Category: Heating

Homeowners: Are You Guilty of These 10 Common Furnace Mistakes?

Dec 29, 2021

Homeowners: Are You Guilty of These 10 Common Furnace Mistakes?

  • Heating
  • Miscellaneous
furnace

Taking care of the systems in the home is part of being a good homeowner and this is especially true in regards to your furnace. Failing to properly use or maintain the home furnace can result in safety issues, an increased risk of furnace or flue fires, higher than normal utility bills, unexpected repair costs to correct the problem, inefficient heat, shortened lifespan, or even a complete furnace failure. If you are in charge of caring for your home’s furnace, this list of ten common mistakes homeowners often make with their furnaces will help you avoid future problems and ensure that your home stays safe, cozy, and warm all winter long. 

Filter change issues 

Before the furnace can provide heat to comfort a room, the warm air must first travel through a filter system. This filter system benefits the occupants of the home by removing dust particles and other contaminants from the air, making the air quality of the home healthier and helping the home stay free from contaminants and dust. Over time, the filter becomes clogged and the air can no longer travel efficiently through the filter to warm the room to the level specified by the thermostat setting. this causes the furnace to work harder to try and reach that level and results in higher utility bills and premature aging of the furnace components. To ensure your furnace does not suffer these problems, make sure that you use the filters specified by the furnace manufacturer or installer and ensure that they are changed on schedule. In addition, if the home is subjected to severe winter weather causing the furnace to work harder, changing the filter more frequently will help to keep it running properly. 

Failing to schedule annual maintenance by a qualified professional 

Even furnaces that are running perfectly can benefit from having an annual maintenance checkup. In addition to cleaning and adjusting your furnace to improve efficiency, your furnace professional will be able to look for signs of developing issues and make proactive repairs to prevent failures and mechanical issues during the winter heating season. 

Setting thermostats too high 

Setting the thermostat too high forces the furnace to work non-stop to attempt to reach the temperature of the thermostat setting. Instead, choose to keep the thermostat on a normal setting and look at making other changes in your home to help your furnace run more efficiently, such as adding more insulation, covering exposed windows with insulated draperies or blinds, and having a heating professional assess your home to see if your furnace is sized correctly and working as efficiently as it should. 

Failing to upgrade or replace aging systems

 Postponing furnace service, upgrades, or replacements is not a good way to save money. In most cases, a furnace that is 15 years old or older will run far less efficiently than a newer system, making the utility bills rise sharply. Planning to replace an aging system before it fails or causes utility bills to skyrocket is an excellent way to get the best value from your home’s furnace. 

Using cost as the only guide when choosing a new system 

When looking for a new system, cost should only be one factor in choosing the replacement system. A quality furnace that offers improved efficiency will end up being less expensive over its lifespan than one that costs less to purchase but results in higher utility and maintenance costs.  

Failing to adjust the heat when nobody’s home 

Most homeowners can see real savings on their utility costs by installing a programmable thermostat and taking the time to set it to reflect the family’s schedule. While mom and dad are at work and the kids are at school, or the family is sleeping, the thermostat can automatically reduce the temperature in the home creating a significant savings on the utility bill and prolonging the life of your furnace. Your furnace professional can help you select and install the best programmable thermostat for your particular system.

Allowing clutter to build up around the furnace components 

Since furnaces are often located in basements, closets, attics, and other seldom used spaces, clutter can really build up around them. This not only creates a potential fire hazard, it also prevents the furnace from having proper air flow which can shorten the life of the system and make it work less efficiently. A good way to keep this from happening is to take a few moments during each filter change to vacuum the area and clear away any clutter near your furnace components. 

Disregarding potential signs of trouble, such as odd odors, noises, or visual clues that something may be amiss 

Most families become so familiar with their furnaces that they fail to notice when it is actually operating. If a normally quiet furnace begins to make unfamiliar sounds or there are any odd odors, noises, or visual signs that something is different, contact your furnace professional immediately for a maintenance checkup. Noticing these signs and attending to them can be the best way to prevent an emergency failure and costly repairs later.

Failing to keep the furnace components clean or eliminating contaminants 

Like any other appliance, your home’s furnace will operate safer and more efficiently when it is kept clean. Allowing dust or other contaminants to build up in or on the components can shorten the lifespan and create conditions that could result in a fire. Using a shop vacuum or a soft, clean cloth to clean the surfaces will help to prevent this type of problems. 

