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

Follow This One Step to Prevent Furnace Repairs

Monday, October 26th, 2020

furnace-burnersTemperatures are starting to drop and homeowners are starting to think about their heating systems. How well is yours working? How much are you paying for its use each month? Do you have any repair needs to address?

We hope as well that you’ve considered the single most important step you should be taking toward furnace care this season—scheduling maintenance!

Your maintenance tune-ups are the best way to keep your heating operating as effectively and efficiently as possible for as long as possible while avoiding up to 85% of the repair needs it may ever need in its lifespan. Keep reading as we go over why it’s so vital to have this service done and how you’ll benefit.

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Why Your Heater Replacement Requires a Pro

Monday, January 20th, 2020
technician-working-on-furnace

Do you need a heating system replacement in Waterloo, IA? We’re going to guess, since you decided to read this blog post, you already know that it requires a professional to do the job. But perhaps you’re skeptical, can’t you just do the job on your own? After all, there are so many “do it yourself” videos out there nowadays…

Sure, DIY projects are great. They’re great for things like repainting furniture, maybe building a planter box, or installing a new DVR, but they simply are not the solution for HVAC installation. There are a number of things that can go wrong, and these factors affect not only your comfort, but your safety too. The following factors, such as the complexity of the system, home size, and the condition of your current unit, all influence the difficulty and safety of a boiler replacement.

Still not convinced? Read on!

Introduction to Heater Replacement

Heater replacement is a vital part of keeping your home comfortable and energy efficient, especially as older systems become less reliable and more costly to operate. Upgrading to a new boiler or heating system can make a significant difference in your monthly energy bills and overall comfort. With energy prices on the rise and a growing focus on sustainability, homeowners are increasingly looking at replacing outdated, inefficient boilers with high efficiency models. Homeowners can potentially qualify for rebates and tax credits when installing high-efficiency boilers. A professional boiler installation ensures that your new system is properly matched to your heating needs and hot water needs, taking into account factors like boiler size, fuel source, type, and efficiency rating. By understanding the various elements that affect boiler replacement costs, you can make an informed decision that balances upfront investment with long-term savings and comfort.

Choosing the Right Heater

Selecting the best heater for your home involves more than just picking a model off the shelf. Your heating needs, available fuel source, and budget all play a role in determining the right fit. Natural gas boilers are a popular choice for their high efficiency and lower operating costs, making them ideal for homes with access to natural gas. Oil boilers are often considered in areas where natural gas isn’t available, offering reliable heat but sometimes at a higher cost. Heat pumps provide an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative, especially in milder climates. To ensure your new system delivers the right heating capacity, it’s important to consider the British Thermal Units (BTUs) required for your space, the boiler size best suited to your home, as well as whether you need an indirect water heater for hot water supply. Consulting with an HVAC professional can help you navigate these options, ensuring your new boiler or heating system is perfectly tailored to your home’s unique requirements. A licensed contractor can also walk you through both the boiler installation process and a breakdown of the expected boiler replacement cost for your project, while highlighting the advantages of replacing older units before they fail.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

When replacing your heater, energy efficiency should be at the top of your priority list. High efficiency boilers, such as condensing boilers, are designed to extract more heat from the same amount of fuel, resulting in lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills. High-efficiency boilers can achieve an AFUE rating between 95% to 98%, making them a smart choice for homeowners looking to save on energy costs. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating is a key metric to look for, higher AFUE ratings mean greater efficiency and more savings over time. Installing zoning systems can further boost energy efficiency by allowing you to control heating zones independently, so you only heat the areas you need. Regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspecting the heat exchanger, is essential to keep your system running at peak performance. While efficiency is key, you’ll also want to factor in long-term boiler installation costs, since higher efficiency units may cost more upfront but save more in the long run. By focusing on high efficiency options and proper maintenance, and timely boiler replacement homeowners can enjoy reliable heat, lower costs, and a smaller environmental footprint.

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Improve Your Heating Efficiency with This One Tip

Monday, December 9th, 2019

heating-vent-low-on-wallWhat’s that tip, you ask? Use your ceiling fans!

You may be wondering about this tip—aren’t ceiling fans just good in the summertime? And even if you used your ceiling fan, isn’t that just eating up more electricity? How can you be boosting energy efficiency, then?

Hear us out! Below we’ve outlined just how ceiling fans work, and why they make a great addition to your home in the summertime in addition to the wintertime. Read on, and don’t forget to contact our team when you need expert heating services in Waterloo, IA.

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What Should You Look for in a Heating Repair Technician?

Monday, March 4th, 2019

service-technician-at-homeowners-doorMany heating and cooling companies boast their good qualities—but what’s more important is that they actually deliver on those promises. When you’re in need of an HVAC contractor for furnace repair or any other type of HVAC service, you want one you can trust. How do you know if you’ve found the right heating technician, though?

