Posts Tagged ‘Norwood’

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What’s Involved in Springfield, PA Geothermal Maintenance

Monday, March 18th, 2013

While geothermal systems are known for their effective operation and comparatively little need for maintenance, they need care like any other mechanical aspect of your home. As one of the major investments into the operation and comfort of your home, your geothermal components will work more effectively and efficiently when maintained by a professional. Because it runs all year round, routine cleaning and inspection is a great way to ensure the longevity of your heating and cooling system. Call Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning today for comprehensive geothermal maintenance in Springfield, PA.

Let’s take a look at what’s involved:

  • Outdoor unit. Like an ordinary heat pump, your geothermal requires an outdoor unit, housed in weatherized casing, containing a compressor and condenser. Inspecting and cleaning all of the mechanical components, including fans and coils, is a necessary part of maintaining its operation. Dust and debris can have adversely affect the energy efficiency of your geothermal system, and it can even damage components.
  • Indoor unit. The indoor unit, typically located in the basement, contains the evaporator and air handler components of the geothermal system. Any moving parts may require lubrication, so they are freely moving, and coils and filters should be regularly cleaned to prevent condensation buildup and airflow obstructions.
  • Circulation. Your geothermal unit requires the efficient circulation of a water-antifreeze mixture through high-density polyethylene piping. Making sure that these pipes have enough refrigerant to adequately absorb and dissipate heat is an important part of geothermal maintenance.
  • Ductwork. Like conventional heating and cooling systems, your geothermal heat pump uses an air handler to distribute heated or cooled air throughout your home by extensive ductwork. Making sure that such ductwork is clean and free of pollutants is important not only for air quality reasons, but also for energy-efficiency. Even small amounts of dust and debris in your ducts can impede airflow and cause energy loss.

Make sure that your geothermal system is well supported by professional maintenance. It will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your system, as well as ensure that your indoor air quality is high. For comprehensive geothermal services  in Springfield, PA, call Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning today! 

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Repair or Replace? When a New Heating System is Best in Springfield, PA

Monday, January 14th, 2013

It is never easy for a homeowner to decide when it is best to simply replace their home heating system rather than continue to repair it. If you are struggling with this issue in Springfield, PA, feel free to contact one of the home heating experts on the Cool It team. We understand that it can be confusing and frustrating trying to decide what the right decision about your home heating system is. Working with a professional can help make that decision much easier. Work with a technician you can trust to decide if a new heating system is best for you.

One major factor that you must consider when deciding to repair or replace your heating system is the age of the system. You must keep in mind that just because a heater can be repaired does not mean that it is inherently worth repairing. A reason for this is efficiency.

Even just ten or fifteen years ago what was considered a very efficient heater may pale in comparison to the efficiency levels we have today. That means that even if your old heater can be repaired to its full former glory it may still be less efficient than a new replacement model. If you have the room in your budget you may want to consider replacing your old heater. The potential energy savings can help you offset the initial investment over time.

Also, how frequently are you experiencing issues with your existing heater? If you are consistently unhappy with its performance or find yourself frequently scheduling repair services, it may make more sense to spend the money on a replacement system than continuing to spend it on repairs and service.

Finally, you should decide if you are happy with the home heating system you have in general. If you bought an existing home you may have inherited a heating system. If it is time to repair or replace a system that would not have been your first choice, well, replace it with what would have been. Don’t be afraid to shake things up a little.

Feel free to contact Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning with any further questions that you may have about when to replace your heater in Springfield, PA. We are happy to help you make that decision. Do not rush into anything without consulting a professional.

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Prospect Park, PA Furnace Guide: Furnace Safety

Monday, December 17th, 2012

With a professional installation, proper use and good service practices, your furnace can be a very safe, efficient way to heat your home. Failure to get your furnace the proper service needed for this high-quality operation or a failure to understand some basic furnace safety requirements can lead to serious safety concerns, though. At Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning, we want all our customers to feel safe and comfortable in their homes. For exceptional furnace services in the Prospect Park, PA area, contact the professionals at Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. We have the training, skills and experience necessary to help you heat your home in the safest, most efficient way possible.

One of the best ways you can improve the safety of your furnace is to change its air filter regularly. While nearly all furnace maintenance and repair services must be performed by trained, qualified professionals, this is one way that you yourself can improve not only the safety of your furnace but its overall operation. Clean air filters are a great way to boost efficiency as well.

It is important to give your furnace plenty of room to operate as well. If you are anything like most homeowners, your basement can probably get pretty cluttered sometimes. Keep boxes and other items away from your furnace. Not only does failure to do so create a fire hazard, but it can actually disrupt air flow and reduce the performance of your heating system.

Of course the best possible way for you to increase the safety with which you operate your furnace is by scheduling regular, professional maintenance with the home heating experts at Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. Contact us today to learn all about the benefits of our high-quality, thorough maintenance services. We are happy to help you make your Prospect Park, PA home a safer, more comfortable place to live.

