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

3 Ways to Reduce Your Heating Bill This Fall

Tuesday, October 8th, 2013

Do you dread the coming of fall, not because of the drop in temperature, but because of the impact the drop in temperature has on your finances? You aren’t alone: home heating in Puyallup, WA can get expensive as the thermometer begins to fall. But you do have methods to reduce your heating bills, some of them very easy to do. These 3 options will get you started in putting a check on rising heating costs.

If you want advice on heating from experts, look to Sound Heating. We’ve served Puget Sound for over 20 years, so we know the sort of conditions you can expect to encounter during the later months of the year.

1. Lower your thermostat

What’s the best temperature to set your thermostat to? It’s almost certainly not the highest setting. Just because you can heat the inside of your home to 90°F doesn’t mean you should; aside from the high energy cost, this will overtax your heater and could cause it to break down. According to the US Department of Energy, homeowners can save 18% on their energy costs if they lower their thermostats 5° to 10° for 8 hours a day. This isn’t difficult: 68° is sufficient heat for comfort with an extra layer of clothes. When you’re asleep, lower the thermostat to 58° and pull up an extra blanket.

2. Seal heat leaks

The construction of modern homes aims to make them heat seals, so excess heat doesn’t get in during the spring and summer, and vital heat doesn’t escape during the fall and winter. But this seal isn’t perfect, and gaps around doors and windows, or insufficient insulation, will drain away this precious heat and make your heating system labor harder to compensate. Install storm windows to reduce heat loss, caulk your windows, and put weather stripping around the outside doors to keep as much heat as you can inside your home.

3. Schedule regular maintenance for your heater

Having a professional give your heater a check-up and tune-up is an excellent way to make sure it performs well without draining extra power during the fall. The technician will tighten connections and clean the system so it performs efficiently. Preventive maintenance will also reduce the wear and tear on your system so it won’t age as fast and will continue to perform at its best throughout the fall and into the winter.

The Puyallup, WA heating experts at Sound Heating are available 24-hours a day to help you with your heating needs. If you want to get started with reining in your heating bill for the coming fall, contact us to schedule your annual maintenance check.

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Common Heating Repair Needs in Tacoma, WA

Tuesday, October 1st, 2013

In Tacoma, WA heating units are a vital part of keeping your home cozy and comfortable during our omnipresent rain. When problems develop, you need to address them promptly lest they leave you without reliable heating just when you need it the most. A professional Tacoma heating service company like Sound Heating & Air Conditioning can deal with common heating repair needs, but it helps if you the homeowner understand what those needs are. A few of the more common ones can be found below:

  • Thermostat issues. A malfunctioning thermostat can wreak all kinds of havoc with your heater. Misreading the temperature results in your house being too cold or too hot, while an inability to engage the fan can leave the hot air just sitting in the central unit. In some cases, a faulty thermostat means that the heater won’t turn on at all.
  • Pilot light or ignition control problems. If you turn the heat on and yet the air moving through your house isn’t particularly warm, it could indicate a problem with the pilot light and/or ignition control. Without the light, the furnace can’t generate any heat, even if every other aspect of the system is functioning the way it should.
  • Air flow issues. Problems with air flow can stem from a number of issues. There may be blockage in your ducts, a leak or a fissure may have developed, the fan belt may be frayed or broken, or the fan motor may have overheated.  Regardless of the cause, the issue drops your air flow to nothing, slowing the speed at which your home is heated and costing you in higher energy bills as a result.

When common heating repairs arise, it pays to call upon a heating company with the experience and know-how to do the job right. The Tacoma heating repair specialists at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning is ready to handle any problem you may have, from the smallest to the largest. In Tacoma, WA, heating issues need to be addressed promptly, but with an eye on quality service. We’re completely dedicated to your satisfaction in all aspects of the operation. Contact us today to make an appointment.

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3 Reasons to Consider Pre-Season Heating Maintenance

Wednesday, September 25th, 2013

It’s not difficult to procrastinate about getting work done on your heating system. You’re probably still thinking about the summer fading behind you and don’t want to face up to the coming colder months. But while you’re procrastinating, your heater could develop problems that will lead to unexpected trouble when you finally need it to turn on. Getting an annual inspection will keep your heating system in good operating condition, and the time to schedule maintenance is now—before the chilly season begins.

