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

Is an Electric Furnace Better Than a Gas Furnace?

Friday, December 20th, 2013

Here in Lake Forest, CA, getting a furnace installation can be easily ignored. California winters are very mild, and we usually focus on air conditioners at the expense of heaters. This can be a big mistake. Our nights still get pretty cold, and with our California architecture favoring open, breezy homes, a good furnace can be your best friend. During installation, you may be asking “should I get an electric or gas furnace?”  Both systems feature their share of advantages. Which ones work best depends on your needs and the specifics of your home.

Saddleback Plumbing offers heating services to the Lake Forest community!

Gas furnaces offer a singular advantage of cheaper month-to-month costs, since natural gas is cheaper than electricity. Repairs tend to cost less as well, since gas furnaces are more common and their replacement parts don’t cost as much. Gas furnaces also take less time to warm the home than electric furnaces, which saves you even more in monthly bills. On the other hand, electric furnaces are usually less expensive to install initially, making them a smart choice if you don’t want to spend a whole lot up front.

In addition, electric furnaces tend to be a little quieter. Electric heat doesn’t depend on a fan to blow air, which means it won’t make nearly as much noise when it works. It also doesn’t generate any drafty spots or cold spots, and it doesn’t spread indoor air pollutants like pet dander and the like. Electric furnaces thus make a popular choice for residents who have allergies or who just need to maintain a higher air quality overall. Finally, because they don’t use gas, electric furnaces can be a little safer, especially as they get older.

In Lake Forest, CA, a furnace installation doesn’t need to be your only choice.  We have heating system options for our California winters, and Saddleback Plumbing can spell them all out for you. We can inspect your home and answer the question “is an electric furnace better than a gas furnace?” before planning an installation that fits your specific needs. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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Why Does My Furnace Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

Friday, December 6th, 2013

While new furnaces usually have an electric igniter instead of a pilot light, many homes still have furnaces with pilot lights. When the furnace activates, the pilot light ignites the flow of gas so that you can get heat in your home. However, if your pilot light starts to go out often, it might be time to call for repair. Here at Saddleback Plumbing we offer total furnace repair in Laguna Hills for all types of furnaces. If you’re not getting enough heat or if your furnace won’t light, give us a call and we want figure out what’s going on. Here are some of the things that might be causing your pilot light to go out.

Saddleback Plumbing can help you with your heating services in Laguna Hills, like installing a furnace.

Laguna Hills Furnace Repair Tip: Why Is My Pilot Light Going Out?

There are a few different common causes of your pilot light going out. Our experts can fix any type of issue that you’re having. While every home and furnace is different, here are some of the things that could be causing your problems.

  • Thermocouple – Your gas-fired furnace has a safety feature called a thermocouple. It detects when the pilot light is lit by constantly testing the flame with a probe and it will shut off the flow of gas if the pilot light goes out. However, if the thermocouple malfunctions, it can inadvertently shut off the flow of gas to your pilot light which will cause it to turn off. If this is the case with your furnace, our technicians may need to replace it, clean it or repair it.
  • Lack of maintenance – Another common cause of pilot light problems is just a simple lack of maintenance and cleaning. If your pilot light gets dirty because of dust, it may block the flow of gas to the unit.

If you need any kind of furnace repair in Laguna Hills just call Saddleback Plumbing and one of our experts can help you out. Call today!

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Why Choosing an Over-sized Heater Can Be Detrimental to Your Comfort

Saturday, November 23rd, 2013

When it comes to getting a heating installation in Laguna Hills, CA, residents have plenty of factors to consider. There’s the type of heating systems, the bells and whistles involved, and the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating, which covers how efficiently the unit heats your home. Beyond all that, however, you need to size your heater right, and especially beware of buying an oversized heater for you home. “But why?” you ask. “Isn’t bigger better?” In this case, it isn’t.

Here’s why choosing an over-sized heater can be detrimental to your comfort.

Heaters spend the most amount of energy when they start up and shut down, which means you want them to stay running for at least fifteen minutes or so every time they start up. An oversized heater, however, will warm the air too quickly, only to see it cycle on and off and the temperature quickly falls again and again. That makes it a huge energy suck, costing you a great deal in monthly energy bills while increasing the strain on your unit in the bargain. Eventually, that will lead to increased repair costs and even shorten the life of your heater.

