Furnaces vs. Boilers: Which Is Right for Your Home?

October 11, 2022

If you’re in the market for a new heating system for your home, you may be wondering whether you should buy a furnace or a boiler. Both devices have their pros and cons, so it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. There are a few things to consider when weighing your options. Method of Heating One of the critical differences between furnaces and boilers is how they heat your home. Furnaces use a system of forced air to circulate warmth throughout your home, while boilers use a system of hot water radiators. Each type of system has its own set of pros and cons. For example, boilers are typically more expensive than furnaces. However, they’re also more efficient at heating your home, so you’ll save money on your energy bills in the long run. Furnaces, on the other hand, can heat up your home more quickly than a boiler. Heating Capacity Furnaces and boilers also differ in their heating capacity. Furnaces typically have a higher heating capacity than boilers, so they are better suited for larger homes. However, boilers can provide more evenly distributed heat, making them a better choice for smaller homes. Boilers don’t...

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Should You Use a Furnace or Space Heater?

March 17, 2022

When you need to purchase a new heating system for your home, you have a few options. You can choose to go with a space heater that heats one room, or you can choose to go with a furnace to keep the entire house warm. You should take the time to examine the pros and cons of each option before making the final choice. Space Heater vs. Furnace Energy Efficiency The actual cost of running each heating option will depend on the weather and your heating needs. Generally, space heaters are not the best option if you are trying to keep the entire home comfortable and warm. However, a space heater is a better and more cost-effective option if you are only trying to heat one room or area in your house. Space Heater vs. Furnace for Cold Weather Space heaters might be the best option for the cold winter months if you intend to heat a specific area in your home. The good thing about space heaters is that they are small and portable, giving you the choice of where to place them. If you want to heat your entire home efficiently, it’s best to go with a furnace....

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The Best Furnace Filters for You

February 17, 2022

Changing your furnace filters is a regular chore that doesn’t take much time. However, choosing the right filter for your home often takes more thought and research. Improve your routine by finding furnace filters that keep your home cleaner and your family healthier. Safety Rating Many furnace filters are given a MERV rating that goes up to 20. This rating denotes how well the filter will catch certain contaminants. Many households use filters between eight and 14 to maintain optimal air quality. Your perfect number can fluctuate based on health reasons, the number of pets in the home, and household allergies. Finding your ideal range can minimize dust floating in the house and uncomfortable side effects like frequent sneezing and irritation. Budget Restrictions Thicker filters with higher MERV ratings often cost more than thinner filters. You may struggle to find high-performing, affordable filters. Take the time to find accessible alternative retailers online or locally. Buy in bulk or through a subscription to take advantage of discounts that give you more affordable access to better filters. Put the health of your home first as much as possible to avoid spreading illness and minimize the chance of damage or dust buildup in...

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Heat Pump or Furnace: Which One Fits Your Home?

January 10, 2022

When it’s time to purchase a new heating system for your home, you have a few different options. You could go with a furnace that burns propane or fuel, or you could go with one that uses electricity to generate heat. Alternatively, you could go with a heat pump, which absorbs heat from outside and transfers it into your house. Each type of heater has its own advantages, and you’ll want to find the one that’s just right for your household. Heat Pumps Save Money Because heat pumps don’t actually have to generate heat, they need far less energy to operate than furnaces do. Heat pumps use pressurized refrigerant coils to absorb heat, and they also have the ability to reverse this process and provide cool air instead. This means that when you have a heat pump, you don’t need to purchase a separate air conditioner. On average, heat pumps are also slightly less expensive to have installed than gas-powered or electric furnaces. Furnaces Are Better in Cold Weather Gas-powered furnaces generate heat via a constant combustion process, and electric furnaces warm your home by blowing air over a hot element. These processes are the same for the furnace regardless...

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Is My Furnace Up to Code?

December 20, 2021

Homeowners are often finding new and exciting ways to remodel their homes to better fit their family’s many needs. When considering a large remodel like changing out a furnace, it’s helpful to check out local codes and regulations that determine what’s allowed inside a commercial or residential home. Is My Furnace Up to Code? Homes are built with experienced technicians and laborers who work within the current code regulations. Homeowners can look through official city regulations themselves when starting a remodel, but the codes are often hundreds of pages long and can be confusing to anyone not trained and experienced in the field. Old homes may fall out of compliance, but they’re grandfathered into the system and don’t have to constantly be updated unless the homeowner is planning to sell. A great resource for those looking to get an idea about the current code regulations that are used in their area is to check the Uniform Mechanical Code. Many cities base their regulations on this frequently updated authority. The best way to be safe and follow local regulations when removing or installing a furnace is to rely on an experienced and certified technician. Professionals can safely install new heating and...

