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Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Signs That You Need to Replace Your Heater

Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

Replacing any large appliance in your home, such as a refrigerator or oven, is a major step. When it comes to your heating system, however, it’s both a major step and a complex one. A new heater requires professional installation that takes into consideration numerous factors about your house. It isn’t something to take lightly, but it’s often the wisest solution for getting the best and most cost-efficient home heating.

Although heating replacement is a large task, it doesn’t have to be stressful for you if you hire the right company to perform the installation. The Salem, OR heating professionals at Comfort Flow Heating can handle any size installation and get it done right the first time so you’ll have fewer worries about repairs and breakdowns in the future.

Look for the following signals that your current heating system might be nearing the end of its lifespan:

Consistently high energy bills: If you’ve inspected your power bill and noticed a rise in costs that goes beyond normal seasonal changes or inflation, then you may have a heater that’s too aged and worn to work efficiently. Any machine will wear down over time, no matter how well it’s cared for, and your heater will eventually reach a stage where it must drain excess energy to keep up with your comfort needs. A professional can perform tests to see if your heater has lost efficiency and if it requires replacement.

Mounting repair expenses: Heaters will suffer malfunctions and require repairs at some point—but if those repairs start to come frequently, then the most economical move may be to replace it entirely with a sturdy new model. Look over the repair bills for the past three years and compare them to the cost of a new installation.

Extreme noise levels: A sudden, unexpected noise from your heater may warn you it needs professional repairs. But if your heater begins to make almost constant noise much higher than what you expect, the issue may be that its components have gotten too worn down from age. Think about getting a replacement before a full shutdown leaves you in the cold.

Seeking the advice of HVAC professionals about whether or not to install a new heater is the first step to take. If you do decide to get a new heater, the professionals can help you find the right type, model, and size to suit your home, and then install it quickly and properly.

Comfort Flow Heating installs the top brands of furnaces, heat pumps, and ductless mini splits to fit all needs. Put your Salem, OR heating concerns in our experienced hands.

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How To Prepare Your Heating System for The Fall

Wednesday, September 11th, 2013

As we continue to roll into fall, many homeowners may be starting to think about turning on their heater for the first time since summer. However, before you do that, there are a few things you may want to think about doing to prepare your heater for the fall and winter. Read on below and then give us a call here at Comfort Flow Heating if you have any questions about our Springfield, OR heating services.

Here’s a Springfield, OR Heat Tip On How to Prepare Your Heater for the Fall Season

Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that you get great heating all fall and winter long:

Heating Maintenance

Probably the best thing that you can do for the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system is to get it maintained by a professional before the cold weather really arrives. When your Springfield, OR heating technicians visit your home, they will perform a thorough inspection of your heating system. They will clean out all of the components, lubricate the motors, check the electrical and fuel systems, and they will also alert you to any problems that they might find. Doing this can help you find any small issues early and clear out any problems that could have developed over the summer. There are a few very important benefits to doing this including:

  • Reduced repair
  • Increased efficiency
  • Extended equipment life

Change the Air Filter

Another important thing to do for your heating system is to change the air filter. If you’re like many homeowners, then your air conditioning system likely uses the same air filter to keep dust and dirt from getting into its moving parts. Changing the air filter after all the summer use that your AC got could help keep air flowing freely through the system.

Give us a call here at Comfort Flow Heating if you need any kind of Springfield, OR heating services like repair, installation or maintenance.

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Salem OR Furnace Tip: Air Duct Tips That Help Improve Furnace Performance

Monday, April 8th, 2013

You rely on your Salem, OR furnace to keep you warm and comfortable throughout the heating season. Improving furnace performance requires ensuring that all the components and mechanisms are working together, including the extensive ductwork that brings heated air throughout your home. If you’re looking to improve your furnace performance, then you cannot neglect your air ducts, which, when faulty or damaged, can be responsibly for up to a third of your heating loss. We’ve compiled a list of air duct tips that we think may help your home heating system. For more information about how your ductwork impacts your energy efficiency, or to schedule a Salem furnace service, call the experts at Comfort Flow Heating today!