On a more direct level, all of that cycling on and off will dry out the air in your home, leading to lower relative humidity levels. This can lead to irritation in your nose and throat as well as dry skin, chapped lips, and even bloody noses in the worst scenarios. Homes in Laguna Hills are particularly vulnerable, since our seaside air is salty (and therefore rather day) to begin with.

If you have questions surrounding heating installation, Laguna Hills CA residents can count on Saddleback Plumbing for help. We can explain why choosing an oversized heater can be detrimental to your comfort, then perform precise measurements to ensure that your heater is neither too large nor too small but just right. Our trained staff has years of experience, and we’re dedicated to your absolute satisfaction in all things. Pick up the phone and give us a call to set up an appointment today!

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I Don’t Understand How a Furnace Works: Let a Pro Help You

Friday, November 22nd, 2013

Here in Irvine, furnace technology is almost entirely a winter concern, with the rest of the year given over to air conditioning issues. It’s one of the perks of living in Southern California. That doesn’t mean that you should ignore the importance of a good furnace to your home’s comfort, however. Our winter nights get pretty chilly, and a good gas furnace is often the best way to keep warm and comfortable when temperatures start to drop.

In light of that, it’s important for you the homeowner to understand what goes into the furnace’s functioning, this way you can react more appropriately when the need arises for a furnace repair in your Irvine home. “I don’t understand how a furnace works,” you say? Not to worry – let a pro help you with the basics.

The heating process starts when your thermostat detects that the temperature has dropped below a certain level set by you. It then activates a set of burners connected to a combustion chamber. A gas line feeds steady gas into the burners which an electronic ignition system (or a pilot light in the case of older furnaces) ignites it. The gas heats up a heat exchanger, which heats up the air blown into the furnace through a blower. The hot air then passes out from the furnace into a series of ducts, which carry it throughout your home.

Problems can arise from any number of sources, such as blocked lines, dirty burners, or problems with the ignition system. Safety features such as thermocouples automatically shut off the gas in the event of a problem to prevent the gas from flooding your household. But whenever such issues arise, you should shut off power to the furnace and call in an expert to address it.

Here in Irvine, furnace repair services are provided by Saddleback Plumbing. If problems arise and you’re saying to yourself “I don’t understand how a furnace works,” then our expert staff is here to help. We can hunt down the source of the problem and put your furnace back in the pink. Let a pro help you when your heating isn’t what it should be. Pick up the phone and give us a call today for all of your Irvine heating needs.

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Common Types of Heating Systems and How They Work

Friday, November 8th, 2013

Our world swims in new technological developments—and this applies as much to home comfort systems as to anything else. When you are looking for a new heater for the upcoming cooler months, you’ll find yourself with a possibly bewildering array of options to choose from: old systems with advanced technology, and new systems that have only recently entered residential use.

Saddleback Plumbing is here to help you navigate your choices for heating in Tustin, CA. Here is a short list of common types of heating systems—all of which we install—and their basic operation.

Furnaces

This is the oldest type of system, although the current models are nothing like the old-fashioned furnaces of fifty years ago. A furnace heats air inside a cabinet using one of a variety of fuel sources (natural gas, electricity, and propane are the most common). Once the heat is transferred to the air, blower fans send the warm air through ducts into your home. This is called “forced-air” heating. Check out our furnace installation service.

Boilers

Boilers do not rely on forced-air, but instead circulate water around a home to various endpoints that radiate heat into rooms. This is called “hydronic” heating. Boilers heat water inside a main tank, and can use electricity, natural gas, or oil as a fuel source to generate heat. A pump then sends the hot water through pipes to the end points. Afterwards, the cooled water returns to the tank. Check out our hydronic boiler system service.

Heat pumps

These are essentially central air conditioning units that can reverse the process of heat exchange so that in addition to moving heat from inside and releasing it outside, it can draw heat from outside and move it into your home to provide warmth. Heat pumps run on electricity. Check out our heat pump installation service.

Hydronic floor systems

This is one of the newest systems to enter homes. Using water from a boiler, heated water moves through pipes that are placed 1 to 4 inches beneath the floorboards of each room in your house. The heated floorboards then radiate the warmth into the rooms. Check out our hydronic floor system service.

We hope this list gives you a push toward thinking about what heating system will work best for you. However, you will eventually need professional advice, as well as installation. Each system has advantages and disadvantages, and it requires an expert to match one to your home so you get the most efficient and effective heating possible.

Contact Saddleback Plumbing, where we’ve kept up-to-date on HVAC technology since we started in business in 1981. We can deliver you top-quality heating in Tustin, CA.