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Signs You Need Heating Repairs

Monday, February 18th, 2019

gas-furnace-systemGiven the time of year, we hope you aren’t sitting around worrying that your heater could break down at any moment due to some troubling symptoms. If so, please give us a call right away for professional Waterloo heating services! Tackling repair needs when they are still small is vital to preventing larger emergencies down the line.

The sooner you repair your system, the sooner you’ll have lower bills, too, as you will improve your system’s efficiency. Keep reading to learn about the signs you may have a heater that is in need of repair:

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Why Should Your New Heater Be Professionally Installed?

Monday, February 4th, 2019

technician-looking-over-gas-furnaceWe get it, if you’re looking for a new heater this time of the year, it’s an emergent situation. It means your current heating system broke down when you need it the most and you’re scrambling to find a new one. But we urge you, as much as this is needed, not to rush your decision on Waterloo heating systems!

There are so many factors to consider when making this kind of purchase. You’ll want to compare fuel types, AFUE and HSPF ratings, and more. Most importantly, though, your heater should be professionally installed so that it is sized correctly. We’ll get into how important this is below.

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Can a Ceiling Fan Make Your Heater More Efficient?

Monday, January 21st, 2019

ceiling fan on grey beamed ceilingThe short answer to this is “yes.” But let us explain…

When it comes to Waterloo, IA heating, we understand you want a system that is cost-effective and powerful. This means finding the most efficient heating system on the market that’s within your budget and is perfectly matched to your home, and having that system professionally installed. Installation is literally just the beginning, though.

There are a number of steps you can take that cost you little to nothing that will boost the efficiency of your heater even more—installing weatherstripping on drafty windows and doors, closing your curtains to provide extra insulation to keep the heat in, and, that’s right, using your ceiling fan. Read on!

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Watch for These Furnace Problems This Winter

Monday, October 29th, 2018
Smoke rising from a chimney on a snowy roof, indicating an active heating system after furnace replacement service.

The more you rely on your furnace this winter, the more stress it is going to undergo. That’s just a fact. But this does increase the odds of problems cropping up over time, especially if you skipped maintenance this year! Maintenance allows our technicians to fully inspect, clean, and adjust your heating system to make sure it performs as efficiently and safely as possible throughout the winter and the years to come.

What warning signs mean it’s time to consider a furnace replacement service?

You should consider furnace replacement service if your system short-cycles frequently, delivers weak heat even after maintenance, makes loud banging or clanging noises, or has repeated ignition issues. These signs indicate your furnace may no longer be reliable or cost-effective to repair.

Maintenance is also our chance to spot repair needs, and alert you to these needs so you can get them on your schedule sooner rather than later. Naturally, if you skip this annual furnace service in Hudson, IA, you can find yourself with a broken down system or increased wear and tear you weren’t expecting. So, what if you’ve already started using your heater, despite skipping maintenance? For guidance on dealing with a malfunctioning electric furnace, it’s essential to understand the early signs and know when to take action.

Well for one, it’s not too late to schedule it now, so give us a call! In the meantime, read on for some signs to look out for that indicates you may have a problem.

When to Replace Your Furnace Due to Winter Issues

  • If your furnace short‑cycles (turns on and off rapidly), it may be oversized or too worn to function efficiently.
  • When heating output drops significantly even after filter changes and burner cleanings.
  • If you hear loud or unusual noises like banging, scraping, or clanging, which often signal major internal issues.
  • When ignition or burner failures become frequent, especially in older gas furnaces.
  • If heating remains unreliable or unsafe across multiple winters despite repeated repairs.

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As the Weather Warms, Don’t Neglect Your Heater!

Monday, April 16th, 2018

Young woman shivering during the winter seasonSpring is officially upon us, and even though recent weeks have shown us the last of winter temperatures, soon enough the weather will warm. When that happens, you want to make sure that your air conditioner is well prepared by scheduling maintenance and any repairs you might need, too. However, that doesn’t mean you should forget about your heating system just yet!

In fact, if you have any needs for furnace repair in Waverly, IA, it should be at the top of your mind. After all, neglecting your heater when it needs work done can be detrimental to the system, leaving you in a lurch next fall. Additionally, there are safety concerns when talking about a gas-powered heating system.

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Take Care of Your Heating Repair Needs Before the Weather Warms

Monday, March 5th, 2018

A man uses a flashlight to help him see the hot water heater in a dark closetIt may still officially be the season for snow, but spring will be here soon enough and we all know how quickly the temperatures can increase once that happens. Once things start warming up, you’ll be using your heater less and less. Therefore, if you have any Waterloo, IA heating repair needs you’ll probably be tempted to put them off until next year if they don’t seem that severe.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is neglecting their end-of-season heater needs. Ignoring your heater when work needs to be done can be harmful to the system itself, for one. Also, if you have a gas-powered heater then ignoring it can be a safety hazard.

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