Archive for the ‘Heating and Cooling’ Category

 

Oil Furnace Prices

Wednesday, October 9th, 2013

Oil Furnace Prices - Heating and Cooling

Oil furnaces are great systems that keep your homes heated. They last up to twenty years of service, and they won’t cause any problems or difficulties unless you neglect them and forget to have them inspected once per year. Let’s look into oil furnace prices.

How Much Does An Oil Furnace Cost?

If you wish to acquire an oil furnace, prices vary from $2,000 up to $10,000. An average model with basic features can cost $2,000 or more, up to $5,000. If you choose to buy a special model, your purchase may amount to $10,000.

What Factors Should You Take into Consideration When Buying an Oil Furnace?  

It would be great to successfully straddle the issues of safety, cost-efficiency, and energy savings you can make in time. You should know certain details in order to be able to make a choice. Here are 4 important imperatives you should pay attention to if you want to have an oil furnace with a longer lifespan:

1. Choose your furnace according to the space you can allocate in your home.

2. Pick your oil furnace according to the temperatures you prefer.

3. Don’t buy an oversized/undersized furnace.

4. Spend efficiently.

You shouldn’t buy an oversized furnace because it can trigger higher fuel consumption. However, an undersized oil furnace may be cheaper, but will probably not heat your home adequately. There is no golden formula – you should have in mind the amount of space that the heating system will fill.

The saving of energy is a very important factor as well. AFUE shows you the amount of energy that is turned into actual warmth. Why should you think of AFUE? Because it is translated into the money you pay for your energy supply – a better AFUE means a friendlier bill.

Need Professional Advice?

If you need more information on this topic or want expert help, TalkLocal can put you in contact with specialists ready to assist you with the buying of a new oil furnace.

Oil Furnace Burner On But No Fire

Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

Oil Furnace Burner On But No Fire - Heating and Cooling

Oil furnace burners are used by most people to heat their houses. They are complex assemblies, usually trouble-free, and capable of giving you years of service. In order to enjoy them as long as possible, you should take good care of them by cleaning and maintaining them as necessary. Even if you are very careful, sometimes there may be certain troubleshooting issues.

What Do You Do With the Oil Furnace Burner On But No Fire?

Possible causes:

– The opening of the nozzle is clogged

– The transformer is short-circuited

– Short-circuited electrodes and electrode wires

Clogged Nozzle

If your oil furnace burner is on, but there is no fire, you should check a certain component called a burner nozzle. Its opening may be clogged – even a scarce quantity of dust or water may have caused it. Replace this part and the problem may disappear.

Short-Circuited Transformer

In the second situation, you will have to check the transformer. It is recommended that you disconnect the wires leading to the motor and to the furnace prior to this operation. You should leave only the wire leading to the transformer connected.

Use a handle-insulated screwdriver to touch this wire to one of its terminals. At the same time, lower its shaft slowly into contact with the other terminal of the transformer. The electric current must form a two-inch arc. If this arc is not large enough, the transformer must be replaced.

Short-Circuited Electrodes and Electrode Wires

Finally, the oil furnace burner may be prevented from firing by the presence of one of the two following problems: some electrodes may be short-circuited or even the electrode wires may have suffered a short circuit.

Find Professional Help

These are a few of the possible causes. If none of them proves to be your furnace’s problem, you may want to contact an expert. TalkLocal can put you in contact with several professionals who may be of great help.

Benefits of in-Floor Radiant Heating

Monday, September 30th, 2013

Benefits of in-Floor Radiant Heating - Heating and Cooling

Whether you plan on building a new home for your family or moving into one, you might want to consider an in-floor radiant heating system. These kinds of systems have a lot of benefits over the standard radiator-based systems and are widely used in homes and commercial spaces worldwide.

These radiant heating systems also have a rich history – the earliest accounts of these systems dating back to 60 A.D. when Romans used them to warm up their homes. Here are two of the biggest benefits of in-floor radiant heating systems.

Better Results, Less Space Intrusion

As with most units, you’ll still need a boiler installed somewhere in your home. That boiler will bring the liquid that circulates under your floor to a certain temperature, which you can control. But aside from the boiler, there’s no more need to figure out where you’ll want your radiators installed in every room. If you deem it necessary, you can have your home’s entire floor remodeled with the radiant heating system included.

