Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Reasons to Schedule Heating Maintenance for Your Furnace

Wednesday, November 5th, 2014

Homeowners have a lot to deal with. Utility bills, plumbing, insulation, and a whole host of other little things have a way of occupying all of a person’s attention. These people can’t really be blamed, then, for neglecting their regular furnace maintenance until something breaks and demands a response. This will end up costing a lot more in the long run, however. Let’s have a look at some of the reasons that you should schedule regular heating maintenance.

It Saves Money

The number one reason to schedule regular furnace maintenance is simple: it saves you money. Furnaces don’t ever suddenly break down. There is always a progression of severity, as a minor issue becomes worse and worse until it begins to hinder the furnace’s normal operation. Often, this is from unavoidable wear and tear, but even then it is better to catch the problem before it gets worse. A dirty air filter, for example, is a very cheap and easy thing to replace. Leave it for too long, however, and it can trap heat in the furnace, causing a host of other problems like a cracked heat exchanger. Such things are far more complicated and expensive to fix.

It Improves Efficiency

As a furnace gets older, it will naturally decline over time. It may have to work a bit longer to reach the desired temperature, or burn a bit more fuel than it used to. These minor things aren’t major threats to the furnace or its owners, but they do have an impact on the overall lifespan of the heating system. Regular maintenance can fine-tune your furnace, replacing aging parts that aren’t performing as well and lengthening the amount of time before you have to replace the system.

Ultimately, regular maintenance improves the health and efficiency of your furnace. There’s no reason to ignore it until a problem presents itself. It is recommended that you get your furnace checked at least once a year, to ensure a long and healthy tenure of service.

If you haven’t had your annual furnace maintenance yet, call Saddleback Plumbing. We offer professional heating maintenance service in Orange County.

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Time to Replace the Furnace: Some of the Warning Signs

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014

There is a wide range of symptoms that indicate that your furnace may need repairs. There are some signs, however, that indicate something a bit more serious. If you notice any of these behaviors when you turn on your furnace, you may need to get your furnace replaced.

Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is what happens when your furnace turns on and off constantly. This will cause the system to enact safety measures, which will shut down the furnace. After a short time, the furnace will restart and the cycle will continue perpetually. There are two possible causes for this. The first is that your furnace is too large for your home. The furnace itself may operate as it was intended to do, but the increase in heat output will cause the system to lock it into short-cycling.

The second possibility is that something is preventing your furnace from venting properly. This could be a problem with the air filter, heat exchanger, or several other areas that are necessary for the furnace itself to maintain the proper temperature. This can be quite serious, and is a definite sign that you need your furnace replaced.

Repair Frequency

Needing repairs every once in a while isn’t a big deal. All heating systems will eventually have problems that need fixing. When a heating system starts needing repairs every couple of months, however, you should pay attention. Needing frequent repairs is usually a sign of extreme wear and tear on the system as a whole. This is usually caused by simple age and repeated use. If your furnace suddenly seems like it needs more and more professional attention, especially if it’s an older unit, it’s probably time to start looking for a replacement.

All unusual behavior should be checked by a professional for accurate diagnosis. If you suspect that your furnace might need replacing, don’t go out and buy a new one right away. Call an HVAC technician to confirm first.

If your furnace is acting odd, call Saddleback Plumbing. We conduct heating replacement in the Orange County area.

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Advantages of an Electric Furnace

Wednesday, October 15th, 2014

Electric furnaces have come a long way over the last few years, providing excellent heat in an energy efficient way. There are a number of benefits an electric furnace in Irving can offer your home, as we’ll out line below. It is important to note that any whole-home system requiring a large load of electricity should always be installed by a professional, so call the certified experts you can count on: Saddleback Plumbing.

How Does an Electric Furnace Work?

An electric furnace uses hot coils to generate heat. These coils are heated until they are red hot, and a fan at the bottom of the cabinet draws air into the system and over the coils. The warm air is distributed throughout your home via your ductwork.

What Are the Benefits of an Electric Furnace?

