Tag: heating

It’s a New Year! Is it Time for a New Heating System?

Get that New Boiler, Furnace, or Heat Pump Installed for the New Year

The new year has just begun, and the heater may not be working as well as it once was. Over time, heaters lose efficiency and can raise energy bills due to age or a problem in the system. Homeowners would do well to be aware of common signs that the heater is faltering. This article will share some of those signs and the options available for heater replacement. 

Indicators of a Failing Heater

A heating system is often overlooked among household appliances as it is hidden and does most of its work quietly, creating a comfortable space for inhabitants and guests. Once a heater becomes a squeaky wheel, however, it will likely need attention quickly or will simply stop working altogether. Common signs a heater is coming to the end of its lifespan include:

  • It is more than ten years old.
  • It has bad smells, such as burning or musty odors.
  • Temperature fluctuations happen in the home.
  • It is not blowing hot air.
  • The rooms are too hot.
  • The rooms are too cold.
  • It is constantly cycling on and off (short cycling).
  • It makes strange sounds, such as banging and whistling.

Choosing the Correct Type of Heater Replacementheater

Several different types of heating systems can be installed in a home, ranging from the older but reliable technology of boilers to the newer innovations of the heat pump. These options include:

  • Boiler: The technology behind the boiler heating system has been around for a long time. It was used as a central heating system for large homes and buildings even before the advent of electric lights. As the name suggests, boilers use a heat source to boil water sent through tubing or pipes to radiators located throughout the home. Nowadays, tubes can even be installed in trim boards and underneath flooring to create radiant heat without the need for radiator units. This system is highly efficient and tends not to dry out the air like the more popular heating systems with blowers. Unfortunately, it can be costly to install and repair, and maintenance, while usually easy on the unit itself, may prove more difficult if a leak occurs within the walls or floor of the home.
  • Furnace: This is another technology that got its start centuries ago. It starts with a heat source, usually a natural gas-fueled flame, that warms up air that is then blown into and distributed through ducts. This technology is generally easy to maintain and install. However, gas leaks and carbon monoxide leaks resulting from furnace malfunction can be quite dangerous.
  • Heat Pump:  This bit of modern technology is becoming increasingly popular due to its high efficiency. This particular heater does not have a heat source. Instead, it pulls heat from the outside and transfers it inside or can be reversed to remove heat from the house during the warmer months. This heat transfer from one place to another is where the heat pump gets its name. 

Heating Maintenance

maintainingEven if a homeowner’s heater is running perfectly, they should still know that routine professional maintenance can help any type of heating system work at its most efficient. This efficiency leads to saving on utility bills and will help the system last longer since it won’t need to work as hard for the same results. 

Maintaining a heating system can save money and hassle in the long run. Regular maintenance will ensure that a heater continues to operate effectively and efficiently while helping to reduce costly repairs or unexpected breakdowns.

About KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning has been named Best of Home Advisor for eight years running while serving Palm Springs, CA, and the surrounding areas. They provide flat-rate menu pricing, financing, and the latest technology. Call them today for boiler, furnace, heat pump, or heating services in Palm Springs, CA.

Distribution Links +

3 Ways to Improve Your Home’s Heating and Cooling This Year

3 Ways to Improve Heating and Cooling This Year 

Heading into the new year is a chance for homeowners to reevaluate their HVAC system to find ways to lessen their utility bills, boost energy savings, and keep maintenance low. Here are three HVAC expert-approved ways to improve the performance of a heating and cooling system in 2022.

Optimize the Temperature Settings temperature

The ideal temperature settings for each home will vary based on climate and the homeowner’s preferences, but keeping the temperature consistent is always key to keeping energy usage low. When the air conditioning is turning on and off constantly, it uses more energy, making for higher energy bills and putting more strain on the system overall leading to more frequent repairs. 

Smart thermostats and programmable thermostats make it easier to optimize the temperature settings. Thermostat replacement can be easy for homeowners to improve their heating and cooling this year. Smart thermostats learn the energy usage patterns of the home and make adjustments automatically. 

Schedule Bi-Annual Maintenance calendar

One should do AC maintenance and heating maintenance at least twice a year. Air conditioning maintenance involves:
  • Cleaning the inside of the unit
  • Replacing coolant fluid
  • Checking for worn-out parts

Heating maintenance can be more complicated due to the high temperatures within a furnace or boiler and should always be left to the experts. 

Keeping up with HVAC system maintenance will promote the system’s longevity by preventing unnecessary repairs. During regularly scheduled maintenance, the technician will have a chance to look over the system for signs of damage that could indicate a larger problem. Doing maintenance just twice a year can drastically extend the lifespan of the heating and cooling system. 

Change the Air Filters Often 

Air filters are an important aspect of a central air system. The filtration system cleans dust, dirt, pet hair, dander, and other debris from the air as it circulates. When the air filter becomes too dirty, dust bunnies can take over the HVAC system and eventually cause a system failure. Dirty air filters can also cause allergic reactions to flare up from the airborne contaminants. 

Most air filters need to be replaced every three months, but in homes with many family members, multiple pets, or cigarette smokers, the filter may need to be replaced every month or every other month. Forgetting to change the filter may not seem like a big deal, but this mistake can cause a total HVAC system failure that is difficult to repair. 

AC filter replacement is usually a simple process, but homeowners unable to do it themselves should contact a local AC company for filter replacement services. An experienced HVAC technician can help the homeowner determine which air filter is right for their system and how often they should optimally replace it. 

About KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning

KC’s 23 1/2 Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning is a top-rated local heating company that offers comprehensive HVAC services to Palm Springs and the surrounding areas. They are available 24/7 for plumbing or HVAC emergencies and have a flat-rate menu of prices, so homeowners always know what to expect. 

Distribution Links +