The biggest advantage of an in-floor radiant heating system is that it provides better results than most other standard heating options. And all this due to simple physics; warm air is lighter than cold air, so it will have the tendency to move upward. A radiator covers only the zone adjacent to its location, but in-floor radiant heating systems affect the entire room, regardless of its size, at the same time. Not only that, but the floor itself will become warm, and the concrete will hold that temperature for a longer period of time, allowing you to save energy while heating your rooms.

Cost Efficiency

Along with the good results it provides, an in-floor radiant heating system will also cost you considerably less than other options. And this is because the floor itself will be heated, conserving that heat for longer periods of time. Not only that, but there are special fluids used which get warmer more quickly and stay that way for a longer period. The system will be spread evenly throughout your home and once you turn it on, you’ll get the same effect in all of your rooms, if you wish to.

Also, this system allows for faster heating all through your home, meaning that the boiler won’t have to function for long periods of time before there’s a noticeable effect. In the end, you’ll end up paying a lot less on your energy bill and, if money’s short, you can choose which rooms to heat up and which not.

Interested in in-Floor Radiant Heating?

Contact a heating and cooling professional near you to find out about installing an in-floor radiant heating system in your home. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three professionals in your area who will be available to help you when you need them.

Small Bathroom Makeovers: HVAC

Friday, September 27th, 2013

Small Bathroom Makeovers: HVAC - Heating and Cooling

Ceiling Fans and Vents

Installing ceiling fans and vents in your bathrooms, which you can include in your small bathroom makeovers, can be one of the most important things you can do. Not only will you prevent mold and mildew from forming in your bathroom, but you will breathe easier in your bathroom, too. You will also prevent stale odors and steamy mirrors while taking a shower.

1. First, find the right fan size to install in your bathroom. Fans are rated by a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, helping you determine the right size.

2. To find the CFM rating, multiply the square footage of your bathroom by 1.1.

3. Next, mark the space where you want the fan to be. Ideally, it should be between the shower and the toilet.

4. After that, you have to trace where the vent of your fan will come out. It should always come out to an outdoor outlet and not just to an attic.

5. Next, cut out the ceiling where you marked out the space you want the fan to be.

6. Outside, mark the space where the duct will be.

7. Run the duct from the bathroom to the outside and attach the fan. Or, you could opt for professional help.

Changing Radiators

In order to change radiators, you will need some carpentry tools. Of course, if you need to change radiators in your bathroom, the simplest thing to do is to find the same radiator. However, if you are unable to do so, here is how you can change a radiator.

1. You will need to adapt the pipework for a new radiator. First, you will need to disconnect the old radiator, complete with its pipe system from your wall.

2. At this point, all you need to do is to replace the heated towel rail, if you have one.

3. Then you will need to adapt the new radiator system to the old radiator system’s size. This means opening up the floorboards and altering the pipe system.

4. After this, you have to install the new heated towel rail.

Ask us for Help

Contact TalkLocal today and let us help you find a heating and cooling professional near you. We will connect you with up to three professionals in your area in just minutes, so you can get the help you need when you need it.

Heating Vent Covers

Friday, September 20th, 2013

Heating Vent Covers - Heating and Cooling

Millions of homeowners pay ridiculously high energy bills and still fail to turn their homes into ideal, welcoming environments with optimal temperatures year-round. This incredibly common problem generates a lot of frustration; however, it could be addressed in a simple, cost-effective manner by implementing a heat-saving solution in the form of heating vent covers. Keep reading to discover how to improve the effectiveness of your heating and cooling system fast and effortlessly.

Why do homeowners need heating vent covers?

Heating vent covers are designed and installed to help homeowners experience significant financial savings while making the most of the warmth that they are actually paying for. This type of cover guarantees a perfect fit and should be placed over the owners’ AC outlet vents in order to prevent heat loss.

Even if your ducting system is new and fully functional, it will still enable a certain amount of air to escape. This is why you need to rely on inexpensive heat-saving vent covers.

Vent blades should be left open during summer (to facilitate a proper air circulation), and they should be closed during the cold season to minimize heat loss. The right vent covers eliminate the need for such adjustments, are easy to install, and keep the blades in an ideal position.

How could I find the perfect heating vent covers for my home?

You could purchase highly effective, accessible heating vent covers tailored to your needs in different patterns, shapes, and even custom sizes, matching your home’s design particularities online or in almost any brick-and-mortar hardware store.

Are you looking for the best energy-efficiency products, but don’t know which items are actually worth your money? When in doubt, it is advisable to count on expert advice and professional installation, ensured by a dependable heating and cooling expert operating in your area. Find the best specialists with just a little help from TalkLocal, your reliable connection to the high-quality professionals in your area.