  • Seal air leaks. Schedule a professional duct sealing service in order to eliminate any air leaks in your ductwork. Air leaks not only reduce heated airflow, they also cause your system to work harder, thus increasing the amount of energy consumed. It’s important to take care of any air leaks promptly so that they do not affect your heating system. Despite its name, duct tape is not recommended, so make sure to hire a pro for professional mastic sealing.
  • Clean your ducts. Routine duct cleaning ensures that your heated air is unobstructed in its flow from air handler to living space. Over time, your ducts can accumulate dust, mold, and other debris, inhibiting airflow and reducing the quality of your indoor air. By having your ductwork regularly inspected and cleaned, you can ensure that your ducts do not get in the way of your high efficiency heater.
  • Duct insulation. Talk to your local professional about whether duct insulation would be right for your home. If your ductwork runs through your attic, crawlspace or basement, it may be subject to heat loss when it comes into contact with unheated spaces. Also, make sure that your home is properly insulated (especially the attic) to maximize your heating performance.

An effective and efficient furnace is paramount during the heating season. Make sure your home is warm and comfortable by scheduling a duct inspection, cleaning, or sealing. For Salem, OR furnace services, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Salem OR Heating FAQ: How Can Duct Cleaning Improve Heating Efficiency?

Monday, April 1st, 2013

During the heating season, many homeowners focus as much on the efficiency of their home heating system as the effectiveness with which it heats their home. With energy prices as high as they are, it is no wonder that so many people are so concerned with their heating system’s energy efficiency. There are many ways in which you can improve the energy efficiency of your heating system. In some cases, professional duct cleaning may be the solution you are looking for. If you are interested in scheduling professional duct cleaning service, call the Salem, OR duct cleaning technicians at Comfort Flow Heating.

There are a great number of factors that may affect the condition within your air ducts. Because we do not often have cause to inspect the interior of our ductwork, many homeowners do not even realize that there is a problem. If dirt, dust and other debris is allowed to accumulate in your ductwork, though, it can lead to a number of different problems, including reduced efficiency.

If there is excessive dirt and dust in your ductwork, your air filters are more likely to clog up. This can increase the airflow resistance within your ductwork. Your heating system will need to work harder to keep your home warm and to distribute heated air in this situation. That means that more energy will be needed to do so. The more energy your heater uses, the more money you will wind up paying to operate it.

When your air ducts are dirty, the condition of your heating equipment itself is put at risk. The air filter installed in your heating system by the factory is intended more to protect your heating equipment than to boost air quality. If dirt and dust is allowed to accumulate on the components of your heating system, its performance may be compromised. This can lead to reduced efficiency levels.

The Salem heating professionals at Comfort Flow Heating are available to answer all your questions about duct cleaning services. Contact Comfort Flow Heating today to learn more. We can help you keep your home warm and cozy in a more efficient, affordable manner.

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Salem OR Heating Tip: Common heating repairs

Monday, March 25th, 2013

Here in Oregon we all need our heating systems to work well to keep us comfortable during the cold winter months. Because of all the use that your heating system gets over the course of the year it will likely run into problems. When that happens contact the Salem, OR heating experts at Comfort Flow Heating. We have years of experience working with all kinds of heating systems and wanted to share some of the most common heating repairs that we see so that you can keep an eye out for them.

Not Enough Heating

Probably one of the most common Salem, OR heating repairs that we see is insufficient heating. This can be caused by a faulty thermostat that is causing your heating system not to deliver enough heat into your home. This can also be caused by a clogged air filter which could be restricting the flow of air into your home. There are a number of other problems that could be keeping your home from getting warm enough. Call the Salem, OR heating technicians at Comfort Flow if you have this issue.

Heating System Making Strange Noises

Is your heating system making a squealing noise? This is most likely caused by a worn out fan belt that just needs to be replaced or oiled. Contact the Salem heating professionals at Comfort Flow for all your heating repairs. Other common heating noises are rumbling and rattling. Rattling in a furnace can sometimes indicate that you have a carbon monoxide leak. Make sure you keep an ear open for any new or unusual noises coming from your heating system.

Change the Air Filter

By far the most common cause of heating issues is a clogged air filter. The air filter in your furnace or heat pump is there to keep dust and dirt from getting into the moving parts of your heating system. If it isn’t changed regularly it can get clogged and cause big problems. A clogged air filter can cause insufficient heat, overheating, cracked heat exchangers and more.