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Springfield PA Heating Tip: Benefits of a Maintenance Program

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Some people, when they hear about the maintenance programs offered by local Springfield PA heating and air conditioning contractors, think that they are not worth the money.  However, that is rarely the truth. A maintenance program potentially can save the customer quite a lot. If you have questions about our service plan, call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Repair Savings

Most maintenance programs include annual equipment inspections. During these inspections, your heating and air conditioning technicians can detect minor repairs that if left unattended could turn into catastrophic system failures. Repairing those kinds of huge problems is typically more expensive than the cost of regular maintenance.

Energy Savings

Your system wears down over time—it’s a fact. As your heating and AC system ages, it has to work harder to heat or cool your home. Many maintenance membership programs include regular tune-up visits. Tuning up your equipment is a great way to keep it running as efficiently as possible.

Repair Discounts

Many companies offer discounts on services for customers who join their maintenance club. At Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning, we give our service club members a 20% discount on replacement air quality products and a 5% discount on heating and air conditioning replacements.

Preferred Appointments

Some HVAC companies give preferential appointment times to their service members as well. At Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning, we guarantee our appointments to our service members.

If you have questions about the maintenance plans we offer in Springfield PA area or need to schedule a service, call Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning today!

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Media Heating Question: Do Programmable Thermostats Work For All Heating Systems?

Monday, October 8th, 2012

Many older homes lack a programmable thermostat simply because the technology did not exist when they were built. There are many different types of programmable thermostats available today—there are even thermostats that can connect to the internet. But will a programmable thermostat be compatible with your heating system in your Media home? We’ll try to answer that question here and give you a good place to start as you begin to think about installing programmable thermostats in your home.

For the most part, there are programmable thermostats available for almost every kind of heating system. Usually, once you find a compatible thermostat, the process is as simple as swapping out the devices. You should always consult with your local Media heating and air conditioning company. There are considerations you need to make for certain kinds of heating systems that are controlled by programmable thermostats.

What Kind of Heating System Do You Have?

The main determining factor for which programmable thermostat you can purchase is what kind of heating system you currently have. Thermostats can’t be mixed and matched. Also, depending on your situation, additional wiring may be required to make your system compatible with newer technology. Call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning if you need information about which thermostat would be appropriate for your particular heating system.

Heat Pumps and Programmable Thermostats

Heat pumps are one of the few heating systems that shouldn’t be run by just any programmable thermostat. The reason for this is that when they are in heating mode, heat pumps need to run continuously in order to enjoy energy efficiency. When they are constantly cycling on and off they can actually cost more to operate, so they need a programmable thermostat that can help them work efficiently.

If you’d like to know how you can get a new programmable thermostat to replace your current one, contact Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning today.

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Springfield PA Heating Guide: Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

Monday, October 1st, 2012

It’s never fun to contemplate calling for furnace repairs in Springfield PA, which is why it’s sometimes so tempting to overlook a small sound coming from your furnace or a slight drop-off in the effectiveness of your system. But these are just a few of the signs that your furnace needs professional repairs, and ignoring them will only lead to larger repair bills later on. In fact, catching problems early is the best way to minimize the damage to your heating system and keep repair costs down. So if you notice any of these early warning signs of furnace trouble, be sure to call a Springfield PA heating professional immediately.

Higher Heating Bills

Your heating bills follow a predictable pattern, increasing as the temperature outside decreases and going back down again in the spring as outdoor temperatures rise. Any deviation from this pattern, especially if it’s in the form of a dramatic increase in your heating costs is a sure sign something is wrong with your furnace since it shows that the system is using a lot more energy than it did before to do the same job.

Ineffective Heating

A house that’s just not comfortable anymore even though the furnace is running as much as or more than it always did is another red flag that something isn’t working properly in there. Inefficient heating could be a sign of a faulty or dirty heating element, or there may be some obstruction in the airflow to or from the furnace. Some of these problems are serious while others are quite simple to fix, but only a skilled technician can get to the root of the problem quickly and make the necessary repairs.

Strange Noises, Smells or Fumes

Any change in the way your furnace sounds or any strange smells entering your living space while your furnace is running also signal a potential problem that requires professional attention. You should also call for service right away if your furnace sets off the carbon monoxide detector in your home.

For any heating repairs you need in the Springfield PA area, give Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning a call!

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Media Heating Guide: Benefits of Forced Air Heating

Monday, September 24th, 2012

The vast majority of Americans have forced air heating systems in their homes, but if you do not or if you are considering a change to a different type of heating system here are a few benefits to consider before you make your decision. Forced air can be a very efficient alternative in your Media home compared to some other heating system types.

Can Accommodate Other Systems

First on the list is the fact that a forced air system can immediately accommodate installation of an air conditioner, humidifier, and whole house air cleaner. These systems would otherwise be installed independently or in single-room versions. Forced air heating makes it possible to use them in conjunction with your existing air handler and with much less energy consumption.

No Water Issues

Hydronic systems and boilers require a number of water pipes that might possibly start to leak. If this happens, your home’s heating system will be out of commission and you will have a big mess on your hands. However, forced air has no such issues. Ductwork needs to be maintained, but it cannot leak when a problem occurs.

