Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

What Problems Can Routine Hydronic Boiler Maintenance Help You Avoid?

Monday, December 5th, 2016

The first thing to keep in mind when it comes to hydronic boilers is that, although they are one of the most reliable heating systems on the market, they are not immune to problems.

Fortunately, however, you can often avoid the costliest and most severe of hydronic boiler issues by having this heating system regularly tuned-up. This will help keep you prepared, and though you may still need to call for heating repair service at some point, you’ll have a peace of mind that your system has been thoroughly checked. Read on to learn more about the problems you may be able to avoid with regular maintenance.

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Ground Source Heat Pump Issues to Watch For

Monday, November 28th, 2016

One of the most reliable types of HVAC systems on the market today is that of the ground source heat pump, mostly due to its longevity. However, just because it is a reliable and sturdy system doesn’t mean that it will never run into repair issues. These kind of repairs are often a source of concern for homeowners as there is a buried ground loop involved.

But not to worry—our highly experienced and trained technicians know how to handle any repair issues that might develop with your geothermal system, including any that occur within the system’s loop. Read further for a few of the most common ground source heat pump issues to keep an eye out for.

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Help! Why Is My Water Heater Leaking?

Monday, November 14th, 2016

We’ve discussed before reasons that you may need to call for water heater repairs, with leaks being one of the leading causes. If you notice water starting to pool around the base of your unit or any other area around it, you can be pretty sure that a leak has occurred. When this happens, it’s imperative that you call in professionals.

Without prompt professional repair, leaks can rapidly worsen, and you can easily find yourself with major water damage and a completely failed water heater. We’ve listed below some of the reasons that your water heater may be leaking. This is to help you understand the function of your water heater—not to guide you through DIY-repairs. Repairs should be handled by a trained expert, such as a member of our staff.

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Retrofitting vs. Replacement: Which Is better for Your HVAC System?

Monday, October 31st, 2016

While retrofitting—installing new or modified parts that could allow an HVAC system to continue functioning without a complete replacement—is not the right answer in every scenario, it’s certainly a service to consider if you have an aging HVAC system and are considering replacement. It’s particularly attractive if you have a very tight budget. Keep reading to learn more about this service and its benefits.

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Should You Convert Your Heater from Oil to Gas?

Monday, October 24th, 2016

If you’re considering a switch from an oil-fired heating system to a gas-fired one in your home, there are a number of considerations for you to keep in mind. There are benefits to switching from oil to gas, which we’ll cover below. Remember, if you want a truly effective and efficient heating system, you should only trust professionals to perform installation and services.

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Help! My Furnace Isn’t Working

Monday, October 17th, 2016

As the temperatures begin to drop, this is certainly not a scenario you want to find yourself facing. The sound of silence as you expect your furnace to cycle on “any moment now” is ominous. Of course, this is a sign that something is wrong—but what is it?

There are a variety of reasons that your furnace may refuse to turn on. Some issues you may be able to resolve on your own, quickly. Others, however, will require the professional services of an expert heating technician, such as one of the members of our staff. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of furnace failure.

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What Exactly Is Furnace Maintenance Preventing?

Monday, October 10th, 2016

A common term you’ve likely heard many times and seen even on this page is “preventive maintenance.” We cannot stress the importance of having your furnace maintained before the winter season comes. You don’t want to be stranded in the middle of cold weather with a broken-down furnace. But is this all that maintenance prevents—a breakdown?

Actually, there are a number of benefits to furnace maintenance, and a variety of problems that can easily be avoided by scheduling this service on a yearly basis. Keep reading to learn more about what exactly furnace maintenance prevents.

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Is Your Ground Source Heat Pump Fully Prepared for winter?

Monday, October 3rd, 2016

If you use a ground-source heat pump—also referred to as a geothermal heat pump—to heat and cool your home, then you are already equipped with one of the most efficient home comfort systems available on the market today. Ground-source heat pumps are highly effective, reliable, advantageous for the environment, and have lifespans that leave traditional heaters and air conditioning systems in the dust.

However, it’s important that you not let the long service life of this system trick you into thinking that you don’t need to take care of it with routine preventive maintenance. Just as with a standard heat pump or some other home comfort system, your ground-source heat pump must receive a maintenance inspection from trained professionals—such as the experts on our staff—twice a year, once in the spring and once again in the fall.

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Are You in Need of Boiler Repairs?

Monday, September 12th, 2016

While daytime temperatures are still relatively mild, our nighttime temperatures have started to drop steadily, and you may have turned on your boiler already for the first time this heating season. Hopefully you’ve had the system maintained in the last year and have no issues to be concerned about.

Typically, a boiler will encounter less repair issues than other types of heating system, mainly because they have less moving mechanical parts. But no boiler is 100% invulnerable. Keep reading to learn about some signs that you may be in need of boiler repairs.

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What Happens During Heating Maintenance?

Monday, August 29th, 2016

Last week, we discussed the importance of routine maintenance, and how it’s not too early to schedule an appointment for your heating system. If you wouldn’t skip an oil change and tune-up for your car, then you shouldn’t skip this important task for your home comfort system, either. Though we’ve certainly experienced some warm weather this summer, Washington is still not a place you want to be in the middle of winter with a malfunctioning heater.

Professional heating maintenance keeps your unit running as efficiently and effectively as possible, reducing the potential for costly repairs down the road. Contact our professionals for a complete tune-up and to learn more about what our services include. We’ve shared below the basics of what happens during your heating maintenance appointment.

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