Here are 3 reasons to call a professional HVAC company like Sound Heating to perform heating maintenance service as soon as possible. Sound Heating has highly-trained Tacoma, WA heating specialists who can prepare your heater for its upcoming job.

Prevent repairs: The most important service pre-season maintenance provides for you is keeping away expensive repairs. If you wait for winter, you could end up with a plunge in the heat in your house while you wait for repair help to arrive. The worst-case scenario is a total breakdown that could even require a full system replacement. Procrastinating until winter to have your heater looked at increases your chances of some extremely uncomfortable days.

Improved energy efficiency: A heater that hasn’t gotten a tune-up will not run at peak efficiency. If dust clogs, corroded pipes, malfunctioning thermostats, or worn motors interfere with a heater’s performance, it will need to work harder to reach the temperature you set for it. The drain on fuel or electricity will show up as higher energy bills. Regular maintenance will get your heater cleaned and fine-tuned so it gives its best performance and saves you money.

Get quicker, more convenient service: Winter puts a crunch on HVAC technicians with numerous emergency calls. (Calls customers could have avoided with pre-season maintenance!) It’s much harder to get a technician out to your home quickly and at a time that suits you during the middle of the heating season. Right now, however, getting an appointment that works for you is far easier, so take advantage of the slower months.

Now is the time to act to get your heater in good health. Sound Heating offers multiple maintenance plans designed for the type of heater you have in your home in Tacoma, WA. Heating systems like gas furnaces, electric furnaces, and heat pumps will get top-quality check-ups from our technicians. Contact us today before the weather gets any colder!

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This Year’s Heating Options

Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

Frequent rain and chilly temperatures are a hallmark for winters in the Seattle area, including outlying suburbs like Puyallup, WA. Heating systems can help combat that, providing warm and cozy homes to act as a refuge against the miserable weather outside. As heating season approaches, it pays to take stock of your particular circumstances and determine your heating options this year. Obviously, every case is unique, but a few general outlines can cover the basics.

The first option is to sit tight with your existing heating system, which is probably what most people prefer to do. Unless your furnace is more than 15 years old and/or is experiencing serious repair issues, there’s no need to install a new one. Instead, you should schedule a routine maintenance inspection from a qualified professional. He can come to your home, inspect the furnace for any signs of damage, clean the components and/or otherwise “spruce up” the unit for the upcoming cold weather.

You may also be in a situation where you don’t need a new furnace, but might want a few upgrades to improve the old one. Upgrades can range from insulated covers on exposed ductwork to better retain the heat to newer thermostats designed with pre-timed start and stop options. Such upgrades won’t break your bank, but can give you more options for controlling your heating, and more importantly, might save you money in your monthly electric bills.

Finally, you may need to consider replacing your existing unit entirely. If it’s more than 15 years old, is struggling to heat your home adequately and/or is undergoing repairs too frequently, a new unit may be what you need. The up-front cost may be high, but you’ll likely save money in repairs (to say nothing of monthly energy bills).

Regardless of what option works best for your home, it pays to consult a professional to understand your heating options this year. Sound Heating provides heating services throughout Puyallup, WA. Heating and furnaces are a specialty of ours, and we can discuss all of your choices with you before beginning maintenance or installation procedures. Give us a call today!

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Why it’s Important to Leave Air Conditioning Repairs to a Professional Technician

Wednesday, September 11th, 2013

Every homeowner loves the occasional do-it-yourself project, but when it comes to the heating system in your home, it is usually best to leave it to the pros. At Sound Heating, we know that you rely heavily on your heating system during the winter which is why we offer a large range of Tacoma heating services. We’ve responded to countless calls for heating repair, and we wanted to share some of the reasons why calling for a professional heating contractor for all your repairs is usually a good idea.

Tacoma Heating Tip: Why Call for Professional Repairs

Check out a few of the reasons why you should call for professional Tacoma heating repair services.