Not following manufacturer’s instructions for use, care, and maintenance 

Failing to read or follow manufacturer’s instructions for use, care, and maintenance is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make. Furnace models, sizes, and fuel types vary greatly and each one will have specific requirements for peak efficiency and lifespan. To get the most from your system, make sure that you learn what the manufacturer recommends and follow the instructions carefully.  

For more information about using or maintaining your heater, ask your heating professional to assess your system, answer your questions, and help you develop a good maintenance plan. 

For More Information on All Things Heating Maintenance, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today for the Best in Heating Maintenance!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

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By nshec

How to Stay Warm During a Heating System Breakdown

Nov 15, 2021

How to Stay Warm During a Heating System Breakdown

  • Heating
  • Miscellaneous
heating breakdown

If you have ever experienced a heating system breakdown in the midst of winter, you know how miserably cold it can get in your house in a short period of time. So you make the call for emergency heating repair and get help on its way. In the meantime, you still need to stay warm while your home slowly tries to turn into an ice castle around you. Fortunately, there are several different things you can do to keep your home warm, even if your heating system is limping along or not working at all. While you may not be as comfortable as you otherwise would, you can at least feel a little better while you wait.

Don’t Wait or It Could Get Worse

When your heat goes out, make the call right away to get someone headed to your home for heating system repairs. If you leave things alone for too long, you could end up with frozen pipes and other problems. You also won’t be comfortable, and that could increase the chances of feeling depressed, unhappy, or even getting sick. Rather than suffering in silence , take comfort in knowing that a service technician has been contacted and is on their way to you as soon as they can get there. If they have a lot of service calls, that could be a few hours. What do you do in the meantime?

Be Proactive for Big Benefits

If you take a proactive stance on your home heating needs, you can find that staying comfortable is more easily achieved. Even when your heating system is struggling, or when it is not working at all, there are ways you can protect yourself and your home against the worst of the chill until a heating technician arrives to get your system up and working again. That can help you eliminate stress and ensure that you will not be spending your time without at least some source of heating that can help you feel better while you are waiting.

Follow These Tips to Stay Warmer While Waiting:

  • Close all doors and windows – When a heating system breaks down, the first thing you want to do is make sure every window and door in your home is tightly shut. That way you reduce the amount of cold air that comes inside and the heat that is already in your house will last longer. 
  • Sealing air leaks in duct systems – If there are any air leaks in your duct systems, seal them off. It is better to have this done beforehand, but that is not always possible. If you can feel air moving, there is a leak somewhere. Finding and blocking it will protect your home and your body temperature.
  • Keep candles handy – Having candles on hand can be very beneficial if your heating is out due to a power outage. But they can also be a good choice when it comes to a heating breakdown. They can easily warm your hands and having them nearby puts off some much-needed heat for the space.
  • Insulate windows – Putting builder’s plastic or another extra surface up in your windows can mean that the cold air from outside does not seep in so much and the warm air in your home is not able to escape as easily. Even double pane windows do not offer complete protection, so add those extra layers.
  • Use your fireplace – If you have a fireplace, either gas, electric, or wood-burning, make use of it. While it will not heat your whole house like your heating system would, it can keep at least one room warm enough to be comfortable while you wait. Then you can avoid the worst of the cold until a heating technician arrives.
  • Use the sun for heat – If the sun is out, make use of it. Open your curtains and blinds on the side of the house where the sun is shining. Allowing the sun to come in the (closed) windows can warm your house up, and make things feel better during a heating system breakdown. Just be sure to keep the blinds or curtains closed if there is not any sunlight, to help hold the heat in as much as possible.

Wear layers of clothing – Dressing warmly is one of the best things you can do if your heating system breaks down. By dressing in layers you not only have more clothing to keep you warm, but layers also trap heat and hold it against your body. That will reduce the chances of you getting too cold, and can make your wait to have heat restored much easier to get through

For More Information on All Things Heating Maintenance, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today for the Best in Heating Maintenance!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec

20 Easy Steps for Heating Maintenance This Winter

Nov 03, 2021

20 Easy Steps for Heating Maintenance This Winter

  • Heating
heating maintenance

Cooler weather is upon us, so it’s the perfect time to focus on heating maintenance.  It’s easy to forget about that when your system is up and running, but you should think ahead to what might happen if it fails down the road. 

Obviously, losing the heat in your house in the middle of winter is inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst.  Even if you can get it fixed, you’re still at home shivering or at the local motel until the repair service eventually makes it through their list to your place.  (There are likely many others in the same boat as you when heating systems start up in the fall!) 