Remodeling to Add Space: HVAC

Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

Remodeling to Add Space: HVAC - Heating and Cooling

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

HVAC systems are used by people to add comfort to vehicles and homes. They manipulate the temperature of the environment to their liking, either by decreasing or increasing the temperature to make the users more comfortable. Remodeling to add space and adding HVAC units has many considerations involved. In this article, we tackle the many factors you need to consider in order for you to determine how to provide the best HVAC system for your home.

Extend Your Home’s Existing System

You can extend your current HVAC system if it isn’t over ten years old. Just keep in mind that you will have to extend your duct system as well. You will need to ensure that your HVAC system is powerful enough to cover the new area of your home.

Replace Your Home’s Existing System

While this is more costly, this may be a good opportunity for you to replace your current HVAC system with a more cost-effective one. In the long run, this may prove to be more economical for you. You will need to change your duct system as well. You can change your HVAC system to packaged systems, which may be more cost-effective.

Use an Independent System

Another option is for you to install an independent HVAC system for your new addition. This is less costly than a complete overhaul, and it allows you more flexibility in that you can install a mini-duct system in your new addition. Additionally, if you decide to add more rooms, you can add more independent systems that are more suited to the needs of those rooms as well. For example, not all rooms may need the same HVAC systems as all of the other rooms.

If You Need Help…

TalkLocal can help you find a professional near you that will assist you in installing an HVAC system for a new addition in your home.

Many BTUs Gallon Heating Oil

Thursday, September 12th, 2013

Many BTUs Gallon Heating Oil - Heating and Cooling

When dealing with heating and cooling appliances, most homeowners have a lot of questions on their minds. When DIY projects do not represent a valid option, their only hope is to find a competent specialist providing the most effective and inexpensive solutions tailored to their unique problems. Want to discover everything there is to know about many BTUs gallon heating oil? Keep reading to assimilate useful information, brought to you by reputable heating and cooling experts.

What is BTU?

BTU (British thermal unit) is an energy unit representing the equivalent of 1,055 joules, or in plain words, the energy amount required to cool or heat 1 pound of water by 1° Fahrenheit. Want to discover the average heating value of some of the most common fuels that you use regularly?

In this case, you should know that 1 cubic foot of propane equals 2,500 BTU; 1 cubic foot of natural gas equals 1,050 BTU; 1 gallon of gasoline equals 125,000 BTU; one gallon of diesel equals 139,200 BTU; and one gallon of number 2 oil equals 138,500 BTU; while the same quantity of number 6 oil equals 153,200 BTU.

You might be wondering: Why should I assimilate information on many BTUs gallon heating oil that most homes require, and how could it make a difference for me and my family? The answer is simple: The average value of your heating costs depends a great deal on the fuel type that you use (propane gas, natural gas, #2 heating oil) and its BTU indicative. For instance, home heating oil with 140,000 BTUs per gallon with a price ranging from $3.93 to $4.11 per gallon in 2012 for the New York area has a typical efficiency of 78%. Natural gas, with 1,029 BTU per cubic feet was priced at $12 in 2011, and has a typical efficiency of 80%.

How many BTUs does my home actually require?

You might be wondering: how many BTUs does my home actually require? The answer to this question depends on many factors, like for instance the area in which you live, your home’s insulation, and your current heating/cooling system. Despite the fact that now you have access to online calculators indicating different values, the best thing to do is to pay the right price for a Manual J calculation, done by a respectable professional, to determine just how many BTUs your property actually needs.

If you have different, other heating and cooling problems on your mind, just rely on TalkLocal, your trusted source of information, to help locate some of the best specialists in this sector, who are just one phone call away.

Air Conditioner Leaks Water

Wednesday, September 11th, 2013

Air Conditioner Leaks Water - Heating and Cooling

There is a strong chance that an air conditioner will leak now and again. There can be many causes for the leaking water from your air conditioner. Let’s examine the 5 most common.

1. The drain pipes are clogged

If the drain pipes are clogged, you will need to clean them. Take some baking soda, add a little vinegar, and fill the hole with this mixture. This is how you will clean your drain pipe. You can also use a metal wire in order to remove any dirt or clogging from the pipe. Its function is to prevent moisture from building up.

2. There is too much condensation

Condensation can be avoided through a thorough cleaning of the filter. Some easy steps for cleaning your HEPA filter may be useful. If it is not properly cleaned, the odds are that condensation will build up inside. The result is evident: the air conditioner leaks water.

