Friday, December 28, 2018

4 Signs Your Furnace's Heat Exchanger is Damaged

A heat exchanger is part of every furnace. The heat exchanger is the component that keeps combustion fumes separate from the breathable air that circulates through your home. If the heat exchanger becomes damaged, it can cause serious safety issues. That's why it's important to know the warning signs of a damaged heat exchanger and address the problem quickly. If you notice any of these warning signs of a cracked heat exchanger, have your furnace inspected and repaired as soon as possible.

Smells


A faulty or cracked heat exchanger can produce a strong odor similar to the smell of formaldehyde. This odor can cause severe headaches and other symptoms. Have your furnace inspected immediately if you notice a formaldehyde odor in your home. 


Flame Appearance

You should see a blue, steady flame if your gas furnace is working properly. An orange or yellow flame, or a flame that's unsteady and flickering, is a sign that your heat exchanger may be cracked. Call an
HVAC technician for heating repairs right away.

Soot Buildup and Discoloration

Soot buildup inside your furnace indicates that it isn't burning cleanly. This is often caused by a cracked heat exchanger. When there are cracks in your heat exchanger, gases will escape. Soot will start to build up and the surrounding metal will become discolored. If you notice unexplained dark spots on your heat exchanger, it's a sign that it has a crack.
Call a heating contractor for help as soon as you can. 

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

If your heat exchanger is damaged, carbon monoxide can escape through the cracks. Carbon monoxide is dangerous and can even be life-threatening. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home. If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, immediately vacate your home and call your local fire department.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

3 Reasons to Hire a Heating Contractor

Living in a comfortable and secure home is what everyone wants. Comfort and security are some of the most important priorities that people have when it comes to their home. One thing that most homeowners worry about is whether the heating and air conditioning are ready for the upcoming season. Homeowners want their heating working correctly when winter is on the horizon. 

The key to having constant heat is ensuring that the heater is working properly for the winter season before it even begins. Getting the system checked out by a professional heating contractor is the best move. They’ll know what to look out for in terms of potential problems, and fix any existing issues. Keep reading to find out reasons why you should hire a heating contractor.

Routine Maintenance


One situation in which you should hire a heating contractor is when you are in need of routine maintenance. While a furnace can last for a long period of time, those that are looking to extend its useful life for as long as possible should hire a technician to come once per year before the winter season starts. Any of our trained HVAC technicians at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. will be able to ensure whether or not your furnace or other heating system is working properly, safely, and efficiently.


Your Heating Bills Have Increased


Another situation in which you should call a professional contractor for furnace repair is if your heating bills are going up. While heating bills will fluctuate from one month to the next based on the temperature and other factors, if your bills are much higher than the prior year it could be an indication that your furnace is not working properly. A technician will be able to diagnose the issue with your furnace and make any necessary repairs to ensure it works efficiently again.

Odd Smells or Noises


The third situation in which you should call a technician is if you notice odd smells or noises. If your furnace seems to be emitting a smell of gas or something burning, it could be an indication of a more serious problem. In these cases, you will need to contact your technician immediately. It is also safest to turn off your furnace until the issue is resolved.

To schedule an appointment with one of our skilled heating professionals, contact us at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. today and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

4 Signs Your Furnace Needs New Air Filters

You rely on your furnace to warm your home, and neglecting to change your furnace filters can lead to problems down the road. Having that said, changing your furnace filters regularly can help to ensure that your furnace continues to run smoothly throughout the season. Keeping your furnace filters clean offers several important benefits that you won’t want to miss out on; here are a few: 

  • Better indoor air quality and better health.
  • Keep your furnace performing well and running more efficiently.
  • Better airflow and comfort.

Not quite sure if your furnace filters need changing? Here are four signs that signal when it’s time to replace:

It's Been a Long Time. How often your filters need changing depends on several factors. For instance, they may need changing more often during periods of heavy use; if you have pets, or if someone in your household smokes, your filters may become clogged more quickly. Most filters should be changed at least every three months, while others need changing more often. To find out how often your filter needs changing, check the package and follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

Filters Look Dirty and Clogged. You may be able to tell if you need a new air filter just by looking at it. If the filter is visibly gray and you can see a build-up of dust and debris, it's time to replace it.

Your Home is Dusty. Your furnace filters remove allergens and dust from the air in your home. If your air filters are clogged, your home may become dustier than usual. Check your filters if you notice an unusual build-up of dust and dirt on your furniture.  

Higher Energy Bills. When your air filters are clogged, your furnace will run longer and work harder to maintain the temperature. This strain on your heating system leads to higher energy costs. If you've noticed a spike in your heating bill, it might be time to replace your air filters.