Even if there isn’t a full heating system failure on the horizon, you are likely to be wasting money or suffering from poor heating performance if it hasn’t been checked recently. You could even be facing health and safety issues, with poor air quality or carbon monoxide poisoning. If that isn’t enough motivation, at least think of the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your heating system is fully functional and ready for the winter.

Here are the specific benefits of a heating system tune-up:

  • Improved energy efficiency
  • More uniform heat flow
  • Reduced cost (preventive maintenance is much less expensive than emergency repairs!)
  • Longer heating system lifetime
  • Comprehensive evaluation of one of the most valuable systems in your home
  • Safety – protection against carbon monoxide and contaminants!

So, here are 21 steps that a professional heating system tune-up will provide, to get you that peace of mind  … not mention performance, efficiency, savings, and safety:

It all starts with inspections!

  1. Inspect the burner:  The burner needs to be free of contamination and structurally sound to make sure that it works as designed.
  2. Inspect the combustion chamber:  Similarly, any contamination or irregularities in the combustion chamber can prevent proper heating and even create a hazard if the combustion chamber isn’t in working order.
  3. Inspect heat exchangers:  Consistent heating requires the heat exchangers to be working properly, since this is the heart of the system.  The transfer of heat from where it is generated to the medium that distributes through the house is obviously critical for efficiency.
  4. Inspect the flue:  The flue is critical since proper venting is needed for efficient functioning.  If a duct or pipe is blocked – even partially – contaminants can build up or the products of combustion can accumulate inside the system.  
  5. Inspect belts for cracks:  Any belt requires some flexibility and is therefore subject to cracking eventually.  Cracks might not be immediately visible, so a thorough inspection by a professional is needed.
  6. Inspect belts for tension and alignment:  Belts can move out of alignment or loosen as they age, so this is another important target for a professional inspection.  If these problems aren’t fixed, the belt lifetime is likely to be diminished.
  7. Check gas line for leaks:  A leak in the gas line is clearly a major problem!  A heating system professional will have the experience and equipment to detect even the smallest leak, which could save your system (and more!) from a catastrophic failure.
  8. Check safety controls:  Obviously safety is the main concern in a heating system, so the safety controls should be checked regularly.

A series of adjustments will come next:

  1. Adjust fan control:  This adjustment will allow for better airflow, thus increasing the efficiency of the system and create heating that’s even.
  2. Calibrate thermostats:  Thermostats often need to be adjusted to trigger at exactly the right temperatures, to heat your house as intended when you set the thermostats.
  3. Adjust the pilot light:  It is important for the pilot to be functioning right for proper turn-on of the system.
  4. Tighten electrical connections:  Electrical connections can loosen over time, especially in any large electromechanical structure like a heating system, so tightening all of the connections periodically prevents one common source of problems.

Finally, some routine heating maintenance and testing finishes the job:

  1. Lubricate moving parts:  This ensures smooth and efficient operation.
  2. Replace thermocouple:  A thermocouple measures the temperature in the system and is a common source of early failure, so the thermocouple should be checked and replaced if needed.
  3. Clean air filters:  Cleaning improves air quality.  The filters should be replaced periodically too.
  4. Clean blower components:  Air quality and efficiency are better, of course, when the part of the system responsible for moving the air is kept clean.
  5. Test combustion air openings:  Air next to get to the combustion area for proper combustion, so this is another spot where imperfect air flow affects system performance.
  6. Test manifold gas pressures:  The manifold is where gas flows from the source to the main burners, so checking the pressure there will identify any gas flow issues.
  7. Check noise and vibration levels:  Any excess noise or vibration is likely to indicate some problems in the system that need to be identified and addressed.
  8. Clean the interior of the vestibule:  The vestibule creates an airlock between the inner furnace components and the outer door, so this must be kept clean to prevent contamination and inefficiency.
  9. Conduct operational test:  Finally, a full operational test will make sure that steps 1 through 20 were done properly.  A heating system professional won’t assume that every step was done perfectly.  Too much is at stake!

For More Information on All Things Heating Maintenance, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today for the Best in Heating Maintenance!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec

8 Signs That Your Ductless Heating System is in Need of Repairs

Oct 27, 2021

8 Signs That Your Ductless Heating System is in Need of Repairs

  • Heating
ductless heating

The winter season is almost here, which means we’re all thinking about the same thing… our ductless heating systems. Well, maybe you’re thinking about holiday treats, family time, and gift-giving, but don’t forget that this is the best time to prep your heating too. Your heating appliances are used the most during the holidays so it’s crucial to tune up and repair any damages. Ductless heating systems can be a popular choice for homeowners because of their energy efficiency and low maintenance, but they can still be prone to damages. Nothing makes for a miserable winter than a busted heater, which is why it’s crucial to check for potential damages.

