Posts

Is It Time to Completely Replace Your Furnace?

/in /by

When it comes to a carrier furnace, you need to know when it is time to stop with the frequent repairs and just replace the entire system. There are some signs that will indicate it is time for a complete replacement, so once they start occurring, you can start making plans to have a professional come out and give you a quote.

You Notice a Gradual Increase in Your Energy Bills

Your furnace should be an efficient machine, so when it starts to lose some of its efficiency, this can translate to an increase in your energy bills. You will usually notice this over time; there will not be a sudden increase in just a month or two. To determine if your bills are increasing, look at the costs over the course of the last year. If you notice a gradual increase over that 12-month period, it could be because your furnace is not working as well as it should.

The Thermostat is Not Working Effectively

Your thermostat is basically the brain of your furnace, so it is critical that it is working as it should. When it starts to go, it will cause problems with your total heating system. You might notice problems with your thermostat if you need to keep turning up the temperature to keep your home adequately heated. Another sign is that despite using the same temperature setting in each room, the overall temperature feels different among the various rooms in your home.

Know What the Color of the Flame Means

You can look at the flame on your furnace to get a better idea about how healthy your system is. When your furnace is working exactly as it should, you should see a flame that is blue. It you notice it a different color, this could indicate a problem. For example, a yellow flame could mean that there is an excessive amount of carbon monoxide in your system.

Your System is More Than 15 Years Old

After about 15 years, furnaces start to experience problems due to excessive use for over a decade. This is normal and due to basic wear and tear. Once your furnace gets to the 10-year mark, it is a good idea to have a comprehensive inspection done. A professional will be able to tell you if there is a problem that might become a bigger one with time.

When you are ready to replace your carrier furnace, it is a good idea to have a professional come out and assess your system. They will be able to make the final decision as to whether your furnace requires a complete replacement or not.

 

Why Air Duct Cleaning is Important for Commercial Spaces

/in /by

Whether you have a carrier furnace or another type, your duct work should be a priority. You want to have it inspected and cleaned approximately twice a year to ensure that it is in good working order. There are many benefits associated with annual commercial duct cleaning that you should know so that you understand why this yearly task is so important.

Keep Your Office Smelling Great

The last thing you want is clients and employees to come into the office and notice an offensive odor. One source of foul odors is dirty air ducts. This is because a variety of smells and impurities can accumulate in your air ducts and circulate offensive odors throughout the office. The only way to remove these is to have your air ducts professionally cleaned to ensure that everything is properly removed.

Ensure Clients and Employees Can Breathe Easily

If anyone comes into your office and they have issues like breathing conditions or allergies, if your duct work is dirty, this can make them uncomfortable. Allergens and impurities can become trapped in your air ducts. Then, when you use your HVAC system, these are pushed into the atmosphere of your office. For example, if pollen is in your air ducts and is then pushed into the air, those with asthma and allergies may start experiencing symptoms.

Reduce the Growth of Mildew and Mold

Air temperature changes cause the development of condensation. This is a type of moisture and moisture creates a breeding ground for mildew and mold. Condensation is common in air ducts due to changes between cold and hot when you use your HVAC system. The mildew and mold can grow in your duct work and you need a professional to come and clean it away.

Remove Debris from Bugs and Rodents

Even with a spotless building, there is still a chance that bugs and rodents will get into your air ducts. This is especially true during the cold weather because they will go anywhere that they can get some warmth. Few things are warmer than air ducts. Keeping these clean ensure that bugs and rodents are removed, as well as any debris that they leave behind. This includes removing any bugs and rodents that die in your duct work. Dead bugs and rodents in duct work can result in odorous gases being released that are then circulated throughout your office space.

Make sure to schedule your carrier furnace or other system type duct work in advance. You can choose when you have it done, but it is ideal during times of year when you can turn the system off for about one day to have the cleaning done. In most areas, this would be scheduling it at some point during the fall or spring seasons.

5 Reasons to Have a Professional Winter Heating Inspection

/in /by

When the cold weather starts, you want to make sure that your furnace is in excellent working order. There are many things that can go wrong with your furnace and your furnace actually serves several purposes. Getting a professional to come in and do a thorough inspection of your carrier furnace and other heating components will help to keep your family comfortable and safe.

 

Ensure a Proper Working Furnace

 

One of the most important reasons to have an inspection is to make sure that your furnace is working properly. A professional will come in and look at all of the different components and let you know if any repairs are necessary. This works to ensure that you will not have to worry about things like your furnace breaking down on a cold winter tonight.

 

Check for Carbon Monoxide

 

Carbon monoxide can be deadly and it is critical that you know if there are levels in your house that are dangerous. You can also have a professional come in and install detectors that will help you to determine if there is a leak. It is a good idea to change the batteries at least once a year, especially before winter when you might be using your fireplace or furnace to heat your home.

 

Look for Drafts

 

Drafts throughout your home can be detected by a professional. Before the winter, if you need better insulation, it is ideal that you have it done before the weather really starts to change. Make sure that other things like windows and doors are placed well, so that cold air is not able to seep through. When you have drafts, this can make you have to use more heat to keep your house warm. This increases your energy usage and can cost you a lot more money.