  • Low initial costs – electric furnaces are some of the most inexpensive furnaces available. The average price is around $900 for purchase versus $2,000 for gas or oil furnaces.
  • Very good energy efficiency – because electric furnaces do not burn fossil fuels, they can have an energy efficiency rating as high as 100%. This can be great for your home and the environment.
  • No need for a gas line – some homes do not have access to a natural gas line, and some are not very accessible for fuel delivery. However, electricity is widely available, and as such, may be the best choice for a homeowner challenged with these situations.
  • Safety – while no heating system is guaranteed to be 100% safe, there is no need to worry about toxic fumes with an electric furnace.
  • Clean – because an electric furnace doesn’t use a burning fuel to operate, the system stays clean, which is helpful when it comes to annual maintenance.

Electric furnaces can offer homes without easy access to fossil fuels the ability to heat with energy efficiency and comfort. If you think an electric furnace may be a good fit for your home, call Saddleback Plumbing today and schedule an appointment with one of our trained experts for professional furnace installation in Irvine.

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Should I Consider Hydronic Heating for New Installation?

Wednesday, October 8th, 2014

There are a lot of choices when it comes to home heating systems. One that has been around for a long time is hydronic heating, which is a system most commonly associated with use of a boiler. With the advent of better, more durable materials, the outlets for hydronic heating have expanded, giving homeowners even more flexibility. If you are considering hydronic heating, call the experts who can help you with professional heating installation in Tustin: Saddleback Plumbing.

What Is a Hydronic Heating System?

A hydronic heating system is one that uses hot water steam to heat your home. Boilers are part of a hydronic system, and the most commonly-used fuels with these systems are gas or oil.

How Does a Hydronic System Work?

In a hydronic system, water is held in a tank where it gets heated to a specific temperature. Once the water reaches this temperature (or creates the needed amount of steam), it is circulated through a system of pipes to a designated outlet. Outlets can be:

  • Radiators
  • Baseboard heating
  • Hydronic floor heating
  • Hydronic wall heating

Hydronic systems are closed systems, so once the water (or steam) cools, it returns to the tank to be heated with the next cycle.

What Are the Benefits of a Hydronic System?

There are a few benefits that hydronic systems have which others may not:

  • Good energy efficiency – hydronic systems that use oil as fuel have an average energy efficiency of 89%, and those using gas have average efficiency ratings of 90% and above.
  • Comfortable heating – the heat of hydronic systems is gradual, which can be more comfortable for many people when compared to forced air systems.
  • Quiet operation – the only time noise is created by a hydronic system is when the combustion operates to heat the water. Otherwise, the circulation and heating is silent.
  • No dust – because air doesn’t blow through ductwork, there is no build-up or circulation of dust in your home.

If hydronic heating in Tustin sounds like it’s for you, call Saddleback Plumbing and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

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Installing a New Furnace: What You Need to Know

Thursday, April 17th, 2014

Installing a new furnace can be a big investment, and before you pull the trigger you want to make sure you have your ducks in a row. If set up properly, your new furnace can provide years of problem-free service and may even save you money on monthly repairs to boot. Here in Mission Viejo CA furnace replacement makes a lot of sense this time of year, when heating season is over and you won’t need to warm your home for a while. A good technician can explain the specifics to you, but here’s what you need to know when installing a new furnace.

  • Get it properly sized
    By the size of the furnace, we mean its heating power, which needs to match the specifics of your home (square footage, sunlight exposure, the amount of insulation and other factors which will influence its heating needs). If the furnace isn’t powerful enough, it won’t do the job. If it’s too powerful, it will cycle on and off rapidly throughout the day. Either way, the results will increase the wear and tear on your system, as well as costing you more in monthly bills.
  • Aim for efficiency
    Furnaces measure efficiency with an AFUE rating, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace. If possible, you want to get a new furnace at least as efficient as your old one: more so if you can afford it.
  • Consider bells and whistles
    If you have an older thermostat, this is a good opportunity to install a new one with features such as smart technology and remote programming from your phone. You might also want to install a zone control system that lets you turn off the heat in parts of the house you aren’t using.

For more on installing a new furnace, or for further details on what you need to know, contact the experts at Saddleback Plumbing. We work throughout Mission Viejo, CA, furnace installation is a fundamental part of our heating system services, and we’ll work with you to ensure that you get exactly the furnace you want. Give us a call today to make an appointment!

