Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating Repair’

Don’t Ignore These Strange Heater Noises

Monday, December 26th, 2022
dog-hiding-under-sofa

Our extended season of “sweater weather” means you’ve probably been using your heater a lot. Hopefully, the transition from heating to cooling has been easy. Your heater should be able to heat your home to a comfortable temperature and do so quietly so that you barely hear it running.

But what if your heater is making a commotion as it tries to do its job? We know how easy it can be to ignore strange sounds from your heating system, but you shouldn’t ignore them. Your heater is trying to alert you that something is wrong. Don’t ignore a genuine plea for help. Here are some strange noises that warrant a call to our team.

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How Can I Stop Paying So Much For Heating This Year?

Monday, November 1st, 2021
money-in-the-piggy-bank

We’ve started to have our first brushes with colder autumn weather, and even some rainfall. Although we don’t have to deal with the full chill of winter that strikes many other parts of the country, we still need our heating systems to run at key times. And wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have to pay for the occasional heat we need?

Of course, this is impossible. Heat is a form of energy, and powering a gas or electric heating system costs money. If you dread having to use your heater each winter because you don’t like what it does to your utility bills, we have some potentially good news: you might be paying more each year than necessary. Because Southern California residents aren’t as used to running central heating systems, they often make errors that lead to higher costs. 

In this post, we will look at several ways you can curb heating costs—both small tips as well as bigger jobs that our professionals can help you with.

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Electric Furnace Won’t Work? Let’s See What’s Going On

Monday, November 2nd, 2020
heating-element

We’re getting the first cool weather of the season here in Orange County, which brings some relief from a long, often extremely hot summer. Now is when you’ll turn on your electric furnace for the first time in… well, we wouldn’t even want to guess how long. 

Because your electric furnace has sat unused for a long time, you might feel nervous when you have to turn it on. Maybe it won’t work? And if it does work, how long will it continue to heat the house?

Okay, as the post title makes clear, we’re here to talk to you because your electric furnace isn’t working. You may need our technicians for furnace repair in San Juan Capistrano, CA. But first, let’s take a look at why an electric furnace might be giving you trouble. It’s possible there’s a simple issue you’ve overlooked.

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Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

Monday, December 4th, 2017

Gas-BurnerHave you ever turned on your furnace for the first time of the season, and smelled something burning? A lot of people do, and they think that something is actually wrong with their furnace. Not to worry, though. That’s typically nothing to worry about. Most of the time, that’s actually the smell of the dust particles that have built up in the furnace over the year burning away as the system starts up. After a few hours of operation, that smell should go away. However, there are plenty of other symptoms of furnace issues that you absolutely should take seriously. Read on to find out more about these signs.

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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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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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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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Heating Repairs Caused by Electrical Failures

Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

When it comes to heating repairs, Irvine CA has it comparatively easy. Our Southern California weather is warm and mild, and air conditioning systems usually play a much larger role in our household comfort than heating. But winter nights can still get chilly, and it’s nice to have a functioning heater to warm things up when temperatures drop. Heating repairs caused by electrical failures are not uncommon out here, and while you may be tempted to let them wait, moving promptly on them will ensure that you don’t need to suffer through an uncomfortably cold house.

Don’t Be A Victim of An Electrical Failure!

In some cases, electrical failures stem from the wiring connecting your heater to the circuit box distributing power to your entire house. Frayed wiring or a bad connector can interrupt power to your heating unit, requiring an electrician’s attention to get fixed. Electrical power can also be cut off if one of more components in your heater is overloaded. Motors running the fans and other key components may suffer an internal breakdown. Many of them have automatic shut-off switches designed to keep the heater from turning on if they overload. This not only alerts you to the problem, but prevents other components from suffering damage if the heater keeps running.

In many cases, routine maintenance can prevent the need for electrical repairs. A qualified technician can replace faulty components and re-test connectors to make sure they’re working properly. A maintenance session can also clean dirty components, reducing wear and tear and lowering the possibility of a component overload.

If repairs are needed, the technician needs to know where to look to find the faulty component, He can then replace it while leaving the rest of the system intact, reducing the cost of repairs while still ensuring that the issue is resolved.

