Some Winter Maintenance Tips for Your Oil Furnace

As winter approaches, it'll be once again time to gear up your heating equipment for months of keeping your home warm and toasty. Among such equipment is your trusty oil furnace. Here are a few cleaning and maintenance tips that you can follow to keep your furnace in good condition throughout the season.

Many oil furnace designs tend to develop soot quickly, and a buildup will eventually impact their effectiveness. Make sure that you clean them regularly and check on the blower's condition before the winter, and once again in the middle of the heating season.

As with the blower, you also need to check on the air filters at about the same frequency and replace them as necessary. Read the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and replacing these, since most furnace designs have filter systems that vary in appearance and operation.

Check your oil furnace for a strainer; make sure that it is cleaned out when you're planning on replacing your filter. Then check for leaks in the furnaces' supply lines, since they are very damaging to your home's heating system when left unremedied. You will need the services of a professional heating repairman in this case.

You should make sure to check your oil furnace for any repair needs well before the winter temperatures begin to subside significantly. By doing so, you will be assured that your heating won't run out just when you need it the most.

What to Do Whenever Your Furnace Acts Up

Winter is coming, and homeowners in Salt Lake City certainly can’t afford to be caught unprepared. While the cold months may be brimming with festivities, temperatures can drop to uncomfortable levels, especially when your furnace is dysfunctional. Before you get all snowed out, here are some basic furnace repair tips you might want to follow.

First, keep in mind that most heating systems are equipped with thermostats. If you have a conventional non-programmable one at home, consider replacing it with a digital programmable version that can be set to shut down at your preferred time. Such a feature allows you to save energy yet keep your home sufficiently warm.

Next, replace your furnace filter with a new one as necessary to improve heat flow efficiency. Experts in home heating recommend that this be done monthly. During winter, it's best to have several replacement filters at hand so you’ll have spare supplies should the old one require emergency replacement in the midst of a raging blizzard.

For best results, it's always ideal to call in a professional technician to fix your malfunctioning furnace before it’s too late. You might do more harm than good if you attempt to fix it yourself. An expert can take care of all the complex tasks and ensure that your furnace is up and running in no time.

A Look at Some of the Best Salt Lake City AC Units

Even though Utah’s Great Salt Lake minimizes the effects of high temperatures, summer in Salt Lake City can still be very hot due to the absence of cold fronts. As such, most residents resort to keeping their air conditioning (AC) units turned on for much of the day to stave off the heat, with varying degrees of success. Interestingly, AC units in the city are just as diverse as the people who live in it.

The most common type of AC is the window air conditioner, a self-contained unit that is affordable, simple to use, and easy to install. Despite its name, this type of AC can be installed by drilling a large enough hole in the wall, although experts largely discourage this method due to the possibility of air leaks. Meanwhile, a heat pump works by pumping indoor heat outward, or vice-versa, depending on current climate conditions.

Other households utilize central air conditioning systems, which are considered some of the most expensive and complex AC units out there. The system itself requires a lot of planning because a central AC that is too large for the house can short cycle (i.e. the cycling compressor turns on and off rather quickly) within a short period. However, such a system is considered very efficient at cooling down indoor temperatures and doesn’t emit loud mechanical noises to boot.

Maintain, Retain: HVAC Maintenance and Performance

While cars have relatively long service life spans, they nonetheless require regular maintenance in order to keep working properly. The same thing could be said of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which similarly run on motors with delicate parts. Something as simple as dirt can severely affect HVAC performance, especially if the grime manages to build up considerably over time.

Skimping on maintenance can have disastrous effects on an HVAC system. The system could suffer from poor energy efficiency simply due to clogged air flow and compromised components. Worn parts could also lower HVAC performance, and could potentially cause even more damage to the entire assembly. There's also the risk of health hazards due to gas leaks, which no homeowner can afford to disregard.

All things considered, it becomes imperative to be consistent with the upkeep of your HVAC system to keep it in good condition. Regular cleaning and replacement of filters can help prevent problems arising from dust buildup, and likewise maintain HVAC efficiency. For more serious performance issues, don’t hesitate to call on an HVAC repair professional for thorough inspection and repair services. This way, your home can stay comfortably cool or warm depending throughout the year.

