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Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Springfield Heating FAQ: Common Heating Repairs

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Do you have a heating repair? Call the Springfield heating repair technicians at Comfort Flow. It’s important to call for repairs as you notice any issues with your heater. This helps prevent further damage or other problems. That’s why it’s also important to know some of the more common heating repairs and the warning signs of each.

Many common issues can be resolved by a simple repair or adjustment; however, it’s always best to call your heating contractor whenever you have problems. To help you out, we’ve put together a short list of potential problems and how they are repaired.

We get many calls about gas furnaces with a pilot light that won’t light or stay lit. There could be many causes, but any issues with a pilot light should be taken care of by a heating professional trained to work with gas systems. A delayed start is usually indicated by a loud bang or explosion noise. This is a safety concern and should be addressed before the problem gets worse. Other pilot light issues could be that there’s a draft in the ventilation system or a bad igniter.

If you are having problems with your heat pump, always check to make sure that it is plugged in all the way, and that it is on the right settings. If you aren’t getting enough heat, check the thermostat. Make sure you know what setting to put your thermostat on. Also check the fuse box for a flipped switch if the heat pump isn’t turning on at all.

Contact Comfort Flow today for all heating repairs in Springfield OR.

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Springfield Heating FAQ: Heating Options in Springfield

Monday, January 21st, 2013

When you live in Springfield, OR, a good heating system is absolutely necessary to make sure that you stay comfortable during the winter. But which system is best for your home and for your personal preference. At Comfort Flow, we wanted to help out our local customers by putting together a quick guide about some of the more popular heating systems in Springfield, OR. If you have any questions about heating systems and which one is best for your home, just call your local Springfield heating contractor.

Traditional Furnaces and Boilers

The furnace and the boiler are two of the most popular heating system in the United States. They provide comfortable heat and are relatively efficient systems – especially if you bought yours less than 5 years ago. Furnaces are generally less expensive up front but can sometimes cause indoor air quality issues because they blow air around your home. Boilers are usually more expensive to install but offer comfortable radiant heat.

Heat Pumps in Springfield, OR

Heat pumps are a tremendously efficient way to heat your home. As a bonus, they also offer cooling for your home during the summer. Heat pumps are very efficient heating systems because they don’t actually consume any fuel to heat your home: they just move heat around. In heating mode, they collect heat from the outside air and move it into your home. However, during very cold winters, this can potentially be a problem when there is very little heat in the air. During those times, a back-up heating system is usually required.

Geothermal Heating and Air Conditioning Systems in Springfield, OR

Geothermal heating and AC systems are basically a heat pump. But unlike an air-source heat pump, geothermal systems use the energy stored in the ground to heat and cool your home. Geothermal systems required a large series of pipes to be buried in the ground and filled with refrigerant. In heating mode, the pipes gather heat stored in the earth and use it to heat your home. In cooling mode they do just the opposite: heat is removed from your home and deposited into the ground. These are very efficient systems that are able to take advantage of renewable energy in the earth.

When you need any kind of heating services, from heating installation to heating repairs, call Comfort Flow. We have experience working with all types and brands of heating systems in Springfield, OR.

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Springfield Heating Tip: What to Look for in a New Heat Pump

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you’re interested in getting a heat pump in Springfield, there are many different things to consider as you start the process. Comfort Flow has been providing complete air conditioning and heating services in Springfield, OR since 1961. We’ve helped countless customers pick out and install new heat pumps for their homes. We thought we would share some of our experience and knowledge to help out our customers. If you have any questions about heat pumps, how they work and the installation process, just contact Comfort Flow today. One of our friendly heating and air conditioning technicians would be happy to talk with you.

How Heat Pumps Work

For those not familiar with heat pumps, here is a quick description of how they work. If you have a traditional central AC system, then you have a heat pump. Your air conditioner is a heat pump that simply moves heat out of your home to the outside. In heating mode, the process is just reversed: heat from the outside is moved into your home.

Heat Pump Benefits

Unlike other heating systems, heat pumps don’t burn fuel to create heat. So while a furnace or a boiler burns gas or oil to heat your home, a heat pump just takes available heat from the outside air and moves it into your home. This allows heat pumps to achieve a very high level of efficiency. The only energy source they need is electricity.