If you need assistance with your furnace, contact us today! We look forward to serving you.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

The Primary Reasons to Replace Your Furnace This Fall

With cooler weather right around the corner, it’s time for you to start considering what condition your furnace is in and whether you should be having it replaced this fall. If you fear that your furnace may be nearing the end of its life expectancy, here are just a few of the reasons you should consider having it replaced now.

Take Preventative Action


What many homeowners don’t realize is that furnaces are only made to last between 15 and 20 years (depending on the quality of the furnace and how heavily it’s used). This means that if your furnace is more than 15 years old then it may need to be replaced soon. Rather than taking the risk of your furnace dying on you this winter when you need it most, you can take preemptive action and replace it this fall.

Ensure Your Comfort in the Coming Months


If you are unsure whether your furnace may need to be replaced, think back to last winter. Were you and your family comfortable? Or did it feel like your furnace was constantly struggling to keep up? If it seemed like you were unable to get your house warm no matter how much you adjusted the thermostat, then you may want to consider having your furnace replaced this fall. This will ensure your family's comfort this winter, and it will help you to avoid any surprises in the coming months.

Save Money


Oftentimes when homeowners wait until winter to have their furnace replaced, they rush into making a decision because they need a new furnace as soon as possible. However, replacing your furnace in the fall gives you time to do your research, allowing you to take the time to find the best furnace, and the best contractor, to meet your needs and your budget. Additionally, since HVAC companies often aren't as busy in fall as they are in winter, you may be able to get a better deal by having your furnace replaced now.

If you think that you may need to get a furnace replacement in the coming months, it will likely be to your advantage to have it replaced this fall rather than waiting until winter. If you have questions or service needs, we encourage you to contact us at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Air Conditioning Tune ups: A Pound of Prevention is Worth an Ounce of Cure

Everyone loves to save money.  HVAC maintenance is one of those areas where it is very tempting to skimp.  However, it always pays in the long run to get your air conditioning unit tuned up regularly.

Regular Maintenance on Your Air Conditioning Unit Helps it Run at Maximum Efficiency

Many homeowners make the mistake of paying attention to their air conditioning unit only when it stops working completely.  It is sometimes hard to understand why you would need to service a unit that seems to working adequately.  If you do not regularly maintain your unit, it is almost certainly not working as well as it should.  It may not get your home as cool as it could and your energy bills are probably much higher than they ought to be. 

An Air Conditioning Tune Up Can Keep Small Problems from Becoming Big Ones

Your air conditioner may limp along for several months before it finally quits completely.  Unfortunately, air conditioners have a bad habit of malfunctioning at the hottest part of the summer.  If you have gotten in the habit of neglecting your air conditioning unit, you aren't alone.  Summer is usually the busiest time for air conditioner repairmen for this reason.  It can be torture enduring sweltering heat in your home because you have to wait for an opening in the repairman's schedule.

It doesn't have to be this way though.  With an air conditioning tune up, you can discover potential problems in your air conditioning before they break down.  If you get your air conditioning tuned up every year in the spring, you don't have to be at the mercy of the repairman's busy summer schedule.

Air Conditioning Tune ups Usually Pay for Themselves Very Quickly

The savings from your lower electricity bill will often more than offset the modest cost of the tune up.  Also, if the technician detects a problem with your air conditioning unit, it will typically cost much less to address it before your air conditioning unit completely quits.  All things considered, you really cannot afford not to get your air conditioning tuned up every year.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and/or service needs you may have.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Five Pros of Air Conditioning Repair

When it comes to air conditioning repair, you'll see why it is important to go with a trusted, professional company. An HVAC professional will be able to successfully assess the problem at hand and will know what steps need to be taken in order to efficiently resolve it.

Still think you can take on air conditioning repair all by yourself? Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t.  

First Reason
. Experience and training in HVAC make it possible for a professional to assess and understand the air conditioning unit of each customer. Each year there are new products and innovations for air conditioners that professionals must stay up to date on.

Second Reason.
Professionals provide safety to customers by knowing how to repair without doing further damage and by having the necessary tools to fix all units. A trained professional will also know how units function and take every precaution so that the unit will work properly.

Third Reason
. Save time by hiring a professional; who doesn’t like to save time? Air conditioners help homes stay cool and you do not want to delay that process. A professional is able to detect typical problems fast and easy because they work with air conditioners every day. Whether it is an air filter, debris, or damage from an animal, there shouldn’t be any guesswork. 

Fourth Reason
. Routine maintenance can prevent costly repairs in the future. There’s complex operating and safety components when it comes to household air conditioners; having them updated, cleaned, and checked will result in a high-functioning unit that will not fail you when you need it the most.

