Best Heating and Cooling

Learn Easy Fixes For Your Furnace

Any furnace can be challenging. That's particularly true when one isn't working. On the other hand, furnace repair pros have good news for you. Nearly 1 out of 4 service calls could be prevented with simple fixes that cost little to nothing. In the following paragraphs, you'll learn common furnace issues and troubleshooting techniques to use.

Solution Number 1: Check Out The Thermostat To Be Sure It's Even On

Before you make the assumption that you actually have a furnace issue going on, start with some basic troubleshooting. The thermostat is a good place to start, because you want to be sure it's actually telling your furnace that it needs to come on. Thermostats can get complicated, especially the programmable ones. When thermostats have more options, they have more that might go wrong.

Be sure the switch is set to Heat. It might accidentally or inadvertently be set on Cool.

Also, check out the specific temperature setting.

Compare your temperature setting to the actual room temperature. If you put the temperature setting to 5 degrees higher than your room temperature, your furnace should kick in.

Be sure any program running is correctly displaying the day, time, and a.m. or p.m.

Trace the wires from the thermostat back to your furnace, checking for breaks. This is especially important if you've done any recent remodeling. If you find a break in any of these thin wires, splice that line back together and then wrap it up with electrical tape.

Replace the unit's battery. If there's a dead battery and you have a power outage, you'll wind up losing your settings, meaning the thermostat reverts to its default programming.

Open up your thermostat. Use a can of compressed air to blow out debris and dust. Also be sure that it's level and attached to the wall firmly with no loose wires.

If you aren't able to make the various program settings work, you might be able to bypass them completely. Just punch in your desired temperature using the up/down control and then press on the hold button. That should switch the furnace on if the issue is thermostat programming.

Solution Number 2: Check The Shutoff Switches And Breakers

It might sound inconceivable, but a lot of furnace technicians discover that the only actual 'fix' a furnace needs is being turned on. Look around or on your furnace for a standard wall switch. Every furnace, regardless of what kind or age it is has one somewhere. Check your fuse or circuit breaker for your furnace too. Be sure that the front panel covering your blower motor is fastened securely. It has a push-in switch underneath it that has to be pushed down completely in order for the furnace to operate.

Solution Number 3: Change The Filters

The number one source of furnace issues is none other than dirty filters. Dirt and dust both restrict airflow, and when a filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger is likely to overheat and then shut off too fast, meaning your house doesn't warm up. If your blower is running but you have heat coming out of it, then you should replace the filter. A dirty filter can also cause soot buildup on your heat exchanger, which reduces the efficiency of your furnace, and that can shorten its life.

Your owner's manual should show you where your filter is as well as how you can remove it. Inexpensive flat filters should be changed monthly. Be sure that the arrows are pointing towards your furnace. Pleated filters need to be at least inspected monthly. Hold them up to a light source; replace them if you aren't able to light coming clearly through them. Most manufacturers claim that pleated filters work for three months, but if you have children, pets, or excessive dust, you should change them more frequently than that.

Solution Number 4: Be Sure That The Gas Is Actually On

Just like with switches, someone might have turned off the gas valve and then neglected to reactivate it. Trace your gas line from the furnace back to the meter, and look for a handle which is perpendicular in relation to the gas pipe; if it is, turn it until it's parallel instead. The age of your furnace might also impact the repair you need. Older boilers or furnaces might have pilot lights. Take the front panel and burner cover both off before checking to make sure the pilot light is lit.

Solution Number 5: Be Sure Your Chimney Exhaust Flue Is Clear

Birds are often drawn to the warmth available in a chimney exhaust flue and then fall into it. Turn your furnace off and then tune the thermostat all the way down before dismantling your duct at the point where it exits the furnace. Check it out for debris before you reassemble those sections in the very same order and direction in which you took them out.

Solution Number 6: Flush Out Your Drain Lines

High-efficiency furnaces might drain off multiple gallons of water in one day of heating. If your drain lines get restricted by mold growth or sediment, then the furnace can shut down completely. If your drain hose does appear dirty, then remove it. Fill with a 3:1 mixture of water to bleach, wait a few minutes, and then flush it.

