The Danger of a Cracked Furnace Heat Exchanger

February 1st, 2021
furnace-jets

It likely goes without saying for residents here in Maumee or one of the surrounding communities that it gets pretty dang cold in the winter! As such, you use your heater on a regular basis, counting on it to keep you comfortable as well as safe.

Did you have it professionally tuned-up before the winter season started? The good news is, that even if you answered “no” to this question the only time it’s too late is if your heater completely broke down and is beyond repair. Skipping maintenance even one year can leave you with surprise repair needs that will cost a lot and could even be dangerous.

One repair need to be especially aware of, if you have a gas-powered heater, is replacing a damaged heat exchanger (or replacing the whole system if the problem is severe enough). Look, gas-powered heaters on not inherently dangerous. But yours can absolutely become so if you neglect this vital component. Keep reading to learn more!

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4 Funny Furnace Noises (That Really Aren’t That Funny)

January 18th, 2021
woman-holding-hand-to-ear-to-listen

It would be great for homeowners if there were an HVAC system that could self-diagnose when it was having a problem, and then even fix itself, right? While the former may be possible in the somewhat near future, we don’t think the latter will ever be a reality. And unfortunately, when there is a problem with your furnace, you’ll want to take care of it right away or else it could turn into a total system breakdown.

But how do you know when your furnace is struggling to operate?

Well, one of the leading signs that you have a furnace issue on your hands is strange noises coming from the system. What strange noises? Read on as we uncover 4 of them.

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Are You Experiencing Any of These Common Heating Problems?

January 4th, 2021
Man shivering on a couch in a cold room, possibly needing furnace repair.

Whether you’re using a gas furnace, electric heat pump, or some other type of central heating system, your heater is a complex piece of machinery. When caring for an appliance as important as this you are going to need one thing—professional help. Trained and experienced HVAC technicians, such as the folks on our team, will help ensure that your heating system runs as efficiently and effectively as possible, for as long as possible. We do this through professional and accurate installation, reliable repairs, and diligent maintenance.

Still though, even with all this, repair needs do crop up. No heating system is indestructible!

If you have a central heating system, but especially if you’re using a furnace, then this blog post is for you. Below, we have uncovered some signs that your furnace is suffering. These problems are relatively common—enough so that they’re what we get called for the most—so we can tell you what’s probably going on, and you can count on us to fix it. You can also check out common signs you need heating repairs to stay ahead of more serious issues. Read on!

What are the common signs that your furnace needs repair or maintenance?

A furnace may need repair or maintenance if you notice any of the following signs:

  • Persistent unpleasant or acrid odors coming from the furnace after startup
  • Issues with the pilot light: flame is yellow or orange instead of steady blue, or the pilot light won’t stay lit
  • The furnace produces no heat,  your home stays cold even when the system is running
  • Uneven heating, weak airflow, or certain rooms staying colder than others
  • Frequent “short-cycling” (the furnace turns on and off too often), which may signal thermostat issues, airflow problems, or internal control malfunctions
  • Strange noises,  rattling, banging, squealing or humming,  which can indicate loose components, blower motor problems, or ignition issues

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Beware These Signs of Boiler Troubles

December 21st, 2020
boiler-gauge

You can only rely on your boiler to be as efficient as possible if you properly care for it, right? This starts with professional installation, continues on with calling for repairs when needed, and then also includes making sure you stay on top of your annual boiler maintenance services from our professionals.

Of course, it’s also important that you remember no matter how well you care for your boiler, you’ll eventually need repairs of some kind. Also, you have to know that eventually, the boiler will reach the end of its lifespan and you’ll need a replacement system.

But how do you know when it’s time for the latter? Are there signs to watch out for? Yes, there are! Read on to learn about them.

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“My Furnace Went Out, How Do I Stay Warm?”

December 7th, 2020
couple-sitting-on-couch-looking-cold

This is of course a scenario that no homeowner ever wants to face, but the fact of the matter is that it happens! You’re a lot less likely to face a sudden and unexpected need for furnace repair in Toledo, OH or one of the surrounding communities if you keep up on your maintenance sessions. Heating maintenance tune-ups allow our technicians to thoroughly inspect your system for problem areas, make adjustments as needed, and comprehensively clean the whole system.

