Forced-air furnaces are a common type of heating system in Delaware and Maryland: generating heated air either through gas-fed burners or electrically powered coils, then blowing the heated air through the same ducts used by the air conditioning system. It’s simple, effective and inexpensive, which is why such heating systems remain so popular. But it can also give you a quick and easy way to spot one of the most common signs of trouble in your heater: low air flow.
Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’
What Causes Low Air Flow in Your Heating System?
Monday, December 11th, 2017What to Look for in an HVAC Contractor
Monday, October 30th, 2017
A good HVAC system starts with a good contracting service: a team that knows how to work with your group to install the best heating and air conditioning system that the property deserves. That means a team that knows what it’s doing and has the skills you need to provide an outstanding HVAC installation. Naturally, every project is different, and you likely have a very specific set of criteria you need in an HVAC contractor. But there are still a few general guidelines you should look for with any contracting project. We’ve spelled out a few of them below:
Preparing for Hurricanes and Storms
Monday, September 18th, 2017
We’re in the midst of hurricane season here on the East Coast, and in the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, homeowners are reminded of the devastation that inclement weather can bring. Even when the rainfall is less devastating than a full-bore hurricane, it can still affect your home’s system in ways you could never have anticipated. Proper preparation is key to handling heavy rains and flooding, particularly when it comes to key components in your home such as the heating and air conditioning system. Your HVAC system is vital to keeping your home safe and comfortable, and the more you can do to protect it from the weather, the better off you’ll be.
HVAC Systems Come in Many Forms
Monday, September 4th, 2017
Most of us are used to centralized air conditioners and forced-air furnaces in our home. They generate cool air or hot air in a single locale and then blow it through your home via a system of ducts. They’re efficient and inexpensive, but they’re not the only type of HVAC system out there, and depending on your home, an alternative model might be a batter fit for you. The autumn makes an excellent time to assess the state of your HVAC system. If it’s older and you don’t think it will last another year, now might be an excellent time to consider an alternative form of heating and/or cooling. We’ve provided a short list of alternative options below for you to peruse.
Leaky Ducts Can Cost You a Great Deal
Monday, February 6th, 2017
If you have a forced-air furnace in your home, you’re probably aware of the ducts used to transport the heated air from the furnace itself into the various rooms in your home. (The same ducts are used to convey cool air from your air conditioner in the summer.) They’re usually kept safe behind your walls, in your attic, or tucked away in similar spots. But problems can develop sometimes: leaks can spring up when bolts and seals break down, and in the worst cases, and actual breach can develop. That can be devastating during our cold winters here in Dover, DE, and leaky ducts need to be dealt with as quickly as possible when you spot them.
Gas vs. Electric: What’s the Best Furnace for You?
Monday, January 16th, 2017Winters are cold in Lewes, DE, and a forced-air furnace is a popular option for many homes trying to keep warm. They’re economical and easy to use, which makes them the go-to choice when installing a new system. But furnaces are further subdivided between gas-fed units and those that use electricity to run. If you’re preparing to buy a new furnace, it behooves you to understand the benefits and drawbacks that each one offers. Every home is different and the type that works best for you depends on your particular circumstances. It pays to consult with a trained expert when making your decision.
Is the Air Not Flowing in Your Furnace?
Monday, November 14th, 2016Here in Seaford, DE, most homes use forced-air furnaces to stay warm in the winter. Furnaces don’t use heated water or other alternate forms of heating. Rather, burners pass warm temperatures through a heat exchanger to warm the air. The heated air is then blown through your ducts with a fan. But what happens when the air doesn’t flow as swiftly as you’re used to? Now is a good time to check for low air flow in your furnace, because if it crops up, you have time to address it before falling temperatures get too cold. Only a trained technician can identify the problem, but you can do yourself a favor by shutting the system down and calling for repairs the minute you spot the signs of low air flow. Why? Here’s a quick breakdown.
What Causes Low Heat Levels in a Furnace?
Monday, October 31st, 2016Many homes in the Dover, DE area depend on forced-air furnaces to keep warm in the winter. They’re inexpensive and easy to operate, which makes them a safe, effective means of heating. Like any other system, however, they run into trouble from time to time, and while only a qualified service technician can correct those problems, you can still spot the signs that something is wrong. Now is a good time to do so: when you’re running your heater but still don’t have as dire a need for it as you will in a few months when the temperatures really drop. You don’t need to be an expert to spot when heating levels drop, and when the air emerging from you heater is cooler than you expect it to be. The causes for cooling air are numerous, and can include the following:
Now it the Time to Install a New Heater
Monday, September 12th, 2016Summer still has a few weeks left to go, but with Labor Day done, we’re going to start seeing cooler and cooler days going forward. If your heater is showing signs of fatigue and barely limped through the last cooling season, now is the time to consider a replacement. Even if it still seems to be running, an older heater could be on its way to a major breakdown sometime this winter. A new one can benefit your home in more ways than one.
Fall is Coming: Time to Check Your Heater
Monday, September 5th, 2016Labor Day marks the de facto end of summer, and while Dover, DE has a few more hot days ahead, fall will be here before you know it. Labor Day also makes a great marker on the calendar to take a look at your heating system and start to get it ready for the cooler months. Why? If you notice any problems, you still have time to take care of them before you need your heating system, and by making preparations now, you can ensure that your system is ready to go the moment you need it. Here’s a quick list of steps you can take!