Solution Number 7: Watch Out For Leaky Or Blocked Ducts That Might Restrict Airflow

If your furnace does come on, but you have a few cold rooms, be sure that all of your room registers are fully open. Look at any accessible ductwork to find gaps between branching points or sections. Seal any gaps you can with special metal duct tape. Avoid using conventional cloth duct tape. It deteriorates fast, and it might also cause leaky ducts if it was previously used to seal sections.

Also look for handles that are protruding from your ductwork. These are air conditioner bypasses or dampers, and they need to be open.

Solution Number 8: Clean Off Heat Pumps And Vents

If your furnace vents out of the side of your home, be sure that nothing is blocking either the intake or exhaust vents. If either pipe is covered with window screen or screen mesh, consider replacing that with half-inch mesh hardware cloth. If you get ice clogging any of your pipes, then you'll likely have a bigger issue elsewhere in the system. Clear that off and then call a technician to discover why this is happening.

If a heat pump is what you have, make sure that you clear away leaves and grass from the outdoor compressor unit fins. Before the heating season rolls up on your calendar, hose things down gently starting from the top so that you can rinse out debris and dirt out of the housing.

Other Resources:

Faulty Air Filters

Keeping HVAC Optimized for Extreme Weather

Common HVAC Problems and Solutions

10 Top Boiler Maintenance Tips

Winter is almost here and you might be preparing yourself to turn on the boiler to get some heat during the cold months. Note that, if you do some maintenance earlier in the year, you will save some money when it’s time to use the boiler. If your boiler isn’t maintained properly it will become faulty and end up causing some fatal accidents. If it is maintained properly, it will become more efficient and you can end up saving a lot of money with your fuel. Here’s what you need to know about boiler maintenance.

1. Annual Boiler Service

If you service your boiler every year, it will be in a good working condition. You can hire an expert engineer to make the required adjustments to the boiler to make sure it’s running safely and efficiently. The professional should check the main boiler components to make sure they are working properly and clean all the accessible areas. If you choose to service your boiler as early as September, it will be ready for use in the fall and winter months.

2. Bleed Radiators

Once you turn it on, allow the boiler to run for a bit. Some of the radiators might take a while before they heat up because of the air found in there. You can diagnose this problem if the radiator is hot at the bottom part while it is cold at the top. If you want to resolve this issue, you should follow the steps below.

Get an old piece of cloth and the key to the radiator. Make sure the carpet underneath is protected with plastic in case there is a leak. Put the key into the valve and turn it gently anti clockwise for a quarter turn and make sure the water is underneath the key to catch any pouring water. Some hissing noises will come out of the radiator since the air will be coming out.

The hissing will stop after a while then water will start coming out of the radiator. Use the cloth to catch any excess water so it doesn’t fall to the floor or carpet. You can now close the valve after the hissing sound stops by turning the radiator key in the clockwise position. Recheck the radiator to find out if it has turned hot.

Once you’re done bleeding the radiator, check the pressure gauge found on the boiler. If the pressure has dropped, you need to refill the boiler with the information provided below.

3. Common Issues With Your Radiator

Here are some of the common issues you’re likely going to find with your radiator.

a) Painted Over Valve – If you have freshly painted the radiator, you might have painted over the valve. It might not be easy to free but you can use some pressure and the WD40 to open it up. If nothing barges, you can call an expert to do it for you.

b) Radiator Hot At The Top But Cold At The Bottom – It’s a sign of sludge present in the radiator. If so, it needs to be power flushed. Call the professionals to get the power flushing done immediately and expertly.

c) Heating Failure For The Radiator – Start by checking the valve found on the bottom of the radiator. If it is closed, turn clockwise to open it up. If the radiator is still not heating up, the valve could have some issues. You might be forced to replace the valve in this case and you can opt for the thermostatic radiator valve with the ability to adjust the heat setting to suit your needs.