  • Better quality – Your heater is critical to your home’s comfort in the winter. If anything goes wrong with it you want to make sure that the repair work is done with good quality. Most non-professionals don’t have the training or experience that a licensed professional has to do the work properly.
  • Faster service – While it might seem like it would be faster to just look up the solution on the internet and do it yourself, it will actually probably take less time and effort to call for professional Tacoma heating repair services. Here at Sound Heating, we always do our best to respond quickly. Plus, our technicians have likely fixed the exact problem that you’re having many times which will allow them to get in and out of your home very quickly.
  • Safety – Also, depending on the type of heating system that you have, there could be danger to your home and to your person if anything goes wrong with the repair work. In particular, if you have a gas-fired heater like a furnace or a boiler and you damage the gas line or flue you could put yourself and your home in danger.

No matter what type of heater you have, whether it’s a hydronic system or a forced-air system, call the Tacoma heating repair pros at Sound Heating.

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Heating: Room Temperature Does Not Match Thermostat Setting

Monday, May 6th, 2013

Most of your heating and air conditioning system components are tucked away out of view, and you have little interaction with them. Your thermostat, however, is one of the most important parts of your HVAC system, and by far the component that you have the most face time with. When you are unable to operate your thermostat successfully, it can be quite frustrating. The Bellevue, WA heating professionals at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning know that you depend on your thermostat year round to accurately control temperatures in your home. Here are a few reasons why the temperature in your home may not match that of your thermostat setting.

If your thermostat is not able to accurately read the temperature in your home, it will not be able to regulate it properly either. It is possible that your thermostat is dirty inside, which can affect its reading of the temperature. Remove the cover on your thermostat, and use a soft brush to gently remove and dust, dirt or other debris that may have accumulated therein.

It is also possible that some corrosion has taken place within your thermostat. If this is the case, the electrical contacts in the thermostat may not be operating properly. By using an electronic contact cleaner you can resolve this problem in some cases. If the thermostat is outdated anyway, though, you may just want to consider replacing it.

The installation of your thermostat is very important in determining the success of its operation. If your thermostat is too close to the ground, or is located close to windows or in direct sunlight, it may not operate properly. Make sure that your thermostat is in an area that is actually indicative of the true temperature in the room. For more tips on using your thermostat properly, give us a call.

At Sound Heating, our Bellevue WA heating technicians have the answers to any thermostat questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more. Get the best performance possible from your air conditioning and heating equipment by communicating with it successfully. A great thermostat is integral to achieving that goal.

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Heating Tip: What are the Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

Homeowners throughout the Auburn, WA area are always looking for ways to improve their energy efficiency. As we transition into a different season of the year that presents its own challenges to our indoor comfort, you may be in the market to replace your current heating system. While furnaces, boilers, and radiant heating all have their advantages, the heat pump remains one of the most comprehensive home comfort options available. Whatever type of system you choose, however, remember that the most important part of the process is its installation, which should be carried out by a certified technician. Speak to an Auburn WA heating professional at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about your options.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of installing a heat pump in your home:

  • Versatility. Most heating systems are only able to work during part of the year to keep your home comfortable. What makes the heat pump special is its versatility. It has an indoor and outdoor unit, and works a lot like an air conditioner. It harnesses the thermal energy of the outdoor air, even in low temperatures, to heat your home. But it can also cool your home during the summer by reversing the flow of coolant. This makes it into a comprehensive, year-round option for ensuring that your home is comfortable no matter what the outside temperature is.
  • Energy efficiency. While furnaces and boilers can use natural gas to heat your home, a heat pump uses electrical energy, making it one of the most energy efficient types of heating available today. For example, the York Affinity™ YZH is up to 60% more energy efficient thanks to its two-stage compressor technology.
  • Ground-source capability. A ground-source heat pump, also known as a geothermal system, uses the moderate temperature of the earth to heat and cool your home. An underground piping system is installed in a loop beneath the ground near your home, and a refrigerant circulates through it, transferring the cold air out of your home, and sending heated air throughout the ductwork.

For more information about heat pumps and how they might improve your home, call the Auburn, WA heating experts at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning. Call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Frequently Asked Heating Questions

Monday, April 15th, 2013

A professionally installed and maintained heater is a technological marvel. Today’s furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps are highly efficient, and they perform well under even the coldest winter temperatures. But homeowners throughout the Bellevue, WA area often ask about their home heating systems. We understand that you probably have some questions and concerns about how your heater operates. We believe a well-informed client is a good thing: it allows you to identify problems before they become serious, and it gives you some info to impress your friends and family. We’d like to address some frequently asked heating questions in this post. For more information, or to schedule a Bellevue WA heating service, contact the experts at Sound Heating today!

