Posts Tagged ‘Springfield’

Getting the Most from Your Air Conditioning in Springfield, PA

Monday, April 1st, 2013

During the hottest days of the year your air conditioner becomes one of the most important components of your home. When you purchase a high-quality system and schedule professional air conditioning installation, repair and maintenance services, you can expect a great performance. Even so, increasing energy efficiency during the air conditioning season is a goal many of us share. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your air conditioning system. Call the Springfield, PA air conditioning professionals at Cool It for more information.

Even the best air conditioning systems will not operate as efficiently and reliably as possible if they are not serviced by qualified professionals. Scheduling your air conditioning installation, repair and maintenance services with a professional company you can count on makes all the difference. Routine maintenance is not only the best way to prevent problems with your air conditioning system but also the best way to keep it operating at peak performance levels. When every component of your air conditioning system is working as intended, it is easier for the system as a whole to cool your home.

Using your thermostat properly is another simple, yet very effective, way to get the most from your air conditioning in Springfield, PA. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure you fully understand the programmability options. Creating cooling programs that are based around your personal lifestyle and schedule is a great way to get more from your AC.

One important factor in getting the most from your air conditioning system that many homeowners overlook is simply giving it a rest every now and then. When the sun goes down and the temperature drops a little, shut off the AC and open up the windows. This will help ventilate your home as well as reducing your air conditioning costs.

For more information about how you can get the most from your air conditioning in Springfield, PA, call the professional air conditioning technicians at Cool It. We have the years of training and experience necessary to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more.

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! 

Furnace Blower Problems in Springfield PA

Monday, March 4th, 2013

The integrity and effectiveness of your heating system is important throughout the year—especially in Pennsylvania. Your furnace’s fan, also called the blower, is what actually pushes the hot air through your home. If you’re having furnace blower problems in your Springfield, PA home, then it’s time to call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide quality furnace repair in Springfield, PA. Here are a few of the most common furnace blower repairs that we see.

  • Blower shuts on and off. Depending on what type of furnace you have, the problem could be electrical, or it could be due to overheating. It may be as simple as hitting your reset button, or it could mean that your blower motor is shot. 
  • Inadequate hot air. While this problem is not restricted to the blower component, it can often be traced to a blower that is not properly circulating the hot air from the heat exchanger to the ductwork. 
  • Loud noise. Over time, the fan blades may get bent and need replacement. Also, debris and dust can build up in the blower and cause issues in the blower operation. This can cause general wear and tear in the system. It can also lead to dried-out bearings, which require lubrication. Squeaking or squealing noises are often caused by this.
  • Motor works but the fan doesn’t. If your motor sounds like it’s on, but the fan isn’t working, you probably need a belt replacement. The belt connects the motor to the fan, but they can frequently break or be worn down by constant use.

The key to furnace repair is prevention. Only by hiring a certified furnace installation expert can you make sure that your furnace continues to work effectively and efficiently  Moreover, be sure to follow up with your local furnace technician after installation to enroll in a preventive maintenance program. These annual or bi-annual service plans are a great way to prevent costly repairs in the future. When you need a pro, call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning!

Springfield, PA Heating Tip: How Duct Cleaning Can Help Your Heating System

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning offers duct cleaning services in Springfield, PA that can provide a variety of benefits to your heating system. In addition to proper airflow, ductwork that is free of debris and indoor air pollutants can improve indoor air quality. Call us if you have more questions. Meanwhile, we’ve put together a short post including some tips and ways duct cleaning can help your heating system.

When your ducts are clean, there’s better airflow, which not only improves efficiency, but it also reduces excess stress put on your heating system when there’s not enough airflow. Another advantage to duct cleaning is that it ensures that there are no other issues when the technician inspects the ductwork. Our technicians look for signs of damage or other problems due to poor design or installation.

While this process takes several hours if it is done right, it is worth it when you consider the benefits it can provide. Our technicians are equipped and trained to provide comprehensive duct cleaning services, and you can be sure that we do a thorough job by using special brushes and equipment designed to get the job done right with minimal disruption to your home. We protect your furnishings and floors as well.

Don’t be fooled by a contractor who offers a faster cleaning time or significantly cheaper services. These should be red flags since there are a lot of duct cleaning scams out there. Our technicians are NATE-certified and provide services according to national and local heating, cooling, and indoor air quality standards.