For all your Salem, OR heating repair, contact Comfort Flow today.

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Salem OR Heating FAQ: Why Should I Have My Furnace Maintained?

Monday, March 18th, 2013

Furnace maintenance should be a year-round task. Even as we exit the heating season in Salem, OR, we still need to make sure our furnace runs efficiently and effectively. We make sure to clean our homes regularly, and take our car for routine tune-ups. The same rules apply to furnace. They need to be cared for; in turn, they will give you reliable heat when you need it most. We often hear the question, “Why should I have my furnace maintained?” when we talk about our comprehensive furnace services. We’d like to run you through the benefits. For Salem heating service, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

  • Energy efficiency. The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of your furnace depends upon its cleanliness. If there are dust, debris, and water leaks in and around your furnace, you simply won’t get the same type of efficiency. Efficiency measures the heating output against the amount of fuel input. A dirty furnace will almost always cost more to operate.
  • System life. Letting dirt and debris buildup in and around your furnace also allows it to spread into other areas of your system. It can lead to increased air filter replacement, increased grime in your ductwork, and can also begin to obstruct moving parts in your blower motor. While furnaces are generally sturdy machines, lack of maintenance depreciate the value of your system over time. Cleaning is not only about reducing dirt, but also securing part of your home investment.
  • Indoor air quality. Although your air filter is designed to prevent the passage of pollutants and debris into your living spaces, a dirty furnace only exacerbates the risk of contamination. You will have to replace your air filter more often, and a frequently clogged filter can reduce its ability to prevent dust, pollen, dander, and other foreign materials from entering your ductwork.

Furnaces need to be maintained in order to operate correctly. Consider scheduling routine biannual or annual inspections and tune-ups for your furnace and cooling systems. This will not only help your system to heat more effectively and efficiently, it will also give you some peace of mind knowing that your heating is in the hands of a professional. For Salem, OR heating maintenance, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Salem OR Heating FAQ: Should I Cover the Outdoor Unit of My Heat Pump When It’s Raining?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

At Comfort Flow Heating, our Salem heating technicians get a lot of questions about heat pumps and how to maintain them. One of the questions we get often is about covering the outdoor unit of a heat pump when it is raining. The simple answer to whether or not you should cover it is “no,” but there are many reasons for this. This week, the Salem, OR heating experts have put together a blog post answering why covering the outdoor unit of your heat pump is unnecessary and can actually harm the system.

Proper airflow is important for several reasons. Maintaining efficiency and ensuring that the compressor of your heat pump doesn’t have to work too hard to heat or cool your home. When the compressor is under excessive stress, it can wear out more quickly, which can cause equipment failure and other issues. Covering your outdoor unit would prevent airflow and be counterproductive to the maintenance of your entire heat pump system.

Not only can it harm the system, but covering the outdoor unit of the heat pump is also unnecessary. Heat pumps are made with durable materials that are designed to withstand even the harshest weather. However, it is also important to make sure that your outdoor unit is clean so that dirt and debris do not get inside the components and harm the system. Keeping it clean will help ensure airflow, as will making sure there aren’t any bushes, tall grass, or other yard debris hindering proper airflow.

If you would like to know more about how to maintain your heat pump, or if you need to schedule a heating service in the Salem, OR area, call Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Springfield OR Geothermal: What are the Cost Benefits of Installing a New Geothermal System

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Homeowners in Springfield, OR are always looking for new, more efficient ways to keep their homes comfortable. If you are interested in a more environmentally friendly, efficient and very effective way to keep your home comfortable throughout the year, call the heating and cooling experts at Comfort Flow Heating. Our professional Springfield OR heating technicians have the information and advice you need to decide if a geothermal heating and cooling system is right for you. Contact us today for more information about the many benefits of a geothermal installation in Springfield, OR.

While the environmental benefits of geothermal technology are commendable, the cost benefits are what many homeowners are especially interested in. A geothermal heating and cooling system uses a heat pump in order to keep your home comfortable. Heat pumps, unlike traditional heating and cooling systems, do not consume fuel in order to heat and cool your home. Rather, they transfer preexisting heat from the ground in order to do so. During the heating season heat is transferred into your home to keep it warm. In the summer months heat is transferred out of your house to keep it cool and comfortable.

