Comfort Flow Heating Blog:
Archive for October, 2012

Water Heater Options to Consider in Eugene

Monday, October 29th, 2012

In Eugene, a hot shower is a great way to ease yourself into your morning routine. Your water heater is the wonderful appliance that delivers that warm water to your shower every morning. If you’re looking to replace your water heater or if you’re buying a new water heater for a new home, it’s an important choice to make. We’ve put together some of important factors that people should consider as they start the process of buying a new water heater.

Fuel

This is one of the most important factors in choosing a water heater. Water heaters typically use electricity or gas, although there are solar options as well. The easiest option is get a water heater that uses the same fuel as the one before it. But if you’re interested in switching fuels, either for price reasons or environmental, you should definitely consult with a Eugene heating or plumbing company about the availability of certain fuels and the conversion cost. Here are some considerations for each fuel.

Electricity – Generally cheaper up front than gas. Requires no combustion or ventilation. Is energy efficient and heats water very quickly.
Gas – Cost less to operate but larger up front cost. Must have a flue to vent fumes. If you have a large propane tank, you won’t be affected by power outages.

Water Storage

There are tank and tankless water heaters and each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Consult your heating contractor or plumber for advice on which is right for your home in Eugene.

Tank water heater – A large concern with these models is that you can run out of hot water. Below we discuss capacity issues. They can be economical depending on which brand you get.
Tankless – Requires large up-front cost. Hangs on wall to increase available floor space. Requires venting. Reduces energy consumption by up to 30%. Good option for part-time residences.

Tank Capacity

Regardless of whether you choose a tank or tankless model, you’ll have to choose which size you need for your home. For tankless water heaters the size is based on a flow rate which is measured in gallons per minute. For tank water heaters, the capacity is measured in gallons. Consult with your local plumber or contractor to determine which size will accommodate your needs.

Water Heater Dimensions

One final consideration is the physical size of your water heater. Use a measuring tape to determine the size of your current system. If you’re replacing it because it’s too small, make sure you have enough space for your new, larger water heater. If you’re going tankless, make sure the wall location has easy access to ventilation.

If you have any questions about your water heater or replacing it with a new one, call the experts at Comfort Flow. We have years of experience working with customers in Eugene and can do the same for you.

Tags: Eugene, Heating, Hot Water Heaters, Water Heater
Posted in Water Heaters | Comments Off on Water Heater Options to Consider in Eugene

Eugene OR Water Heater Tip: Choosing the Right Water Heater

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Choosing the right water heater for your Eugene OR home can be tough decision, given all the different models that are designed to provide better efficiency and a constant supply of hot water. Regardless of the model you choose, always hire a professional to install a new water heater. Because of the advanced technology used to run high-efficiency equipment, only a certified technician should make any repairs to the unit as well.

The expert technicians at Comfort Flow are trained to install, repair and maintain water heaters throughout the service area. Call today if you would like to know more about how to choose the right water heater. Here is a comparison of the two main types to get you started.

Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters save energy by heating the water directly as it goes to the application, such as a dishwasher or shower. This saves energy because there’s no need to keep an entire tank of water heated at all times. In addition, tankless models can work with your existing heating system to save even more energy during the winter.

Before installing a tankless water heater for you, your technician will need to make sure you get the right size for your home and water heating needs. You can also install individual units that are matched for a specific application that uses a lot of hot water, such as a washing machine, so that your main tankless unit will be more effective. Our professional technicians can help you select the right model and size to match your hot water usage needs.

Tank Water Heaters

Even though tank water heaters may not be as efficient as tankless, there have been many improvements in technology in recent years that have improved their efficiency. Finding the proper size and type will depend on several variables, including flow rate calculations for all the hot water applications in the home. Our technicians are trained to help you make these calculations and determine the right size for your home.

When you call Comfort Flow, one of our plumbing experts will set up an appointment with you to go over your options and find the right water heater for your Eugene OR home. We are always glad to answer any questions, so give us a call any time. For repairs and maintenance services, call today to schedule an appointment.

Tags: Eugene, Heating, Hot Water Heaters
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Eugene OR Water Heater Tip: Choosing the Right Water Heater

Susan G Komen Race for the Cure – Team CFH!

Friday, October 19th, 2012

Team CFH has partnered up with the Susan G. Komen foundation for this years /Race_for_the_Cure/Eugene/”>Race for the Cure in Eugene, OR on October 21, 2012. We are excited to participate in this event and offer much needed fundraising dollars to find a cure for breast cancer and all cancers. If you would like to support the cause, you can donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation online by clicking here. Thanks for your support and wish us luck this weekend!

Tags: Eugene, OR, Race for the Cure, Susan G. Komen Foundation
Posted in Community Involvement | Comments Off on Susan G Komen Race for the Cure – Team CFH!

Springfield, OR Heating FAQ: Is It Time for a New Heating System?

Monday, October 15th, 2012

Comfort Flow has been providing Springfield, OR heating services to customers throughout the area since 1961. That’s why customers trust us to help them with all their heating needs, including heating repairs, maintenance, and replacement services. If you aren’t sure whether or not it’s time for a new heating system, give us a call any time.

Meanwhile, here are a few questions to ask as you consider replacing your old heater with a new heating system:

Does your old heater cost too much to operate?

While your old heater may have given you many years of uninterrupted service, you could be paying more than you need to in heating bills. Upgrading to a high-efficiency system, or a heating system that runs on renewable energy, such as a geothermal heat pump system, could dramatically reduce your heating costs. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are other factors to consider before choosing to upgrade.