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Why Schedule Heating Repair Services Now

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

We’re coming to the end of another winter, and while no one cries too hard for us here in sunny So Cal, we’ve still had our share of cold nights. Area furnaces and heaters have seen regular use, and with the weather growing warm again, that use is dropping as we focus on our air conditioners instead. Ironically, that makes the best possible time to plan for heating repair service from a trained professional. Here in Laguna Hills, CA, heating systems can be repaired by the same companies, but why should you schedule heating repair services now? In short, because there is no better time.

Not every problem with your heater announces itself with a full-bore breakdown. In many cases,  the problem simply leaches energy from your system. It still runs, but it costs you more in monthly costs than it should and increases wear and tear on the system overall. Not only are you paying more every month than you need to, but the chances of a more serious repair issue increase every  day the initial problem goes unsolved. You might not be able to fix it during the winter, when the eater may see use every day, but with temperatures rising, your unit can afford to be out of action for a day or so in order to handle it.

In addition, that reduced need gives you the flexibility to schedule repairs at your leisure instead of scrambling to react to an immediate problem. We all lead busy lives and increased flexibility can be a boon when juggling your schedule. The spring is the best time to make these plans, before the needs of your air conditioner take center stage.

If you know why you should schedule heating repair services now, the next step is to call the experts at Saddleback Plumbing to help. We professionally handle heating system repairs in Laguna Hills with the same high levels of quality that you’ve come to expect. Give us a call today to set up an appointment and let us show you what we can do!

 

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Plan for a New Heating Installation before the Fall

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Heating season is winding down and our heaters are slowly being turned off in favor of our air conditioners. AC issues tend to take a front-row seat here in sunny Southern California, but we still need our heaters during the winter months. If you have an older heater and are thinking about replacing it, you may want to plan for a new heating installation before the fall. When it comes to heating installation, Ladera Ranch CA has the resources to help you out, and you can get it done well before the next chilly day arrives.

As heaters age, they become less efficient, which can result in higher energy bills each month and an increased need for repairs to boot. In many cases, these kinds of issues aren’t enough to cause your heater to stop: it just costs you more to operate it, a sort of “installation tax” you have to pay until the unit gets replaced. Good maintenance can keep those issues at bay, but the longer your heater goes on, the more likely it is that you’ll need to have it replaced.

And when you do, it’s far easier to do it before the fall than in the middle of heating season. An old heater with a lot of problems is just asking or a breakdown. If you wait, you run the risk of a serious heating repair or replacement issue in the middle of heating season when you need it to function the most. That means a lot of scrambling, emergency service calls and general discomfort as you scramble to get the new unit online as quickly as possible. Contrast that with a spring or summer installation, which you don’t need your heater and have the luxury or planning it during a time when your schedule is free.

If you want to plan for a new heating installation before the fall, then the experts at Saddleback Plumbing are here to help. We can set up your heating in Ladera Ranch, CA, which is part of our service area, and we’re dedicated to your complete satisfaction. Give us a call today to set up an appointment. You’ll be glad you did!

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Can Zone Controls Be Installed with an Existing Furnace System?

Wednesday, February 5th, 2014

You may have heard of zone control systems, which divide your home up into individual sections which can be heated and cooled one at a time. It’s an incredibly versatile tool – allowing you to set one temperature in the kitchen and another in the bedroom, for instance – and by letting you shut off the heat in rooms you aren’t using, it can save you a great deal on energy costs. On a more abstract level, it can improve the resale value of your house, which may offset some of the cost of installation. Here in Irvine, furnace technology reigns supreme, which may appear to present a problem for installing a system such as this. Most people associate zone controls with ductless HVAC systems: multiple small units scattered throughout the home. Can zone controls be installed with an existing furnace system? In point of fact, they can.

The key to zone control is compartmentalization, which allows you to adjust the temperature in one area without affecting any other areas.  That wouldn’t seem possible with a traditional central furnace, which distributes heated are via a system of ducts. The solution is to install valves and shutters within the system itself. The valves can be placed at key locations in the ductwork, with multiple thermostats installed to let you control each one. The air handler and a few other components need to be modified as well, but the duct system itself remains intact, giving you an efficient zone control system without having to uproot your existing system.