 

Inspect Your Chimney

 

You want to make sure that there are no blockages or anything in your chimney. Having it swept before winter is also a good idea. This will help to ensure that your chimney does not become a fire hazard, especially if you tend to use your fireplace often throughout the winter.

 

Ensure Proper Ventilation

 

A house that is properly ventilated helps to ensure that everyone in your home can breathe easier. A professional can check the ventilation in your home and assess it to make sure that it is doing its job properly.

 

As you can see, a regular winter inspection of your carrier furnace is important to keep your family safe throughout the winter. You should schedule this in the fall season so that it is done before the weather gets too cold.

When a Homeowner Should Consider a Furnace Replacement

/in /by

Is it time to replace your carrier furnace? There are some things to consider so that you can replace it before it completely goes out on you. This will ensure that you have a constant source of heat for your home.

 

Your System is Very Old

 

Modern HVAC system last around 10 to 15 years, so if your furnace is older than this, you might consider having someone come and check it out. They will be able to tell you whether you need to consider replacing it. If the furnace is still in good working order, you can wait to make any replacements.

 

Your Heating Bills Are Increasing

 

Keep an eye on your heating bills and if you notice that there is a steady increase, it is time to consider that your furnace might be to blame. Remember that your electric and gas bills often fluctuate, so you want to monitor your bills very closely. You will best notice this type of trend when you monitor it over the course of six months or longer, so pull up your old bills to see if a steady increase is happening.

 

Your Thermostat is Not Working Properly

 

If you notice that your furnace and your thermostat are not communicating correctly, it might be time to consider a replacement. One way to determine if this is a problem is to assess how the different rooms in your homes feel. If all rooms are set at the same temperature, walk around and see if some rooms feel warmer or cooler than the others. This can indicate that there is a problem with the thermostat.

 

You Are Calling for Repairs More Frequently

 

If you find that you are calling the repairman more often than you are used to, it is time to consider replacing your furnace. While the cost of a new furnace will be more costly upfront, it will save you money over time since you will not be spending so much money on keeping your furnace in good working order. If you are calling the repairman often, it is time to start pricing a new furnace and making a plan to have it installed.

 

Check the Burner Flame Color

 

The flame on your furnace can provide a lot of information about the health of your equipment. When the flame is blue, this indicates that your furnace is healthy and running strong. Flames that are flickering or yellow can indicate a number of problems, including the production of too much carbon monoxide.

 

Keep this information in mind if you have a carrier furnace. In addition to routine maintenance, knowing when it is time to pull the plug and get something new is something all homeowners should be aware of.

 

 

Critical Considerations Before Installing a New Furnace

/in /by

 There comes a time in every homeowner’s life when they have to replace their household furnace. A furnace is a costly investment but can last a long time when properly maintained. Today’s modern furnace has a longer lifespan and offers more energy efficiency too. The savings on annual utility costs often encourage homeowners to upgrade.

However, before a homeowner picks their new Carrier furnace, there are certain items to consider.

The Age of the Current Furnace

An upgrade to a modern unit will save a homeowner on utility costs, however replacing their existing furnace too early could reduce cost-efficiency. Before investing in a new system, owners should evaluate how old their current system is. Most furnaces can last 15 to 20 years before requiring replacement. If one is significantly newer, then the homeowner may wish to wait rather than endure the costs of a replacement.

If a newer furnace no longer has its manufacturer warranty (which typically lasts five to 10 years), and they have encountered numerous repairs, then it may be worth the cost to upgrade to a new model.

The Fuel Source

Not all furnaces use the same fuel source. Typically, a furnace runs on gas or oil, with some homes offering both hookups.

Newer furnaces all come equipped with a higher annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) than older models. However, gas furnaces are more efficient than oil ones. Gas models carry AFUE ratings of 85 to 94 percent.

However, oil furnaces do have advantages as well. If the oil market is healthy, the cost to fuel an oil-run furnace could be cheaper.

No matter what, a homeowner will notice fluctuations in fuel costs to operate their household furnace.

Variable Speed Blowers or Not?

Technology for furnaces has certainly advanced over the past few years. One of the latest additions to Carrier furnaces as well as other manufacturers is the variable speed blower.

Variable speed blowers can run smoothly, utilize less operating energy, and keep the home at a consistent temperature. Variable speed blowers also operate at low speeds throughout the day, keeping costs low. When the furnace needs to heat up a home, it will kick back on and heat quickly.

Furnaces without variable speeds must start up, which takes more energy, and it takes longer to heat the home.

Zoning Systems

Some homes have inadequate ductwork to heat consistently throughout the house. In addition to a Carrier furnace, some homeowners may opt for zoning systems in individual rooms of the house. For example, basements that tend to remain cold regardless of upper floor temperatures could benefit from a secondary zoning system. This allows the homeowner to only heat those rooms in the basement (as needed). It reduces energy costs trying to heat the entire house and allows those in basement quarters to adjust temperatures to their comfort level.

Thermostat Replacements

Most new furnaces can operate on the existing thermostat. However, there are upgrades to new thermostats that boost energy-efficiency. Therefore, homeowners could inquire about the benefits of a new thermostat, including wireless and smartphone operated versions, from their service technician.