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Is a Furnace the Best Heating Option for My Home?

Monday, November 4th, 2013

In Irvine, furnace systems see use in a wide variety of homes. They’re simple and easy to operate, they don’t cost much in monthly bills, and when trouble arises, repair professionals can usually fix them without a great deal of difficulty. Considering our warm Southern California climate, however, you may want to consider an alternate option for your heating needs. “is a furnace the best heating option for my home?” the answer depends on your unique circumstances.

The central issue is usually one of up-front costs vs. long-term savings. For instance, a heat pump – which combines the functions of an air conditioner and a heater into a single unit – often uses less energy than a gas furnace, though it costs a little more to install. Similarly, a hydronic floor system – which runs tubes filled with hot water beneath the floorboards of your house – delivers warm temperatures without the drafts or cold spots that appear in “forced air” gas furnaces. Both save you considerably in monthly heating costs, as well as improving the resale value of your home.

On the other hand, those savings come at the price of a big up-front cost, and you need to weigh your current finances against the future savings you will enjoy with a different system. They can also involve extensive installation operations, particularly with hydronic systems, which need to be inserted into your floors in order to function efficiently. Heat pumps usually involve a connected indoor and outdoor unit, which can damage the aesthetics of your home.

Despite that, the savings offered by alternate forms of heating are hard to ignore, especially in Irvine where mild temperatures make heat pumps a very good fit. Regardless of whether a furnace is the best heating option for your home or you’d like to explore a different option, it pays to consult with an expert. Saddleback Plumbing has the skills and experience to install a new heater in your home, or just keep your existing one in fine shape if it’s serving you efficiently. Give us a call to schedule heating service in Irvine today.

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Why Is My Furnace Making a Weird Noise?

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

In Ladera Ranch, furnace systems still make up the vast bulk of home heating options: using ignited gas to heat the air, which is then blown into your home through a series of ducts. As with any major appliance, problems can develop from any number of sources, which you can spot by watching for certain warning signs. In particular, look for your furnace to emit a strange noise – something you don’t normally hear when it’s running and which could indicate a significant problem. “Why is my Ladera Ranch furnace making a weird noise?” you ask. The answers vary according to the kind of noise you hear.

Saddleback Plumbing can help you with your Ladera Ranch furnace service needs!

The most troubling sounds are those that involve an overloading component: usually a grinding or stuttering sound that suggests some kind of an electrical problem. Grinding sounds also take place when a given component is bent or loose from its housing, and grinds up against another component. Both conditions are severe enough to warrant shutting off your furnace immediately before they cause any more damage. Similarly, a thumping or bumping noise could indicate a loose component banging around in its housing or possibly a fan belt that has broken.

More alarming (though not strictly dangerous) noises can including a huffing or banging noise, which results from problematic gas ignition that delays the start of the heating process. It can be quite alarming, though safety measures usually prevent the leak of gas. Speaking of leaks, some noises arise because a leak has developed in the system. Air can escape through the leak, resulting in a humming or whistling noise. This isn’t as damaging as other noises, though it does rob your heater of efficiency and may introduce dust or other contaminants into your heating system.

Whatever the reason, you should call a qualified service technician any time you ask the question “what is that strange sound my furnace is making?” Saddleback Plumbing, a reputable company with years of experience in handling such matters, provides heating service to Ladera Ranch. Our trained staff operates with your complete satisfaction in mind, and we’ll work overtime to ensure that your needs are met.

Give us a call today to make an appointment.

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Tips for Getting Optimal Performance from Your Heater This Winter

Friday, October 18th, 2013

In terms of heating, San Juan Capistrano benefits from a mild climate and comparatively warm winters. Even so, we get our share of chilly nights and a good heater is essential to protecting your family’s comfort and health. Moreover, you want your heater to perform with maximum efficiency, making sure you don’t spend more than you have to in order to warm your home on those cold winter days. A few sensible steps can help in this regard.

Here are some tips for getting optimal performance from your heater his winter.