When You Need to Repair Your Ductless Heating System

Just like any major appliance, your ductless heating system is prone to a variety of problems. The average lifespan of a ductless heating system is usually up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Over time, your heater breaks down from use and damages. You may also be dealing with more problems if your ductless heating system is nearing the end of its lifespan. It’s best to catch and repair the problems early, as that ensures your heater will work effectively this winter. To stay warm this winter, here are a few problems to watch out for.

  • Leaking fluids. Your ductless heating should never leak any fluids, but if it is, your heater could be leaking refrigerant. In order to transfer heat throughout your home, your system is equipped with refrigerant. Refrigerant is toxic for your health and a heater empty of refrigerant is nothing more than a fan. If your system is leaking fluids, it’s time for a repair.
  • Ice buildup. Whether it’s in the middle of the summer or in the dead of winter, your ductless system can experience problems. If something is wrong with the air conditioning portion of your ductless system, it will affect your heating. Ice buildup on a ductless system might seem harmless when you’re using the air conditioning, but it’s usually a sign that there’s something wrong with the evaporator coil. A dirty coil prevents your ductless system from functioning properly.
  • Lack of efficiency. Starting from day one, your ductless heating system’s efficiency gradually starts to decline. If you start to notice that you’re ductless heating system is cycling more often to keep up with your  system demands, it could be time for a repair.
  • Higher utility bills. As your ductless heating system ages, it wears down and loses its efficiency. A ductless heater usually lasts for 20 years with the proper care, but it’s full of components that can break apart from use and needs repair. The older the heater, the longer it runs to keep your house warm which results in higher utility bills.
  • Unusual sounds. If you start hearing loud or unusual sounds coming out of your ductless heating system, it could be time for a repair. Inside are several different moving parts, and if damaged, they’ll make noises. Squealing indicates that there could be a problem with the fan motor belt. A hissing sound could mean a refrigerant leak.
  • A lack of heat. It sounds obvious, but if you don’t feel any heat coming out of your ductless heating system, it’s in need of urgent repair. The problem could be a clogged air filter or an electrical malfunction. If your ductless system isn’t properly conditioning your home, it’s best to call an HVAC technician.
  • Foul smells. If you start to smell something funky coming out of your ductless heating system, the culprit could be somewhere inside the unit. Foul odors could be caused by the evaporator coil clogged with mold or bacteria. The condensate line could also be clogged, and the water in the pan has mildew. Mold is toxic to your health. If the system starts to smell, you’ll want to repair it immediately.
  • The outdoor unit doesn’t work. Everything inside your house may be functioning fine, but your ductless heating system has an outdoor unit that can wear down as well. If you notice something is off with your outdoor unit, it’s time to call an HVAC technician.

For More Information on All Things Furnace Maintenance, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec

A Homeowner’s Guide to Furnace Maintenance 

Oct 07, 2021

A Homeowner’s Guide to Furnace Maintenance 

  • Heating
furnace maintenance

Let’s face it: Nobody likes being without heat during the winter. A cold home is profoundly uncomfortable and when the weather turns frigidly cold, it can even be dangerous. Not to mention that without heating, you could get frozen pipes, which could cause a whole host of problems. As a homeowner, therefore, it’s important to have a basic understanding of furnace maintenance so you can keep your heating system in good working order throughout the year. 

How a Furnace Works

In order to properly maintain your furnace, you need to understand how a furnace works. Air is mixed with either gas, propane or oil and ignited in a specially-designed combustion chamber. Filtered air is blown across the heated chamber to heat. The heated air is then led into the air ducts, from where it’s distributed throughout the home. 

Step-by-Step Furnace Maintenance

To keep your furnace in good working order, follow these steps:

  • Check the pilot light. Regardless of the type of fuel your furnace uses, the pilot light should be blue. If it’s yellow of some other color, it indicates that too much carbon monoxide is being produced, and you need to call a technician right away.
  • Listen for strange sounds. If you hear clunks, squeaks, or any other unusual sounds, it’s a sign that something could be amiss, so call a technician before trying to do any maintenance.

