Here in Dover, DE, heating is the last thing on most people’s minds. Temperatures are soaring in the middle of summer, and our patented Atlantic humidity is hitting us hard right on schedule. Homeowners are concentrating on their air conditioners, as well as they should, and keeping yours reliably running is the top priority. But now is also the time to look ahead to heating season, which will be here before you know it. You have time to get ready for it by scheduling a maintenance session from a trained technician, and/or treating any lingering repair issues that may be present. The reasons why are self-apparent, but can easily be missed amid the heat waves and need for cooling rather than heating.
Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category
Now is the Time to Prepare for Heating Season
Monday, July 20th, 2015Signs That a Commercial Boiler Needs Repair
Thursday, January 15th, 2015As a business owner, you know how important it is that your workspace be adequately heated throughout the winter. Having an uncomfortable indoor atmosphere can impact your business significantly, so it’s always best to be ahead of repairs instead of waiting for a total breakdown of your heating system before addressing problems with your commercial heating system. However, it can be a challenge to pick up on the signals from such a large heating system, so to help you decipher some of the signs that indicate it’s time for commercial heating repair in Dover, DE, our Atlantic Refrigeration commercial heating experts have put together a list of signs of which to be aware:
Leaks
Boilers are part of hydronic heating systems, which means they use water to heat your business space. Even though water is part of the system, leaks are not a normal part of operation and need to be attended to right away. Leaks aren’t always readily apparent, so if you see wet spots on your ceiling, hear a dripping noise or have noticed that a radiator or baseboard isn’t working but there’s water around it, it’s important to call for an expert right away.
No Heat/Low Heat
An office space that is too cool can’t operate correctly. There can be multiple reasons for poor heating, including issues with the burner, air lock in the piping system or the off chance that your boiler has run out of fuel. As soon as you detect that your commercial boiler is not heating as needed, it’s time to call for a specialist.
Strange Noises
One of the benefits of a boiler system is that it is a very quiet system to operate. Therefore, if you are hearing strange sounds coming from your heating system, such as pipes banging, a technician should take a look at your system.
A poor heating system can affect your employees, your customers and ultimately, your business.
If you are seeing the signs that you need commercial heating repair in Dover, DE, don’t ignore it – call Atlantic Refrigeration and schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
3 Common Furnace Repairs
Monday, January 5th, 2015Whenever you have an issue with your heating system, no matter what kind it is, you should rely on a professional to fix it for you. Using professional heating repair ensures that your heating system is fixed safely and effectively. However, that doesn’t mean that you should remain ignorant of the process. Knowledge is power, and knowing more about your heating system could help you take better care of it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at 3 common furnace repairs.
Broken Pilot Light
There are a few different kinds of pilot lights these days, but the most common is still the standing pilot light. This is a small flame that burns underneath your furnace 24/7. This flame is responsible for lighting the burners to start the furnace when the thermostat commands heat. Unfortunately, pilot lights are notorious for going out on a semi-regular basis. Normally, this is simply due to a gust of air, and the pilot light is easily relit. Occasionally, however, the pilot light refuses to light in the first place. This is often caused by a faulty thermocouple, which is the heat sensor that determines when to supply fuel to the pilot light. Replacing the thermocouple tends to fix the problem.
Clogged Air Filter
The air filter is a fiber-mesh woven over a frame and installed in the air return of your furnace. It is responsible for capturing all the dust and debris commonly found in a home’s ductwork before it can enter the furnace and cause problems. If the filter is not changed every 1-3 months, however, it can become so clogged with debris that it restricts air flow to the furnace. This causes the furnace to overheat, causing damage and creating fire risk.
Broken Air Handler
The air handler is the part of the furnace responsible for circulating warm air throughout the house. It is mainly comprised of a motor, fan, and fan belt. Any one of these parts is capable of failing, with the most common being the motor and fan belt. If you hear grinding or squealing noises coming from your furnace, it is likely a problem with the motor or fan belt, respectively. Call a professional as soon as possible.
If you’re having furnace problems, call Atlantic Refrigeration. We provide heating repair services throughout Lewes, DE.
