Essential Winter Heating System Maintenance Tips from Heat & Air Controllers
As the chill of winter approaches, turning on the heating system becomes a priority for residents throughout the area. It’s a relief to feel the warm, comforting air chase away the cold, but sometimes, this comfort is accompanied by an unexpected guest: a strange odor. Understanding what this smell signifies can help you ensure your heating system operates smoothly all winter long.
Why Your Heating System Might Smell Strange
After a long period of inactivity, as the air conditioning season winds down, your HVAC system can accumulate dust and other particulates. This is particularly true in the components of your heating system, such as the furnace or heat pump. When you first activate your heating system for the season, it’s common to notice an odd smell. This odor typically arises from the dust burning off the heat strips or furnace components. While this might be disconcerting, it’s a normal occurrence and not a cause for alarm. The smell should dissipate within a few minutes as the system burns off the accumulated debris and continues to circulate air throughout your home.
The Importance of Regular Heating System Maintenance
While transient odors are normal, they serve as a reminder of the importance of regular HVAC maintenance. Heat & Air Controllers specializes in comprehensive heating system inspections and tune-ups that optimize your system’s efficiency and reliability through the colder months. Here’s why professional maintenance is critical for your heating system:
- Ensuring Efficient Operation: Regular maintenance ensures that every component of your HVAC system is functioning at peak efficiency. This not only provides more consistent and effective heating but also reduces the overall energy consumption of your system, which can significantly lower your monthly utility bills.
- Preventing Unexpected Breakdowns: By scheduling routine inspections, potential issues can be identified and rectified before they lead to major problems. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of inconvenient and often expensive repairs at the height of winter.
- Extending System Lifespan: Well-maintained heating systems not only operate more efficiently but also have a longer operational lifespan. Regular tune-ups reduce wear and tear, helping you get the most out of your heating investment.
- Improving Air Quality: Maintenance checks also include cleaning or replacing air filters and ensuring that air ducts and vents are clear of obstructions. This not only prevents strange odors but also improves the overall air quality in your home, which is essential for health during months when homes are often closed off from outside air.
Schedule Your Heating System Tune-Up with Heat & Air Controllers
With winter on the horizon, now is the perfect time to ensure your heating system is in top condition. A comprehensive inspection and tune-up from Heat & Air Controllers can provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your system is prepared to provide reliable, efficient warmth all season long.
Don’t wait until the cold weather hits to discover issues with your heating system. Contact Heat & Air Controllers today to schedule a maintenance visit and ensure your home remains cozy and warm this winter, free from the worry of heating glitches and inefficiencies.
Signs it’s time to replace your furnace in Summerfield
Depending on where you live, your furnace may be the most vital household appliance during the winter months. It provides the warmth and comfort you need to remain protected and safe throughout the season. Because it is such an important and complex tool in order to keep your home comfortable and warm, that can also mean that it is pricey to fix and more expensive to replace totally. In some cases depending on the age of the system it may even be more to run than new more efficient systems.
When is old too old?
According to Energy Star if a heat pump unit is older than 10 years then you should “Consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs.”
For other heating system’s like furnaces and boilers then that time frame is closer to 15 years.
Safety
If a professional HVAC technician has found a cracked heat exchanger in your existing equipment – take this very seriously. If this happens, the gasses in your heating system, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, could leak into your home, causing illness, or in extreme cases death. If enough combustible gas builds up in your home, it can lead to a furnace fire.
Higher AFUE (Annual Flue Utilization Efficiency)
If your current furnace is over 15 years old, it is probably not working as efficiently as it once did. If your electrical bill is higher than in previous years, it could be due to an old furnace. Installing a new furnace will help lower your home’s energy bills.
Older systems may operate around 65% AFUE, or annual fuel utilization efficiently. AFUE is a measurement of the thermal efficiency of any combustion equipment such as a furnace, boiler, or water heater.
When a heating system has a 65% AFUE rating, it produces 65 BTU’s of useful heating for every 100 BTU’s of natural gas, or heating oil output. A high-efficiency or condensing gas furnace has AFUE ratings of over 90%. The energy savings can pay for the initial investment of new equipment in only a few years.
Get a professional opinion
Your local heating professionals at Heat & Air Controllers will be able to tell you more about your specific system and if a new unit would benefit you the most. There can be many options that are best suited to your home’s heating needs.
Should I get a heating system tune-up before winter?