If the pilot light is blue and there are no strange noises coming from the furnace, you can proceed with the actual maintenance:

  • Switch off the power and shut off the fuel supply. This is imperative to your safety, so never forget this all-important step! Usually, the power shut off is located close to the furnace and the fuel shutoff valve will be on the gas pipe or oil tank.
  • Clean the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber quickly gets covered in soot, which can corrode its sides over time. To remove the soot, scrape it out gently with a wire brush and vacuum up any dust. 
  • If you have an oil furnace, change the filter. The oil valve needs to be closed so you can remove the old filter and replace it with a new one.
  • Clean or change the air filter. Check whether the system uses reusable or disposable air filters. If the filter is reusable, follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s manual to clean it. If it’s a disposable filter, remove the old one and replace it.
  • Inspect the flue pipe for damage. Any corrosion or holes in the flue pipe could potentially be hazardous, as they can leak carbon monoxide. Visually inspect the flue pipe for damage. You can cover small holes with foil tape, but if you see corrosion or larger holes, you’ll need to replace the pipe.  

It’s important to keep your furnace well-maintained, as it will keep your heating costs low and ensure your furnace lasts a long time. That’s why, in addition to performing regular maintenance yourself, you should schedule professional cleaning and maintenance at least once a year. Before hiring a technician, make sure that he or she is specialized in the type of furnace you have and has good reviews on Angie’s List, Yelp, Google+, and the Yellow Pages

For More Information on All Things Furnace Maintenance, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec

Winter is Coming: Everything You Need to Do To Prep for this Year’s Heating Season 

Sep 15, 2021

Winter is Coming: Everything You Need to Do To Prep for this Year’s Heating Season 

  • Heating
heating

The leaves are changing, the wind is getting brisk, and pumpkin spice flavoring has emerged from its year-long slumber. Fall is back, and it’s only a few weeks until you need to fire up your heater for the cold winter months. But at North Shore Home Energy, we favor a proactive approach to home heating, which means that the fall season is the perfect time to ready your system for the workout it’ll be getting when the thermometer starts dropping below sixty. 

There’s a lot you can do over the next few months to ensure you don’t have any nasty surprises when it’s time to fire up that furnace. Here’s a short checklist of things to consider before winter starts in earnest.

Call a Licensed Maintenance Technician for a Tune Up

Obviously one of the best things you can do is call in the pros at North Shore Home Energy. Our team members are certified HVAC experts and we know the value of regular maintenance. Having a professional get eyes on your system on a regular basis is the optimal way to ensure that your system is ready for anything the winter weather throws at it. Regular professional tune-ups can detect threats before they become substantial, costly problems.

Upgrade Your Equipment

Fall is a great season: it’s not too hot, not too cold. A lot of folks would argue that it’s a prime time of year for comfortable weather. That makes it the perfect time to consider upgrading your older HVAC system. The average system lasts about ten years with good maintenance. Replacing it while the weather is agreeable means you don’t have to worry about sweltering or freezing during the process. 

Change Your Filter

This is a pretty simple step you can take. The amount of dirt and debris that gets stuck in your HVAC system’s filter would shock and amazing you. A dirty, used-up filter will almost always result in problems and breakdowns of your system, especially considering how simple of a fix it is to just swap in a new one. 

Fire Up The Furnace for a Dry Run

Taking things out for a test run is never a bad idea. You do it with cars, do it with your HVAC system. Before things get really cold, it’s a good idea to fire up your heating system and see if it works properly. If there’s any issues (cold spots in the house, no heat, etc) you can call out a professional to deal with it before you’re left out in the cold.

For More Information on All Things Heating, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec

Thermostat Tips That Can Save You Cold Hard Cash 

Jul 13, 2021

Thermostat Tips That Can Save You Cold Hard Cash 

  • Heating
thermostat tips

In the old days, the heater was a simple matter controlled by a manually adjusted thermostat. Too cold and you moved the need to the red side. Too warm and you moved it to the blue side. It was a pretty simple affair that even kids could figure out. No surprise, the thermostat was usually installed at a height that kids couldn’t easily get to as a result. However, today’s modern thermostat, even without an Internet connection and all the digital possibilities, is a complicated mechanism. And it can be an extremely efficient control of temperature and climate in a home if used correctly. We’ve compiled some thermostat tips to help you get the most out of your home’s HVAC capabilities while paying the least. 

Not proactively using one’s thermostat consciously creates a number of problems. Aside from expense, the home usually ends up heating unevenly. That can frequently create hot spots and cold spots, causing everyone to lose the value of the entire home and clump up where it’s warmer. Secondly, the increased demand can cause increased strain on a home heating system which eventually triggers larger repair bills. Finally, heavy demand causes everyone’s costs to go up in a community as demand increases versus supply.

