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Tag: furnace

2013.01.07 12:00:00

Heating your home is a winter necessity. When furnaces and heat pumps break down, the only option is a speedy repair job. The good news: some problems are safe and simple to solve. Before contacting a service company, look for the problems you can fix yourself.

Power Switch

If you have a power switch next to your furnace, the switch can be mistaken for a light switch. If you have guests who are unfamiliar with your home, this switch is more likely to be flipped. Make sure it is on. Before starting any repairs, turn the switch off.

Thermostat

Anything from an accidental brush against the dial, to a loose wire can cause the thermostat to malfunction. Check the batteries on digital thermostats, and replace if necessary. Make sure the thermostat is set and programmed to your desired temperature, and is set to heat. If this does not work, remove the unit from the wall and clear the area of dust and other debris. Make sure the two wires (one for heating, and one for air conditioning) are securely connected.

Circuit Breakers

During power outages from winter storms, some electronics short when power is restored. Try flipping the circuit breaker to your furnace completely off and then back on again to get the electric current running again.

Owner’s Manual

Consult your furnace owner’s manual or visit the manufacturer website for information about your specific model. Most model names and numbers are found on the front of the machine. Your owner manual can guide you through:

• Replacing your filter

• Checking and re-lighting your pilot light

• Unclogging intake and exhaust vents

• Replacing broken belts in the furnace motor

Vent Registers

Check the supply vents in each room. At least 80% of the registers in your home should be open. If only a few rooms in the house are not receiving heat, the problem could be in the duct system.

When To Call a Service Company

If the steps listed above don’t do the trick, contact a professional heating contractor for advanced problems with your furnace. Some of the problems you shouldn’t tackle yourself:

• Furnace motor isn’t running properly

• Furnace isn’t providing any heat

• Furnace is turning on and off

• Furnace is leaking gas (evacuate and call for repair as quickly as possible)

If your furnace still does not function properly, Bradbury Brothers can help. Give us a call at 281-651-5484 or visit our website at www.BradburyBrothers.com.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Bradbury Brothers services most of southern Montgomery County including The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Oak Ridge North, Pinehurst, Shenandoah as well as northern Harris county including Cypress, Klein, Spring and Tomball.

Why Your Furnace Might Not Be Working

2012.12.03 12:00:00

When your furnace quits working, (which always seems to be during a cold snap) it can be worrisome to deal with. More often than not, when your furnace gives out, it’s usually not the furnace that’s actually to blame, but something else that’s causing things to go awry.

Here’s a collection of some of the most common culprits of furnace failure and an explanation of what might be happening to cause the issue.

Problem: Furnace Isn’t Heating
Possible Causes:
• Thermostat – You might be surprised how many times the furnace isn’t working because of a thermostat setting. Sometimes homeowners will call for service on their furnace only to have a technician check the thermostat and see that it isn’t set correctly. If your furnace isn’t functioning properly, check that your thermostat is switched to “heat,” the desired temperature is higher than the existing room temperature, and the fan is set to “auto.” If you have a programmable thermostat, you may need to override the settings to verify whether the thermostat is the issue or not.
• Circuit Breaker – Check your circuit breaker. It could be tripped or blown and keeping your furnace from turning on. If your circuit breaker is tripped, try resetting the breaker to see if this fixes the problem.
• Faulty Pilot Light – This is a common problem that can become quite frustrating when you don’t know why it’s happening. A pilot light can go out for a number of reasons. It could be caused by a faulty thermocouple or dirty gas tube and even a draft. If you suspect a problem with your pilot light, it’s best and safest to contact a professional to help diagnose and repair the problem.
• The gas flow is inhibited. This can sometimes happen when the gas pressure regulator malfunctions and closes off the propane or natural gas feed or the valve has simply been closed off. If you suspect either of these scenarios, don’t try to troubleshoot it yourself. It’s safest to leave this to a trained professional.

Problem: Not Enough Heat
Possible Causes:
• Dirty Air Filter – A clean air filter is very necessary for your filter to function effectively and efficiently. Dirty furnace filters clogged with dust, pet hair and other debris will inhibit the flow of air over the heat exchanger and make warming your home more difficult. Make sure you change your air filter every one to three months, depending on the variety.
• Imbalanced Airflow – If it doesn’t matter how often and at what temperature you run your furnace, some rooms never seem to be warm enough. It could be the airflow. In this case, it isn’t the furnace at all. To determine if this is the problem, you should have a full airflow analysis.
• Leaky Ducts – Cracks, broken seals, and even poor insulation in your ductwork can permit warm air to escape, which makes it very difficult to keep your home warm. If you suspect this is a problem consider having your ducts professionally inspected, sealed and insulated.

Problem: High Energy Bills
Possible Causes:
• Lack of Maintenance – Of all the furnace problems, a lack of furnace maintenance is the biggest culprit. When it comes to efficiency, a well-maintained furnace will always outperform its dirty, out of tune counterpart. You should plan on having your furnace professionally cleaned and maintained at least once a year to maximize on efficiency and performance. Units that run efficiently use less energy. When you are using less energy, you’re spending less money.
• Unit is Past Its Prime – Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. This is one situation where the problem might just be the furnace.