Does your current heating system need frequent or costly repairs?

If you are paying more money in repair costs than you normally would, it may be time for a heating replacement. We offer an energy savings agreement to help with the cost of preventive maintenance for your new heating system to help prevent repair needs, but eventually all heating systems will need to be replaced. Having to pay a large amount for a heating repair is another reason homeowners choose to replace their heating systems instead of repairing them.

Do you have hot or cold spots in your home?

While hot or cold spots in the home may just require a duct sealing service, inconsistent temperatures in your home could also indicate that it is time for a new heating system. Keep in mind that there are other factors to consider. These include the condition of other supporting equipment, the type and number of thermostats you have in your home, the level of insulation, and how well your home is sealed.

Does your heating system break down often?

If your heating system breaks down often, it could be due to age, improper installation, poor maintenance, or a number of other issues. In any case, frequent equipment failure is not only costly, but it leaves you without heat during the colder months of the year. It may be a more cost-effective decision to replace your heater with a new system, in addition to ensuring your comfort throughout the heating season.

Call the Springfield, OR heating experts at Comfort Flow if you would like to set up a consultation.

Tags: Duct Sealing, Eugene, Geothermal, Heating, Heating System Replacement, Springfield
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Springfield, OR Heating FAQ: Is It Time for a New Heating System?

Lane County Home Show This Weekend!

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

Join Comfort Flow Heating this weekend at the Lane County Home Show, October 12-14, 2012. We will have a booth for Air Conditioning and Heating solutions as well as a Geothermal education. We would love to meet you and discuss the options for upgrading and maintaining your home comfort systems!

Tags: Lane County Homeshow
Posted in Air Conditioning, Geothermal, Heating, Home Improvement | Comments Off on Lane County Home Show This Weekend!

Eugene OR Tip: Essential Heating Maintenance Tasks

Monday, October 8th, 2012

Just like your vehicle, performing regular maintenance on your heating and air conditioning system is absolutely necessary. Not only can this keep your heating and cooling system working as efficiently as possible, it can also extend the life of your equipment—both of which can save you money.

In Eugene, OR, it is generally recommended that before each new season you perform regular maintenance on your heating and air conditioning system. For example, after your air conditioning system has sat dormant for during the winter, you should perform some regular maintenance on it before you start running it all the time in the summer.

Here are some of the tasks that we think are essential to keeping your heating and air conditioning system working properly.

Inspect refrigerant levels

Making sure that you don’t have too little or too much refrigerant in your system will make sure that your heating or air conditioning system is operating properly. If you notice that your refrigerant level is too low or too high, adjust it as necessary. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct amount of refrigerant necessary for your particular unit.

Remove Debris

If you have an outdoor unit with a door or hinge that opens, make sure the unit isn’t clogged with leaves, dirt or other organic material. This can cause the unit to vent improperly and can also be a fire hazard.

Check Drains, Refrigerant and Condensate Lines

Making sure that the fluids in your heating system are flowing properly is crucial to proper operation of your unit. Check any drains or drainage lines to make sure that your unit is disposing of condensate efficiently. If you have an outdoor compressor, you should also check the associated tubes for wear or damage.

Check Fan Blades and Motor

For indoor units like a furnace or outdoor units like a ductless mini split, you should check the blower or fan motor for any obvious signs of damage or wear. For outdoor units, make sure there isn’t anything obstructing the fan or if there is damage to any of the blades.

Check Burner, Ignition

For indoor furnaces and heating systems, make sure that your burner assembly is clean and operating properly. Also, check your ignition system to make sure that it isn’t obstructed or dirty.

Clean Air Filter

Many houses have air filters in the return air duct of their heating system. These filters make sure that any dust or dirt that is in your ductwork doesn’t get recirculated into your home’s air supply. Many filters you can just slide out of the unit and replace. Check your owner’s manual to see which size or model of filter is appropriate for your heating unit.

If you would like to know more aout how to properly maintain your heating system or if you would like to schedule a visit with one of our heating experts, then contact Comfort Flow today!

Tags: Air Filters, ductless mini split, Eugene, Furnace, Heating Maintenance
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Eugene OR Tip: Essential Heating Maintenance Tasks

Eugene OR Heating Guide: Commercial Heating Maintenance

Monday, October 1st, 2012

A commercial heating system is a powerful and complex piece of machinery, and you rely on it to do a large and important job. Because of this, it’s very important that you make sure your system is prepared for the long heating season ahead, and the best way to do that is with regular commercial heating maintenance from an experienced Eugene OR heating professional.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Regular commercial heating maintenance will benefit you in several ways. To begin with, it will ensure that your heating system is working at peak energy efficiency levels, and that means lower heating bills for you all winter long. A system that isn’t properly maintained on a regular basis may still work effectively, but it will likely be using more energy than necessary to run, and that costs you money.

Your furnace is also less likely to need emergency repairs when you have a technician inspect it prior to the start of the heating season. On this type of visit, they can often find parts that need to be replaced before the break down completely, and they can address any other minor issues they find that would have turned into larger problems later on.

Ongoing professional maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your system as well. Since your commercial heating system was such a substantial investment to begin with, you want to make sure you get the most possible out of it, and keeping up with maintenance is the most effective way to do that.

Why You Need a Qualified Professional

Because a commercial heating system differs from a residential system in several fundamental ways, it’s important to have a technician with experience working with commercial systems caring for yours. That way, you can have confidence that all maintenance is being carried out properly and that your system will work properly when you need it to.

To schedule a maintenance visit for your commercial or residential heating system in Eugene OR, give Comfort Flow Heating a call today!