The main advantage of the modern thermostat is its programmability. By using the feature alone, a homeowner can save hundreds of dollars a month in heating. Here’s how:

  • If No One is Home, Don’t Run It – When the house is empty, there is no point in running the heater. It literally involves wasting a lot of energy that translates into a monthly bill for an empty home. Turn the dial down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will avoid freezing in the home but eliminate wasted heating as well.
  • Don’t Battle Your Heater and Freezer – A hot house makes your refrigerator and freezer work that much harder. If you keep the house a bit cooler, it will easily translate into savings with less electrical demand from the cooling appliances.
  • Adjust Slowly – Ever wonder how people can walk around in a T-shirt in Alaska? They adjust. If you adjust your own thermostat one degree lower a week, you will save more money and slowly adapt to a cooler temperature without feeling an abrupt cold change in your comfort level.
  • Schedule a Cooler Evening – People generally sleep better when their environment is cooler. Reduce your home heating to around 70 degrees at night and you will have a better night of sleep with a blanket and a smaller heating bill.
  • Reduce Your Thinking – Use a programmable thermostat. This is one of the biggest advantages of temperature control, allowing a homeowner to literally schedule out temperature around the house the entire week, day and night.
  • Let the Crowd Generate Hot Air – If you are going to have a party with lots of people, use their heat to boost the room temperature instead of your heater. Every person is putting out hot air, literally, and crowd of 10 or 20 will heat up a room naturally. Take advantage of that fact and save some money on party night.
  • Don’t Forget the Batteries – Programmable thermostats only work well when they are on, so if the battery runs out, it defeats the entire purpose of the machine. Keep the batteries fresh and replaced annually.
  • Winter Thrifty – Don’t let your heating limit get above 68 or 70 during the winter. It’s a comfortable level of heating and a simple sweater can avoid running the system higher and spending $20 that night in heating.
  • Maintain your System – Expensive heating problems happen because people ignore their systems. Maintain your heater with a technician check at least once a year if not twice. And change your system filter monthly. Just a clean filter alone will prolong the heater life considerably.
  • Use a Fireplace – The heat generated from a fireplace can be considerable for the room it is in, entirely negating the need for heating. Just make sure that you burn on an allowable night as many neighborhoods now have non-burning nights due to new ordinances.

With rising energy prices in heating oil, gas and electricity, your home thermostat can literally be your best friend in personal cost control. However, the homeowner needs to be proactive in using it effectively. A thermostat won’t change and adjust to winter settings on its own (at least not yet although there are some amazing new ideas on the horizon for smart home settings). Your bank account will appreciate the attention when it comes time to pay the monthly bill, and your heating system will last a lot longer from less strain and demand as well.

For More Information on All Things HVAC, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec

10 Questions to Ask Before A Furnace Replacement

Jun 22, 2021

10 Questions to Ask Before A Furnace Replacement

  • Heating
furnace

When chilly weather rolls around, nothing could be more important than being comfortable in your own home and having peace of mind. Having the right home heating system for your home and specific needs can provide that comfort and peace.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, home heating and cooling accounts for more than half of the average homeowner’s utility costs. If your home has an outdated, inefficient older furnace, it could be needlessly raising your energy bill. Likewise, if you purchase a new, energy-efficient furnace model that is incorrectly sized for your home, you could still be at risk for higher costs.

Careful consideration when selecting a new furnace provides many benefits. Your new furnace will be able to handle the comfort needs of everyone in your family, reduce your utility bill, improve your indoor air quality, and extend your furnace’s lifespan, allowing you to enjoy a warm, stress-free fall and winter for years to come.

Various characteristics of your new furnace unit, such as type, size and efficiency, affect the amount it will cost to keep your home toasty when the temperature drops, as well as how long your furnace will continue operating at peak levels after years of use during the peak heating season. Purchasing the incorrect furnace for your home will result in a variety of potential issues that will cause stress instead of keeping you warm and comfortable during the winter months:

  • Poor system efficiency – Each home has its own specific heating needs. The incorrect system, even an energy-efficient model, can be inefficient in your home due to size or type.
  • Increased repair and maintenance costs – When you install the wrong size or type of furnace for your home’s size or needs, it can put stress and strain on the unit to keep your home comfortable, resulting in more frequent maintenance and need for repairs.
  • Shortened furnace lifespan – When your furnace struggles to keep up with your heating needs, it will cycle on and off frequently, increasing wear on your system, and eventually require replacement, whereas a unit suited to your home will provide years of service.
  • Inconsistent heating during fall and winter – Your furnace needs to be carefully selected for your home and your geographical location to ensure that it not only provides sporadic heating during cooler fall months, but can handle constant use during frigid winters.
  • Increased safety risks – Installing a furnace that is incompatible with your home’s specific size and needs can greatly increase the chance of residential fires as well as heighten risks of carbon monoxide exposure.