Today’s newer furnaces operate much more efficiently than the older units of yesterday. If your unit is older than 15 years, you should consider purchasing a new furnace. The savings over the long run will outweigh the cost of the upgrade.

If you are having problems with your furnace and you suspect one of these possible causes listed above, it’s always best to contact a trained professional HVAC technician to help you verify your suspicions and make the best suggestions for improvement.

If your furnace still isn’t working the way it should, Bradbury Brothers is your leading HVAC specialist. Give us a call at 281-651-5484 or on our website at www.BradburyBrothers.com .

Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

2012.11.05 12:00:00

As the busy holiday season approaches, make sure your home is ready. Whether you’re expecting guests or planning to spend the holidays quietly at home, there are things you can do to stay warm and comfortable while saving money and keeping energy costs low. Here’s a list of reminders and tips to help you get ready to enjoy what is sure to be another wonderful holiday season.

• Dress for the season. If you have guests coming, you might consider reminding them to dress warm. If everyone knows and plans to dress for cooler weather, you won’t have to worry about cranking up your thermostat to compensate for the underdressed.
• Let the sunlight in. Take advantage of the free heat from the sun. When it’s shining in your windows, open the blinds or curtains and allow the warmth to enter your home. Getting in this habit can allow your furnace to work less and save you on energy cost. The sunlight will also have the added benefit of reducing cabin fever and perking up everyone’s mood!
• Use your ceiling fans. Many people don’t realize that ceiling fans are not just for cooling a room; they can help keep it warm, too. Cool air sinks and warm air rises. Switch your fans into reverse, and they will help push warm air down from the ceiling. Using ceiling fans in conjunction with your heating unit can help a room to feel warmer without having to adjust the thermostat.
• Keep the damper closed. If you have a fireplace, and you’re not using it, keep the damper in your chimney closed. When open, it is very easy for warm air to escape and cold air to enter which can create a drafty feeling inside your home.
• Use a programmable thermostat. Help conserve energy and keep everyone comfortable with a programmable thermostat. Set the thermostat at a lower temperature at night when everyone is sleeping and comfortable under blankets. Then have it set to warm the house up a few degrees by the time people are waking up. Depending on the level of activity and people in your home, you may plan on setting your thermostat a couple degrees lower than normal to keep your house comfortable.
• Avoid using portable heaters. Portable heating units can be dangerous if not used properly or if left unattended. If you notice some rooms in your home are colder than others, this might be indicative of a larger issue with your home heating system.
• Get a furnace tune-up. If you haven’t already, schedule your annual furnace maintenance. Nobody wants the furnace to quit unexpectedly, especially when you’re entertaining a house full of guests. With annual maintenance, a trained technician can inspect and tune-up your furnace to help you guarantee it’s running efficiently and effectively when you’ll need it most. Well maintained units run better, use less power and lower energy costs.
• Keep your registers and vents free and clear. Give your home a one-over and make sure curtains and/or furniture aren’t blocking your heating registers in any way. If guests are staying in your home make sure their suitcases and other belongings are clear from the vents and registers. If the air supply is hindered in any way, this can cause your furnace to work harder to compensate for the imbalance.
Especially during the holidays, it’s good to feel confident in your home’s heating system and know you’ll be warm and cozy. Following these tips can help you be sure you and your guests will enjoy the holiday as planned.

For more on how you can prepare your home for the holidays or for questions, Bradbury Brothers is your leading HVAC specialist. Give us a call at 281-651-5484 or on our website at www.BradburyBrothers.com .

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Bradbury Brothers services most of southern Montgomery County including The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Oak Ridge North, Pinehurst, Shenandoah as well as northern Harris County including Cypress, Klein, Spring and Tomball.

Preparing Your Home for Fall

2012.10.01 12:00:00

The kids are back to school, the neighborhood pool is closed for the season and there is a hint of fall in the air. It's hard to believe, but the transition from summer into fall is happening and cooler days will be here before you know it. With the change of each new season there are things you can be doing around the house to make the transition easier and more comfortable for you and your family. Here are a few:

Turn on your ceiling fan. As you use your air conditioner less, consider making use of the ceiling fans if you have them. They can help to supplement cooling on milder days and can help you save a significant amount of money over running your air conditioner.

Replace your air filter. Filters in your furnace should be changed monthly to help the unit run at peak efficiency. The filter in your furnace helps to remove airborne particulates and debris that could potentially damage the fan or the heating coil. Clear the area around your furnace. Before you begin to use your furnace, make sure that the surrounding area is clear of stored chemicals, boxes, clothing, newspapers, etc. Furnaces require fresh air to run properly and efficiently. The same rules apply if your home is heated with a heat pump. Be sure weeds, bushes, leaves, and other debris are cleared away from the unit.

Get a tune-up on your furnace. Before you know it you will be relying on your furnace to keep you comfortable again. Like your car, your furnace needs seasonal tune-ups to help you avoid sometimes expensive and unexpected repairs, as well as help ensure the unit is operating safely. Tune-ups help your furnace run more efficiently, too and that helps you save energy and cut down on costs.