Ways to Prevent Commercial Heating Repair
Thursday, December 11th, 2014There is no guaranteed way to prevent ever needing repair for your commercial heating in Dover, but there are a few things you can do to help reduce the incidence of repair. As always, any repairs you do have should be handled by a trained commercial heating technician; commercial heating systems are complex and require expert handling.
Steps That Can Help Prevent Repair
Here are a few steps you can take as a business owner to help reduce the amount of repair you may need to your commercial heating system:
Don’t Ignore Signs of Problems
Are you hearing strange sounds, experiencing uneven cooling or seeing high energy bills when you haven’t changed how you use your heating? These are all signs that your commercial heating system may be experiencing problems, and ignoring them could lead to malfunction or total breakdown. Sounds, smells and poor performance are strong indications that your system isn’t working as it should, so if you are seeing these signs, call for a commercial heating technician.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Maintenance for your commercial heating system is a full tune-up that involves cleaning, inspection, adjusting and lubrication of all moving parts. It also entails a visual inspection of the ductwork, safety checks and a review of the thermostat. Annual maintenance allows you to get ahead of potential repairs, increase energy efficiency and extend the life of your equipment.
Have the Air Filter Changed
Homeowners can usually change the air filter in their heating units themselves, but with the complex mechanics of a commercial heating system, and location, it’s best to allow a trained expert to do this. Air filters are usually changed during annual maintenance, but they should be changed every three months; you can schedule a technician to change your air filter for you, making the process worry-free.
Your commercial space needs to be comfortable in order for you to properly conduct your business. One of the best ways to ensure your business space is always comfortable is to have a reliable commercial heating repair company on hand. Atlantic Refrigeration has the trained and certified commercial technicians you need, so contact us today!
If you are in need of commercial heating repairs, call the people you can count on any time day or night: Atlantic Refrigeration.
Diagnosing Strange Sounds from Your Boiler
Thursday, December 4th, 2014Strange sounds are one of the ways your boiler communicates to you that a problem has developed. Different sounds can come from different systems, and today we’re going to talk about some sounds that indicate problems with your boiler. If you hear something abnormal coming from your boiler, don’t ignore it and don’t try to diagnose it yourself; instead, call for the help of a trained expert, like the ones at Atlantic Refrigeration. Hiring a certified professional for heating repair in Rehoboth Beach helps ensure that your boiler problems will be repaired quickly, correctly and efficiently. Are you experiencing problems with your boiler? Call us today!
What Strange Sounds Can Mean
Here are some examples of strange boiler sounds and what they can indicate:
- Banging or booming sound at start-up – a banging or booming sound when your boiler begins a heating cycle can indicate a problem with delayed ignition (gas) or an issue with the oil pump (oil). In either case, the boom sound is caused by excess fuel igniting in the combustion chamber, which is a potentially dangerous situation.
- Rumbling at shut-down – this noise typically occurs with boilers that use oil, and it is a continuation of a problematic oil pump: oil is leaking into the combustion chamber and may take longer to extinguish, causing the rumbling sound.
- Bubbling sound in the pipes – a bubbling sound in the pipes is usually indicative of air trapped in the piping system. Excessive air is removed by bleeding your radiators.
- Grinding noises – grinding noise are typical of a ball bearing issue. The ball bearings in the motor need to be properly lubricated to work correctly; if they become dry, friction causes them to grind. Grinding is not a good thing for any part of your system, so if you hear a grinding noise, call for assistance immediately.
As the homeowner, you know what kinds of sounds are normal during the operation of your boiler and what aren’t.
If you are hearing strange noises coming from your boiler heating system in Rehoboth Beach, contact Atlantic Refrigeration today.
3 Common Commercial Heating Repairs
Monday, November 3rd, 2014Having a comfortable commercial space is critical to your business’s success. Multiple problems can develop with a commercial heating system, which is why it’s important to hire professionals in Georgetown who specialize in commercial heating services for all of your commercial heating repairs. Atlantic Refrigerant is available 24/7, so if you experience problems with your commercial heating, call us immediately.