If you electrical failures ruined your system, call on the Irvine heating repair experts at Saddleback Plumbing. We have experts who specify in heating repair, and Irvine, CA lies in the heart of our service area. We also pride ourselves on absolute customer satisfaction. Contact us today to set up an appointment, and let us handle the issue for you!

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Heating Tip 1: Are Your Gas Pipes in Good Shape?

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Natural gas is a popular fuel choice for home heating and cooking. It is affordable, dependable and in large part domestically produced. It is also very safe, generally speaking. It is important that you as a property owner ensure that your gas pipes are in good, safe working condition. In order to do so there are some steps that you will need to take and some warning signs that you should keep an eye out for. Here is some information from Saddleback Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning to keep your Irvine home safe and comfortable when using natural gas.

The first step towards ensuring that your gas pipes are in good shape is to be sure that the installation process is handled only by a qualified profession. If you are having a gas piping system installed for the first time or are scheduling repiping service you need to do your research. Look at testimonials and read online reviews, as well as asking contractors for references directly. Your gas pipes are too important a component of your home plumbing system to take any chances with. Call Saddleback today to learn more about gas pipe installation or to schedule service.

If you already have a gas piping system in your home you need to know what to look for in terms of trouble. While a gas leak may not cause as obvious problems as a leak in your water lines there are plenty of indicators that will tell you your gas pipes are compromised. Because natural gas is colorless and odorless an odor is added to help you identify a leak. This is where the rotten egg smell that so many associate with natural gas comes from. Any unusual sounds from your gas equipment may also indicate a gas leak so it is important that these irregularities are assessed by a professional.

There are also buried gas lines outside that allow natural gas to be piped into your Irvine home. If you see any dirt being blown into the air around this buried pipe or notice bubbling when the ground is wet this gas line may be leaking. Keep an eye out for dead vegetation in the vicinity as well.

When properly used and with a high-quality gas piping system natural gas is a perfectly safe, convenient fuel source. If you have any concerns about the condition that your gas pipes are in call the gas piping experts at Saddleback Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning today. We can help ensure that your home is as safe as it is comfortable with our gas piping installation, maintenance, repair and replacement services.

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A Question from Brea: Why Does My Furnace’s Pilot Light Keep Going Off?

Friday, December 16th, 2011

If you have an older furnace with a gas pilot light and it keeps going out, heating your Brea home can become a frustrating process. Not only are you forced to trudge downstairs to light it every time you need heat, but you’re probably starting to worry that there is something wrong – either with your furnace or with your gas supply. Here are some possible reasons for your pilot light shutting off and what you can do about them.

  • Thermocouple – The thermocouple is used to generate electricity from the gas being burned by the pilot light to power the sensor that keeps the pilot light running. So, if the thermocouple goes bad or gets blocked in some way, the sensor won’t work properly and your pilot light won’t remain lit. Even a small problem with the thermocouple can lead to the valve closing and the pilot light going out.
  • Gas Pressure – If the gas pressure going to your furnace is too low, due to a leak, pipe problem or another appliance, the pilot light may not have enough gas to stay lit. While it is possible that the problem is not related to gas pressure, anything that affects the flow of gas into your home should be inspected by a professional. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company immediately.
  • Mercury Sensor – The sensor in your pilot light that maintains the flow of gas to keep it lit can go bad. Keep in mind that these sensors almost always used to contain mercury (and often still do), so you should be careful with them. It’s best to call a professional who can replace and dispose of it properly.
  • Dirty Burners – Excess dust, lint, rust or sulfur build up can result in blockage of the burner holes. When this happens, gas will flood into the chamber but not light right away. When it does finally light, it will create a small boom or banging sound that will often put out the pilot light. Not only is this inconvenient, it is very dangerous. Fortunately, it can be avoided with annual cleanings of your furnace.

The best way to keep your pilot light lit at all times is to have someone inspect it once a year. If something happens in between, you can usually rule out cleanliness issues and call in a Brea HVAC contractor to check the thermocouple and sensor.

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