Install a carbon monoxide detector. Especially if you have an oil or gas furnace in your home, having carbon monoxide detectors can be life saving. It is best to install them in the hallway near sleeping areas so that they are not obstructed by furniture or curtains. If you already have detectors installed in your home and they are battery operated, make sure you replace the batteries at least once a year.

Check the weather stripping on your doors and windows. Chances are good that you’ve opened and closed your windows and doors a lot this summer. It’s likely the seals have become dirty and worn which can make it difficult for a tight seal from forming. When this happens, it’s easy for heat to escape. Go around to each of your windows and doors to inspect and clean the seal. If it appears the weather stripping is worn, you should replace it.

Have your air ducts sealed. If you haven’t had your ductwork inspected and sealed, you should. A good portion of the energy lost in the average home escapes through leaks in the ductwork. Not only can properly sealing your air ducts help cut down on energy loss, but it also helps to prevent dust and other matter from entering.

Switch to a programmable thermostat. When the cost of heating your home can sometimes seem unreasonably high, installing a programmable thermostat can help. These thermostats help you regulate the temperature inside your home by automatically adjusting to fit the required comfort levels throughout the day as well as on different days of the week. This means you’re only running your unit when you need to.

Are you looking towards fall and need a little help preparing your home? Bradbury Brothers is your leading HVAC specialist. Give us a call at 281-651-5484 or on our website at www.BradburyBrothers.com .

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Bradbury Brothers services most of southern Montgomery County including The Woodlands, Conroe, Magnolia, Montgomery, Oak Ridge North, Pinehurst, Shenandoah as well as northern Harris County including Cypress, Klein, Spring and Tomball.

Your Furnace Needs Maintenance Too

2012.01.02 12:00:00

Has your furnace had its check-up?
Most of us are content to let things go. That is, until they break. For many, this is fine until it’s their furnace, and it quits working on one of the coldest nights of the year. When this happens, more often than not it’s a lack of upkeep and maintenance to blame.

Your furnace is just like your car when it comes to regular maintenance. Your car requires clean oil and filters, tire rotations and brake inspections to keep it reliable and safe for you and your family. Your furnace needs the same kind of care. If you want your furnace to be reliable, efficient and safe, it must be regularly maintained.

Why It’s Important:

Safety - Just as many people don’t realize their furnace needs maintenance, the safe operation of the heating unit is also often overlooked. Sadly each year on the news we will hear of at least one family who has been accidentally poisoned by carbon monoxide gas.

If you have a gas furnace, it’s very important to have it inspected at least once a year to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas, is produced from the burning of fossil fuel. The most common sources for the gas are oil and gas-powered furnaces and wood burning stoves.

When someone suffers from carbon monoxide poisoning, physical symptoms could appear as fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision, headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea and can sometimes be fatal in higher concentrations.

A professional inspection will include a check of the carbon monoxide levels produced by your furnace. This is particularly important if you own an older unit with heat exchangers susceptible to cracking. It’s also a good preventive measure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed near the furnace.

In addition to carbon monoxide concerns, a professional tune-up will include an inspection of the furnace for loose wires or signs of corrosion, burning or exposed metal along insulated wires. If your furnace is gas powered, a thorough inspection of the gas line might also be a good safety measure. The line should be inspected for leaks and the current pressure should be evaluated. Gas pressure that is too high can lead to an increased risk for carbon monoxide poisoning and can also cause the unit to over fire and use more gas than is really needed.

Performance - If your furnace isn’t running efficiently, it’s costing you money - more money than you should be spending. It’s also costing you the comfort you deserve. Professional tune-ups can help improve the performance and efficiency of your furnace.

Regardless of the type of furnace you own, regular cleaning and upkeep is a must if your unit is to run efficiently and without fail. Professional technicians are experienced and trained to identify weaknesses and potential problems that can cause the unit to fail. They also have the knowledge to assess and clean the complex electrical components of your furnace.

Regular maintenance not only helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns, but it also can significantly improve the life of the unit. With annual tune-ups, your furnace can afford you more years of reliable comfort.

What You Can Do:

While it’s certainly important to have your heating unit professionally maintained at least once a year, don’t forget there are things you can do on your own, too. The easiest, and one of the most important, is to change your system’s air filter regularly.
The air filter is vital to helping keep particulates like dust and other debris out of the unit. It helps your furnace run more smoothly and efficiently. Your air filter should be changed ever 1-3 months depending on the type you use.
You can also regulate how often you are running your unit. The less you need the unit to perform, the less wear and tear you are placing on it. Especially if you work during the day or are regularly away from home for longer durations of time, installing a programmable thermostat can help you reduce the strain on your unit.
If your furnace seems to be running just fine, scheduling an annual tune-up might seem like an unnecessary expense. However, the peace of mind and improved comfort you get in return is well worth your time and money both now and in the long run.

If you’d like to schedule a furnace tune-up now, Bradbury Brothers is your leading HVAC specialist. Give us a call at 281-651-5484 or on our website at www.BradburyBrothers.com .

Tag: furnace

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