Heating|HVAC

Do you have an older heating system that seems to be running pretty reliably but you’re still thinking it might be time for a replacement? Maybe you’ve been going back and forth about why you should or shouldn’t upgrade. Here are three great reasons why maybe you should:

1. Efficiency

The single most important reason to upgrade your heating equipment before another Ohio winter is efficiency. If your heating system is 10 years old or more, it just may not be working as efficiently as the modern furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers that are now available. Some super-efficient furnaces, for instance, now have an AFUE (annual fuel utilization equivalency, which is the government’s metric for rating fuel efficiency) of nearly 100%, whereas a furnace built 20 years ago might have an AFUE of 72%. AFUE 72 means 72% of the fuel is used to heat the home, while 28% goes up the flue.

Efficient furnaces often include modulating or multi-stage gas valves that allow the furnace to perform at a low-fire setting until more fuel is needed, at which point it ramps up to the second stage.

Installing a more efficient furnace, boiler, or heat pump also adds value to the home.

2. Comfort 

Newer furnaces often provide a much higher level of comfort than older furnaces. For instance, a two-stage furnace emits quiet, even heat at the low stage, rather than the sudden blast of high heat associated with single-stage furnaces. Two-stage furnaces transition gently to the second, high stage of heating. These furnaces are often installed with a variable speed ECM (electronically commutated motor) blower, which operates at a quieter, lower speed.  These ECM motors can also save up to 80% in the electrical power consumed by your furnace

3. Reduced Carbon Footprint

Homes in the United States produce on average 60 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year. Installing an efficient furnace, heat pump, or boiler helps homeowners reduce the carbon footprint of the home by reducing the amount of energy used to heat the home.

To learn more about upgrading a heating system, contact P,K. Wadsworth. We’ve served the Greater Cleveland area for more than 75 years.

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Traditionally, the furnace is a comfort item, keeping your household cozy and warm throughout the colder months. Unchecked, however, the furnace can be dangerous, the cause of gas leaks, CO poisoning, and electrical fires.

Don’t let lack of maintenance from a vetted Cleveland furnace repair company create a cozy-gone-crazy scenario.

Furnace Safety Checklist

Run through this furnace safety checklist to determine whether you’re in need of a furnace repair or maintenance.  Most manufacturers of furnaces recommend annually preventive maintenance so be guided accordingly.  If you have a manufacturer’s extended warranty plan, you may be denied coverage if you cannot produce evidence of annual maintenance.

Was your furnace installed by a professional?

We don’t care how many YouTube videos or blogs are posted about DIY furnace installation: the bottom line is that furnaces should only be installed by licensed and experienced professionals. In addition to venting, combustion, and fuel issues, furnaces and their parts can be recalled just like cars. Specialized training, tools and meters are required to do the job properly.  An HVAC company will keep you informed and safe.

In the meantime, DO study up on DIY furnace troubleshooting to avoid unnecessary service calls.

Has your furnace been inspected in the past six months?

Ideally, your HVAC should be inspected bi-annually – once for heating and once for cooling. This gives the technician an opportunity to give it a once-over, increasing furnace efficiency and repairing any small red flags before they turn into bigger ones. Routine maintenance reduces the chances of safety-related issues occurring in your furnace.

Do you smell gas?

While you may smell gas for a brief second or two before the furnace kicks into gear, there should never be a perpetual gas odor in your home. Some unusual smells are normal – like the smell of dust burning the first few times the furnace runs -especially at the beginning of the heating season or prolonged off cycle periods.  If you experience any odd smells that you are not accustomed to, it is always best to get them looked at.

Always call an HVAC company if you notice unusual smells such as gas, electrical burning or other strange odors related to running your furnace.

Many greater Cleveland homes have water or steam radiators as part of their heating systems and keeping them clean allows heat to transfer efficiently. It’s important to take care of any rust spots (or peeling paint that can leave the radiator open to rusting) as you don’t want to have to replace a radiator.

As with many household projects, there is more than one way to paint a radiator. If you are looking for the best results, powder coating is the way to go. This provides a finish that looks like porcelain and there are no fumes from outgassing to deal with. First the radiator is removed and sandblasted to make sure you have a completely clean surface. The radiator is then powder coated, baking it at no higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid damaging the interior gaskets of the radiator. The finish ends up so smooth that it makes keeping the radiator clean even easier. Plan on $300-500 per radiator to get this superior result, not counting the cost of removing/reinstalling the radiator.

If the budget does not allow for powder coating there are other options.

First, have the radiator removed. Go over any rust spots or peeling paint with sandpaper, then clean the radiator well with trisodium phosphate. The radiator can then be sprayed with oil-based alkyd enamel or Rustoleum high heat paint. Using other paints can lead to outgassing (fumes) when the radiator is used. In addition, the paint can become tacky every time the radiator heats up, causing dust or hair to stick to it. If you choose not to remove the radiators, the painting can be done with a hot dog roller or a special brush made to get into tight radiator spaces. The end result won’t be as nice, but it is certainly the most budget-friendly option at $20-30 per radiator.

Don’t neglect your radiators. Whether you choose to do the project yourself of invest in a premium finish, a little maintenance will help keep your radiators warming your home for years to come.