Fifth Reason
. Some companies may quote a price for work that is not necessary. Do research and ask companies to explain what needs to be done and why. They should have your best interest in mind and be able to explain all of the costs.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and service needs that you may have. We’re here to help, and hope to hear from you.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

How an Air Conditioning Tune-Up Can Save You Money

As a homeowner, you might feel as if you are always paying for some type of home maintenance or repair. If this is the case, then you might not be particularly excited about calling an HVAC professional to come out and give your unit a tune-up. However, what you should know is that doing so can actually save you money. Here's why…

Ensure Your Air Conditioner is Operating Efficiently

It's no secret that your air conditioning system can cause your electric bills to increase during the hot summer months. You might not think that there is much that you can do about it, but having your air conditioner serviced by a professional can actually help. An HVAC professional can ensure that your air conditioner is in good shape and operating at maximum efficiency. This can help you save money on your electric bill.

Catch Repair Issues Early


Repairing a broken air conditioning unit is a top priority for many families, particularly in the heat of summer. However, it can be expensive. If you have your unit serviced yearly, though, your HVAC professional can catch potential repair issues and repair them before they get worse.

Avoid an Early Replacement


Just as with many things, an air conditioner that is not serviced regularly and that is not properly taken care of simply will not last for as long. This can lead to you having to replace your unit years before you would have even thought to consider doing so. If you have it maintained regularly, however, you can help safeguard that it lasts for years to come.

As you can see, you can actually save money if you choose to hire an HVAC professional to come out and service your unit once per year. If you have questions or service needs, we encourage you to contact us at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Thursday, May 31, 2018

Effects of Mold on AC & Why it should be Addressed ASAP

Many household hazards can have a negative effect on the performance of air conditioners. Mold is one of the most problematic of all household hazards. People who have had a recent mold infestation should consider contacting an air conditioning repair specialist.

The contractors who they hired in order to address the rest of the mold infestation might have checked the air conditioning system, but it's possible that it will still take an air conditioning repair specialist to completely take care of the air conditioner under these circumstances. It's also possible for a mold infestation to return.

1. People should check their air conditioning systems for the presence of a musty odor.

One of the good things about mold infestations is that they tend to be difficult to miss when they've reached a certain point. The moldy odor might be emanating from the air conditioning vents and the air conditioning unit. Even if the odor is relatively mild, it could still signal that there are problems with mold that need to be controlled.

2. Mold can have a profound effect on the indoor air quality of a household. 


It's unhealthy to live in a home where mold is an issue, especially when the mold is affecting the air conditioning system of a household. In this case, getting air conditioning maintenance and repair services will be a matter of safety. It's important to address issues like these as soon as possible.

3. Some problems related to air conditioners and mold will be easier to solve than others. 


Generally speaking, people should be able to get their air conditioning systems examined and cleaned relatively quickly once they've identified a problem with mold. They shouldn't assume that they'll have to replace the air conditioning system because of a mold problem. Fixing issues with household mold can be complicated, but this doesn't have to be the case.

Everyone who lives here in Indiana should have a whole house dehumidifier installed within their home as it will help to improve the overall indoor air quality. If you use a portable dehumidifier, it should be situated as high off of the floor as possible as it will be 4 times more efficient and effective than it would be while sitting on the floor. Having that said, it uses 4 times less electricity as it would if it were to be situated on a cold basement floor.

If people suspect that they're having any mold problems at all, they should try to make sure that they get in touch with professionals who can help them. They might specifically have mold problems that will affect their air conditioning systems, and they might need air conditioning repair.

Here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., we are here to help! Click here to visit our website and please feel free to contact us today. 

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Air Conditioning Check-Up

Just like we see our Doctor on a routine basis to make sure we are healthy, your AC unit needs checking-in on from time to time as well in order to make sure that all its parts are working as it should.

If you do not complete check-ups on your AC unit, you run the risk of it breaking down and therefore forcing you to suffer without air conditioning until the unit can be replaced. We suggest you do yourself a favor and avoid that happening. 

The cost of replacing an AC unit is far greater than that of simply paying for regular maintenance check-ups of your unit, which makes getting maintenance on a regular basis the smartest option. The ideal situation is to have your unit inspected and repaired at least once or twice a year.

However, it isn't going to be clear to everyone what this repair and check-up should involve. The following list should give you an idea of what to expect from an HVAC professional.

AC repair check-up
•    A comprehensive cleaning of the condenser coils in order to increase the efficiency which will then reduce the wear and tear that your system will suffer from.
•    Evaluate the level of the coolant in order to keep the performance at peak levels.
•    Lubricating the moving parts in order to eliminate friction and decrease the system's wear and tear to reduce your system's energy costs.
•    Inspect the ductwork for potential energy losses.
•    Perform an evaluation of the blower motor and belt to check if the system is still in good enough shape to continue performing at an optimal required level.