4. Balancing The Radiators

Once you are done bleeding the radiators, you might notice the difference in heat. You can adjust the radiators so the hot ones have less heat, then the cooler ones should have increased heat. If you have a big house, you should consider hiring the experts who know how to bleed and balance the radiators.

5. Checking The Boiler Pressure

Once your boiler has started working properly, take a look at the pressure gauge to make sure it’s working at the recommended levels by the manufacturer. You can top up the pressure if it low. You should do this very carefully since it’s easy to damage the pressure release valve. If it’s damaged during the process, you need to call an expert to fix it immediately.

6. Dripping From The Boiler Overflow Pipe

The overflow pipe is located outside so if you notice any dripping, there is a problem with the boiler as a whole. It might be because of a faulty pressure release valve. Also, it could be a sign of the boiler overfilling thus becoming faulty with time. It’s time to call an expert to handle the issue.

7. Check The Ventilation

For proper ventilation, boilers need to have enough space around them. There shouldn’t be any clutter near the boiler. Remove any personal items such as bags, shoes or coats from the area to make sure the boiler is properly ventilated. If you have placed your boiler in a box, there should be an access panel to access the boiler for maintenance issues. Read the instructions carefully to find out the ventilation requirements you need to follow.

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Problems With HVAC

Heat that Pump

Change in the Season

HVAC and Pests!

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) framework mainly exist to ensure excellent indoor air quality through satisfactory ventilation with proper filtration to give coolness or warmth as needed by its users. A central air framework is a big investment whether at home, businesses or in institutions. Be wary, though, that the type of HVAC framework you choose has an impact on other aspects of your home such as water utilization (water cooled aerating and cooling hardware).

Use central HVAC air managing units (AHUs) that are able to cool or warm distinctive rooms as a substitute for unit ventilators or individual warmth pumps whenever possible. The air quality should also be acceptable and not just focus on the temperature because why spend a lot of cash on a system that does not deliver its heating and/or cooling promise. However, an HVAC system is a tricky business and involves different factors that can affect its efficient operation.

We all know that heating and air conditioning systems are essential to the comfort of our homes and work spaces. Yet the “V” (for ventilation) in HVAC may be something of a mystery. What is ventilation and why do you need it?

The simple reason is, ventilation is required for both HVAC comfort and good air quality. Without enough ventilation in your space, you will eventually (and sometimes quickly) experience comfort issues and even health problems. These could range from having trouble sleeping in a stuffy bedroom to experiencing Sick Building Syndrome in a commercial space.

Fortunately there’s an alternative to relying on your building to “breathe” through every available crack and opening to get enough ventilation for HVAC comfort. It’s called mechanical ventilation, and it’s essential for modern homes and commercial buildings that are increasingly built to be air-tight for energy efficiency.

Click here to read more.

Nuisances such as pests are common problems faced by most homeowners especially if you don’t do regular cleaning. Most of the time they can still evade your traps and take refuge in dark and damp areas of your home and take you by surprise when you least expect it.

In the HVAC business, bugs, insects, and smaller rodents can mess up your home’s intricate ductwork and ruin your home HVAC system without you knowing. They can leave behind foul odors and chew up wires and cables that can prove costly when not discovered right away.

Nobody likes to think about rodents, insects, and other pests inside their homes—or in their HVAC systems. However, when homeowners neglect proper maintenance or have older systems, pests can sometimes invade parts of the HVAC network. Some cause damage (e.g., by chewing and nesting), while others die because they can’t find their way out. You’ll want to avoid both scenarios.

Cockroaches

Because of their body shapes, cockroaches can squeeze through the smallest cracks. They like cool, dark places, which is why they sometimes nest in ductwork. They don’t cause much damage, but you might hear them as they move through the ductwork. Regardless, because they can carry diseases, you don’t want them in your house at all.

Professional extermination can eliminate the problem. A pest control company will spray insecticide in the infested areas so you don’t have to deal with the roaches any longer. However, you must keep up with your HVAC system maintenance to prevent re-infestation.

Full article at Griffith Energy Services.