This all helps the system work more effectively and efficiently. Plus, it prevents small repair needs from turning into major breakdown emergencies that lead to the subject of this post. We’re going to assume, though, that if you’ve come across this blog post you’re in need of some tips, now! First, be sure to give our team a call. While you wait for our techs to show up, here’s what you can do to keep your household warm.

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What Actually Happens During Heating Maintenance?

November 23rd, 2020
animated-checklist

If you’ve followed our blog for even just a few months, then you know we think maintenance is pretty important. After all, it’s the only way to make sure that your HVAC system runs as efficiently and effectively as possible for as long as possible. But, it’s one thing to be told you need HVAC maintenance every year. It’s another thing to be told why. And that’s what we’re here to do!

It does bear mentioning that there are some very basic heating maintenance tasks that homeowners can and should do on their own. One of them is to change the air filter as needed. The air filter that comes standard with your HVAC systems is in place not to protect your indoor air quality, but rather the system itself. If it gets too clogged up, it will restrict airflow and cause a host of problems. You should be changing out (or cleaning if it’s a permanent filter) the air filter every 1-3 months. Another maintenance task you can do is check to make sure there’s no debris around your system—dust, dirt, and any type of clutter can impact airflow and efficacy.

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Is Scaling Really That Bad for Your Water Heater?

November 9th, 2020

The short answer to this question is, “yes it is.” However, we understand that you deserve a bit more of an explanation than that!

The thing is, scaling is a very misunderstood problem among homeowners. It is the result of hard water—that is, water with a high level of minerals in it. These minerals include calcium, magnesium, and sometimes iron.

At this point you might be thinking, “but wait, those minerals are harmless!” And that is true, partially. These minerals are completely harmless for you to ingest. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for your plumbing system. What happens is that the minerals leave behind deposits in your pipes. The deposits build up, creating clogs and other problems. Plus, they can settle in your water heater.

Read on to learn more about this issue, and give our team a call if you suspect you’re dealing with scaling yourself. We’re proud to offer solutions for your tank or tankless water heaters!

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It’s That Time: Why You Should Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up Now

October 26th, 2020
woman-hand-filling-out-calendar

Once the calendar reaches October, fall is officially here. Temperatures might not drop right away (hey, Mother Nature can’t read the calendar) but soon enough we’ll be dealing with chillier weather, especially at night. This means that now is the perfect time for one very important HVAC service—your heating maintenance!

Wait, what’s that? You haven’t even thought about your heater very much? We appreciate your confidence that your heater is going to work just fine this fall and winter, but we’d encourage you to consider scheduling your next tune-up. Fall is really the best time to do this, since it’s before you need the system the most and when HVAC technicians are less likely to be busy with emergency service calls. Read on for a number of ways a heating tune-up benefits you.

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“Does My Tankless Water Heater Need a Tune-Up?”

October 12th, 2020
tankless-water-heater-being-repaired

We probably don’t need to tell you that standard tank water heaters are noticeable. After all, they’re big, and often even pretty noisy depending on where they are in your home. This is the conventional water heater found in most homes, and most homeowners understand that it requires care in order to operate as it should throughout the years.

What many people don’t realize, however, is that upgrading to a tankless water heater–while there are a great deal of benefits to doing so–doesn’t mean you get to skip out on caring for it. That’s right, your tankless water needs a maintenance tune-up. Read on to learn why!

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Signs You Need Late-Season AC Repairs

September 28th, 2020

It may officially be fall, and it may almost be time to shut down our air conditioners for the season, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore cooling system problems if you have them. In fact, doing so could leave you with a completely broken down system next spring when you need it the most.

Basically, the longer you wait to service your cooling system, the more you increase your chances of experiencing HVAC problems. This is especially true if your air conditioner shares ductwork with your furnace, or if you have a heat pump that you’ll be using for heating in addition to cooling.

So what can you do? Watch for signs of AC trouble and ensure you call our team if you notice any of the following issues!

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