Old homes are beautiful and built to last a lifetime. One thing they aren’t known for, though, is their energy efficiency. As older materials settle, gaps between the materials can lead to significant air leaks. When you combine these issues with the inefficiency of older materials such as single-pane windows, it’s easy to see why old Oak Harbor homes can be energy hogs. If you’re tired of paying for the privilege of living in a historic home, though, there are steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here are a few steps to get you started: Fill the Cavities Given that construction methods for many older homes differed from the construction methods that are used today, most older homes have significant empty cavities throughout their structure that lead to energy inefficiency. To make your home more comfortable, therefore, it’s important to fill these cavities with high-density insulation. Of course, cavities on exterior walls are the most important, but all cavities should be filled to achieve the best results. Change the HVAC System The technology used to heat and cool a home has improved drastically since your older home was built. While it may be easier and less...
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Is it safe to run a heating system without any breaks? The answer is usually yes. In fact, there are several benefits to 24/7 operation. The furnace will circulate air throughout the home and even out temperatures in the room. Here are some reasons to keep your heating system turned on throughout the winter months. Regulates Heating Temperatures For those with townhomes or multi-story homes, the warm air can rise to the upper levels. When that happens, you can be left with a hot upper level and a cold downstairs. You want to run your heating system to even out those temperatures. As the fan pulls back the warmer air, the ductwork will push that air to the lower levels. When the heating system runs 24/7, you can regulate temperatures all day long. Helps Clean the Air If anyone in your home has asthma or allergies, you want to have clean air pumping throughout the building. By running your heating system, you can effectively filter out the particles with continuous operation. The system will pull out those harmful elements to keep your air healthy and clean. May Extend Motor Life When the heating system’s motor stops and starts, it puts...
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The winter season is already here. Millions of homeowners will be using their home heating systems to enjoy a favorable and habitable indoor environment. One of the dreaded experiences is switching on your heater only to find out that it is not working as expected. This may prompt you to make frantic efforts to repair your furnace. Here are some common repair signs to watch for so you can avoid a heater emergency. Failure to Warm Air If your furnace is blowing as expected but no hot air is coming out, there could be a serious mechanical issue. The first area to check should be your thermostat as it may fail to capture the correct temperature settings. An additional cause of this problem is when the ductwork is blocked or when the air filter is dirty and clogged. Frequent Cycling If your furnace is functioning but frequently switching on and off, you are a victim of short-cycling. Unfortunately, this could be an indication that your furnace is on its way to a complete malfunction. Two of the common causes of frequent cycling are clogs within the airflow system and a malfunctioning thermostat. Loud Noises Nothing can be more nuisance than...
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Air filters are designed to block dirt and debris and prevent these elements from interfering with your furnace. There are instances where a filter can turn black, and you’ll need expert help in taking care of the problem. The following are a few reasons this may be happening in your home. Blocked Airflow If you keep forgetting to replace your furnace filter, you could be the reason it looks black. Filters left in place for more than three months can get clogged and cause problems with the heating equipment. Set an automatic reminder to replace the air filter at least every three months. Changing the filter every month is even better. Soot Inside Your Home If you burn lots of candles in your home or have a fireplace, the black stuff could be soot. If this is why the filter is turning black, you’re probably also inhaling soot before it gets to the filter. Eliminating the soot should solve the problem. Switch to soy or flameless candles and have the fireplace inspected and cleaned. can help you maintain the efficiency of your furnace and heating equipment. Our technicians are certified repair specialists and can service all makes and models. Indoor...
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is a leading heating company in Oak Harbor, and we are often asked how to tell if a furnace or heat pump is working too hard. Here six signs that indicate your heating system is working too hard. 1. Unusual Noises You will learn the sounds your heating equipment produces over time. Whenever you hear a noise you have never heard before, that can indicate a serious problem. You should schedule a repair service immediately. 2. Strange Smells The same goes for smells. If you notice an odor you have never experienced before, call in a professional. But keep in mind that your equipment should not produce any heavy smells at all. It is also a great idea to ensure a well-functioning carbon monoxide detector is working at all times for those leaks that you cannot smell. 3. Sudden Energy Bill Spikes You should track your electricity bill on a monthly basis. This provides a picture of how heating affects energy consumption during the cold months. A sudden spike is a warning sign. 4. Uneven Heating If you have a traditional non-zoned system, then heating should feel the same throughout the home. If it does not, there can be various...
