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

Our Winter Efficiency Guide for Cedar Rapids

December 16th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce
Technician using a multimeter to perform heating repair on a furnace system.

Snow and cold are on the horizon! Make sure you stay safe and secure this winter with a powerful heating system that’s maintained and repaired by our technicians. But what if everything is fine with your HVAC unit in Cedar Rapids or your thermostat? What then?

Efficiency should be at the top of your mind. Staying warm during these conditions is crucial, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of skyrocketing energy bills. Here are some efficiency tips to help you weather the winter while keeping your home comfortable and your costs in check.

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Your Heating Options for 2025

November 18th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce
Wall-mounted air conditioning unit cooling a modern office where a person works at a desk.

A heating installation is a great idea for customers who are looking to add to their homes or replace their old systems. In fact, the situation is absolutely perfect for a lot of people who are looking to save money and raise their efficiency levels, since the technology has reached a pretty remarkable point.

Heat pumps, which used to not be a very big contender here in Cedar Rapids, are suddenly becoming a good investment for a lot of homeowners. Their sleek design, energy efficiency, and powerful cold-weather technology is giving homeowners another choice aside from the usual. If you’re unsure whether a heat pump is right for your home, explore which heating system fits best to make a more informed decision based on your space and comfort needs.

Let’s talk about your options when it comes to heating installation in Cedar Rapids, IA.

What are the best heating repair options in 2025?

  • Assess system type first: Know whether you have a furnace, heat pump, or ductless mini‑split so you can match repair methods accordingly.
  • Upgrade efficiency where possible: Modern furnaces and heat pumps have much higher AFUE, or equivalent, ratings; outdated units waste energy.
  • Repair vs replace decision:
    • If repair costs approach 50‑60% of a new unit, replacement is more cost‑effective.
    • Frequent breakdowns or age over ~15 years often point to replacement.
  • Cold‑weather readiness for heat pumps: Make sure key features like defrost mode work properly so your heat pump remains efficient in freezing conditions.
  • Seal and maintain ducts / zones: Heat loss through poorly sealed ducts or uneven heating can negate expensive repairs or high‑end unit benefits.

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Sometimes Replacement Is the Answer: But When?

November 11th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce

Furnaces are some of the most reliable heating systems in the world. There’s a very good reason why they’re used so commonly, especially when you’ve got a local technician with the tools and expertise to make it last for the extent of its lifespan.

If you’ve got a strange sound coming from your furnace, or the system is starting to smell funky, you should definitely call for repairs. Even if nothing bad is happening, furnace maintenance in Cedar Rapids, IA can keep your system in good shape to avoid a replacement. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got an electric furnace or a gas furnace, we promise we can help.

But in reality, depending on the situation, your furnace might need more than just a simple fix. It might need to be replaced in its entirety. How can you tell?

Follow along for some ways you might determine if your furnace needs to be replaced.

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The Secret to Lower Bills? A New Heater

November 4th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce

Heating your home shouldn’t break the bank. Old heaters often work harder than they need to, driving up energy bills. Upgrading to a modern heating system can save you money and make your home more comfortable. If you’re looking for heating installation in Ankeny, IA, we can help. Our team specializes in a range of services that keep homes warm and energy costs low. 

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Top Five Heating Tips for Iowa City Homeowners to Save on Their Bills

November 4th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce
Mother and child wrapped in a blanket reading on a tablet, staying warm indoors during cold weather.

As winter approaches in Iowa City, homeowners are gearing up to keep their homes warm and cozy without breaking the bank. Here are five effective tips for saving on heating in Iowa City, IA while keeping your home comfortable all season long.

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Top 5 Signs Your HVAC Thermostat Is Failing

October 21st, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce

Your thermostat plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable. When it stops working properly, your entire HVAC system can be affected. You might notice uneven temperatures, or your system could stop running altogether. It’s important to catch thermostat problems early to avoid bigger issues down the line. If you’re looking for quality HVAC services in Ankeny, IA, here are the top 5 signs your thermostat may be failing. 

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Are You Paying More But Feeling Less Heat?

October 7th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce

High energy bills with low comfort can be frustrating. If your furnace is falling short, it may be time to act. At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., we focus on keeping homes warm and efficient. Whether you need furnace repair services, troubleshooting heating systems, or furnace service in Des Moines, IA, our team is ready to help. 

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Diagnosing an Electrical Issue in Your Furnace

September 30th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce

Did you know that a gas furnace relies on electrical components too? Unless you’ve got a very old and outdated system (we’re talking older than 20 years, and at that point it needs to be replaced ASAP), your furnace relies on some electrical switches, an electrical connector to the thermostat, sensors, and electrical ignition. Depending on how complex your specific model is, it might have more electrical parts like lights.

One thing is for certain, when your furnace runs into a problem, it needs to be fixed. We can help you try and figure out what might be going wrong with your furnace, especially if it’s an electrical issue. But we can’t help you fix it–that’s dangerous and could lead to some serious problems. Furnace repair in Coralville, IA should always be done by a licensed professional.

So, keep reading to learn more about electrical concerns in a gas furnace, but call our team if you suspect a problem.

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Is Your Furnace Struggling to Heat?

September 23rd, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce

Winter is on its way, and that means you need a working gas furnace in Cedar Falls, IA. When your furnace starts to struggle, it can make your home uncomfortable and lead to higher energy bills. Understanding the signs of a struggling furnace is key to keeping your home warm and cozy. Let’s dive into some common furnace problems and what you can do about them.

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A Brief History of HVAC: Evolution of Modern Comfort

April 8th, 2024 | Written By | Reviewed By William Pierce
woman-technician-working-on-boiler

The history of HVAC is a fascinating journey that spans centuries, evolving from early attempts to control indoor climates to the sophisticated systems we rely on today. Let’s explore this evolution, highlighting key milestones that have shaped modern comfort.

When searching for an HVAC contractor in Waukee, it’s important to consider their knowledge of HVAC advancements and their commitment to energy-efficient solutions. Contractors who stay abreast of the latest HVAC technologies will ensure a comfortable and environmentally friendly home for years to come.

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