For More Information on All Things HVAC, Call NSHEC Today!

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec

7 Essential Furnace Parts

May 10, 2021

7 Essential Furnace Parts

  • Heating
furnace

If you’re like most homeowners, you know that your furnace is responsible for heating your house.  How it does this,  however, is a mystery to the general population.  When your furnace stops working however, it’s important to have a basic understanding of how it operates in order to try simple troubleshooting and (if needed) understand what your HVAC technician needs to do in order to get it fixed.

If you don’t understand how your furnace works, regular maintenance can become a real challenge.  Poorly maintained furnaces have a tendency to accumulate more dirt and dust, making other issues much worse and accelerating the degradation of some parts.  When a technician is called, not understanding how your furnace works makes it more difficult to understand what type of work needs to be done immediately.

Educating yourself on the basic components of a furnace isn’t too difficult, and it will make it easier to maintain your unit, saving you a lot of money over the next several years.

1. Thermostat

Your thermostat is able to detect the temperature in a room and determine if that temperature is below the level you have set.  When the temperature is lower than the one you have set, the thermostat sends an electrical signal to the burner to turn on.

2. Pilot Light

On a gas furnace, this is a small flame that is always burning a small amount of excess gas.  In an electric furnace, the pilot light is lit by an electronic ignition when it’s time for the furnace to turn on.  If the pilot light becomes blocked by debris, however, the flame will die out.  When this happens, turn off the gas (or turn off an electric furnace at the breaker) and use a small brush to clean the pilot light.  In most modern furnaces, the pilot light will come back on automatically when the power or gas is restored.  If the pilot light valve is clear but the light still isn’t coming back on, have a professional check for gas leaks.  On an electric furnace, a professional can diagnose whether or not there is a problem with the ignition switch or the pilot light itself.

3. Burner

In a gas furnace, the burner is activated by the pilot light.  In an electric furnace, this is done with an electric ignition.  The burner creates heat inside a combustion chamber, which in turn creates heat in the heat exchanger.  When this component is broken, it will not heat the air.  In some cases, this may mean that the air is taking a longer amount of time than usual to heat, while in other cases the air may not heat at all.

4. Heat Exchanger

Air is pulled into the heat exchanger and heated.  Cold air is replaced by the warm air created by the burner.  This warm air is then pushed into a long tube or pipe by the blower motor.

5. Blower motor

The blower motor is a component of the furnace that is responsible for pushing the warm air through the ductwork and out of the vents.  These motors are typically sized in accordance with the size and layout of the home they need to heat.  Larger motors are used in homes where the air needs to travel long distances.  In  some cases, more than one blower motor is installed as part of a heating system in order to force air through particularly long distances. As this component starts to break down, the furnace will still produce warm air, but there is a noticeable temperature difference between vents located close to the furnace and those located farther away.  In the event of a total breakdown, there will be virtually no air coming out of vents that are far away from the furnace.

6. Furnace Belt

In order to blow the warm air through the house, the blower motor will turn a belt known as the furnace or blower belt.  much like similar belts in your car or vacuum cleaner, these belts will wear out over time.  A loud squeaking or squealing from the blower motor is usually an indication that the belt needs to be replaced.  If your motor is easily accessible, this is often just a matter of turning off the power, removing the old belt with a wrench or screwdriver, and replacing it with a new part.  If you cannot access or remove the old belt, however, call a professional.

7. Vents

After being pushed through the ducts, the warm air comes out of the vents located throughout the house. To help air flow, make sure that these vents are kept clear of dust and are not blocked by furniture or other items.

For More Information on Furnaces of All Shapes and Sizes, Call NSHEC Today!

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Local Ductless Mini Split Installation

Mar 10, 2021

Local Ductless Mini Split Installation

  • Cooling
  • Heating
Ductless Mini Split Installation

Local Ductless Mini Split Installation

If you have a radiant heating system, space heaters or hydronic heat, a ductless mini-split installation might be a good option to add heating & cooling to your home. They are also a good choice when you’re adding rooms to a home that doesn’t have a traditional ducted system, or for spaces that are very energy efficient and only need a small boost. Ductless mini-split systems are similar to standard heat pumps as they have an indoor air-handling unit as well as an outdoor compressor/condenser. The conduit links the two parts of the system together and contains the refrigerant tubing, power cables, condensate drain and suction tubing.