3. There is too much humidity

The external parts of your air conditioner should be properly sealed, otherwise air will leak and humidity will be more likely to occur, which triggers the forming of water in the air conditioner. The result: your air conditioner leaks water.

4. The air conditioner is not properly installed

At times, the reason is simpler than you could think. If you possess a window air conditioner for instance, you should bear in mind that the front part, the one that is in your house, should be positioned a little higher than the back part, the one that is outside.

5. The forming and gradual increase of ice inside the air conditioner

This may also happen. If this is the case, ice will eventually melt and cause a leakage. All you have to do is turn the system off and wait until all the ice has melted. After it has thawed out, put a bowl or any other container under the air conditioner. The water will gather into it. Before turning it on again, you should clean the assembly properly.

If none of these work and you suspect a more complicated problem or if you just want to get in contact with an HVAC professional, TalkLocal can help. Give us a call or write to us and we will facilitate communication with experts for your benefit.

Oil Furnace Burner

Tuesday, September 10th, 2013

Oil Furnace Burner - Heating and Cooling

Oil furnace burners are used by many people to heat their houses. An oil furnace burner is a rather complex assembly. It is generally called a pressure burner.

What Is It Made Of?

It is comprised of a combustion chamber, a blower, a motor, a pump, and a couple of switches, controls, and shutters.

How Does It Work?

Oil is pushed into a combustion chamber, from which it is propelled by a blower, and then it starts burning with the help of an electric spark. The oil continues to burn while the mist is being sprayed. In order to enjoy your furnace for a longer period of time, have it checked on a regular basis and make any necessary replacements or repair work.

Cleaning Is Very Important

Dust can be a great source of trouble. So, first of all, clean the components of your oil furnace burner. The filter, the blower, and the motor must be clean at all times. Clean all components in order to prevent clogging. Use the vacuum cleaner hose and a toothbrush for a thorough cleaning.

Oil Furnace Burner Maintenance

It is highly recommended that you have your oil furnace burner inspected by a professional once a year. But let’s see how you can make it last longer. Always make sure that your furnace receives power and that all switches and controls are working properly and are not damaged. Check your fuse using a multimeter. If it blows whenever you turn the furnace on, then there might be a problem with the electrical system. Check the settings of the thermostat. It must be well calibrated. Never forget to inspect the heat source.

Further Assistance

In conclusion, know your oil furnace burner; see how it works and how you can prolong its life by observing simple maintenance rules. However, if you need the precious aid of a professional, TalkLocal can connect you to the right professionals. Don’t hesitate to call us.

How Many Heating Vents Do You Need?

Monday, September 9th, 2013

How Many Heating Vents Do You Need? - Heating and Cooling

Recent studies indicate the fact that up to 44% of all energy required by the United States is utilized by homeowners to heat and cool their properties. Unfortunately, many families neglect the fact that a heating and cooling system that is not fully functional for one reason or another exposes them to heat losses and unnecessary expenses.

Different types of heating vents matching your highest expectations

A working, modern HVAC system provides a superior level of thermal comfort, maximizes indoor air quality, requires a simple, trouble-free installation, and triggers minimal maintenance costs. HVAC systems rely on air ducts installed in the building to ensure proper air circulation. The airflow is supplied inside a room through diffusers, also known as heating vents. How many heating vents are currently available on the market?

Now, you could easily find a wide range of heating vents, tailored to your needs, specifications, and design preferences. Forget about those dull, unappealing options compromising the aesthetic harmony of your room. These days, you have the chance to invest in durable, premium heating vents with amazing design particularities, made from extremely resistant materials. Cast iron vents with a vintage vibe are increasingly popular and enable homeowners to install a decorative element serving a practical purpose.

How many heating vents do you need?

One might be wondering: How many heating vents do I need in my rooms to profit from ideal temperatures year-round and to significantly improve air quality inside my home? Of course, you could easily find diverse information on the Internet correlating the number of heating vents that you need with the overall surface of the room where they will be installed. However, contradictory data can make you feel insecure and frustrated.

Ask an expert

Honestly, only a competent heating and cooling expert can provide the best answer to these questions after inspecting your home and offering you an accurate Manual J, S, and D load calculation to determine the appropriate number of outlets, the proper size of the equipment, and to design the best duct system for your home. Find top-rated specialists in this sector who are only a few clicks away by simply consulting TalkLocal, your number one source of valuable information.