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There are many benefits to having clean windows in your home or office, and improving the energy efficiency of a building is one of them. Getting regular cleanings for your windows could be a great investment in your property. Whether you live in an environment where rain splatters on your windows and leaves marks, or there’s dust blowing in the air, window cleaning is critical. Let in More Sunlight Getting the dirt off of your windows can let in more sunlight. This is especially important in the winters when passive solar heating can add a lot of energy to your home. Not having spots of dirt all over the glass can also provide higher-quality light in your building and make for a better environment. The dirt can reflect and refract the light so that it doesn’t make it into your home to help heat it. Protect Your Window Energy-efficient windows have coatings on them to reduce their ability to transfer heat. It does this by minimizing the convection and conduction that occurs through a window when there is a temperature differential. Since heat loss through windows often contributes up to 30% of the total heat loss from a residential building,...
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Ideally, you will have someone inspect your home’s HVAC components at least once a year. However, there may be times when you need emergency service or have a specific problem that needs to be resolved. What can you do to make your next service call as effective and efficient as possible? Determine the Scope of the Visit The first question that you should ask is what the purpose of the service call is. If you need an annual inspection, a technician will look at the furnace, air conditioner, and thermostat to make sure that everything is in working order. If you have a specific problem that needs to be resolved, a technician can focus on whatever the issue may be. At in Oak Harbor, we can inspect, maintain, and repair both heating and cooling systems. Therefore, we can fix any problem that your HVAC system may have no matter how large or small it may be. Is a Product Covered Under a Warranty or Service Agreement? If you have a service agreement, an annual inspection may be covered as part of that agreement. If a furnace, heat pump, or condenser unit is under warranty, a repair may be covered per...
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Your AC’s air filter is easy to change. By completing this task periodically, you can help prevent many expensive AC problems. Air filters that become too dirty cause decreased efficiency and airflow in the cooling system. In turn, this may cause additional problems, such as high energy bills, warm air, weak airflow, and poor indoor air quality. High Energy Bills A common problem that occurs when you don’t change the air filter based on the manufacturer’s recommendations is an increase in your energy bill. You don’t want to wait until you receive your energy bill to know your air filter caused efficiency problems in your air conditioner, so remember to always change it on schedule. Warm Air When the air filter becomes clogged, the AC’s compressors may overheat. If your air conditioner begins blowing warm air instead of cold air and you haven’t changed the air filter on schedule, then the compressors have probably overheated. At this point, your AC may still need repair after you change the air filter because overheated compressors can cause damage to the system. Weak Airflow Clogged air filters don’t allow air to freely circulate throughout your cooling system. Aside from causing inefficiency, this can...
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If you’re currently a homeowner, you can expect your HVAC system to need repairs at some point in time. It’s common for certain parts to eventually malfunction or wear down. A homeowner who’s new to the process may not know what to expect when the technicians arrive. Read on to learn what HVAC repair involves when your system needs attention. Checking the Thermostat Once the professionals arrive at your property, they’ll check the thermostat to ensure there’s not a problem with the settings. They’ll make sure everything is set on the “cool” setting and decrease the temperature to see if this triggers the AC to turn on in the building. There may be a wire that’s malfunctioning that’s causing the issue rather than the HVAC system itself. The technicians may also check the circuit breaker box and flip the switches on and off to determine if this fixes the problem. Inspecting Parts and Equipment The next step of the HVAC repair process is inspecting the parts and equipment. Your service people will investigate probable causes of the issue as they attempt to diagnose the problem. This will include checking the air filter to determine if it’s dirty or needs to...
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It’s important that each room in your house has proper ventilation. This allows moist air to flow out of your home and be replaced by fresh air in a timely manner. However, some rooms in your home will need extra help to ensure that the air doesn’t remain moist or stale. Your Attic Should Have Extra Ventilation Your home’s attic is where air will typically first make its way into your home. If it’s not able to escape, then it could cause many different problems. For instance, it may be possible for mold or mildew to thrive in the warm, dark, and wet conditions. Basement Ventilation The last thing that you want is for damp air to remain in your basement. In addition to the possibility of mold or other bacteria spores growing and thriving, it can lead to foundation damage or damage to HVAC components such as the furnace. If you notice damage to any of your HVAC components, in Oak Harbor can help. We can install and repair both heating and cooling systems, and we also have a wide range of products to help meet your needs and budget. Ventilation Should Be a Priority in Bathrooms and Kitchens...
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