In most cases, the installation process takes less than one day, provided it’s performed by experience professionals. In Irvine, furnace installation services like Saddleback Plumbing can install zone controls with an existing furnace system. We’ll thoroughly inspect your home and draw up a plan for installing the system, then explain every step to you before performing the operation with professionalism and care. We’ll treat your home like it was ours and are completely dedicated to your satisfaction at every stage. Give us a call today to set up an appointment for your next heating service in Irvine.

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What Is the Difference Between a Hydronic Baseboard and Radiant Floor Heating?

Friday, January 31st, 2014

In matters of heating repair, Mission Viejo CA residents often need more specialized attention than a general HVAC technician can provide. In particular, a house with a radiant heating system needs someone experienced to make the proper diagnosis and repairs. Radiant heating systems utilize more than one type of format, most notably hydronic baseboard heating. What’s the difference between a hydronic baseboard and radiant floor heating? The answers can show you why the right service technician is key.

When we talk about radiant floor heating, we usually mean heating where the system is built directly into the floors. The technician removes your floorboards and installs the radiant heating system beneath them, usually coils or tubes full of liquid held in place with heat-conducting tiles. He or she then re-installs the floorboards, returning your room to its previous appearance. The radiant system sends heat up directly through the floorboards into your furnishings (or feet), warming the room evenly without any breezes or drafts.

Hydronic baseboard heating systems use a similar principle but different execution. They run a series of baseboards along the walls by the floor. A boiler heats up water and sends it through pipes located in the baseboards, which pull cool air in from your room and heat it by passing it over the hot pipes. The hot air then moves back into your room to heat the area. Like radiant floor heating, they don’t rely on forced air, which means that cold spots and the like are kept to a minimum. They don’t require ductwork and they don’t circulate dust through your home. They also take less to install than radiant floor systems, and aren’t as disruptive since you don’t need to tear up the whole floor.

Knowing the difference between a hydronic baseboard and radiant floor heating is the first step. The next is determining a knowledgeable source for installation and repairs. When it comes to heating repair services in Mission Viejo, CA, residents can turn to Saddleback Plumbing for help. We understand these kinds of heating systems, and our experts can handle both installing and maintaining the right system for you. Call us today to set up an appointment!

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Why Heat Pumps Make Sense in Trabuco Canyon

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

Here in Trabuco Canyon, heat pump technology is an effective alternative to both gas furnaces and traditional air conditioning systems. They combine the features of both heating and air conditioning: circulating refrigerant throughout their system and using it to warm or cool the air around them.  During the heating portion of cycle, coils revert the gas to a liquid state, bleeding the heat into the nearby air. During the cooling part of the cycle, the liquid enters an evaporator, cooling the surrounding air as it reverts back into a gas. That air can then be blown into your household. With heat pumps, the process can fulfill either function, with an indoor coil and an outdoor coil to “switch roles” depending on what you need. How does that system benefit us here? Here’s why heat pumps make sense in Trabuco Canyon.

For starters, it’s an extremely efficient system. Heat pumps use less energy than traditional gas furnaces, which means you can save a great deal on your monthly bills if you have them installed. Many types of heat pumps also use ductless systems, which means planting multiple units throughout your home. Each unit can tailor the nearby temperature individually, allowing you to set one temperature in a given room and a separate temperature in another room.  (You can even turn off the heat in parts of the home you aren’t using, saving you further money.)

All of those are fairly universal benefits to heat pumps. What makes them especially suited to Trabuco Canyon is the fact that they are at their most efficient in warm weather. When temperatures drop to freezing levels, so too does the heat pump’s efficiency drop off. But here in sunny Southern California, things rarely get that cold, meaning that your heat pump will function at its best all year.

For more on why heat pumps make sense in Trabuco Canyon, the experts at Saddleback Plumbing are here to help. We can perform installation and repair functions with equal efficiency. If you’re having problems with your system or want to see about installing a new one, give us a call today!

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