Can a Gas Furnace Be Converted to Electric?

Many homeowners rely on a furnace to keep their household cozy and warm throughout the cold winter months. Depending on the model you choose, furnaces can run on a variety of energy sources. If you currently have a gas furnace and would rather have an electric one, you might wonder if it’s possible to convert your existing furnace. Furnace Conversions When we talk about furnace conversions, we are talking about using the same furnace you already have but with a different energy source. While all these heating systems fall underneath the general name of a furnace, they have different internal components depending on the type of fuel they use to heat your home. For example, a natural gas furnace will have a burner, pilot light, combustion chamber, and gas valve inside that is responsible for burning up the natural gas that’s fed into the furnace to create heat. On the other hand, an electric furnace will have built-in heating coils that are powered by electricity to create heat. When the internal components needed for your preferred fuel do not exist in the current furnace that you have in your home, then you can’t do a conversion. A natural gas furnace...

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How Long Does an HVAC Fuse Last?

The lifespan of your HVAC unit is directly related to your unit’s fuse. The fuse interrupts the electrical current when issues arise, such as power surges or electoral overloads, keeping your HVAC unit safe. HVAC Fuses HVAC systems rely on a complex interplay of electrical components to function optimally. Fuses act as protective devices and prevent system damage from electrical faults. Fuses are used in the evaporator coils, motors, compressors, and wiring configurations. Without fuses, your HVAC system would become overloaded and break down. Fuse Lifespan Factors How long your fuse lasts depends on several factors: usage, quality of materials, and environmental conditions. Usage refers to how often you use your HVAC at home. Is it often overwhelmed with back-and-forth requests from hot to cold and back again? Do you run it 24/7 year round, or does it have breaks where the system is shut off? The more the system is used, the more wear-and-tear the fuse undergoes. The quality of materials used to make the fuse matters as well. Higher-quality materials mean a longer-lasting part. Environmental conditions refer to the type of environment your system is in. Is your HVAC system outside? That can make it more likely to...

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How to Choose Between a Furnace and a Heat Pump

If you’re looking for a new heating system for your Oak Harbor, WA, home, your choice may come down to a furnace or a heat pump. These are the two most efficient options and make up the majority of new heating systems sold today. If you don’t have any experience with one or both of these systems, you might not know how to choose between them. Here’s everything you need to know to choose between a furnace and a heat pump. The Pros and Cons of Furnaces Gas furnaces are the most common type of residential heating system in the U.S. Gas furnaces have a variety of advantages that make them a top option. For one, they rely on natural gas. This fuel source is plentiful and relatively inexpensive, making it easy to keep energy bills down. Plus, even a minimally-efficient gas furnace will still boast a 90% or greater efficiency rate. That means they convert the vast majority of the fuel they burn into usable heat for your home. Gas furnaces are also popular because of their relatively low up-front costs and excellent longevity. With proper maintenance, you can expect a gas furnace to last up to 30 years....

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5 Tips to Keep Your Home Warm and Save Energy

When the Oak Harbor, WA winter arrives, the chilly weather can necessitate frequent use of your household heating system. However, if you keep the heater running all day and night, it will not only wear out the appliance, but it will also cost you a ton of money on wasted energy. This can make you feel like you have to choose between keeping your home comfortable and keeping your bills under control. Here, we’ll take a look at a few useful tips for staying warm while also conserving energy and saving money. 1. Schedule a Heating Tune-Up The more energy-efficient your household heating system is, the less money you’ll need to spend on electricity this winter. One extremely effective way to improve the efficiency of your furnace or heat pump is to schedule a professional tune-up. During one of these maintenance visits, local HVAC technicians will come out to your house and thoroughly inspect your heating system. They’ll check for any problems with the appliance, including any components that may need to be repaired or replaced. They’ll also take several steps to improve the unit’s overall performance and efficiency, which will help you save quite a bit of money throughout...

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Why Your AC Is Freezing Up and How to Prevent It

When the days are warm in Oak Harbor, you want to use your air conditioning to ensure that your home is comfortable. However, there are times when the equipment might freeze up. That can make your home uncomfortable and put your system at risk for damage. The good news is that knowing why it happens and how to prevent it can reduce the chances of your AC freezing and leaving your home too hot. Why an AC Freezes Up Low refrigerant and poor airflow are among the most common reasons an air conditioner freezes up. To cool the air, warm air goes over the air conditioner’s evaporator coils. There is refrigerant inside the coils that absorbs the heat so that the air becomes cool. These coils can get too cold if the refrigerant is low or there is an airflow restriction. As the coils get too cold, the condensation that accumulates on them will eventually freeze. Signs of AC Freeze Up There are several main signs that can occur when your air conditioner is freezing. Reduced airflow is common. If you are near a vent and you notice that the airflow is weak or it feels warmer than usual, this...