Things You Should Know About Hiring a Heating Contractor

The heating system is an important part of your home. If it breaks down or needs to be replaced, it is just as important to hire a reliable heating contractor to work on it. If you want to get an experienced and trusted heating specialist, you first have to know the model of your current heating system and its maintenance history. This will help your future contractor understand your heating needs.

Next, ask for referrals. Talk to friends, neighbors or co-workers and ask for a list of trusted heating contractors. You may also get member names from the local trade organization. Once you have a list of potential contractors, you should contact them and ask for customer references. Get in touch with the past clients to find out if the contractor did a good job and if they were able to finish a project on time.

If you've already settled for a contractor, make sure that your home and system will be assessed properly. The contractor should also inspect all areas of the system to make sure that they're functioning well or if they meet the manufacturer's needs.

Lastly, get a written estimate. You have to consider cost and warranties, among many things. Don't forget to ask for a written proposal or a contract as well to know the project cost, schedule and warranty information.

The Importance of Furnace Repair

It is highly recommended to have furnaces checked yearly. Though it can be expensive, having furnaces serviced or repaired can make the system work safely and efficiently. Best of all, early damage detection can help extend the system's life and avoid more costly damages in the future.

Safety being the primary reason to have your furnace serviced or repaired is not something new. Remember, oil and gas furnaces produce deadly carbon monoxide (CO) as they burn fossil fuel. CO is also flammable so there is a risk for fire damage. If your furnace is maintained or checked for faults, however, CO can be detected and remedied to avoid poisoning and other damaging effects.

Furnaces also trigger high fuel bills. But when they're professionally serviced, they can work efficiently using less fuel. This means that the cost for running the system will not be too overwhelming. Moreover, if a furnace is properly tuned, repair bills can be reduced. Repairing it on time can also help in preventing worse damage that can be very expensive.

Having furnaces serviced or repaired is important for you and your household. Not only will it prolong the system's life, it will also reduce the chances of a breakdown especially during the winter season. Best of all, a well-maintained furnace will help you save money on fuel bills and ensure heating system safety in your home.

Things You Need to Remember About Choosing an Air Conditioner

Houses that feel a little bit too sticky hot in warm climates can be remedied with just one solution: a good air-conditioning unit. You can shell out at least $3,000– quite costly– on a central air-conditioning system for the entire house, but if money is tight, you can instead get a durable A/C unit for a much lower cost to cool one area or room of your home.

If you're thinking of getting an air-conditioner at home, here are a few things you need to remember before buying:

Consider the size of the room and the A/C. An A/C unit's cooling capacity, measured in Btu per hour, depends on the size of a room. Check what cooling capacity will be adequate for your desired space; most units come with information regarding its Btu capacity with a room's square footage, and you can use an air-conditioning calculator online to compute how much you need.

Opt for an energy-efficient unit. A/C units come with an EER or Energy Efficiency Ratio that shows the electrical energy needed to run its cooling capacity; the higher the EER, the more energy-efficient it is. It also means a higher upfront cost, but you can save more on energy costs in the long run.

Choose units with control features. Most A/C units allows you to control and adjust the thermostat and temperature, and even set a time for the unit to turn off automatically; some digital models also come with remote controls for easier use.

Bundle Up! Tips to Stay Warm During the Winter Season

Winter is coming. It's now that time of year to don comfy sweaters and thick socks, and warm up your homes to shelter you from the cold. Here are a few tips on bundling up for warmth during the cold months:

1.     Keep your home warm. Having a good HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) system that is durable and energy-saving allows you to easily adjust and regulate room temperatures inside your home to your liking.

2.      Layers, layers, layers. Big, thick sweaters are nice, but you can also warm up better by wearing thin items of clothing in multiple layers to trap body heat. The more your skin is exposed, the colder you'll feel, so wearing a scarf and earmuffs can also add to the warmth.