Common Commercial Heating Repairs
Here are 3 of the more common heating issues that we see at Atlantic Refrigeration:
Fan Problems
The heat in your system can’t be blown into your business space without the blower fan. The fan in a commercial system is large; the core components of the fan are the fan blades, fan motor, belt and wiring. Wires can fray and corrode with regular usage, which can cause issues with the electrical flow; this can result in intermittent operation or a loss of operation of the fan. Fan belts also wear down with usage causing them to loosen or break. Lastly, motor issues can develop. All of these issues can affect how the fan turns, which will reduce the airflow in your system.
Faulty Ductwork
The ductwork in your commercial heating system is an integral part of your heating; without it, the warm air won’t be delivered to your business space. Ductwork is durable, but it can suffer from wear and tear. Cracks, holes and disconnections can develop, resulting in significant heat loss. Repairing commercial ductwork takes skill and expertise, as the ductwork system is complex, so it’s best to call a trained professional.
Electrical Issues
A commercial heating system runs on a significant amount of electricity. There are a few areas where electrical problems can develop, and one of the common problems we see occurs with the system’s capacitors. There are two types of capacitors: a start capacitor and a run capacitor. Each helps the motors in your heating system run, and when one malfunctions, it can create system-wide issues.
Commercial heating repairs should only be handled by well trained and knowledgeable professionals. For expert commercial heating service call Atlantic Refrigeration today.
How Often Should I Schedule Boiler Maintenance?
Monday, October 27th, 2014Your boiler is a complex device that works hard during the winter months to keep you warm and comfortable. It is not unusual for it to accrue wear and tear each season, including the accumulation of dirt and dust. Operating your boiler season after season without scheduling maintenance can reduce the energy efficiency of the system by up to 5% each year. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to schedule boiler maintenance in Lewes. The cold weather is coming, so don’t hesitate to schedule maintenance with your Atlantic Refrigeration technician today.
Why Schedule Maintenance?
There are several important reasons to schedule maintenance for your boiler:
- Better energy efficiency – your boiler was made to operate at a certain efficiency level. When the system and its components are worn down from seasonal operation, it can be difficult for your system to operate as efficiently as it should. During a maintenance appointment, components are cleaned, adjusted and lubricated, allowing them to operate as they should. This helps your system retain its original energy efficiency.
- Prevents repairs – during a maintenance appointment, your system undergoes a thorough inspection. This inspection allows the technician to look for and detect any existing or developing issues with your boiler. Small issues, like frayed wiring, will be repaired during the maintenance appointment; larger issues will be reported to you so that you can schedule an appointment for repair. Resolving potential and existing problems immediately can help prevent repairs down the road.
- Less wear on your system – a system that operates under stress for a long period of time due to a lack of regular maintenance can prematurely age. Properly maintaining your boiler keeps the system and its components in good working order, which helps prevent early aging.
How Often Is Maintenance Needed?
Ideally, maintenance should be scheduled bi-annually: before the heating season in the fall, and after it in the spring. However, if you can’t schedule maintenance bi-annually, it is strongly recommended that you schedule it annually, with the best time being in the fall season.
If it’s been more than 12 months since your last boiler maintenance in Lewes, call the boiler maintenance professionals at Atlantic Refrigeration today.
Why You Should Consider Zone Control for Your Heating System
Monday, October 20th, 2014As we head toward cooler weather, you may already be thinking about how to more comfortably heat your home. One great way to achieve better comfort, and some other benefits, is by installing a zone heating system in Dover. Professional installation is important for any upgrade to your heating system, so make sure you call the trained professionals you can count on: Atlantic Refrigeration.
What Is a Zone Control System?
With a zone control system, your home is divided up into different zones, as designated by you, and each zone is given its own thermostat for temperature control. The system is comprised of a series of motorized dampers that are installed into the supply ducts of your ductwork, and the dampers are connected to a main control panel. The thermostats for each zone are also connected to the main control panel, which allows the dampers to open and close as needed to maintain the temperatures that are set in the different zones.
What Kinds of Properties Benefit from a Zone Control System?
Just about any type of home can benefit from a zone control system, but certain types of homes may find them particularly beneficial:
- Homes with specialized architecture like floor-to-ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings or loft space
- Multi-story homes
- Homes with finished basements
- Homes with multiple wings
What Are the Benefits of a Zone Control System?
- Customized comfort – with a zone control system, you won’t have to worry about complaints regarding individual comfort or uneven heating.