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How Can Programming Your Thermostat Save You Money?

In an era where energy efficiency and cost savings have become paramount concerns, the humble thermostat has evolved from a mere temperature control device into a powerful tool for reducing energy consumption and saving money. Programming your thermostat might seem like a small change, but it can significantly impact your wallet and the environment. The Power of Precision Gone are the days of manually adjusting the thermostat whenever you feel too hot or cold. Modern programmable thermostats offer the convenience of setting a schedule tailored to your daily routine. This precision allows you to reduce the energy used to heat or cool your home when you’re not there or when you’re asleep. In addition, you can program your thermostat to raise or lower the temperature in your home to a comfortable level just before you return home from work or wake up. This feature allows you to enjoy substantial energy savings without sacrificing comfort. Smart Thermostats: The Next Level While programmable thermostats have been around for a while, recent technological advancements have given rise to smart thermostats that take energy efficiency to a whole new level. Smart thermostats offer features such as learning your habits and preferences. This capability means...

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How Often Should You Change Your AC Filter

It’s no secret that air conditioner filters play a major role in maintaining healthy indoor air quality. But did you know that the frequency you replace them can impact your home, family, and budget? Taking too long to change your AC filter can lead to many problems, from high energy bills to poor indoor air quality. But how often should you change your AC filter? The answer isn’t exactly simple; it depends on several factors: 1. Types of Filters The type of filter you have affects how often it needs replacement. Types of filters include the following: Fiberglass Filters Fiberglass filters are the most basic type of AC filter available. They aim to protect your air conditioning system rather than improve indoor air quality. Despite being inexpensive, they need replacing monthly due to their low efficiency at trapping dust and pollutants. Pleated Filters Pleated filters are better than fiberglass filters in terms of performance and cost. They have more surface area to trap particles. The thicker the wrinkles, the better the filter’s efficiency. These filters need replacing every three to six months, depending on the air quality in your home. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters HEPA filters are the best...

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How to Catch Minor AC Repairs Before They Become Major Problems

A well-functioning air conditioner is essential in any household in Oak Harbor. It helps keep the air inside your home comfortable and circulate fresh air throughout. If you want to keep your AC running smoothly, without having to face costly major repairs later on, it’s important to catch small issues before they become too severe. Luckily, there are several ways one can go about doing this. Pay Attention to Noises One of the most important clues that your AC system needs a maintenance service is strange noises, such as grinding, humming, and rattling. One of the biggest causes of these noises is the fan belt, whose job it is to turn the fan blades. If you hear strange noises coming from your AC unit, then it’s likely that something has gone wrong with the fan belt or its components. Another possible source of noise is the compressor, which is responsible for running the refrigerant through the system. If the compressor produces a loud, rattling noise, then it could be due to worn-out bearings or something else going wrong inside. Additionally, the fan blades may be making unusual noises if they run too fast or are not properly balanced. It’s best...

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Warning Signs to Look for During an AC Inspection

Regular air conditioning inspections are an important part of HVAC maintenance. Of course, a professional maintenance visit is the only way to ensure your AC is running optimally, but it’s also a good idea to casually inspect your AC on your own a couple of times a year. This allows you to find any potential issues and get them fixed before they become worse. If you want to keep your air conditioner functioning as effectively as possible, it’s essential to keep an eye out for these warning signs. Malfunctioning Thermostat Problems Start your inspection by checking out the thermostat. You can test indoor air temperature with a thermostat to see if the thermostat is properly calibrated, but keep in mind that HVAC professionals will have more accurate equipment for testing air temperatures. You should also make sure the thermostat is communicating correctly with your AC system. To do this, turn the thermostat temperature down to see if the AC kicks on and up to see if the AC turns off. Debris Around the Exterior Unit Don’t forget to include the outdoor unit in your inspection. This part of your AC system helps to dissipate excess heat outside. However, if it’s...

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5 Simple Tips for Lowering Your Energy Bills This Summer

Even in places like Oak Harbor which typically experience mild summer weather, keeping your home cool can still be quite costly. The steadily rising energy prices mean that most homeowners are constantly looking for ways to lower their energy costs without sacrificing their home comfort. If you’re looking to save some money on your energy bills this summer, here are a few simple tips you should definitely consider. 1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up Having your AC system professionally serviced, cleaned and inspected is essential for limiting how much energy the system uses. If the system isn’t serviced yearly, it can start to experience a variety of issues that reduce its energy efficiency and limit its effectiveness. Issues like leaking ductwork or a dirty evaporator coil can potentially increase energy usage by 25% or more, and these can easily be avoided by scheduling an annual AC tune-up service. Having the system inspected is also important for identifying and preventing issues that could cause the system to break down or shorten the lifespan of your AC unit. 2. Keep Window Coverings Closed During the Day Windows are always one of the biggest sources of heat gain. If you leave your curtains, drapes...

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