Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Cedar Falls Blog’ Category

Concerned about Efficiency? Check Your Thermostat Settings

Monday, November 21st, 2016

Let’s say that you’ve come home after a particularly chilly day, and the temperature inside your home offers no relief from the cold outside. Your natural reaction will very likely be to go to your thermostat and turned the temperature up to as warm as you can bear.

Unfortunately, this really doesn’t do much good. In fact, if the temperature of your home is—hypothetically speaking—currently set at 68, and you turn it up to 80, your heating system isn’t going to work any faster than had you set it 75.

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How Could a Whole-Home Humidifier or Dehumidifier Help You?

Monday, November 14th, 2016

We certainly get a full range of weather here in Janesville, IA and throughout the Midwest, and with a climate that changes so frequently and dramatically, problems can occur. For example, during the winter months, the air in your home may become too dry. This is especially true if you have a forced-air heating system. On the contrary, in the summer time, you might have a problem with too much moisture.

While these problems are different in origin, there is one common factor connecting them. At some point during the year, your indoor humidity levels will not be well balanced. Fortunately, there are a number of indoor air quality products that can help keep you more comfortable than just an HVAC system can do on its own. Two of these products are the whole-home humidifier and the whole-home dehumidifier.

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This Winter, Watch Out for These Common Boiler Problems

Monday, November 7th, 2016

Boilers have been a leading choice in home heating systems for a number of decades. This is because they are highly reliable and efficient so long as they are well maintained. They provide efficient and even heating throughout homes without air quality concerns that you may see with a furnace.

Additionally, since a boiler has few moving parts, it doesn’t age as quickly as other types of heating systems might. As a result, they usually last for many years with only a few repair needs throughout that time. However, it’s imperative that you keep in mind—just like any other heater, boilers are not invulnerable. You may encounter a boiler problem at some time or another. But what could these problems be?

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3 Signs it’s Time to Call a Plumber

Monday, October 31st, 2016

Your home’s plumbing system is one of the most important components it has. Without clean, working pipes, fixtures, and water heaters, modern conveniences just wouldn’t be possible. So if you find that your plumbing system is having issues, then you’ll want trust a highly trained professional plumber—like the members of our staff.

But what if it’s just a small problem you think you can resolve on your own? In some cases, a little backup can be relieved by a plunger, but this is about the only time you should attempt a plumbing repair on your own, as store-bought chemical drain cleaners can do more harm than good. Keep reading for 3 signs that it’s time to call one of our professional plumbers.

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Help! My Furnace Won’t Start Up

Monday, October 24th, 2016

Temperatures have begun to decline, signaling that the start of winter is a lot closer than it seems. Soon enough, you’ll be turning on your heater to keep your home comfortable, if you haven’t already. Hopefully if you have, you didn’t have any problems.

But what happens if you go to turn your furnace on and it doesn’t start up? What could be the cause of this trouble? Read on to learn why furnaces may fail to turn on. And if your unit is aging or repeatedly giving you trouble, it might be time to explore which home heating system is right for you and whether a newer, more efficient model could be a better long-term investment.

Furnace replacement involves removing your existing furnace or old unit and installing a new furnace that is properly sized for your home’s square footage and heating capacity needs. This process includes disconnecting vents, electrical wiring, gas lines, air ducts, and ductwork to safely remove the old furnace. Handling heavy objects, such as the furnace unit and other large components, requires proper safety measures and often two technicians. The use of power tools is essential during installation for both efficiency and safety. Preparing the installation area by checking for obstructions and ensuring readiness is a key step before starting the project. After removal, the furnace installer will inspect and reconnect air ducts to ensure optimal airflow and system performance. Choosing a high energy efficiency model can help lower your heating bills and provide long term savings. Upgrading to a new system can also improve your furnace’s efficiency, resulting in additional cost savings over time. When replacing your furnace, it’s important to consult a professional furnace installer, who has special training required for the job and is responsible for inspecting ductwork, ensuring proper sizing, and performing the installation steps. The cost of furnace replacement can vary depending on the type of system, such as a gas furnace, installation complexity, and efficiency features, so be sure to consider other factors such as your home’s requirements and overall value when deciding to replace your furnace. Furnace installation is a comprehensive project that requires careful planning and coordination to ensure a well-done job and long-term satisfaction.