3.    Grab a hot drink, like coffee or tea. Decaffeinated drinks are better at keeping you warm, however, because caffeine makes the body lose heat despite the fact that the skin feels warmer. A nice, full meal, preferably with a bowl of soup, can also warm you right up.

4.      Exercise. Exercising can get the blood flowing, which then leads to the warming up of the skin. Even just simple physical activities like jogging in place can do wonders in keeping the cold away.

5.   Snuggle up. Seal and insulate doors and windows to keep drafts from entering the house, then snuggle up in bed underneath a pile of warm blankets and share body heat with family members and loved ones.

Autumn Checklist: Should You Have Your Salt Lake City Heating Equipment Replaced?

"The weather is beginning to change in Utah's capital city; as the blazing heat of the summer sun fades, the cool winds of autumn are finally taking over. For the wary homeowner, this means that at least one major project is looming in the horizon, i.e., winterizing the house and yard. One of the things you should consider when preparing for the cold seasons is to get your heating equipment in check. You need to inspect your furnace and have the necessary repairs done lest you find your Salt Lake City heating equipment barely able to function just as snow begins to fall. In the process, look around for signs that your gas or electric furnace might be more in need of a replacement than just some repair job. Below are some of the common furnace problems that you should look out for."

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/autumn-checklist-should-you-have-your-salt-lake-city-heating-equipment-replaced/

How Furnace Repair in Salt Lake City Can Save You Money

"In her article on the CBS Local website, Dee Lee discussed how homeowners can save on their energy bills through energy usage discipline. The following are some of the tips she suggested: Have your furnace serviced before you need to turn it on. Include on that list your chimney flue, space heaters and the fireplace. Use a programmable thermostat and set it lower when you are asleep or not at home. Weather strip around doors and windows. It comes with a self-adhesive backing. Caulk around windows and sills. Easy to do with the new caulking guns. Insulate, insulate, insulate. Be sure your attic is insulated. Here again, this is not a hard job…just avoid falling through the ceiling when you are laying down the bats of insulation. Clear space around heat registers, appliance vents and return ducts. Remove window air conditioners or cover the unit to prevent drafts. Consider a new furnace or water heater if yours is over 15 years old. Insulate your water heater, especia

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/how-furnace-repair-in-salt-lake-city-can-save-you-money/

Functional Air Conditioning in Salt Lake City Schools: Enhancing the Learning Environment

"For some, air conditioning units are a simple means of escaping the heat indoors during the warmest of days. However, a recent study conducted by University of California-Los Angeles researchers suggests there's more to air conditioning in Salt Lake City than just maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. Maintaining properly ventilated and air conditioned classrooms can help students learn more effectively, as the physical environment plays a key role in the learning process. The study, which states that the learning environment is just as vital as educational materials, was initiated after issues concerning classroom environmental inequality were left unresolved. Environmental inequality is part of a larger debate that focuses on the unequal quality of education across American schools. In many cases, students in less affluent neighborhoods were forced to study in classrooms that were being ravaged by intense heatwaves. "

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/functional-air-conditioning-in-salt-lake-city-schools-enhancing-the-learning-environment/

HVAC in Salt Lake City: Surviving Record-Breaking Summers

"The National Weather Service pronounced the summer of 2013 in Salt Lake City to be the hottest on record. With average temperatures hitting just below 81 degrees, the residents of Salt Lake City were at the mercy of scorching summer days that saw temperatures rise above 95 degrees. For a total of 16 days, temperatures soared to 100 degrees, which is more than the usual five 100-degree days Northern Utah experiences annually. While the report, which appeared on CacheValleyDaily.com, may provide amusement to some folks, those who actually felt the intense summer heat in Salt Lake City may find it hard to grin. For meteorologist Eric Schoening of The National Weather Service, the high pressure over the western portion of the United States is to blame for the phenomenon. If conditions persist, functional HVAC in Salt Lake City homes and commercial buildings will become a necessity. "

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/hvac-in-salt-lake-city-surviving-record-breaking-summers/