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How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

November 18, 2021

We all know that during the winter it can get freezing cold outdoors. This means that it’s in the fall when you should prepare your home for cold weather. There are several areas to address so your home stays comfortable. Clean the Gutters Gutters accumulate a lot of leaves and debris during the fall. You should scoop everything out of your gutters as otherwise water damage can occur to your home. It may be the case that you should hire a professional to do this for you. Turn Off Exterior Faucets Water in pipes can freeze during the winter. This can cause pipes to burst. Disconnect all of your garden hoses and drain water out of the pipes through the faucet. Complete this job by turning off the shutoff valve. Get Your Heater Tuned Up Hire an HVAC company to tune up your heater. They’ll make sure it’s clean and operating well. This will also save money on your winter energy bills because they’ll help it achieve maximum efficiency. in Dayton, OH, has a heater tune-up service. Our NATE-certified technicians are thorough and conscientious, and they can service all makes and models. Caulk Around Doors and Windows Seal any gaps...

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4 Simple Steps to Reignite Your Furnace DIY Style

September 17, 2021

Sometimes the pilot light on gas furnaces will go out. When that happens, you will need to restart it yourself. Here is how to do so safely in 4 easy steps. Step 1. Find the Instructions All furnaces have the instructions for the pilot light somewhere near the controls. Bring a flashlight, and be sure to read the whole thing several times before trying to turn on the furnace. If your instructions have faded, the manufacturer may have them online. You can then place a copy in a safe area to consult. Step 2. Turn Off the Gas Inside most furnaces, you will find a switch or dial. This switch is typically labeled with ‘on,’ ‘off,’ and ‘pilot.’ You will want this set to off. This is to give the gas time to dissipate before you try to light it again. You need to wait at least 5 minutes. Take this time to find the reset button. This will let you light the pilot light. Step 3. Relight After 5 minutes, turn the pilot light switch to the ‘pilot’ setting. Then, hold down the reset button while you bring a lit match to the area. This should relight it. Keep...

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How to Choose A Heating System for Your Home

December 4, 2020

When it comes to heating systems, you have several options. It’s important to get this decision right as heating your home makes up over 40% of your energy bills. You also need to consider the cost of installing the system. Central Heating System Most homes in the United States and Canada have central heating systems. Furnaces are the most common central heating system, although heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. While all heat pumps run on electricity, you can buy electric and gas furnaces. In these systems, warm air is blown through ductwork throughout your home. Gas furnaces are less expensive to operate than electric furnaces, although they cost a bit more to install. Heat pumps are more expensive than furnaces, but they are highly energy efficient. Boiler A boiler is a special-purpose water heater that heats your home. It distributes heated water through pipes and radiators. Heated water flows through your home and returns to the boiler, where it’s reheated. Most use natural gas as their fuel. They tend to be a little more expensive than furnaces. in Dayton, OH, installs furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and air conditioning units. We’re proud to be a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer that...

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Tips for Changing Your Furnace Filter

October 21, 2020

The transition into autumn means that it’s time to start thinking about furnace maintenance for your Dayton, OH, area home. Your furnace filter requires a monthly check. Our technicians at offer these tips on how to change your furnace filter so that you can enjoy a comfortable and healthy home this fall and winter. Locate the Filter’s Housing Before changing your furnace filter, turn off the power to the furnace. You can do this at the circuit breaker or with the power switch on the furnace. It’s best to wait for a heating cycle to end before cutting the power. The air filter typically has its own housing. The filter chamber typically has a screw, magnet or clamp holding the housing door shut. You may need a screwdriver to open the housing door. If you’re not sure where the air filter’s housing is located, your furnace’s owner’s manual should show a diagram of where it is. Our technicians can also show you where the filter is during your furnace tune-up. Remove the Old Filter Put on a dust mask before removing the old filter. Jostling the filter could release some dust particles. After opening the housing door, observe the filter’s...

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How Does Upgrading Your Heating System Actually Save You Money?

November 12, 2019

You’ve gotten used to that old furnace. It seems to run almost fine. “Almost” means it shuts off now and then, and the system rattles. It works OK, though. So, why upgrade and pay for a new heating unit? You might find yourself saving far more money than you would by keeping the old furnace. That heater could turn into a money drain faster than you think. Costly Repairs The warranty only lasts so long. Some problems don’t fall under warranty coverage under any circumstances. If things start breaking down, then repair work becomes necessary. Service calls, while appreciated, cost money. A new furnace comes with a new warranty and far less of a likelihood you’ll need repair work. Take the costs for future repairs off the price of the furnace. You’ll see a less costly new heating unit. If you’re seeking heating and cooling system repair or installation services in or around Dayton, OH, turn to . Fewer Repairs Furnace problems could compound on one another. If parts break down in an old furnace, the ripple effect could lead to other troubles. Now, you’re dealing with more repairs. Avoiding a Costly Disaster Situation If your old heating system dies,...

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