What to Look For In Your New Heat Pump

When you decide to get a new heat pump for your home, here are a few of the things you should think about as you move forward with the process.

  • Efficiency – One of the most attractive benefits of a heat pump is its high efficiency rating. Heat pumps are given a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating to describe how efficient it is in heating mode. A HSPF rating of 7.7 is required for Energy Star compliance. In cooling mode, heat pumps are typically given a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating which measures cooling output divided by energy consumption. A SEER rating of 14 is the minimum for Energy Star approval.
  • Source – Some people may not realize that there are several different types of heat pumps. As we mentioned above, heat pumps use the air as a source of heat for your home. Those heat pumps are referred to as “air-source” heat pumps. However, there are other sources of heat. There are ground-source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps. There are water-source heat pumps that use a lake or a river as a source of heat. These other types of heat pumps generally have space requirements which may make them unavailable to you depending on the size of your property.

If you have any questions about heat pumps, heat pump installation or repair, call the Springfield heating experts at Comfort Flow. We offer comprehensive heat pump services in Springfield, Oregon for all different types of heat pumps. Call us today to learn more!

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Eugene OR Heating FAQ: To Repair or Replace?

Monday, January 7th, 2013

When you have a problem with your home heating system you will generally opt to have that problem repaired rather than to replace your entire heating system. In certain cases, though, that decision may get more and more difficult to make. As the line begins to blur and you start to wonder whether or not further heating system repairs are justified the advice of a professional Eugene OR heating technician can be of real value.

If you are experiencing problems heating system in your home, contact the Eugene OR heating experts at Comfort Flow Heating. We can help you make the difficult decisions about when it may be time to replace your home heating system. Call us today to schedule high quality service from the local professionals you can trust. Contact Comfort Flow Heating today!

There are many factors that you must consider when deciding whether or not to replace your home heating system. One of the most important is the age of your system. Even if it is possible to have your heater repaired it may not be worthwhile once it gets past a certain age. Your 12 year old furnace, for instance, may be salvageable. However, even if it operates as efficiently as it did 12 years ago there is probably a big gap between what is considered highly efficient now and what was back then. If you have room in your budget it may be better to upgrade to a newer furnace. The potential energy savings can help offset the cost of your new heater.

You should also take into consideration the service needs of your current heater. If you keep up with regular, professional maintenance but find that your heater still requires frequent repairs or services then it may be time to invest in a new system. Even if it seems to be operating effectively it may not be doing so efficiently. Do not wind up paying too much for a decent performance because you assume if your heater operates it is doing so properly.

There is really no way for you to be sure which is the best decision for your heater without the help of a professional. If you are considering the installation of a replacement heating system in Eugene OR, contact Comfort Flow Heating first. We’ll help you make the right choice.

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Eugene OR Heating FAQ: Is a Heat Pump More Efficient than a High-Efficiency Furnace?

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Are you thinking of heating your Eugene OR area home with a heat pump, or a high-efficiency furnace? Call the Eugene heating professionals at Comfort Flow if you aren’t sure what type of heating system works best in your home. We can go over the option upgrading your furnace to a high-efficiency model, or a heat pump.

First, we’ll send a technician to your home to test your current system for any performance issues. We can also check for home performance problems, such as improper insulation and sealing. Insulating and sealing will help with moisture control, as well as having proper ventilation. If you have any issues related to airflow due to improper ductwork design, you may want to consider a ductless mini split.

A heat pump can both heat and cool your home, so that is one advantage over a furnace. However, depending on the type of fuel available to your home, a natural gas furnace may be more cost-effective than installing an electric heat pump. Some heating contractor may suggest that you can get better efficiency by simply installing a new air handler for an older furnace, but this will not help if you have a single-stage furnace that is oversized and has below 80% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency).

If you would like to know more about the pros and cons of each type of heater for you Eugene OR area home, call the heating experts at Comfort Flow! Contact Comfort Flow today!

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Cottage Grove, OR Heating and Air Conditioning Tip: Choosing the Right Type of Ductless Mini Split

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

If you are considering a ductless mini split system for your Cottage Grove, OR home, there are a few things to keep in mind as you decide on the right model for your home. While they are a cost-effective choice for many homeowners, you may benefit from a different type of heating or air conditioning system.

