Here in this blog, we often talk about efficiency: ways to improve it in your heating and air conditioning system, and features to look for that indicate a more efficient system. You may be surprised, however, if you buy an efficient device, only to find that your bills remain the same or even go up a little more. It’s quite common and with winter still raging here in Dover, DE, it can catch people by surprise. We’ve found that understanding the difference between efficiency and saving money can be very useful, not only in helping with your heating and air conditioning purchases but with your habits once a new system is installed.
Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category
The Difference Between Efficiency and Saving Money
Monday, February 15th, 2016How to Detect a Leaky Boiler
Monday, February 8th, 2016Many homes in the Dover, DE area rely on boilers to keep themselves warm in the throes of winter. A boiler is an eminently reliable system and its use of steam to provide heat is both simple and economical. One of the biggest problems we encounter with boilers is a leak, which can wreak havoc with the process and diminish the system’s heating capacity. Even worse, because the system uses steam, it’s very hard for you to detect some leaks, since the water evaporates as it leaves the system, with no puddles or drips. The good news is that you can still detect a leaky boiler with some careful observation and diligence. When you do, you should shut it down and call in a repair technician immediately.
Beware of Problems with Your Heat Exchanger
Monday, February 1st, 2016Furnaces will run into problems from time to time, as all appliances do, and while maintenance services here in Dover, DE can reduce the incidents of repair, sooner or later, most systems end up experiencing problems. There are, of course, gradient of problem, and while some issues can be left for a day or so while you schedule a service call, one thing that can’t is a cracked heat exchanger. Why? It’s dangerous for starters, as well as seriously interfering with your heater as a whole.
3 Alternative Forms of Heating
Monday, January 25th, 2016Here in Dover, DE, most homes rely on traditional heating models to stay warm and cozy during the cold winter months. This usually means either a boiler (which uses pressurized steam to warm your home) or a furnace (which pushes heated air through the same series of ducts used by your air conditioner). Both are extremely effective means of warming your home and can serve you well. But they’re not the only kinds of heating system. If your home is the right fit, you might consider one of these 3 alternative forms of heating when the time comes to install a new system.
What is Boiler Kettling?
Monday, January 18th, 2016Your boiler is a vital part of your household, and as heating systems go, you could do a lot worse. Boilers used steam and water pressure to heat your home, the concepts of which go back to the Roman days and which remain an efficient way of handling the heating in your Dover, DE home. Boilers benefit from their simplicity and ease of use, but like any system in your home, they suffer problems from time to time, and require a trained professional to correct. Among the most common is boiler kettling, which is created by hard water deposits in your system. It sounds like a dangerous issue, and while it isn’t, it’s still something that merits swift correction. What is boiler kettling and how does it affect your system? Read on for the answers.
3 Upgrades to Your Heating System
Monday, January 4th, 2016Winter in Dover, DE is never easy, even when it gives us a break like it did around Christmastime. The better your heater is prepared for the slings and arrows Mother Nature can throw at it, the more easily you can keep your home and family safe and warm. Replacing your heater may not be in the cards this winter, especially if your existing heater is firing on all cylinders. That doesn’t mean you can’t give it a boost however. Upgrades to your heating system cost less to install and can be completed quickly by a trained professional, but can also do wonders for your monthly costs and for reducing strain on your system overall. Here are 3 potential upgrades you should consider if you want to give your furnace a boost this winter.
Don’t Call Heating Repair Until You Check First!
Monday, December 28th, 2015With winter officially here, residents of Dover, DE have been firing up their heater in anticipation of some cold days and colder nights ahead. The last thing you need is trouble with your heating systems, and when malfunctions occur, you want a reliable service to make it right as quickly as possible. But make sure that you really need repairs before you do. It can be embarrassing – not to mention expensive – calling in a service professional, only to find that the issue could be resolved with the simple flip of a switch. Here’s a few things to check with your heating system before you call in a repair service.
3 Advantages to Zone Control Systems
Monday, December 21st, 2015One of the big benefits to ductless mini split systems is their ability to divide your home into sections, each of which can have their temperature adjusted individually. Normally, this can’t happen if you have a centralized HVAC system, generating conditioned air from a single heater or air conditioner and distributing it through a system of ducts. However, a zone control system – a series of valves and shutters installed in your ductwork, each controlled with its own thermostat and activation panel – can achieve much the same thing without forcing you to get rid of your existing ducts. It can be a huge boon here in Dover, DE, especially for homes with a lot of square footage. Here are 3 specific advantages to zone control systems that you should consider.
Avoid High Heating Bills This Christmas
Monday, November 30th, 2015Dover, DE gets its share of snow and ice every Christmas, and with relatives coming over for the holiday season, your heater is apt to see a lot more use than it might otherwise. You never want to deal with faulty heating systems when you’re preparing a Christmas dinner or welcoming friends and family into your home, which is why now is the perfect time to cut down on those high heating bills. The steps you take today could make a big difference tomorrow, and ensure that high bills won’t put a pinch on your holiday cheer. Here’s a few tips on how to avoid high heating bills this Christmas.
3 Advantages of Heating Maintenance
Monday, November 9th, 2015Fall has arrived in Dover, DE and that means winter will be on its way soon. Your heating system will be called upon to perform at its peak each and every day, and even if there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with it, now is the time to schedule a service session from a trained technician. The benefits to a heating maintenance session performed now, before the snows begin falling in earnest. Some homeowners may question the benefits of paying for heating maintenance if there’s nothing wrong with the heater, but in fact, it can provide a number of tangible benefits. Here are 3 of them listed below.