris. If the furnace will not turn on, blocked coils might be the cause. Keep the coils clean to maintain consistent airflow. Replacing damaged coils can be costly, so follow the coil cleaning instructions carefully. Even better, have an experienced HVAC technician clean the coils for you.

Keep Air Filters Clean

Your air filters will become dirty and clogged over time. Clogged air filters lead to higher energy bills and lower indoor air quality. Many air filters need changing after three months. However, if you have pets or if your home has a lot of dust, the filter may need changing more often.

Schedule a Maintenance Tune-Up

A heating inspection is essential to keeping your furnace in good shape. Your HVAC technician will inspect all components of your furnace and make sure they're working properly. If any problems are found, they'll be fixed before they become serious. Your technician will provide a report on the work performed and whether repairs are needed. Your HVAC system should be inspected at the start of the heating and cooling seasons. For assistance maintaining your HVAC system, contact us today.

Signs Your Air Conditioner is Losing Efficiency

A healthy air conditioner is an efficient air conditioner. It does its job without wasting any of that expensive energy that you pay for. However, many air conditioner owners don't know when the air conditioner is acting efficiently and when it is not. If you are curious if your air conditioner is acting efficiently, then all you need to do is keep a look out for these signs that it is not. 

Low Airflow
The airflow pushed from your vents should have a bit of force behind it. However, if you notice that the air is merely a light breeze coming from your vents, it is a sure sign that your air conditioner is not working at full efficiency. As the air comes in slower, then it will need to run longer in order to cool your home. 

Noises
The air flowing through your vents will make a noise, but an unobtrusive one. If you hear rattling, grinding, or clicking as your air conditioner kicks on, this is a sign of a problem. Any problems inside your air conditioner mean a decrease in efficiency. 

Higher Energy Bills
The most obvious sign that your air conditioner is not energy efficient is an easy one – your energy bills are higher. You can expect a rise come air conditioning season, but if you examine the bill from the same time last year, you should not see a huge and noticeable rise in energy usage. If you are using more energy, it is likely to blame on the air conditioner as it is one of your most energy-hungry appliances and more so when not working properly.

If you notice any of these signs, then you will need to take action by calling us today. We can help swiftly take care of these problems and get your appliance back to efficiency!

Why an Air Filtration System is Good for Your HVAC

 Another excellent option for your residential or commercial HVAC is an air filtration device known as an air purifier. While they come in different sizes and qualities, understanding how they work, and their associated benefits are good before deciding to purchase one.

What is an Air Filtration System?
Air purifiers are built in a way to work alongside your HVAC for a comfortable and contaminant-free environment. It filtrates dust, animal dander, and mite dust from the air you breathe at home or work hence improving your overall comfort and health.

The most basic ones contain fiberglass or polyester that allow air to pass through and traps large dust particles. Highly efficient filters filter even the minute particles like pollen and fine-grained dust.

Benefits of an Air Filtration System

Here are some of the reasons why breathing fresher air is essential to you and improves your overall indoor living conditions.

1. Overall Health
Most people tend to relate pollen grains and dust to allergies and overlook the serious respiratory concerns that are brought about by these contaminants. Breathing in filtered air will reduce the risks of any dust-related respiratory diseases while still enjoying a better indoor air quality.

2. Higher HVAC Life
Air filtration systems extend the lifetime of your HVAC system. This is because they ensure a lesser accumulation of dirt and grime on your HVAC, reducing the need for regular cleaning of your order. Contaminants like dust tend to clog your HVAC decreasing its full expectancy.

3. Energy Efficiency
If your HVAC has dust and dirt accumulating, it will spend a high amount of energy on maintaining the same comfort and air quality. Clogging and blockages consequently spike your energy bills.
An air purifier will efficiently reduce the frequency of maintenance and keep your entire HVAC system working without using too much energy.

For more information about improving your overall indoor air quality, feel free to contact us for the best air filtration system installation, repair, and maintenance services. Give us a call today – we can help you breathe easy!

5 Simple Ways to Lower Your Heating Bills

Heating your home can take a big bite out of your budget in the winter. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to keep your home comfortable while keeping your energy costs low. Here are several tips for heating up your home and lowering your heating bill.

Turn Down the Thermostat
Lowering the temperature by seven to 10 degrees for eight hours per day can lower your heating costs as much as 10%. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees during the day, and lower when you are away from home. Installing a programmable thermostat will make this simple and easy.

Use Ceiling Fans
Most people think of cooling off when they think of ceiling fans—but your ceiling fan can also help keep your house warm. Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise. This will push warm air down and draw cool air upward, boosting the temperature of the room.

Repair Air Leaks
Hidden air leaks will let cold air into your home and let warm air out. Check around your windows and doors. Use weather-stripping or caulk to seal any air leaks you find. Warm air can also escape through your chimney. Make sure to close the flue on your fireplace when you're not using it.

Replace Your Air Filters
Dirty, clogged filters disrupt airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and consume more energy. Always change your furnace's air filters regularly. Keeping your filters clean will improve the performance of your furnace, and will also give your indoor air quality a nice boost.

Schedule Heating Service
A furnace that's well-maintained will perform better. A furnace often uses more energy when it needs repair. Be sure to schedule heating service each year to make sure your furnace keeps working smoothly. No one wants to be left without a working furnace on a cold day.

For more assistance with your HVAC system, contact us today.