Some HVAC frameworks have big openings, particularly aeration and cooling systems along these lines, enabling small animals to enter. It leads to poor air quality issues among others. You should be familiar with your own HVAC framework to protect your family and your home from the dangers posed by these vermins or end up paying for a costly repair or replacement that could have been avoided in the first place.

To deter bug infestations, we must keep not only the unit but also the area around it clean and clear all the time. A clean HVAC system is not enough to keep these pests at bay. If there are grasses anywhere near the unit, keep it short as well. Some pests use tall grasses as their home and they might use it to propagate, thus creating an even bigger problem in the near future. Essentially, pests should be deterred for health and safety reasons and it should be enough for any homeowner to take preemptive actions to keep your home bug-free 24/7.

To learn how to protect your home and keep it free of insects and small animals, watch this video:

Bulldog Heating & Cooling can help you with problems regarding your HVAC system even if the problem involves the presence of small animals taking up refuge in your home. Contact us today if you are looking for affordable yet efficient HVAC services for optimal indoor comfort all year long.

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The HVAC Mid-Year Season Dilemma

HVAC – A Friendly Way of Coping

Dependence on HVAC Systems

HVAC – A Friendly Way of Coping

HVAC systems are the ones that help us in maintaining indoor comfort as the seasons and temperature change even without us doing anything at all but they can also pose a hazard to our health, property, and also to our neighbors when the unit is not in great shape but you still continue using it. If your HVAC systems are not cleaned, cleared, and kept up regularly, it can make you sick or become a safety risk like in the case of monoxide poisoning, blasts, fire, etc.

Sensitivities such as asthma and other respiratory related illnesses may worsen when contaminants are circulated by your HVAC system all over your home. Failure to maintain your system may also trigger engine breakdowns that may require a replacement if a repair can’t fix the problem anymore. These glitches may result to structural issues and circuit disasters, which is disastrous when left untended for a long time.

Air ducts shield your system against dust and debris that can affect the normal function of the system as a whole. Also, a dirty air duct won’t be able to filter all the junk in your house forcing the system to work harder just to make your home feel cooler and more comfortable. It can lead to a higher electric bill until you get the problem sorted and fixed or you choose to suffer instead by refraining from using your device to save money.

When the cool fall and winter weather arrive, hundreds of people call Portland furnace repair experts because of a problem with their heating system. Whether it’s a commercial or residential setting, the same basic problems plague furnaces. By knowing what the most common furnace problems are, you can take proactive measures to prevent them.

1. Lack of maintenance: You fail to schedule annual furnace maintenance and inspections that could prevent unexpected problems and breakdowns. These routine inspections can help the appliance run more efficiently and reliably.
2. Dirty filters: Dirty or clogged air filters reduce airflow, making a furnace work harder to circulate. In some cases, a clogged filter may damage the limit switch, which controls the fan.
3. Wear and tear: Normal wear and tear can cause airflow problems, heat control-related problems or even overheating.
   4. Electric ignition or pilot control problems: A faulty ignition or pilot could make it difficult to heat a home or commercial space. Thermocouple problems, drafts or clogs in the appliance may result in an unlit pilot light.
4. Malfunctioning thermostat: A faulty thermostat can lead to problems with the fan or comfort levels.

Read full article at AAA Heating and Cooling.

Reusable channels should likewise be cleaned every month or replaced regularly or as needed. If you haven't cleaned or replaced your filter in a while, spring and all through the pre-summer months is a nice time to get it done. It is always a great idea to prepare for the peak months because your system won’t be able to rest by then. You have to make sure everything is working as it should be before the need for it even comes because you’ll end up in a long waiting list for HVAC repairs and services during peak season.

Cooling Efficiency

1. Make sure your attic is properly ventilated.
2. Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
3. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise.
4. Use your grill and cook outside as much as possible

Heating Efficiency

1. Make sure your home is properly insulated so heat doesn’t escape.
2. Lock the windows to reduce the warm air escaping your home.
3. Make sure all heating vents are clear of obstruction.
4. Lower the thermostat when hosting a large number of guests.

Click here to read full article.