  • Schedule a maintenance session in the early fall. Your heater has likely sat idle since the spring, a period of up to six months. In that time, it has doubtless accrued its share of dust and debris, while worn components such as bolts or fittings have likely sat unaddressed since last heating session. A routine maintenance session from a qualified technician can clean up that dirt while repairing or replacing any worn parts. Not only does this reduce the chance of a more serious breakdown later, but it lowers the wear on your system, meaning that it can do the job without expending any needless energy.
  • Optimize your household. A well-insulated household will retain warm air more easily than one with a lot of leaks and vents. Add more insulation to your attic or walls and seal any leaks around your windows and doors. It will make a big difference to your heater.
  • Consider energy-saving upgrades. A programmable thermostat will let you turn your heater off automatically when you leave for work each day, then back on again ten minutes before you arrive home. Similarly, a zone control system lets you turn the heat on only in those parts of the house you’re using, while leaving the rest of the home cool. Each upgrade means greater control over your energy expenditure, and the ability to seriously reduce your heating costs.

For more tips for getting optimal performances from your heater this winter, contact the experts at Saddleback Plumbing for help. We handle all issues related to heating, so come to us for your San Juan Capistrano heating service needs, as we won’t rest until the job is done right. Call us today!

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Steer Clear of These Common Heating Repairs with Regular Maintenance

Thursday, October 10th, 2013

If you haven’t already enrolled in a professional heating maintenance plan, then do not hesitate to do so. The late summer and fall months are the best times to have your heater inspected, cleaned and adjusted so that you can be confident in its performance and efficiency throughout the winter. While residents enjoy excellent temperature in the Orange County, a cold wave can quickly make your home uncomfortable if you are unprepared. To put it simply, heaters break down more often when they are not maintained, although some problems are simply inevitable. Let the expert Laguna Hills heating repair technicians at Saddleback Plumbing take care of your heater so that it works well all heating season long.

  • Damaged motor bearings. Your blower motor is one of the most important components of your heater if you own a forced-air distribution system. It pulls your indoor air through the various ductwork and sends it through the heat exchanger or coils to be heated. It is then returned to your home. Debris can present a challenge to mechanical components like your motor bearings, however. When dust and dirt get inside the internal components of your HVAC system, it can lead to serious damage in the long-term.
  • Clogged air filter. If you have a heater, then you need to ensure that its air filter is kept clean at all times. There is simply no other way for your heater to perform effectively and efficiently. A clogged air filter can lead to various problems throughout the rest of the heating system. It can increase your energy bills and contribute to overall system general wear and tear.
  • Dirty coils. If you own a heat pump, then you need to keep your coils clean. That includes both the condenser and evaporator coils. Both are responsible for absorbing and dissipating heat so that the entire system functions efficiently. But over time, your coils can accumulate a serious amount of debris, and this can effect your ability to stay comfortable during the winter.

With routine maintenance, you can prevent many unnecessary repairs. But sometimes, such problems cannot be prevented. In that case, you need the expertise and quality workmanship of the team at Saddleback Plumbing. We can take care of your Laguna Hills heating service needs.

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Benefits of Scheduling Heating Maintenance Before Winter

Wednesday, October 9th, 2013

No matter what type of heater you have in your home, you need to make sure that it works well throughout the fall and winter months. While the Orange County area is known for its mild winters, residents know that having a reliable heater is critical to maintaining home comfort year-round. Every type of HVAC system needs to be maintained in order to perform effectively and efficiently. At Saddleback Plumbing, we offer an excellent heating maintenance service in Tustin that can give your heater the reliability and functionality that you need to stay warm this winter. While it’s still hot here, winter is just around the corner.

There are numerous benefits to scheduling your heating maintenance before winter arrives.

Here are just a few:

  • Energy efficiency. With energy costs seemingly every rising, it’s important to make sure that every aspect of your HVAC system is energy efficient as well as powerful. For many homeowners, this is also a decision that has a direct impact on the environment. Pro heating maintenance leaves your system cleaned and well adjusted so that it heats your home without unnecessarily wasting any energy.
  • Performance. While it never gets too cold here in Orange County, the temperature can drop quickly at night and cold snaps have been known to hit us early in the heating season. By maintaining your heater, you can get the most out of its performance. It’s important the status of your heater before the heating season begins so that you can make any necessary preparations.
  • System longevity. Another benefit to having your heater professionally maintained before the winter strikes is that it can increase the system longevity. No matter what type or brand of heater you have, it needs to be taken care of on a routine basis. Your heater will not last indefinitely, but regular maintenance is a great way to add some years to its life.

Late summer and fall are great times to ensure that your heater has everything it needs to keep your warm this winter. During our maintenance visit, we will thoroughly clean, inspect and adjust your heater. We work with all system types and brands. Call Saddleback Plumbing today for all of your heating service needs in Tustin.

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