This list of suggestions should give you some idea of what to expect when you call in professional help for your AC unit. However, while this is not everything that needs to be done, it is a start! We suggest you also start off by giving us a call at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

Friday, March 30, 2018

How to Take Care of Your Electric Heater


Whether you use small space heaters to supplement your central heating or you are storing them away from a bad storm, space heaters need the same care and attention that regular heaters do. Sometimes they need a little extra vigilance because they're mobile.

How can you make space heaters last longer and stay safe?

Many of the same maintenance steps and precautions you would take for your central heating also apply to space heaters, such as clearing away dust and fuzz from the vents and setting a temperature you're comfortable with instead of turning it on and off to regulate the temperature. Keep reading for some of the other steps you should take.

Keep the space heater out in the open.

Even though space heaters work best in small, enclosed rooms, you still want to give it plenty of room to breathe. Make sure it's away from the walls, furniture, and flammable curtains. You also want the heat output vents to stay at least two to three feet away from skin.

Don't keep it near your humidifier.

If your house has a humidifier, or separate rooms have individual humidifier units, keep the two away from each other. Electric heaters can handle moisture in the air, but shouldn't be exposed to water or a blast of humidity.

Train your pets to keep their distance.

Aside from investigating a new, noisy object, your pets will be interested in laying right in front of the vents to soak up all the heat. Teach them to stay away from it, or place it on a table that is too small for your cat to fit on top with it, for example.

Here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., we want to provide you with information that will keep you and your loved ones safe. If you own an electric heater, it is important that you take the necessary safety precautions.

We encourage you to contact us with any questions and service needs that you may have when it comes to heating and cooling your home.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Signs that Immediate Furnace Repair is Needed

Your home furnace is a very important appliance that needs to be properly taken care of as it is responsible for keeping your home warm. While a furnace is a very reliable appliance and can last well over a decade, they do need maintenance and repairs from time to time. In some situations, there could be more serious problems that could pose a safety concern or evidence that the furnace is near failing. There are several signs you should look out for that could indicate that you are need of immediate furnace repair.

Pilot Light

If your furnace is powered by natural gas there will be a pilot light that should always be the color blue. However, if you find that it is yellow, it could be an indication of a very serious problem. A yellow pilot light could be an indication that your furnace has a carbon monoxide leak, which is a very poisonous gas. If your pilot light is yellow, you should turn your furnace off and call your technician immediately.

Odd Noises


Another indication that something is wrong is if you hear odd noises. If you continue to hear the furnace running, hear a lot of loud clunking, or hear a rattling noise, it could be a sign that something is loose. If this is not addressed, the loose part could become very problematic. Because of this, you should call your technician immediately.

Smells


Finally, with a furnace you need to pay attention to odd smells. If you smell gas, the scent of rotten eggs, or smell something burning, it could be a sign that you need a serious repair. In these cases, you should turn the furnace off and call your technician as soon as you can. Doing so could help to prevent a fire or gas leak.

Here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., we are always happy to help! Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or service needs you may have.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Ideal Winter Temperatures for Your Thermostat

Everyone has their own favorite room temperature. But setting your heater's thermostat for different temperatures at different times throughout the day can do a lot more than keep your home comfortable. Here are three ideal settings to get the most comfort out of your heater without a large bill.

What temperature should your house be when you're awake and active?

68 degrees Fahrenheit is the generally accepted middle ground for winter heating as it will keep your home close to the stereotypical room temperature of 70 degrees. It isn't cold enough to make you want to stay curled up under a blanket, but it's also not so warm that it's uncomfortable.

What about when you're asleep or out of the house?

Lowering your thermostat during winter can drastically cut your energy spending. It is best to do this when you're asleep, because you can drop the thermostat a few extra degrees without discomfort, and when no one's in the house. If there are large stretches of time when nobody's home, set the thermostat to drop. As long as the internal temperature stays above fifty or fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit, the cold temperature isn't low enough to do damage. Simply program your thermostat on a set schedule.

Should you turn it off completely?

Unless you're going to have a stretch of warm days, you should keep your heating system on. Not only can letting your house's temperature drop damage the pipes, the energy savings you gain through a few hours without heating will be canceled out by the cost of reheating the whole house. As a general rule, maintaining a relatively consistent temperature (especially if it doesn't fluctuate frequently) is cheaper than cooling and heating cycles.

We encourage you to give us a call at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. with any questions or service needs you may have.