Advantages & Benefits

Ductless systems work well in spaces that are considered too tight for ductwork, or when you need to heat or cool a relatively small space. The specific number of units that you’ll need depends a great deal on the zone that each unit will cover — all dependent on the overall insulation rating of the building. These systems are relatively easy to install as they only require a very small hole (around 3 inches) to run the conduit. Even more convenience is gained because there can be a significant distance between the interior unit and the external condenser, up to 50 feet or more depending on the length of conduits available for your particular system. This allows you to place the unsightly exterior pieces further away from your home or apartment for aesthetic reasons. 

Additional benefits:

  • Energy loss is generally less than with a ducted system, where losses can be up to 30%
  • More flexible options for mounting ductless systems: flush-mounted on the ceiling, hung from the wall, or suspended from the ceiling
  • Are more sleek looking than traditional systems, and often come with a remote control for added convenience
  • Window-mounted units may induce intruders and are less secure than ductless systems, as mini-splits only require a small 3 inch hole in the wall
  • Potential energy savings because the units are more cost-effective and efficient to run
  • Highly customizable: can be programmed to only turn on when the building is occupied, or on a timed schedule
  • Ductless systems run cleaner than a ducted system. Air ducts are one of the primary areas for a buildup of dust, dirt, pollen and other contaminants and require frequent cleaning to maintain interior air quality 

Challenges to Going Ductless

While there are many benefits for using a mini-split system in the right space, there are some disadvantages as well. There is a fair amount of maintenance required such as a monthly washing of filters to maintain air quality and system efficiency. If you inherit an older system that hasn’t been well maintained and it requires professional cleaning, then the cost can be quite high. The installation cost of a mini-split can be higher than a traditional system, but this is balanced by an ongoing lower cost for energy due to efficiency. However, ductless systems often net homeowners a rebate because the systems are so environmentally friendly. Improperly placed systems can cause serious problems — from hot and cold spots throughout your space to inefficiency due to short-cycling. It’s important to always utilize a licensed and bonded HVAC professional when you’re considering a ductless mini-split heat pump. Finally, the outdoor condenser requires a nearby drain location, which can cause ongoing problems if space is a factor.

Successful Ductless Mini-Split Installation

As ductless mini-split systems gain in prominence, more contractors and technicians are comfortable with their installation. However, it’s still important to keep some key factors in mind to ensure that your installation goes smoothly and you continue to enjoy your space comfortably. Here’s some quick tips for successful installation:

  • Wire power supplies directly from the indoor unit to the outdoor unit, without a junction box or disconnect switch between the two
  • Control the voltage — only use the correct gauge wire for your installation 
  • Ensure that units are hung a minimum of six feet in the air for maximum efficiency
  • Limit obstacles in the area that might impede or reduce air flow
  • Check and double-check that the unit is rated for the room size
  • Insulate both the liquid and suction lines to prevent lines from ‘sweating’

Warning Signs

Even the most secure installations can run into problems, and ductless mini-splits are no different from traditional ducted systems in this regard. If you experience instances where there’s cold air coming through your heating vents, it’s time to call a professional. While the resolution may be quite simple, this can also be a harbinger of a more serious issue and should be resolved. If your system is short-cycling — or running for only a short period of time before turning off and then running again — you may be facing a problem. Short-cycling drives up your energy costs and puts a great deal of strain on the system overall, which can result in expensive problems in a very short period of time. Finally, if your energy costs are going up and there doesn’t appear to be a corresponding change in external temperatures, you might be having problems that require professional assistance.

Life Expectancy of A Ductless Mini-Split Installation

With proper cleaning and maintenance, your ductless mini-split heat pump system should last between 12 – 15 years. As long as you keep debris, vegetation, and snow away from your external unit (and keep your compressor relatively clean) you should have no problem extending the life of your unit. It’s also important to keep in mind that these systems work best between 14 degrees Fahrenheit and 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside that range, the unit may not be able to handle the load. 

If you have a relatively small space or want to tightly manage the temperature of your home, a ductless mini-split system is a great option for homeowners. Ensure that you have the system installed by a qualified, licensed professional and as long as you continue regular maintenance on the system you should enjoy years of worry-free convenience and comfort in your home.

For More Ductless Mini Split Installation Information Call NSHEC Today

Contact North Shore Home Energy Today!

Check Out Our Current Specials!

Read The Great Things That Your Neighbors Are Saying About NSHEC.

By nshec