While heat pumps in general are renowned for their efficiency, geothermal heating and cooling systems are truly in a class of their own. Because they are buried beneath the ground or submerged under water, geothermal loop systems draw heat from a pretty constant environment. They are not subject to the fluctuations in temperature that air source heat pumps are. This consistency means that you can both rely on the steady performance of your geothermal system and that you will enjoy pretty constant efficiency. Your geothermal system will not require more energy to perform its function on cold winter nights or hot summer days.

There is no way to put an exact dollar amount on the cost benefits of a geothermal heat pump installation. You can be sure, though, that a geothermal system will help you heat and cool your home in a more efficient manner. Do not be deterred by the initial investment. With a highly efficient performance you can offset that upfront cost in long term energy savings. Contact Comfort Flow heating today to schedule geothermal installation in Springfield.

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Springfield OR Geothermal Tip: When to Call for a Geothermal Repair

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Comfort Flow Heating can help you out with all your Springfield, Oregon geothermal needs, including maintenance and repair. We’ve put together a few of the more common repair needs for geothermal systems. Call us if you are having any type of problem with your geothermal heat pump system.

Geothermal Loop Field Repair

The loop fields that are buried either horizontally or vertically under the ground outside your home contain a mixture of water and refrigerant. They can develop leaks over time, or because of extreme weather conditions. Improper installation is another potential cause of leaks in the underground pipes for your geothermal heating and cooling system. If you are having trouble maintaining comfortable temperatures, or you notice a lack of hot water with geothermal water heaters, there could be a leak in the loop field system. Call a geothermal repair technician if you are having these issues.

Geothermal Heat Pump Repair

If you are having trouble with your geothermal heat pump, there could be any number of causes. First, check the settings and the thermostat. Make sure your heat pump is in the heating mode and that your thermostat is on the temperature that you want your home.  Call a Springfield OR heating technician or check your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to operate your heat pump or thermostat.

Routine Maintenance and Changing Air Filters

Most heat pump systems, including geothermal heat pumps, will require air filter changes at least once a month. You may have a removable one that can be cleaned and replaced, so be sure to check it often. A dirty air filter can restrict the airflow and reduce the efficiency and the heating or cooling output. You may also need a routine tune-up, so schedule one as soon as you can if you haven’t done so.

Call the Springfield, OR geothermal specialists at Comfort Flow Heating for all your geothermal repair and maintenance needs. Contact Comfort Flow Heating today!

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Springfield OR Heating Repair FAQ: How to Prevent Repairs

Monday, February 4th, 2013

At Comfort Flow we believe that every single one of our valued clients deserves to be comfortable on even the coldest days and nights of the year. When your heater is not working properly, though, that can be a real challenge. No heating system is perfect, and the occasional heating repair service is to be expected. That being said, many homeowners in Springfield, OR fail to schedule heating repair services when they are needed, and this leads to bigger, more complex problems. Here is some information about heating repair service for you to consider. Remember, when you need heating repairs in Springfield, contact Comfort Flow.

A lot of homeowners either put off heating repairs because they think that a problem is too minor or they simply fail to realize that there is a problem which requires repair service. Do not let this happen in your home. The longer a necessary repair is neglected the more wear and tear is going to be put on your home heating system. This will affect the efficiency with which your furnace operates, costing you more money than it should to heat your home. It will also lead to bigger, more expensive damages down the road. But how do you know when to schedule heating repair service?

Pay attention to the information that your heater gives you. Keep an eye on your home heating bills. Have they been rising despite the fact that you have not changed your heating practices? If so there is a problem causing that inefficiency.

Any reduction in performance also merits a call to your Springfield heating service provider. If your heater is running longer than usual or taking longer to bring temperatures up it may be in need of professional heating repair services. The sooner these repairs are professionally handled the less serious they are likely to be.

For more information about scheduling heating repair service in Springfield, OR, call Comfort Flow today. We want to help you heat your home more efficiently and reliably. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have. We have the answers to any questions that you may have.

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