There are some real benefits to be gained by having your heating pump or furnace inspected and maintained every year. It is a sound investment that will help keep your system running all season long as well as extend the life of your HVAC. Scheduling furnace maintenance can feel like an inconvenience, but we believe it’s the best way to keep your system running all season long and to avoid more costly repairs.
Preventing a complete system breakdown
The best method to prevent breakdowns is to receive furnace tune-ups every year. Most of these appointments involve inspecting your system, cleaning its parts, and ensuring the connections are correct. Technicians will also look at potential issues, including damaged or cracked heat exchangers.
The natural buildup of dust, dirt, and debris in your heating unit causes the unit to work harder than it normally should in order to heat your home to the desired temperature. If you do not opt for yearly tune-ups, the strain on your furnace can decrease the longevity of your equipment. Like any technology, the harder your unit’s parts have to work, the less they’re going to last.
Keeping your system running efficiently
ENERGY STAR estimates that the average household spends over $2,200 every year on utility bills, with almost half of this total budget going to heating and cooling expenditures. Furnace tune-ups are a simple way to reduce these expenses with minimal effort.
A poorly maintained heater will have to work much harder to heat your home. Not only does this put extra stress on the unit, but it also degrades its efficiency, as well.
Having a furnace tune-up can improve your system’s energy efficiency by up to 30%. This is because a clean system makes it easier for your furnace to heat your home, because of this it will also lower your monthly bill.
Maintaining your system’s warranty
Keeping your furnace up to date with an annual furnace tune-up will keep your system protected with the terms of your warranty. Make sure to document any furnace tune-ups you make with a licensed professional like those at Heat & Air Controllers so that your warranty will remain in effect.
Contact us today to schedule your seasonal tune up and protect your system from untimely breakdowns.
SHOULD I HAVE MY HEATING SYSTEM CHECKED BEFORE I RUN IT IN SUMMERFIELD?
Even though you may be enjoying the end of summer, it is a good idea to start thinking about getting your furnace ready for winter use.
If you keep good maintenance records of your HVAC equipment and did not have any issues the previous winter, it is probably safe to turn on your furnace once or twice when a cool night comes along. However, you should get your system inspected by a professional contractor to prevent any unexpected break downs.
What does furnace maintenance cover?
A good furnace check-up has many benefits. During an inspection, your technician will check your gas ignition system, tighten all the electrical connections, and verify the gas pressure and test the ignition system. More importantly, he will inspect the heat exchanger for any damage or cracks.
In a gas furnace, the heat exchanger is an airtight vessel which transfer’s combustion gases which exit the home through the flue. A damaged or cracked heat exchanger is very dangerous. The system should be shut down immediately until it can be repaired or replaced.
Professional technicians can identify and address small problems before they progress into inconvenient, serious issues.
Summerfield, NC homeowners have trusted Heat & Air Controllers since 1983!
Maintenance is so Important for Summerfield, NC residents
We often find that no-heat calls in the winter are related to the lack of HVAC maintenance. By not scheduling your fall maintenance, it could lead to a health hazard in your home.
Your maintenance visit can reveal carbon monoxide leaks, which are difficult to detect because the gas is odorless and colorless. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea and even death.
If your furnace is found to be unsafe, your technician will shut your furnace off to ensure your family’s safety.
Summerfield Homeowners Can Help by Doing These Simple Things
There are a few things homeowners can do to get the furnace ready for winter. Look for drafty areas around your home, such as cracks in doors and windows and make necessary repairs. Replace the batteries and test your carbon monoxide detector. Make sure it is working properly and test the device. Make sure to keep the area surrounding your furnace unobstructed, especially items considered a fire danger. Replace the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow, decreases the efficiency of your system and forces components to work harder. Also, walk around your home and clean the air vents, removing any dust or pet hair.
Of course, an in-depth maintenance should be scheduled with a local HVAC contractor to ensure your heating system is operating at optimum performance for the upcoming winter season.
Contact the local professionals at Heat & Air Controllers to have your heating system checked today!
TRUSTED LOCAL SERVICE SINCE 1983!
Should I Schedule My Fall Heating Tune-Up Before It Gets Cold in Eden?
After a long Summer, it’s finally Fall. Yay!! With record-breaking temperatures in the Carolinas, it’s hard to imagine needing to turn your heat on, but you will before you know it. Winter is just a short time away and you should make sure your home is ready for the cold weather.
