Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘heating repairs’

Mindset Matters: Changing Your Perspective on HVAC

Monday, February 26th, 2024

Air conditioning, heating, air quality… There are just so many aspects to home comfort that it can get overwhelming. Especially when you’re trying to balance these high-tech systems with your own personal or professional life–there’s only so much time in the day and brainpower you have before it can feel defeating.

Well, we understand you. Things in the world are pretty tough, and many people are busier than they want to be. But we’d like to help with a nifty tip that can make things a lot easier for our customers, a perspective shift that could help you deal with an upcoming repair or replacement that would otherwise stress you out.

What if we told you that your heating, air conditioning, and air quality were all connected? What if there were strategies and mindsets that could help you reduce the amount of heating repairs in Cedar Rapids that you’d otherwise need to pay for? This is all true, and we’ll get into it down below.

Continue Reading

How to Ensure Your Furnace Lasts Through the Rest of Winter

Monday, February 14th, 2022
Woman in cozy sweater enjoying a hot drink by the window, warm indoors suggesting furnace installation.

Winter is definitely still plugging along, and we will all need our furnaces for several weeks still. So, what kind of shape is yours in? Is it ready to get you through the rest of winter? If you had it professionally maintained this past fall, and took care of any pending repair needs at this time, then you can probably say with confidence that yes, your furnace is going to make it through just fine.

But what if you skipped maintenance, have an aging furnace, or simply don’t know the signs that you might need repairs on your furnace? Use our guide to furnace issues to better understand the red flags and get ahead of potential breakdowns.

Well, that’s what we are here for! We want to help you ensure that your furnace will, indeed, last through the rest of the heating season. One of the best ways to do this is by staying on top of repair needs, even though you might stop using your furnace as much in a few weeks. Read on as we uncover the signs that it’s time for you to call for this service.

When should you consider replacing your furnace instead of repairing it?

  • If your furnace is over 15‑20 years old and technology improvements mean newer models are much more efficient.
  • When repair costs exceed about half the cost of a new unit.
  • If you frequently need repairs for major components (heat exchanger, blower motor, etc.).
  • When your utility bills are rising sharply despite regular maintenance.
  • If your existing furnace can’t maintain comfortable temperatures even after tune‑ups and repairs.

Continue Reading

Late Season Heating Repair Signs You Should Not Neglect

Monday, March 20th, 2017

Person relaxing on a red couch near a modern wall-mounted radiator, suggesting effective heater replacement.Although it’s warmed up considerably since last week, we are still experiencing considerably cold temperatures compared to other parts of the country—like the West Coast! As such, you’re likely still using your heating system on a fairly consistent basis.

And if an Evansdale, IA heating repair need crops up, no need to worry right? After all, spring is officially here this week and soon enough we’ll be turning off our heaters for the season. Unfortunately though, neglecting repair needs can be detrimental to your heating system—no matter how late in the heating season it may be. In fact, some issues may be warning signs that your current system is on its last legs, making now a good time to evaluate which home heating system is right for you before next winter rolls in.

Continue Reading

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.

Continue Reading