The Blistering Heat can be Avoided by Employing Salt Lake City Air Conditioning Professionals

Being no stranger to heat waves, Utah has set the all-time high record for the hottest day on June at 105 degrees. As reported Brady McCombs from the Associated Press, the scorching heat has left locals to turn up their AC's all at the same time. With that being said, locals should seek the services of reputable Salt Lake City air conditioning companies such as Harris Aire Serv. Doing this will keep their AC units well-maintained and prevent them from acting up during the last hottest days of the American summer. Enduring the scorching heat isn't advisable since it is dangerous to one's health. Cases leading to heat stroke from the blistering heat wave are well-documented. Viewing one's AC as saving grace to combat the heat, one must take all the necessary procedures to keep it from incurring irreversible damage due to continuous usage. Always remember that Summer happens every year and you don't want to experience it without the aid of your AC.

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/heat-waves-driving-demand-for-efficient-air-conditioning-in-salt-lake-city/

Winterize Your Home With the Aid of Salt Lake City HVAC Professionals

It is undoubtedly been hot in the past few months in Utah thanks to heat waves. It will be over sooner or later, and without noticing, its winter again. Preparing your house during the snow season is called winterization, wherein you check every part of your house and lessen the potential damage it might incur during winter. You can have your houses checked by Salt Lake City HVAC professionals from reputable companies such as Harris Aire Serv. They will check your furnace for maintenance issues that will help you conserve energy and lower your bills when the snow comes. Preparations such as clearing gutters, adding insulation and plugging air leaks will be heaps of help during those unbearable cold days. Prevention is always better than cure, and being prepared before something uneventful happens is the key to enduring winter. Always have the prerogative to maintain your house and be confident that nothing will act up.

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/salt-lake-city-hvac-considerations-five-easy-winterization-tips/

Air Conditioning in Salt Lake City Will Help Combat the Unbearable Heat!

An article on the Salt Lake Tribune on July 27, 2013 by Judy Fahys stated that the 2013 Summer might be Utah's hottest to date. An interview with Jim Steenburgh, a professor in the University of Utah, revealed that the escalation of heat from the past decade are indeed higher than those recorded the last 65 years. Statistics show that the average daily temperature from the last ten years are 5°F higher that in the 1940's to 50's at 63°F. This brings up the possibility of an even hotter summer next year and so on. Having an air conditioning in Salt Lake City houses is a viable option to combat the unbearable heat. Even power companies felt the effects when the demand for power consumption surged. Spending a lot of time indoors using your air conditioning System will be your best bet when the heat turns up. Having your units checked by companies such as Harris Aire Serv will assure you that your AC unit is well-maintained and won't act up during the hottest days.

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/cooling-down-with-air-conditioning-in-salt-lake-city/

A Well-Maintained HVAC in Salt Lake City Aids in Protecting Locals From Pollution

An article written at the Huffington Post last June 23, 2013 that stated the different dangers of poor air quality and air pollution that looms over Salt Lake City. Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment, a group of doctors, made an effort to send a petition to the local government to reduce the city's pollution. The group of doctors have already identified the causes of the hazardous smog that engulfs the city and hopes to convince the officials to aid them. Prolonged exposure to polluted air is proven to cause health risks such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The toxic smog can even cause cancer or have fatal consequences for anyone who has inhaled too much of it. Staying indoors are very much advised for residents. Equipping their homes with a well-maintained HVAC in Salt Lake City is encouraged as well. Locals can contact Harris Aire Serv to repair or maintain their AC units and ensure fresh air is circulating in their house.

http://www.harrisaireserv.com/2013/09/preserving-health-by-operating-effective-hvac-in-salt-lake-city-homes/

Keep Your Home Cozy with High-Quality Heating

The Rocky Mountains provide Salt Lake City with a decent barrier against cold weather, although it is possible for the city to experience temperatures below 0 °C. As such, home heating devices will always be relevant to local residents, so much so that the only question left is what kind of device fits your preferences. Heating systems can come in a variety of forms and provide varying degrees of warmth.