The weather is extremely unpredictable these days. One minute you are fanning yourself or drinking cool refreshments only to find yourself craving for a bowl of hot soup and sitting by the fire several hours later. Ventilating and cooling systems give us basically the comfort we require so you should not hesitate in maintaining it properly.

In rooms that are being cooled or heated, it is important to not put heat-transmitting machines or cooling structures inside to maximize the efficiency of your HVAC system. Even common sense will tell you that this is a wrong practice, so if you want your system to last for years and work efficiently all this time, keep everything in their proper places to prevent any premature breakdown. Living without a working HVAC is hard these days, so take care of yours if you can’t afford yet to buy a new one.

Watch this video to learn more about bad indoor air quality and how to improve the situation in your home. Watch it now:

Finding reliable HVAC professionals is a tedious task. We at Bulldog Heating & Cooling can help you deal with your HVAC problems for a fraction of the price. Give us a call today!

Other Resources:

Problems With HVAC
Dependence on HVAC Systems
Heat that Pump

Heat that Pump

We may not know this but heat pumps, contrary to what they are commonly known for, are more than just devices that heat the home but it can also circulate the heat within its surroundings. These heat pumps can tell if heat is present or not. Heat pumps are some of the many advances made in keeping us warm during the cold and chilly days and it also responsible for keeping the atmosphere cool and refreshing during the warm summer months.

Heat pumps move the heat around as it takes heat from its location and stores it for future use. There are several indicators that your heat pump is not working well. These signs may include blowing room-temperature air and the room temperature that never meets your needs especially when the season changes.

Whenever the weather gets too cold, we can depend on heat pumps to give us the warmth we need indoors so we stay cozy and heated. When the weather takes a turn and gets hot, the heat pump would be able to absorb the heat from the inside and give us a cooler feel. Its purpose is to regulate the room temperature to match our needs. If you feel the need to cool yourself or warm yourself, heat pumps will always do the trick.

Use Natural Heat

While outdoor air is more frigid than you’d like in your home, you can always rely on the sun. During the day, open curtains and blinds to let in the sunlight, which will naturally heat your living space. However, don’t forget to close those blinds and drapes at night to keep out the cold air.

Use Layers

You don’t need to reserve a sweater for only the outdoors. When feeling particularly chilly, throw on extra layers. Carry a blanket around the house if you need to. And rather than cranking up the heat during the cold nights, lay extra blankets on the bed. As long as you’re warm, the rest of your home will be fine.

Full article at Senica Air.

At times, homeowners can be a bit tight on the budget and prompt us to cut corners. Some try to save money by buying a cheaper HVAC system rather than have nothing at all or forego routine maintenance because of the lack of funds. It is actually okay to try and save up some bucks but we have to be very careful in cutting the costs of our HVAC maintenance or upkeep and even installation because it may cost you more money in the long run.

Must Mildew, or Moldy

If there is excess humidity or moisture in the HVAC system, you could end up with mold and mildew flowing through the ductwork. To help prevent mildew and moisture problems, fix all water leaks, improve drainage, schedule bi-annual HVAC tune-ups, and frequently replace HVAC filters. If you have exposed earth in your crawlspace or basement, you may want to look into ways to cover the soil.

The best way to protect your belongings and prevent mold and mildew from forming in your home and HVAC system is with a whole-home dehumidifier. Connected directly to your existing HVAC system, the dehumidifier automatically removes the correct amount of moisture from the air and deposits the condensate outdoors.

Click here to read full article.

Filters that are of high-quality are needed and should be your first choice for your HVAC unit to ensure a smooth operation. Buying cheaper filters is not bad but it has its consequences. However, if it is of low quality, then it can lead to more costly expenses in the future when the system fails and warrants a repair or a replacement.

As the seasons change, it often brings in dry, dusty air that can aggravate health issues. If it seems like the dry air in your home is causing your sinuses to dry out or worsen your winter colds, you aren’t imagining things. Dry air can cause a lot of problems such as dehydrated sinuses, which makes you more susceptible to getting colds or the flu. It will be your fate if your heat pump fails to do its job properly.