Here are some things to remember to prepare for winter. Make sure to check your windows and doors for cracks and potential leaks. Caulk your windows and replace the weather stripping on your doors. Don’t forget to get the winter blankets from the closets or storage bins and get them ready for use. It’s not a bad idea to do a visual inspection of your heating system if it is accessible. Take a look at the indoor furnace or air handler to see if you see any noticeable visual problems; such as water, tearing of the ductwork, or torn insulation. But most importantly, make sure you schedule your Fall Heating Tune-Up with Heat & Air Controllers before it gets too cold!
Why Schedule a Fall Tune-Up? And Why Schedule It Before Winter?
A Fall Tune-Up gets your heating system prepared for the impending cold temperatures. Your highly-trained HVAC professional from Heat & Air Controllers will ensure that your unit is clean and working properly. If your technician finds a problem, then they can fix it before it gets to be a bigger problem or before it’s cold. If a problem isn’t discovered until winter, then you may find yourself without heat while waiting on parts for a repair.
Just as summer is a busy time for HVAC technicians, so is the winter. Whenever there are extreme temperatures, heating, and air conditioning techs are busy. If you have an emergency during winter, you may experience longer wait times. A Fall Tune-Up is all about prevention: preventing problems with your heating system and preventing you from having to wait in the cold while they’re fixed.
A Fall Tune-Up is also about keeping it clean. A dirty and dusty unit causes unnecessary wear and tear on your heating unit and can potentially be unsafe.
A Fall Tune-Up is also about safety. Your certified HVAC technician will ensure that your unit is safe to use. Learn more about Heat & Air Controllers Prepaid Planned Maintenance program for your home’s heating system.
Keep to a Regular Maintenance Schedule for Your HVAC System in Eden, Reidsville, and Madison, NC
Keeping to a regular maintenance schedule is a great habit to keep for the longevity and health of your furnace. Having a trained service technician ensure your furnace is in good, working order and running effectively and efficiently is crucial to maximizing the lifecycle of your furnace. A regular maintenance schedule keeps your unit clean, cuts down on unnecessary wear and tear, and gives you peace of mind that you’ll stay warm all winter long. It also protects your manufacturer’s or extended warranties. Read more about the importance of HVAC equipment maintenance.
Heat & Air Controllers has been serving Rockingham and Northern Guilford County homeowners and businesses since 1983. We are a family-owned and family-run organization. Let us show why we are the BEST!
Should I Sign Up for a Maintenance Agreement Rockingham County?
You’ve heard the commercials and seen the advertisements. You might have even heard the spiel when you had your air conditioner repaired. Or maybe you just purchased a new air conditioner and heard it then. You know what I’m talking about…. The one where you feel the heating and air company is trying to sell you something and get you to commit to a regular maintenance schedule. The HVAC technician probably told you that regular maintenance extends the life of your air conditioning system. That it cuts down on unnecessary wear and tear and the frequency of service calls to repair your unit. Is it all a ploy to get you to spend more money or is it actually important to do regular maintenance?
Maintenance agreements are very important to the care, longevity, and efficiency of your home’s heating and air conditioning system. Consumers are constantly bombarded with offers to purchase extra services, extend contracts and warranties, and spend more money on their homes and personal property. Some of these offers are worthwhile and will ultimately save the homeowner time and money. A prepaid planned maintenance agreement with your Heat & Air Controllers is worthwhile and will benefit you and your HVAC system.
What are the Benefits to a Prepaid Planned Maintenance Agreement for Eden and Reidsville homeowners?
Your Heating and Air System
First and foremost the most important benefit to a maintenance agreement is to the HVAC system itself. A maintenance agreement includes two annual inspections: the first inspection is for your air conditioner and typically takes place in the spring. The second inspection occurs before heating season, during which your certified technician from Heat & Air Controllers makes sure your heating system in ready for winter.
During these inspections, we will ensure that your system is clean and working efficiently. It is vital that your outdoor coil on your A/C is cleaned annually to ensure its best performance. The system will operate more efficiently and reduce wear and tear on the system’s compents. Keeping your unit clean is the first step in maintaining your unit and maximizing its efficiency. If your system isn’t operating at its peak efficiency, our technician will be able to diagnose the problem and potentially prevent costly and inconvenient repairs.