Introduction to Furnace Installation

Furnace installation is a critical step in ensuring your home’s heating system operates safely and efficiently. The furnace installation process involves much more than simply placing a new unit in your home, it requires specialized training, technical knowledge, and the right tools to guarantee proper installation. An experienced HVAC technician understands the complexities of connecting ductwork, electrical wiring, and fuel lines, as well as calibrating the system for optimal performance. Because the installation process is complicated and involves many technical details, attempting it without the right expertise can lead to costly mistakes and safety hazards. By recognizing the importance of professional installation, homeowners can make informed decisions that protect their investment and ensure reliable heating for years to come.

Types of Furnaces

When selecting a new furnace, it’s important to understand the different types available and how they fit your home’s needs. Gas furnaces are among the most popular choices for residential HVAC systems, known for their strong heating capacity and ability to deliver heated air efficiently throughout your home. They typically offer high energy efficiency and lower operating costs, especially in areas with access to natural gas. Electric furnaces, while often less expensive in terms of initial cost, may result in higher heating bills due to electricity rates, but they can be a good option for homes without gas supply. Oil furnaces are another alternative, though they are less common and may require more maintenance. The right furnace for your home will depend on factors such as your desired energy efficiency, the size of your space, and your budget for both upfront and ongoing costs. Consulting with an HVAC professional can help you choose a system that matches your heating requirements and maximizes efficiency.

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How Can You Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Winter?

Monday, October 17th, 2016

When you think about the efficiency of your home, you likely think about how effectively and efficiently certain appliances work in your home, such as your HVAC systems. Maybe you even think about your indoor air quality—how having a humidifier or dehumidifier in your home can help your climate control system work as it should with less effort.

What if there were one simple, but very effective, way you could make your home more energy efficient though, in addition to ensuring the professional installation of highly-efficient systems? What if the secret was your front door? Keep reading to discover what we mean.

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Water Heater Tips for Top Performance

Monday, October 10th, 2016

One of the appliances in our homes that is taken for granted the most is that of the water heater. Water heaters make a number of tasks around the home much easier, but we don’t really give much thought to that—until something goes wrong. To ensure that your water heater works effectively and efficiently as it should for as long as possible, check out and follow the tips below.

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Preventing Frozen Pipes: 3 Steps to Take Now

Monday, October 3rd, 2016

The weather may still be on the warmer side around these parts, however fall is officially here, and winter will follow shortly behind. One of the most common problems we contend with during the winter months is burst pipes. This occurs when water freezes and expands inside the pipes, include it ruptures the metal lining.

It’s important that you take steps now to prevent this, while temperatures are still on the warmer side and you have the opportunity to make additions or changes to your current plumbing system to help you out. Keep reading for 3 steps you should take now to avoid this problem.

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Does Your Furnace Smell Strange upon Start Up?

Monday, September 26th, 2016

Temperatures have finally begun to cool, and while we still aren’t using our furnaces on a daily basis, you may have turned yours on one night this past weekend to get a little bit of chill out of the air indoors. If so, hopefully you didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. However if you did detect an odd smell coming from your furnace, it’s not something to be ignored.

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Why Should I Schedule Maintenance for My Heater?

Monday, September 12th, 2016

With temperatures steadily declining, there’s no denying that the start of fall is just over a week away. Soon enough, temperatures will drop to a point that necessitates the use of your heating system. Hopefully you won’t have any trouble when that time comes. However, the only way to ensure a fully functioning and reliable heating system is by scheduling routine maintenance. Nobody wants a broken down heating system right when they need it the most!

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