Atlantic Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Lewes’

3 Common Furnace Repairs

Monday, January 5th, 2015

Whenever 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.

Continue Reading

How Often Should I Schedule Boiler Maintenance?

Monday, October 27th, 2014

Your 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.

Continue Reading