Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Furnace Tune-Up’ Category

How to Boost Furnace Efficiency

Monday, December 6th, 2021
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One of the greatest things about modern furnaces is that they are highly efficient! Homeowners across the country are choosing gas-powered furnaces as their main source of heat during the winter, and Cedar Falls residents are no exception. Today’s furnaces can have as high as a 95% AFUE rating, heating your home at a fraction of the cost and energy consumption as furnaces of the past.

That said, you could still use your furnace inefficiently, however unintentional that might be. If you’re going to invest the money in a high-efficiency furnace, then you deserve to get the most out of it for your money, right? Read on as we share some tips on how you can use your furnace even more efficiently than you already may be.

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End-of-Season Furnace Care Tips

Monday, March 16th, 2020

technician-servicing-gas-furnaceRelatively speaking, our weather is fairly predictable year after year. Yes, we certainly do have cold winters, but we can pretty much count on warmer temps coming in late April, early May. A time when we will be turning our attention to our home air conditioners and ensuring they’re well maintained. This is a great idea, but you certainly shouldn’t ignore your furnace this time of the year, even if you’re not going to need it for much longer. This is particularly true if it’s been showing any problematic symptoms.

Ignoring any kind of furnace problems can cause a domino effect until you’re facing a much bigger issue that leaves you with a broken down heater when you need it the most next fall. Depending on the circumstances, ignoring furnace repair needs could also leave you with a malfunctioning air conditioner, too. But how do you know if you have problems that need addressing? Read on as our furnace repair experts uncover some of the common symptoms of furnace malfunctions, and tips on how to manage them.

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Signs You Need a Furnace Tune-up

Tuesday, December 11th, 2018

Imagine your hosting friends and family over the holidays, and you wake up to a freezing home. Fortunately, Dalton offers emergency services. That being said, you could have prevented the headache — and freezing toes — if you had your furnace tuned-up.

Warm And Cozy, Popcorn, Coffee, Fireplace, Cozy, Warm

How can you tell if your furnace needs a tune-up or some repair work? The short answer is that you should have your furnace maintained every year. During your tune-up, your technician will tighten loose connections, oil and lubricate all parts and pieces and make sure your furnace is running the way it should.

If you were late to the tune-up party, here are a few signs that your furnace is overdue for maintenance.

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Your September Maintenance Checklist

Tuesday, September 18th, 2018

We aren’t excited to say goodbye to warm weather, but September is here!  That means it’s time to get your home ready for winter, while the weather still permits. You don’t have to do it all alone; we’re here to help! Below you’ll find our list of must-dos this fall, and all the items that we can help you check off your list.fall home maintenance

1. Check for leaky faucets

Get a jump start on preventing freezing pipes by inspecting for leaks in the fall. You’ll save a large sum of money by repairing leaks now than you would have to shell out if you have a burst pipe in January.

Checking for leaks is something the Dalton team can help you with. In fact, a plumbing inspection is included with our Complete Home Comfort Membership.

2. Inspect your window seals

A drafty window or door can cause stress on your heating system and make all the difference between a warm and cozy home and a chilly one. Make sure there is a tight seal around doors and windows. If you notice some cracks, call the company who installed them to see if they are still under warranty. If not, consider caulking the seals or having a professional window company do it for you.

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Must-Know Information About Your Home's Furnace

Friday, December 19th, 2014

Dealing With Your Furnace

 
In the dead of winter, the last thing someone wants is an issue with their furnace. However, as with most mechanical items in our homes there can be common problems that could cause it not function correctly and therefore not produce the warm home we need. Some of these problems you may experience include a furnace that produces no heat which could be caused by a thermostat problem, a pilot light that is out, or maybe even an electrical issue.

Another issue you may have is that your furnace is not producing enough heat. This could be as simple as an obstructed air flow problem or your gas burners needing adjustments. Alternatively your furnace could have problems that cause it to turn off and on in an excessive amount. This might be caused by the dirty air filter or something more serious such as a problem with the blower motor.

Benefits of Timely Repairs

There are several reasons why you should conduct timely repairs on your furnace and your overall HVAC system. First, it will cost you less over the life of your system if you conduct the maintenance and repairs when they are called for vice waiting until you need the system to be functional because of the weather outside.

Second, these systems are mechanical in nature and engineers are constantly looking for ways to improve them. Waiting to make the repairs could put your system in danger of becoming an out of date and obsolete system. When this occurs there are no longer repair parts and it may call for a total replacement of your system. Another reason and the most important reason for conducting the timely repairs on your furnace are for the safety of your home and system. As previously mentioned, these furnace systems are mechanical in nature that are run on either electricity or gas. An issue with these systems could be a sign of a serious problem that could potentially be a fire hazard.

When to Call a Professional

Furnace RepairWith any potential repair of an HVAC system, a homeowner needs to understand what they can do themselves and when it’s time to call a professional. For this there is a simple litmus test, first can you identify what is wrong with your system? Second, is the repair within your rational scope of knowledge? Obviously some repairs such as changing out an air filter, or thermostat, or maybe relighting a pilot light are probably easy fixes for most homeowners. But the idea of changing out a blower motor, or checking its belts maybe something that is better left to a professional HVAC contractor.

Looking to hire professional HVAC technicians for your Cedar Falls home’s furnace repair? Call Dalton Plumbing, Heating, & Cooling Inc. at (319) 266-3513 for our quick and efficient services. 

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It's Getting Chilly Out There!

Friday, October 17th, 2014

How Often Should I Have Furnace Tune-Up Services?

 

Cedar Falls HVACFall is here and with it cooler temperatures. This is the time to regularly change your furnace filter and have your furnace checked out. Because you will be using your heating system more often and a great deal of air will be flowing through your ducts and into your home, it is important to ensure that your furnace is in good shape.

Winter Months Require Frequent Furnace Filter Changes

During winter months it is important to change your furnace filter regularly to keep the air in your home safe and healthy. Because you and your family will be staying inside more, it is important to inspect your air filter once a month and change them every two to three months.

Damage Can Occur From Clogged Furnace Filters

Air filters collect small particles of pet dander, pollen, dust throughout the day and before long they can become clogged. When filters become clogged, it causes the blower to work harder, which in turn, increases your energy bill. If the blower overheats, it can burn out. Keep in mind, that when air flow is reduced, it takes longer to heat your home.

Inadequate Heating Systems: Can Lead to Carbon Monoxide Exposure
One of the most effective things you can do to prevent a build up of dust and dander is to change your furnace filter regularly. Most importantly, your furnace should be checked once a year. Inadequate heating systems can lead to carbon monoxide exposure. It is the heat exchanger that should be inspected thoroughly once a year. The heat exchanger acts as a barrier between your home and the gases and fumes produced by your furnace.

Annual Furnace Inspections Keep your Heating Systems in Good Repair

It is important to note that in addition to safety, an annual furnace inspection is an effective way to protect the investment you have in your heating system. There are several reasons way furnaces fail such as humidity, improper installation, dirty filters and improper venting.

To conclude, furnaces need regular care and maintenance in order to keep them in good repair. Besides the above mentioned steps, always keep the area around your furnace clean and unobstructed, and most importantly, leave the furnace work to HVAC experts.

Serving your Cedar Falls community everyday. Give Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. a call at (319) 266-3513 for guaranteed quality furnace inspection services!

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