Priority Service When You Need It
Summer is a busy time for HVAC companies in Rockingham County. If your HVAC unit is going to stop working, it’s probably going to quit on you at the worst time…..during the middle of summer! If you’ve ever had this happen, you’ll appreciate the added benefit of priority service. Priority service is just what the name implies. If you have a prepaid planned maintenance agreement with Heat & Air Controllers, you get to cut in line and receive service faster.
It Saves You Money
When there is a problem with your A/C system and a repair is necessary, a maintenance agreement will give you a discounted price on repairs. Not only will the service agreement decrease the frequency of repairs, but it will save you money when the time comes to make a repair.
Also, an inefficient HVAC system can increase your utility bills. so when your HVAC technician tells you that your system is running efficiently, you can rest assured that you are not spending unnecessary money on your utility bills. Here are more benefits to having an annual planned maintenance agreement with Heat & Air Controllers
Don’t Void Your Warranty
If you have a manufacturer’s warranty on your unit, keep in mind that failing to keep to a regular maintenance schedule could void your warranty. HVAC units need proper care by a licensed professional. If you don’t hold up your end of the bargain and keep to a regular maintenance schedule, you may find that the warranty is no longer valid.
For more information on our prepaid planned maintenance contact us!
What Causes a Cracked Heat Exchanger on My Furnace? Should I be Worried About my Family’s Safety?
The heat exchanger is an important and potentially dangerous component to your heating system. The heat exchanger is a set of coils or tubes inside the furnace that is responsible for heating the air in your home. These coils are contained within an airtight combustion chamber. The burner ignites the gas that enters the heat exchanger. As the heat exchanger warms, the blower or fan motor forces air across it. The warm air is then circulated throughout your home for heat. This process produces exhaust gases, which are expelled outside the home through your furnace flue.
The heat exchanger is vital to heating your home all winter. Unfortunately, heat exchangers can crack and leak, which poses a potential threat to your family’s safety. When a heat exchanger cracks it can cause carbon monoxide to enter into your home. Carbon monoxide, also known as the “silent killer”, is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that can be potentially
What can you do to keep your family safe? First, always have carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home. Make sure you have at least one on every floor of your home. Now, let’s look at understanding what causes a cracked heat exchanger and how you can prevent it.
Poor Air Flow in Eden, NC
The number one culprit for poor airflow is a clogged air filter. When filters are clogged with dust and debris, it impedes return airflow back to the furnace. If the return airflow is significantly reduced, the heat exchanger can become overheated and crack. Make sure to change your air filters regularly.
Undersized Return Air Flow in Madison, NC
When the return ductwork in your home is undersized, then your furnace does not receive the proper return airflow. Air needs to be evenly distributed throughout your home for your heating system to work efficiently. When there is too little return airflow, the heat exchanger may overheat and crack. Have your certified HVAC technician from Heat & Air Controllers check your return to ensure it is sized properly for your heating system.
Oversized Furnaces That Short Cycle in Reidsville, NC
Another reason for a cracked heat exchanger may be that your furnace is too large for your home. When you have an oversized furnace, it will frequently cycle on and off again, causing your heat exchanger to expand and contract too frequently. It is satisfying the thermostat temperature too quickly and not giving the furnace adequate run time. Eventually, this can lead to a cracked heat exchanger. The experts at Heat & Air Controllers are highly trained to determine the appropriate size furnace for your home. If we determine your home has an oversized furnace, it may be in the best interest of safety to replace the furnace.
Age of Your Rockingham County System
Normal use of your furnace causes wear and tear. The heat exchanger expands and contracts during the normal heating process. Years of expansion and contraction may lead to cracking. The trained team at Heat & Air Controllers can help you determine the best solution for your home.
No Maintenance Can Shorten its Life
While heat exchangers will crack due to old age, a properly maintained furnace should last you approximately fifteen years. Proper care and regular maintenance from the team at Heat & Air Controllers will maximize the life of your heat exchanger and furnace. If you have further questions, please contact us.
3 Common Furnace Problems and Solutions
There’s nothing worse than a heating system that just won’t act right. Here are 3 of the most common furnace problems we see at Heat & Air Controllers, as well as some helpful solutions.
Heat smells funny when I turn it on
Do you notice a strange smell when you turn your heat on for the first time? Wait and see if it goes away after an hour or so- if it does, there’s no cause for alarm. Dust builds up in the ductwork after long periods of inactivity, and it gets burned off when the heat turns on. However, if the smell persists, or if you notice any other strong odors coming from your vents, you should call Heat & Air Controllers for a furnace inspection.