Cool It is here for you no matter what heating or air conditioning needs you may have. For comprehensive duct cleaning services in Springfield, PA, call the heating and indoor air quality experts at Cool It any time.

Springfield, PA Heating Guide: How Furnaces Work

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Furnaces are one of the most popular heating systems in the country because they provide fairly inexpensive and efficient heating. But like everything else, furnaces eventually wear out. One of the best ways to recognize problems with your furnace is to know how they work. At Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide heating repairs throughout the Springfield, PA area. If you’re having problems with your furnace it’s always best to call your local heating contractor.

The Burner

The burner is a collection of flames that are fed by a gas line or a line from your oil tank on your property. The burner in your furnace can sometimes get dirty or clogged which can cause problems.

The Heat Exchanger

After the gas flows into the burner and ignites, it heats up your heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a collection of metal coils and it is also responsible for exhausting the dangerous combustion gases that result from burning gas.

The Blower

As the heat exchanger heats up, your blower pushes air over the heat exchanger to heat up the air. The blower also pushes the air through your home’s air ducts.

The Ductwork

Your ducts are large tubes in your home that carry the air from your furnace into each of your rooms. If there are contaminants in your ductwork they can get picked up and carried throughout your home. Your ducts can start to collect dust, pet dander or mold which can then get passed around your home.

The Air Filter

The air filter for your furnace is normally located near the return air duct. This air filter is there to keep dirt and dust from getting into the moving parts of your furnace. If your air filter isn’t changed regularly it can cause huge problems for your furnace. It can cause overheating, short cycling and more issues.

When you need furnace repairs in Springfield, PA, call Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. We have years of experience working with all different types and brands of furnaces.

Springfield, PA Heating Tip: Why Install an Amana Furnace

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Is it time to finally replace that old furnace in your Springfield, PA area home? Many homeowners are choosing Amana furnaces for replacing their old system because of their reliability and efficiency. Other benefits of installing an Amana furnace include an excellent warranty program. Call us for details about Amana furnace features and manufacturer warranties.

If you are comparing models, be sure that you understand what the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) number means and how to determine which model is more cost-effective for your needs. Some models feature an AFUE rating of up to 96%, which means that 96% of the fuel is used for actual heat. Look for the Energy Star label to ensure that the model you choose has a high AFUE rating. We can always help you by going over the different models that we install and explaining the features and efficiency ratings.

Models with variable speed fans are usually more energy efficient than furnaces with single speed fans. Some of the models feature stainless steel heat exchangers for lasting performance, and you can also find furnaces that feature air cleaners and humidifiers to help with indoor air quality in the winter. To prevent safety concerns or breakdowns, you may want to consider a model that includes a self-diagnostic control board. There are many benefits to installing an Amana furnace, from energy savings to durability.

Call the Springfield, PA heating specialists at Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning to learn more about why many homeowners are choosing Amana for new furnace installations and upgrades.

Why Isn’t My Heating System Producing Heat? A Media, PA Heating Question

Monday, January 21st, 2013

When you line in the Media, PA area, you need a good heating system during the winter. We all love enjoying the winter evenings in a home that is nice and toasty. But one of the most common calls for heating repairs in Media, PA is for a heating system that isn’t producing any heat. There are a number of things that can cause this problem. At Cool It Heating and Air Conditioning, we’ve been providing comprehensive heating installation and heating repairs in Media, PA for over 50 years. We’ve repaired countless heating systems and wanted to share some of the most common reasons why your heating system might not be producing heat.

Why Your Heating System Isn’t Producing Any Heat in Media, PA

If your heating system isn’t producing any heat, then it’s obviously a very serious issue. Here are some of the common causes of no heat.

  • Pilot light/Igniter – If you have a furnace that has a pilot light, it can sometimes go out. But if it starts to happen a lot, you may have to call a heating contractor to clean it or replace it. The same is true if you have an electric igniter on your furnace.
  • Thermocouple – The thermocouple is a safety device that detects if the pilot light is lit. If it detects no heat from the pilot, it shuts off the flow of gas. If your thermocouple is malfunctioning, it could have mistakenly shut off the flow of gas which would mean no heat.
  • Thermostat – Another common problem is with the thermostat in your home. If its batteries are dead or if it is broken, it could be telling your heater that you don’t need any heat.
  • Clogged air filter – This is a common problem that we see in many homes. The air filter on your furnace or heat pump is there to keep dust from getting in. But if you don’t change it regularly, it can actually get so clogged that it keeps any air from getting into your home.