You’ll have a better understanding of heat pumps by watching this video:

If you are experiencing problems with your heat pump, contact Bulldog Heating & Cooling today for repairs that fit your budget.

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The Heating and Cooling Mechanism
Faulty Air Filters
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling System?

Faulty Air Filters

Indoor air that provides us utmost comfort is the main reason why we pay for devices that do just that for us. Indoor air comfort is associated with having the right air temperature inside a closed space. The temperature of the circulating air plays a big role in the comfort levels of our homes, so one should pay attention to any fluctuations or problems that cause discomfort when neglected over time.

Breathing is synonymous to life and it is second nature for us that we often are unconscious about it. We only realize the value of breathing when we suffer from nasal congestion leaving us catching our breath all the time. Since we can’t really stop ourselves from breathing, we end up breathing the air from our surroundings regardless of how clean or dirty it is. What we don’t know is that breathing in too much dust and constant exposure to unpleasant odors coming from a faulty ventilation system compromises our indoor comfort in as much as our health. We can avoid breathing in these contaminants by installing air purifiers. However, we can save ourselves the trouble of having to install this equipment if we just know how to take care of the HVAC systems that are already installed in our homes and maintain them regularly.

Dust Accumulation Can Lead to Breathing Problems

Dust accumulates through many ways, especially during home renovations. This dust gets into your heating and cooling system and circulates throughout your home, causing breathing difficulties and mucous membrane irritations.

Additionally, air ducts in your home may become clogged, which can reduce their performance. Many areas of an HVAC unit need the proper amount of air flow. Restricting the airflow can cause a unit to work that much harder. Neglecting the problem could cause your heating and cooling system to freeze up or stop working altogether.

Read full article at Senica Air.

One thing you can do is to install the correct air filter for your HVAC system. It will help you save money and energy, avoid expensive and inconvenient breakdowns and it may even extend the life and efficiency of your HVAC system in the long run. Aside from that, it can likewise help reduce your energy consumption, something your wallet will truly be thankful for. Most air filters are actually disposable thus making it easier for you to maintain them.

However, not all air filters come cheap – especially the best ones sold in today’s market. No need to sweat, though. Inexpensive filters are also available but we must be very careful in buying these cheap filters for they turn out to be more costly over time. Problems may arise if you are using the wrong air filter type or if you are not changing it regularly (every three months at the very least). Your health may even be compromised if you keep on neglecting this particular upkeep.

Worsening Allergies

Small triggers in the air are responsible for your allergies flaring up and causing those unpleasant symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, cough, and congestion. Dust mites trigger an issue known as allergic rhinitis, which causes all of the above symptoms as well as facial pressure, chronic sneezing, and even serious asthma attacks.

If you’re sensitive to dust mites and other allergens in the air, such as pollen or pet dander remember to wash linens like curtains, bedspreads, and pillowcases often. Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows. An enhanced air cleaner can help filter these pollutants from the home. For instance, the Infinity Air Purifier GAPA pulls up to 95 percent of pathogens down to 0.30 microns in size from the air.

Click here to read full article.

Condensation, another HVAC problem that results from poor air filter quality, can easily form within any HVAC unit, especially when you are running the air conditioner. Condensation forms in the coils and ducts of your AC unit from the dripping water. It is why HVAC maintenance is very important as it can ensure that your HVAC system has sufficient airflow and not pose any risk to people or your property.

As the droplets in the system settle, these droplets can give way to mold growth, a serious health hazard. The mold itself is a major risk factor for chronic respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma. The accumulation of dust and other particles in your HVAC systems may lead to health problems, thus, it is important to stay safe by checking your air filters regularly and replacing them when necessary.

To learn how to improve indoor air quality check this video out:

When your HVAC system malfunctions, it is important to call in the experts. We at Bulldog Heating & Cooling can help you optimize, repair, or install your HVAC system or even maintain it for you at a reasonable price. Contact us today for expert services whether it is big or small! As long as it deals with HVAC, we are always at your service.

Other Resources:

Effects of Stale Air
Good AIQ for Good Health
How Central Air Conditioners Help the Body