The memory of heavy snows in prior years should have prompted you to arrange for regular checkups and servicing of your heating system. After all, the worst time for something to go wrong with your furnace is when the first storm of this coming winter hits. In addition, you can help your service company with any needed oil delivery by doing the following.

Clear Snow Away From Pipes and Vents

A winter storm has deposited more than a foot of snow on your yard, and your kids are begging you to go sledding with them in the winter wonderland outside. However, it’s more important first to attend to their safety. Vents and pipes blocked by snow and ice can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside your home. So, put on your down jacket, pull on your high boots, grab your shovel, and get on out there.  

Tip – You can help prevent snow buildup by constructing a plywood A-frame over a pipe.  

Clear a Pathway for Your Oil Company

As the white stuff is piling up outside, make sure that your access pipes are clear and accessible for any needed heating oil delivery. Enlist your teenage sons to help, and clear the snow away before the oil tanker arrives. 

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any problems with your furnace, please contact us before winter arrives. And, to keep your furnace running without interruption, sign up for one of our oil delivery service plans. This way your family will stay warm and cozy until spring. 

 

Spring is in the air and the daffodils are pushing up through the ground in Prospect Park. However, the appearance of these cheerful yellow flowers means that the hot humid days of summer are not too far away. Therefore, you should be turning your attention away from your heating system and towards your air conditioning unit(s). People who neglect to schedule a regular air conditioning tune-up with a Park Slope plumbing HVAC company are often the ones whose units unexpectedly fail during some of the most uncomfortable months of the year.

It Is Best Not to Be Penny Wise and Pound Foolish

For the minor expense of an expert tune-up, breakdowns in the middle of an August heatwave can be avoided. A tune-up will provide your unit with a longer lifespan, and it will operate safely and with more efficiency, saving you money on energy costs in the long run.

A Comprehensive Tune-Up Includes the Following:

• Thorough cleaning of the condenser coils. This increases efficient operation of the unit and reduces wear and tear.
• Examination of the level of coolant. This may need to be topped up to help maintain the best operating performance.
• Lubrication of all moving parts. This prevents friction and wear.
• Calibration of the thermostat to ensure proper operation of the unit.
• Inspection of all ductwork for possible energy loss.
• Check up and tightening (where necessary) of all electrical connections to ensure safe system operation.
• Evaluation of the performance of the blower motor and the state of the blower belt.

These are just the primary checks that a trained HVAC technician will carry out. While you should regularly change the air filter yourself, you need an expert to give your unit a thorough once over to protect it and the quality of your indoor air – and also to save you money. Get in touch with ………………………………….. today to schedule an appointment.

If your furnace is close to failing and needs some heating repair, it will signal to you that it is in trouble, but you will miss the following signs if you don’t pay attention.

Certain rooms in your home are warmer than others – Your dysfunctional furnace is not distributing warm air around your home in an efficient manner.

You are being forced to listen to a cacophony of weird noises – banging, rattling, groaning, whining, or popping sounds. Although no furnace is whisper quiet, the only audible sound should be coming from the blower. However, your furnace is not running efficiently if the blower is turning on and off constantly. And, if you have to press “reset” several times a day, this also is a bad sign.

Your energy bills are always going up – You have grumbled about high utility bills but have laid the blame on increasing energy prices. However, your failing furnace will be working harder to provide the same volume of heat, and this will be reflected in your bills.

Your burner flame is not blue – If it’s yellow, this is an indication that your furnace may be leaking dangerous carbon monoxide. Other omens are sooty streaks near the furnace, patches of rust on the flue pipes, and “dew” on cold surfaces such as walls or windows.

Health issues – If you have seen an increase in allergies or asthma among members of your family, your poorly-operating heating system may be circulating irritants such as dust or mold, throughout your house.

The age of your furnace – If your furnace is turning into a fossil at more than fifteen years of age, it’s time to consider replacing it.

Conclusion

To keep your furnace working smoothly and constantly, it’s vital to have it cleaned and maintained regularly. Contact us to arrange for a furnace health check from one of our qualified technicians.