- Better energy efficiency – with a zone control system, you use only the heating you need. This can reduce your overall energy usage and save you money on monthly energy bills.
- Less stress on your heating system – zone control can reduce your overall system usage, so there can be less stress put on your system when you install a zone control system.
A zone control system can give a level of control over your heating that you won’t be able to achieve with a single thermostat. Call Atlantic Refrigeration today.
Some Reasons to Schedule Duct Sealing Today
Monday, October 13th, 2014One of the best ways to prepare for winter is to get your heating system ready to work – this also includes your ductwork. Ductwork has a long lifespan, typically 30 years or more, but that doesn’t mean it won’t need repair at some point. Faulty ductwork can cause several problems, and one of the best ways to reduce or eliminate these problems is to schedule duct sealing in Rehoboth Beach. With professional duct sealing, you can repair the holes and cracks in your system, bringing your ductwork back to optimal functioning. Call Atlantic Refrigeration today and schedule an appointment with one of our NATE-certified technicians.
What Is Duct Sealing?
When a technician seals your ducts, he/she uses a few tools to ensure that the seal lasts. Typical materials are mastic adhesive, professional-grade foil or fiberglass tape and metal bindings. When repairing holes and cracks, the technician will first cover the damaged area with mastic, which is a fibrous adhesive that hardens into a seal. Next, the technician will place a piece of professional-grade tape over the mastic to reinforce the seal. The mastic is allowed time to cure so that it can harden.
If a section of your ductwork has become disconnected from another, the technician will apply mastic to both ends, then join them and wrap them in a metal binding. The binding will be secured with sheet metal nails and the mastic will be allowed to cure.
Benefits of Duct Sealing
- Improved indoor air quality – when you have cracks and holes in your ductwork, particles and contaminants can get into your air flow and are delivered directly into your living spaces. This can compromise the quality of your indoor air.
- Improved energy efficiency – many homes with ducted heating and cooling systems experience a level of air loss, but faulty ductwork can account for up to 30% of the total air loss. Your HVAC system will compensate for any amount of air loss, so the higher the air loss, the more energy your system will need to compensate for the loss. By repairing these issues, you can restore your energy efficiency levels.
- Less stress on your system – not only does your system use more energy when there is significant air loss, it also runs harder. This puts stress on your system that can cause premature aging and wear and tear.
Professional duct sealing in Rehoboth Beach can help improve your indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Get ahead of winter energy costs this year and schedule an appointment with an Atlantic Refrigeration certified specialist today.
Why Homeowners Choose Radiant Systems
Monday, September 29th, 2014Radiant heating systems are comprised of cables or pipes situated between the subfloor and the floor surface. A central heating unit pumps hot water through the system, causing heat to radiate upwards through the floor and into the room. Panels can also be installed in the walls for the same purpose. Radiant heating systems have been around for a while, and are installed in homes all across the country. Why should you consider installing such a system, though? Read on to discover the benefits of radiant heating over traditional forced air.
Air Quality
A forced air system works by taking air from inside your home, heating it, and then circulating it. Unfortunately, this means that the system is easily affected by the air quality around your home. If you have allergies, they can be exacerbated by allergens that have been trapped in your forced air system. Radiant heating completely avoids this by relying on water or electricity to transport heat.
Even Heating
When a forced air system blows hot air into a room, the air rises to the top of the room and lowers as it cools down. This creates an unevenly heated environment, where the upper part of the room may be warm but the lower part is still quite cold. This can be very uncomfortable, especially when your upper body is warm but you still have to walk across cold floors. By comparison, a radiant system transmits heat from the floor to the objects on top of it. These objects, like couches and chairs, then transmit that heat to the surrounding area. This causes the air itself to remain at a fairly constant temperature, while keeping you warm as you move around and sit on furniture.
Efficiency
As much as 30% of the energy devoted to heating is lost in forced air heating systems. This is often due to leaks in the ducts. Radiant systems, on the other hand, deliver almost all of their heating energy to the rooms in the house. This makes it far more efficient than forced air systems, saving you money on your utility bill.
If you are thinking about installing a radiant system in your home, call Atlantic Refrigeration today. No matter where you are in Georgetown, our experts can help you!