Furnace blowing cold air in Eden, NC
Cold air blowing from the air registers is the last thing you want during fall and winter. Change your air filter to increase the airflow through the heating system. In addition, check to make sure the thermostat is set to AUTO instead of ON. If these steps don’t help, give us a call for a heating system tune up.
Heating system won’t turn on
This could be related to the previous problem, but it may also have something to do with your circuit breaker. Reset the furnace circuit breaker to see if it lost power. Furnace malfunctions can also be caused by gas leaks; if you smell gas in your home, leave immediately and call Heat & Air Controllers.
Common furnace problems fixed with preventative maintenance
As you can see, professional maintenance is the best way to address any major HVAC issues. Our Planned Maintenance Program is designed to give you peace of mind by preventing any major damage to your furnace during fall and winter. Sign up for our Planned Maintenance Program today to enjoy safe, reliable and affordable comfort in Eden.
Call or click today to speak with one of our team members about our Planned Maintenance Program!
(336) 627 4989
When Is the Best Time to Schedule Fall HVAC Maintenance?
Your HVAC system needs regular maintenance in order to run efficiently throughout the year. But when is the best time to schedule fall HVAC maintenance? Heat & Air Controllers has the answers.
Fall HVAC maintenance benefits in Eden, NC
Why do we make such a fuss about scheduling fall HVAC maintenance? Is it really that big of a deal? Well, if you want to avoid high energy bills, constant repairs, or even replacement costs, then heating system maintenance is absolutely crucial. Maintenance keeps your equipment running efficiently so it uses less energy, resulting in lower utility bills. This also reduces wear and tear on your equipment, preventing expensive repairs or even system failure. In addition, a well-maintained furnace or heat pump will provide consistent heat throughout the fall and winter, so you’re never left in the cold.
Schedule maintenance in early fall
Now is the best time to schedule fall HVAC maintenance in Eden. The mild weather at the start of the fall season gives your HVAC equipment a break in between the heat of summer and the cold weather to come. This is the ideal time to make sure all components are running smoothly and to eliminate any potential issues. If you haven’t scheduled your fall HVAC maintenance yet, call Heat & Air Controllers today!
Planned Maintenance Program from Heat & Air Controllers
While a fall tune-up is necessary, proper maintenance isn’t limited to one visit in the colder months. If you want reliable, efficient heating and cooling year-round, you need continuous maintenance to keep your equipment in great shape. Heat & Air Controllers’ Prepaid Planned Maintenance Program is designed to make your HVAC system last for years to come. You’ll enjoy a 10% discount on any repairs, as well as priority service when you have a heating or cooling emergency. Get peace of mind with our Planned Maintenance Program!
Call Heat & Air Controllers today, or click here to learn more about our Planned Maintenance Program!
(336) 627 4989
Winter Heating System Maintenance in Eden, NC
As colder weather moves into the area, local residents start to turn on their heating systems. When you first turn on your furnace or heat pump, you expect to feel warm, comfortable air. However, you may also find this heat comes with a strange odor. So what does this strange smelling heat mean for your heating system?
Heat smells strange
Your HVAC system rests as the A/C is needed less between summer’s end and the beginning of colder weather. This period of inactivity allows for dust to settle around your home’s heating system. The accumulation of dust is typically the source of odd smells that come with the initial use of the furnace in winter. When you first turn on your furnace, or the first time your heat pump needs the electric strip heat, this heat burns off the dust and debris inside. The burning dust can smell funny, but it is totally safe and usually burned off entirely within a few minutes. This process is completely normal and is a sign that your heating system is working properly.
Heating system maintenance in Rockingham County
Strange odors from burning dust are a normal part of the routine of turning on the heat in the fall. However, HVAC systems are comprised of complex machinery, and proper maintenance is necessary to ensure that they operate properly throughout the fall and winter. Now is the perfect time for a heating system inspection and tune up from Heat & Air Controllers. Our team will perform thorough inspections to ensure that your furnace or heat pump operates efficiently, which provides multiple benefits for your home. Efficient heating equipment delivers more consistent heat, resulting in increased levels of comfort for you and your family. In addition, efficiency means less energy used, which lowers monthly utility bills while your heating system is in use.
An early season heating system inspection from Heat & Air Controllers will give you peace of mind knowing you’ll have comfortable, reliable heat all winter. Call us to schedule maintenance today!