One of the most popular heating devices would have to be the furnace, since it is pretty simple to install and to use. A furnace can be powered by oil, wood, or electricity although those that run on electric power tend to be more efficient because they also have thermostats (similar to air-conditioning units). Meanwhile, heat pumps are a special kind of electric heater that transfers heat from one area to another (similar to a water pump).

Ventilators work on a similar principle, although they are designed to bring in fresh, filtered air instead. These devices can complement an existing heating device not only by providing more warmth, but also by reducing the amount of particulates found indoors, thus making your home much cleaner. Humidifiers, which regulate indoor moisture, can take this even further and are particularly helpful for those with respiratory ailments like asthma.

Service the Furnace: On Proper Furnace Maintenance

The climate is largely out of human control, thus forcing people everywhere to adapt to seasonal changes at a much faster rate. Thanks to technology, however, people can still find comfort inside their homes regardless of the conditions outdoors. One such innovation in indoor climate control is the furnace, a device that generates heat to warm a building up during frigid weather.

While furnaces have a single, specific purpose—i.e. to pump heated air throughout a building—they're decidedly complex machines. Whether they run by burning fuel or are powered by electricity, the machinery of a furnace can and will fall into disrepair over time and through regular use. It's up to their owners to make sure that they run properly as needed.

Good furnace maintenance begins with cleaning the entire system, as keeping it tidy prevents the dirt from clogging or messing with the mechanics. Regular cleaning also prevents dust and other harmful particulates from being circulated by the furnace system. Should any furnace component break down, homeowners should not hesitate to call upon qualified contractors who can repair or replace the damaged parts. Note that keeping the furnace clean reduces its chances of suddenly conking out, so it is advisable to keep a close eye on your furnace.

How to Pick an Air Conditioner Installer in Utah

According to the official website of The Weather Channel, the average warmest month in Salt Lake City, Utah is July. If you are thinking about finally getting an air conditioner for your home, you better do it before summer starts. Choosing an AC vendor can be bit challenging, though, if you do not have the right information. For instance, did you know that you need to make an energy load calculation to determine which unit best suits your needs?

If you're uncertain how to proceed, you may want to pick a trusted HVAC company that will conduct the necessary measurements to determine which air conditioner unit is appropriate for your home. Aside from the size of your home, these technicians might also check which areas tend to get the warmest and thus require cooling the most. By choosing the right AC unit size, you don't need to spend more money than you have to.

Experience and reputation also matter when selecting an AC installer, so choose someone who's been in the business. After all, longevity is usually a sign of good service. However, always ask for references and always verify if the contractor is licensed to perform installation. Once you've picked the right company to install an AC unit for your home, you can look forward to a cooler summer season next year.

Choosing an HVAC Contractor in Salt Lake City

In places like Salt Lake City, Utah, where winter can get freezing cold and summers sweltering hot, a well-maintained HVAC system is no doubt an important fixture in every home. Access to the services of a reliable HVAC contractor is thus essential to ensure the right system is installed in your home, and that proper maintenance is conducted.

To find the right HVAC contractor, it is advisable to consider several options in your area. You then need to screen out those without the proper licenses, insurance, and workers' compensation. Fly-by-night or scam operators can rip you off and take away your money for nothing, so it is important to check whether a potential contractor has an office and has legitimate contact information other than a cell phone number.

The length of time a contractor has been in service can also be a good gauge of its reliability. If you can get references from past and present customers, that will help assure that a potential contractor is doing legitimate service and has been performing well. Cost is, of course, another important consideration.

However, the lowest cost does not always mean the best value. You need to check the kind and extent of service you are getting for the amount the contractor charges. Likewise, you might want to choose an HVAC contractor that offers sufficient service warranty coverage.

Types of Home Heating System

Home heating systems are used to keep a house warm and to maintain a comfortable temperature during the cold season. If you plan to install one, there are a variety of models in the market with each having different heating capacities and sources.

