Signs That You Should Call an HVAC Contractor

Few things are more frustrating than having to deal with a malfunctioning heater in the dead of winter or a fickle air conditioner during a blazing summer. When worst comes to worst, all you can really do is call the professionals and have them either fix the problem or replace the appliance entirely. However, you can save a lot of stress and money if you catch these issues before they bloom into complete catastrophes. In order to give you the most comfortable home possible, here are some key signs that you should call out an HVAC contractor ASAP.

Your Air Quality Is Low
There are a variety of ways that low air quality can manifest, ranging from increased sickness in the house to a noticeable scent when the air conditioner or heater are turned on. In some cases (and especially if cash is tight), this may seem like a temporary problem and mild inconvenience that will soon pass, but that's not always true. Poor air quality is often a warning sign that things will be getting much worse in the future. The filters could be clogged, which can lead to overheating and damage in the appliances themselves. Mold can grow quickly and spread throughout the home via ventilation, leading to severe health risks.

Your Appliance Is Making Strange Noises
If you hear strange noises coming from your heater or air conditioner while they're running, then those may be indicators of much worse problems. If pieces are loose inside, then they may break entirely. This isn't necessarily a common problem in state-of-the-art models, but it can be a serious issue for older appliances. In the worst-case scenario, this could potentially lead to an electrical or gas hazard that could become a fire.

How a Contractor Can Help
Getting a contractor to your home as soon as possible is one of the best ways to nip these problems in the bud. They can identify what's causing the problem, how serious it is, and determine the best way to go about fixing it. Of course, they can also help you in other ways that people don't often think about. Your air conditioner may be working fine, and the problem may be minor, but it may also be an extremely old model that simply doesn't have the efficiency of modern air conditioners. A contractor can help you decide if an upgrade is worth it and how much you stand to save. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, give us a call today!

Common Late Season Furnace Problems

Many homeowners prioritize furnace maintenance before autumn comes around, and that’s a good thing! However, it’s important to prioritize furnace maintenance year round. As winter comes to an end, consider the wear and tear your furnace has endured over the last few months.

It’s common for furnaces to manifest late season problems, and it’s crucial that you don’t ignore them until fall comes back and you begin to rely on it to keep you comfortable again. Address any late season furnace problems as soon as possible because if you let a broken furnace sit all summer, it will come out of the season even worse off.

Common late season furnace issues include:

• Dirty Burners – Over a season of use, the burners in your furnace can accumulate a lot of dirt. This makes it difficult for those burners to reignite when needed. Typically this manifests in a "boom" noise that comes with delayed ignition. Delayed ignition takes a toll on a furnace, making dirty burners an issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
• Ignitor Failure – Instead of a pilot light, many furnaces have changed to an electronic ignitor to light the gas and run the heat. However, these ignitor often wear out before the furnace itself, making it so they may need replacement. If your heat has stopped turning on late in the season, this could be the cause.
• Motor Failure – If your furnace is igniting, but the air isn't getting into your home, it could be an inducer motor failure. This motor pumps air into your home, and when the motor goes out, that doesn't happen. Typically you will notice a distinct and annoying screeching sound when a motor is going out.

As you can tell, the most common late season repairs come from the items in the furnace that are subject to frequent repeat use. Thankfully, these repairs are usually rather simple to fix. If you think your furnace should be looked at by a professional, contact us today to schedule a time of service.

5 Reasons to Have Your Furnace Inspected This Winter

Now that winter has arrived, you depend on your furnace to keep you warm. An annual inspection and regular maintenance are essential to keep your heating system running smoothly. Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect to have their furnaces inspected each year. Here are five reasons why annual heating service is important.

Catch Problems Early

A number of heating problems can be avoided with routine maintenance. Regular furnace inspections allow you to detect any problems and fix them before they become more serious (and more expensive). Compared to the high cost of an emergency heating repair, regular maintenance is a worthwhile investment.

Extend Your Furnace's Lifespan

Not only will regular maintenance let you address potential problems early, it also ensures that your furnace keeps performing at its best. When your furnace isn't running as efficiently as it should, it creates additional wear and tear. Routine heating maintenance ensures that your furnace will last as long as possible.

Save Energy and Lower Heating Costs

Keeping your furnace in good working order ensures that it's running as efficiently as possible. Heating costs account for as much as 42% of your utility bill. By properly maintaining your furnace, you can enjoy significant savings on your winter energy bills.

Stay Comfortable

Nothing is worse than having your heating system stop working in the middle of a cold night. Annual furnace maintenance ensures that your heat keeps working when you need it most. Your home will stay warm and comfortable all winter long.

Increase Safety

An unchecked furnace carries the risk of a gas leak or a carbon monoxide leak. Gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks are dangerous. Having your furnace inspected each year will ensure that any potential safety issues are dealt with right away. Contact us at New England Cooling Towers, Inc. today to schedule a maintenance check and you'll have peace of mind knowing that your furnace is working comfortably and safely.