Call Comfort Flow for all your ductless mini split needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind while selecting the right system for your home comfort needs.

Features to Look For

Size is an important factor because depending on the length of connecting pipes, you want to find a system that will allow the technician to install that the outdoor unit far enough away that you benefit from the quiet operation of these systems. There are some models that also feature a wall installation for the outside compressor. This is something you will want to consider if there’s limited space for the typical ground installation.

Indoor Design

The other great feature of ductless mini split systems is that they provide more flexibility in interior design options. You can install the indoor units on the ceiling, wall, or there are some that come in standing floor models. For wall and ceiling models, the system should come with a remote control to easily turn it on and off, but you’ll also have a thermostat for that air handler.

Zone Control and Thermostat Options

Because of the zone control that ductless systems give you, you will also need to decide how many units you want and choose the location for them.  There are many thermostat choices, including programmable and digital ones that are easy to use.

If you want to start saving energy and money, give the Cottage Grove OR heating and air conditioning experts at Comfort Flow a call any time.

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Springfield, OR Heating Tip: What to Expect When Upgrading to Radiant Heating

Monday, November 26th, 2012

If you are thinking of installing radiant floor heating, call the Springfield, OR heating professionals at Comfort Flow. We can help you choose the right type and go over the installation process. First, you’ll need to decide which type of flooring you want, unless you are upgrading.

While radiant floor materials are varied, you need to know that in retrofitting situations, the flooring will need to be torn up. Pipes for radiant floor heating systems are installed beneath the floor, and you’ll need to decide if that is the most cost-effective upgrade for you. Whether you have tile, wood, cement, or another type of flooring, we can help you decide.

Unless you already have a boiler, you will also need to decide between a gas or electric boiler. It will depend on the cost of fuel and your specific situation. Either way, the water will be sent to the right type of pipes underneath the floor, and you heating contractor will know what the right type of piping material to use to match your flooring.

You can also add some hydronic baseboard units if you only want radiant floors in one part of your home. Hydronic baseboards are similar to electric baseboards in the way they heat the home; however, hydronic systems are a lot more efficient than electric baseboards. Both types are installed close to the floor to heat the room as the warm air rises.

If you don’t have the budget to upgrade to radiant floors, or to replace your entire heating and air conditioning system, a Springfield, OR radiant heating expert at Comfort Flow can provide you with further tips and ways to make smaller upgrades to get better overall home efficiency. Contact Comfort Flow for advice or more tips.

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Eugene Heating Tips: Common Heating Problems

Monday, November 19th, 2012

If you are having issues with your furnace, heat pump, radiant heating, or geothermal heating system, the Eugene heating technicians at Comfort Flow can help. Many heating problems can be resolved with a minor repair, but it is important to know when it’s time to call for repairs. Here are some common problems and potential causes of heating problems for the different types of systems we can repair and maintain for you.

Call any time if you are experiencing these or other issues with your heater.

Gas Furnace Pilot Light Won’t Light

A broken pilot light is one of the more common problems with gas furnaces, but the light may not be broken. There could be a down draft from the chimney, or another draft near the flame, that is keeping it from staying lit. There could be a clog in the valve, which should be cleaned out with a wire brush before attempting to light it again. Make sure you know how to light your pilot light on your gas furnace. Consult your owner’s manual or call a technician if you aren’t comfortable lighting the pilot.

Heat Pump Not Turning On

Is your heat pump not turning on in heating mode? Always first check the settings to make sure it is on the proper setting, and be sure to also check power switch. It may have been accidentally turned off, or there could be a blown fuse. Check the fuse box for a flipped switch. Also check your owner’s manual for other troubleshooting tips. Call us if you cannot get your heat pump to work in heating mode.

Radiant Heat Not Providing Enough Heat

If your radiant heating system isn’t providing enough heat, always check the thermostat first. Make sure you understand the settings and that you have it set for the desired temperature. Try turning it up about 5 degrees and wait about ten minutes or so to see if that helped. This could mean that the accuracy of your thermostat is off and just needs to be adjusted. Check to make sure your boiler is working if this doesn’t work, or call us.

If everything checks out and you still can’t get your heater to work properly, call Comfort Flow. We’ll send one of our Eugene heating technicians to your home as soon as possible.

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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.

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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.

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