Don't Let Your Furnace Turn into a Safety Hazard

As the temperature outside drops, your furnace keeps your family happy and warm. However, without proper maintenance your furnace's health can drastically diminish, meaning your unit can become a serious safety hazard. Luckily, fending off a potential hazard simply requires you to carry out a few easy tasks, which, when done regularly, will ensure your furnace is operating safely.

Maintain the Area around Your Furnace

When most people think about maintaining their furnace they jump straight to changing the filter and cleaning their units’ internal parts. While both of those tasks are crucial, they aren't the only steps you should take. Removing clutter and cleaning the area around your furnace are also key components to protecting your home and family. Dust build-up and boxes stacked near your unit, especially if the boxes contain flammable materials, equal a serious fire hazard. Finding other areas in your home to store unused household items and vacuuming the space on a regular basis will minimize the fire risk your furnace poses.

Test and Replace Carbon Monoxide and Fire Detectors

If you didn't test the carbon monoxide and fire detectors in your home at the start of the heating season, don't put it off for another minute. Allowing one or more of the alarms to stop working is truly the difference between life and death. Changing the batteries in your detectors or replacing the alarms once their life expectancy of 5 to 7 years has passed is crucial to safeguarding your family against a possible life altering furnace malfunction.

Be Vigilant

Odd sounds, funny smells, and an overall drop in performance are all signs something is wrong with your furnace. Allowing the issue to carry on without getting it checked out by a HVAC specialist can quickly turn your unit into a serious safety hazard. Remember, staying vigilant and catching an issue early can stop a dangerous malfunction from occurring.

Schedule an Annual Inspection

The best way to ensure your furnace is operating safely is to schedule an annual inspection. During an inspection, a HVAC technician cleans your unit and examines it for potential malfunctions (such as a carbon monoxide leak or wiring issues that could cause a fire!). Having a professional inspect your heating system is crucial to the unit functioning safely throughout the winter.

If your furnace is malfunctioning or you would like to schedule an inspection, please contact us today and we'll be happy to help you! Our team here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. cares about your safety and comfort.

Cut Heating Costs by Upgrading your Thermostat

According to ENERGY STAR, the heating and cooling of your home is responsible for up to 50% of your energy bill. With this in mind, making sure that your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible is one of the best steps you can take toward meeting your budgetary goals. During the winter months, having your furnace inspected and your ducts cleaned before it starts getting too cold can save you a ton, but if you are using an old thermostat to control the system, you are leaving a lot of money on the table.

Programmable Thermostats

The majority of thermostats on the market today are electronic and programmable. If your family has a set schedule – everyone leaves by 9 AM and is home around 5 PM, for example – programming your thermostat to set the temperature back by 8-10 degrees during those hours can save you 5-15% on your bill. While you can try to remember to do this on an older, non-programmable thermostat, making the switch will guarantee that you maximize those savings.

Smart Thermostats

A smart thermostat takes programming to a whole new level. These systems can remember your habits and make changes automatically. If you usually turn up the heat just before bed, the thermostat learns your preference and changes the temperature for you. Some smart thermostats give you the ability to set the temperature from your phone and track your energy usage via their app. With extra sensors that connect wirelessly to the system, you can even prioritize a specific room in your home, ensuring that it is always the perfect temperature.

If you have been searching for a way to get your energy bill under control, a new thermostat may be worth a shot! We hope that you’ve found the information within this blog post to be helpful. If you have any questions on all that is HVAC, please feel free to contact our team here at Kent Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. – we’re always happy to help!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.