Electric Resistance Heating

An electric resistance heating system converts almost 100 percent of electrical energy into heat. However, only about 30 percent of coal and gas (the primary source of electrical energy) are actually transformed into electrical energy thus making it more expensive than other types of heating systems. Some types of electric resistance heaters are electric furnaces, electric radiant heaters and electric space heaters.

Active Solar Heating

This type of heating system uses solar energy that can be stored in batteries and later used to heat the house. In situations where the system isn't able to directly provide adequate energy to suit the household requirements, the energy stored in the batteries is used.

Furnaces and Boilers

The most common type of home heating systems are furnaces and boilers. Furnaces distribute heated air in the house by using ducts, while boilers heat water for the showers and sinks, and produce steam, too. Hot water is distributed by a baseboard radiator or a radiant floor system, and steam passes through pipes into steam radiators.

Calibrating Your Heating System's Thermostat

When doing some maintenance work for your home's heating system, one of the things you shouldn't forget to do is to check if your thermostat is still calibrated. Although an uncalibrated thermostat may seem like a small problem, faulty controls can affect your furnace's performance.

Uncalibrated thermostats could give you wrong temperature readings as well as incorrect temperature controls. For example, when you turn the knob to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, a faulty control could read that incorrectly as 75 degrees, which would heat up the house more than you want to.

To check its calibration, simply place a paper towel on the wall, then tape a thermometer to it. The paper towel should act as a shield to keep the thermometer from touching the wall directly. Once the mercury in the thermometer settles, compare the reading with the thermostat. If there are differences between their temperature readings, then it's time to pry open that thermostat and check inside.

Dust is the archenemy of your thermostat. Pull on the faceplate and it should snap off, or unscrew it if necessary. You can use a soft brush for cleaning the inside, as well as rubbing a new dollar bill onto the contact points. Blow off dust that the brush can't reach; also check if the thermometer inside the thermostat is in a straight position.

If problems still persist, then it could be time to repair your thermostat, or check your heating.

How to Buy an Air Conditioner

It does sound incredible for anyone to intentionally leave the refrigerator door open for a rush of cool air in the thick of a heat wave. This is just what Mookie did, the character played by Spike Lee in his 1989 film, Do the Right Thing. In reality, this action only makes the room hotter because the heating pump behind it extracts and releases more heat in the room. Here are tips to buy yourself an air conditioner:

  -- Shop for an air conditioner during winter – brands are often on sale and in stock;

  -- Choose between a window, wall, or portable air conditioning unit – wall units need a hole in the wall, while portable units need a window for the ventilation hose

  -- Measure the room to be cooled – buy an air conditioner with the appropriate cooling capacity

  -- Check the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) of air conditioners – units with higher ratings consume less energy

  -- See if the louvers are adjustable – purchase models that have rotating louvers to circulate air

  -- Reckon special features – some brands offer remote controls, timers and filters to remove odors, dust and especially allergens

  -- Compare products – search consumer sites and other reliable sources for advice and feedback

Try the air conditioning at the store – listen to the noise that a unit makes and see if it can be operated easily. Don't even think of looking to your fridge for a blast of cold.

Tips on Cleaning Your HVAC Ducts

Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC system is one of the most important equipment in your home as it keeps you warm in winter and cool during the summer. To serve its purpose when you need it most, you have to keep it clean and free of contaminants at all times. Here are some important tips on cleaning your HVAC ductwork.

Clean all your AC and heater's vents with your vacuum cleaner. Carefully remove the screws that hold the vent covers in place. All screws (two or four, depending on the make) should be visible enough for you to completely remove the cover. If you are removing a cover from the ceiling, stay out of the way of falling dust.

Dust out your vents by placing the vaccum's long, flexible hose attachment into each vent and suck out any dust and debris. Make the cleaning as efficient as you can by extending the hose's reach as far as you can. Make sure to empty your vacuum bag of dirt every time it fills up as you go through all the vents in your house.

Wash the vent cover with hot water and an efficient kitchen cleaning detergent. Use a clean rag to go over the entire surface of the cover to make sure that you clean all of its nooks and crannies. After drying, carefully set each cover back in place.