The Important of Regular Heating Maintenance in Media, PA

Many of the most common heating problems can be potentially avoided with regular heating maintenance. During regular maintenance visits, the Cool It heating technicians will be able to find small issues potentially before they turn into larger, more costly repairs. This may be able to keep your heating system working well for a very long time.

Contact Cool It today if you need heating repair in Media, PA or heating maintenance.

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.

Why Is My Heater Underperforming? A Media, PA Heating Repair Question

Monday, January 7th, 2013

An underperforming heater can be a serious problem when the temperatures really start to drop here in Media, PA. It can be especially frustrating for homeowners because there are so many different issues that may cause your heater to perform at subpar levels. It is important to remember that no problem with your home heating system should be considered too minor to call a professional about. Make the right choice for your heater and call Cool It to discover why your home heating system is not living up to the high standards that you deserve.

A common problem that we see with many forced air heating systems is damage or disrepair in the air duct system. This is a likely issue that may be affecting your heater’s performance due to the fact that there is really no way for a homeowner to discover this problem on their own. During professional maintenance service your ductwork will be inspected, but if you have been neglecting this necessary service there is no way to know if your air ducts are torn or otherwise damaged.

The neglect of proper home heating system maintenance itself is by far the root cause of most problems that may lead to a lackluster performance from your heater. When you operate your home heating system it is always going to suffer some wear and tear. If you do not have it tuned up before each heating season these minor issues can compound into serious problems. Remember that your heater does not necessarily have to completely break down in order for it to underperform. It may still run in its compromised condition but it will wind up costing you more money for a weaker performance as well as put your system at risk for further damage.

It is also possible that your heater is simply beginning to lose its efficiency and performance capabilities. Most heaters have pretty respectable, effective lifespans. No mechanical system will last forever though. Just because a system can be repaired does not necessarily mean that it should be. Discuss the condition of your heater with a professional to decide if it is finally time for a replacement.

If your heater is underperforming in Media, PA, contact Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. We have the training, knowledge and experience necessary to help you make the right decisions about the repair or replacement of your heater. Let us help you make it through the winter comfortably.

Geothermal Heating and Cooling System Benefits in Springfield, PA

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

At Cool It, we’ve been able to see the benefits of geothermal systems first hand. We’ve been installing, repairing and maintaining geothermal systems in the Springfield, PA area for many years. We thought it would be a good idea to assemble some of the main benefits that geothermal systems have to offer the Springfield, PA area.

What are Geothermal Heating and Air Conditioning Systems?

Geothermal systems are basically a kind of heat pump. Geothermal systems are known as ground source heat pumps. In cooling mode, they remove heat from your home and exhaust it into the ground. In heating mode, geothermal systems remove heat from the ground and transfer it into your home.

Free Energy

If you were to dig down about 10 feet into the ground, the temperature there would be around 55° F. It stays that temperature all year long no matter what the temperature of the air is above ground. Geothermal systems are able to take advantage of that consistent temperature. Using a series of coils buried in the ground, they move the heat from the ground into your home. In cooling mode, they move the heat from inside your home back into the ground.

Durability

Geothermal systems are known to be incredibly reliable and durable. The coils that are installed in the ground are typically made out of flexible pipe called PEX. This type of pipe is environmentally friendly, resistant to freezing and can flex during a natural disaster unlike rigid piping like copper or steel.

Reduced Energy Consumption

With a geothermal system using the free and endless energy of the earth, there is very little energy that you actually have to purchase from a utility company. In many cases, the only energy that you need to buy is the electricity to run the heat pump in your house.

In addition to being good for our planet, geothermal heat pumps represent a significant reduction in energy consumption for many homes. If you’re interested in knowing if a geothermal heat pump is a good choice for your home, then contact the experts at Cool It Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer comprehensive geothermal services in the Springfield, PA area. We would love to talk with you. Give us a call today!