We’re technically in the middle of fall, with winter on its way, and that means heating season. But the weather in Hammond, LA, rarely gets too cold, and even if things are cool, that equation changes when you have friends or family members only for the holidays. The body temperature of so many people in an enclosed space can elevate the temperature, as well as causing a number of other effects you should be aware of. The same holds true when you’re cooking a big meal in your kitchen: with high temperatures from the oven, the dishwasher and other appliances adding to the situation. You can avert these problems and help make your home comfortable for your holiday get-togethers with a few simple steps.
Professional Heating & Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category
Air Conditioning Tips for Thanksgiving
Monday, November 21st, 2016How to Reduce Winter Heating Costs
Monday, November 14th, 2016We don’t tend to worry a whole lot about heating costs here in Springfield, LA. Winters are short and mild here in the sultry South, and when compared with our sky-high air-conditioning bills, it can mean a much lower heating bill. But that also means you might still be paying more than you should for proper heating, and while an inefficient furnace or boiler won’t turn your home into a freezer, you shouldn’t have to pay more than you should for a properly comfortable home.
Early Signs of Heating Problems
Monday, November 7th, 2016Heating season arrives late and leaves early here in Mandevilla, LA, and while people elsewhere in the country have been bundling up for weeks, we’re only just now getting around to using our heating systems on a regular basis. Now is an excellent time to check your system for any potential problems. Temperatures are still warm enough to keep strain on the system to a minimum, and if problems exist, you still have time to treat them before the winter formally arrives and your heater will be under a lot more pressure to perform.
Fall Is Here: Time to Get Your Heater Checked
Monday, October 24th, 2016It’s been a long summer here in Hammond, LA, but temperatures are finally starting to fall as the cooler weather of autumn predominates. Considering everything we’ve been through this summer, it’s more important than ever to schedule a maintenance session for your heating system from a trained technician. Doing so can save you time, money and heartache this heating season.
What Constitutes an HVAC Emergency?
Monday, October 10th, 2016In towns like Springfield, LA, good heating and air conditioning service is vital to a happy household. It goes beyond simple comfort into questions of actual safety. Extremes in temperature — whether high or low — can constitute a danger to your family members, leading to heat stroke, vulnerability to flu bugs and the like. When your HVAC system goes down, you may need it repaired much more quickly than you expect. And if that breakdown occurs after hours or over the weekend, an emergency repair call may be in order.
Strange Noises in Your Furnace
Monday, February 29th, 2016We’re at the tail end of heating season here in Walker, LA, and with warmer temperatures come the return of your air conditioner to prominence in your home. But now is the time when you need to watch out for problems with your furnace, which has been running all winter and may have suffered from wear and tear in the interim. One of the best ways to spot a problem with your furnace is to listen for any strange noises it may be emitting. Here’s a list of a few, and the possible causes. If you hear them, shut your system off and call a repair service as quickly as possible.
When Should I Consider a Ductless Mini Split System?
Sunday, February 21st, 2016Here in Hammond, LA, most of us rely on forced-air furnaces and air conditioners, which utilize a centralized format. In other words, they generate their hot or cool air in a single place, then blow it through your whole house with a series of ducts. It’s a very efficient method and it makes a lot of sense in places with mild winters like ours. But in some cases, you might want to think about another option: a ductless mini-split system. This divides your home into individual sections – usually by room though not always – and provides a single heat/cooling unit to work for that section. It costs more to install, but provides a number of benefits, which can influence your decision to have a set put in. When should you consider a ductless mini-split system? Here’s a few pointers to help make that decision.
Causes of Low Air Flow in Your Heater
Monday, February 8th, 2016Your heating system may not see as much use as your air conditioning system here in Hammond, LA, but it still has to hold the line on our chilly nights, and when it runs into problems, you need to treat them just as swiftly as you do your air conditioning. Take the question of low air flow, for instance. It doesn’t sound like a huge deal – the air from your furnace simply moves through your home more slowly – but in fact it can spell big trouble. Not only does it take longer for your heater to do its job, raising your monthly bills and increasing stress on the system to boot, but if the hot air isn’t moving, then it will likely just sit in your heater: raising the temperature of internal components and running the risk of a serious breakdown. If you detect low air flow in your heater, shut it off and call in a service professional immediately. The causes are varied, but can include the following.
3 Signs of a Damaged Heat Exchanger
Monday, February 1st, 2016The heat exchanger is one of the primary components in your furnace. The heated gas from the burners passes through them and warms up the metal: heating the air to be delivered into your home while venting the exhaust gas safely out of the system. A damaged heat exchanger is a big problem, especially in Hammond, LA where our heaters sit unused for many months out of the year and which can contribute to the sort of corrosion that can damage a heat exchanger. Damage means that the exhaust isn’t leaving the way it needs to, which constitutes a safety hazard for you and your family. Here are 3 signs of a damaged heat exchanger that you should look out for. If you spot them, shut the system down and call for repairs immediately.
Beware of Beaches in Your Duct Work
Monday, December 21st, 2015We live in Hammond, LA, which means our winters are very mild and our heaters see intermittent use at best. This actually makes an ideal time to look at problems that may be affecting your HVAC system’s efficiency, including breaches or breaks in your ducts. The duct work in your home exists to spread conditioned air from your system into your various rooms, nooks and crannies. When a breach opens up – due to damage in your ducts or perhaps the fittings between two sections of ductwork becoming loose – it can cause a great deal of trouble for your heating and air. Beware of breaches in your ductwork and be ready to get the issue addressed as quickly as possible.