Energy Efficiency

Compared to other fuel consuming devices like gas or oil boilers, forced air heating systems are very efficient. They offer AFUE ratings of up to 98% (in gas furnaces) and can support heat pumps which are both even more efficient as they burn no fuel for heat at all. They are only available if you have a forced air heating system however.

Modern boilers and other hydronic heating systems are efficient, generally quite safe and affordable to install and maintain, so the right heating system for your home depends on your individual needs.

For more information about installing a new heating system in Media, give Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning a call!

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Springfield PA Heating Tip: Ways to Increase Airflow in Your HVAC System

Monday, September 10th, 2012

Numerous factors can affect the airflow of your Springfield PA heating and AC system. Some of them are simple and you can fix them on your own, while some others are more complicated and require that you hire a professional. Nevertheless, increasing airflow in your heating and AC system is vitally important when you’re trying to increase your home’s comfort level.

Ways to Increase Airflow from Your AC

  1. Replace Your Air Filters on a Regular Basis

A clogged air filter can affect the performance of your air conditioner. An AC system circulates air throughout your home and so the air duct in the system collects all types of waste materials. The air filter catches the dust and debris so that they do not continue to circulate in the air. Over time, your air filters become clogged with dust and debris, making it difficult for the air to get through. The same is true of your furnace. Changing your air filters on a regular basis can help you increase airflow.

  1. Close Leaking Air Ducts

Leaking air ducts are one of the most common reasons for weak airflow. If you suspect that your HVAC system has leaky ducts, get the help of a professional to confirm it and seal the leak. Duct sealing is one of the simplest ways to increase your HVAC system’s airflow. It also helps you reduce your energy bills significantly.

  1. Keep your AC Dampers Open

If you feel that your heating or AC system is not circulating enough air, the problem may be with the dampers. The dampers are valves in the air ducts. You need to keep them open always, so that air moves effortlessly. If they are closed, the air flow from your furnace and air conditioner will be reduced. You can check whether the dampers (also known as levers) are in the off position. If they are, turn them on.

For more tips on how to keep your Springfield PA heating and air conditioning system working efficiently, give Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning a call!

 

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Media Water Heater Question: Is a Solar Water Heater Right for Me?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

You’ve heard a lot about solar energy, but what about solar hot water? While solar panels may get all of the press, solar hot water is a very efficient solution for your hot water needs and can greatly reduce the cost of operating your Media hot water heater without the upfront investment that often accompanies solar panel installation.

 How Solar Hot Water Works

Solar hot water works by using the sun’s energy to heat a coolant that is then circulated to a water tank to heat water. To do this, a solar collector panel is installed on the roof of your home where it can absorb heat from the sun. That heat is transferred by the collector plate to refrigerant inside of small pipes that run through the collector. This refrigerant then circulates back to a holding tank where it runs through small copper coils to radiate heat into the water in that tank. The reason for that refrigerant is used instead of water is that it won’t freeze in the winter.

 The Benefits of Such a System

Solar hot water is very affordable – a much less expensive option than having a full solar array installed to replace the electrical use in your home. At the same time, hot water is a major expense in most homes, especially if your existing system uses an older tank water heater. So, the payoff period comes much quicker with a solar water heater.

You can keep a traditional heating source attached to ensure you always have hot water and the cost of operating and maintaining such a system is very low, so there really are no downsides.

Basically, if you are interested in saving money on your energy bills and want to explore solar energy as an option, one of the most affordable and effective places to start is with a solar hot water system. If you are interested in Media solar heater installation, contact Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning today and learn more about the installation process.

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Media Air Conditioning Question: What Does the AC Condensate Drain Do?

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

A frequent question that contractors report getting from homeowners pertains to the condensate drain – what is it and what does it do? The condensate drain is one of those components of your Media air conditioning system that you hear about fairly often, but its exact function tends to be a mystery to most people.

The Condensate System

In addition to cooling the air in your home, an air conditioner also removes humidity. It does this by drawing in ambient air, which then passes over a coil filled with cold refrigerant, called a condenser coil. When the warm ambient air comes into contact with the cold condenser coil, the moisture in that air condenses from gas to a liquid state – water.

This water is collected by the air conditioner and drained off, thereby removing it from the air entirely, resulting in less humidity in your home.

The Role of the Condensate Drain

The condensate system consists of a number of parts: a drip tray to catch and collect the condensed moisture, a small pump to drain the water from the tray and the condensate drain.

The job of the condensate drain is just what you would expect based on its name and what you just read about the condensate system as a whole – that is, it drains away the condensed water. Via the condensate drain, this moisture is drained out of the air conditioner and out of the house.

Where this condensed moisture goes varies from system to system. Sometimes it empties into a basement floor drain, other times it may makes its way to the waste line. Either way, it is because of the condensate drain that this moisture is able to leave the AC system and the house.

Problems with Condensate Drainage

The condensate drain is an important part of the air conditioning process, as leaving that excess moisture around can cause problems, like mold growth, rust or insect damage. Any time your Media air conditioner’s condensate drain is not working properly, due to a clog or a bad pump motor, you are at risk for these problems to crop up. Call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning today if you are having any problems with your air conditioning system!

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