  • What is a programmable thermostat? If you haven’t yet taken advantage of a digital programmable thermostat, then you’re missing out on fully customizable temperature control as well as improved energy efficiency, up to $180 per year, according to the EPA. A programmable thermostat is not only more accurate, but it allows you to create a schedule for your heating and cooling systems, so that you don’t pay for unnecessary energy usage while staying comfortable.
  • Is there anything I can do to maintain my heater? Yes! You can start by cleaning and replacing your air filter at least once a month during the peak heating season. The air filter is responsible for preventing dust and debris accumulation, both of which can negatively impact the efficiency and effectiveness of your heater. You can also make sure to keep and the area surrounding your heater clean and clear.
  • What’s a heat pump? A heat pump is a highly efficient heat transfer machine. Unlike a furnace, the heat pump draws on the ambient thermal energy of the outside air, which is available even during cold temperatures. It works just like an air conditioner, except that instead of only being able to remove heat from your home, it also works the other way. However, it can become inefficient at temperatures below 35°, so people often pair a furnace with a heat pump to maximize performance and efficiency.

To reach a Bellevue, WA heating specialist, feel free to contact Sound Heating today!

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Heating Tip: What To Do Before You Shut Down Your Heater In The Spring

Monday, April 8th, 2013

As we enter the spring months, many homeowners have already started to think about how to keep their homes cool this summer. That’s important, and we’re glad you’re thinking ahead. But before jumping into the cooling season, there are some things to consider when shutting down your heater this spring. We often get asked what to do to make sure that the heater is in good working order when you return to it next fall. In this post, we’d like to advise you on just that topic. For more information about Lakewood heating, call Sound Heating today!

Let’s look at a few things you can do before shutting down your heater for the spring:

  • Clean the outdoor unit of your heat pump. If you rely on the reliable year-round service of a heat pump, then it’s imperative that you ready your heat pump for cooling. Make sure to consult with a professional about adjusting the reversing valve for cooling. Also, clean the area around your outdoor compressor/condenser—it may be filled with organic debris and it requires proper airflow to operate effectively and efficiently.
  • Replace the air filter. If you have a forced air distribution system, you should check the air filter. The air filter is there to prevent pollutants and contaminants from entering your ductwork and flowing through your indoor living space. Even if you made a habit of regularly replacing it during the peak heating season, it’s a good time to make sure you’re on the right food come the next heating season.
  • Schedule a professional inspection. Routine maintenance is the key to preventing major and costly repairs, to extending the life of your heater, and to ensuring that it is primed for the next heating season. If you haven’t already enrolled in a heating maintenance program, start today and take advantage of professional inspection, cleaning, adjustments, and tune-ups.

Taking care of your heating and cooling systems is a year-round task. But it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’d rather enjoy your heating than be bothered to ensure it is operating properly, consider enrolling in a professional maintenance program. For more information about our Lakewood, WA heating services, call Sound Heating today!

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What Type of Indoor Air Quality Equipment Can Be Installed with My Heater?

Monday, April 1st, 2013

A heating system that you can rely on during the coldest nights of the year is an important component of any home in Auburn, WA. Comfortable temperatures, though, while important, are not the only factor that you must consider when keeping your home comfortable. At Sound Heating we know that it is just as important that you are able maintain high indoor air quality in your home. There are many indoor air quality products that you can use in conjunction with your heating system to keep your home as comfortable as possible. Contact the Auburn heating technicians at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more.

One of the most basic ways to improve indoor air quality is through air filtration. While your heating system comes with a factory installed air filter that must be changed regularly, this filter cannot be relied upon to improve indoor air quality. It is not efficient enough to do so, but is rather designed to protect your heating system itself from dirt and debris. By installing a more efficient air filter you can remove dirt, dander and other pollutants from the air circulated throughout your home by the ductwork of your heating system. Keep your home warm and comfortable without worrying about what else is traveling throughout the system.

An energy recovery ventilator is another great indoor air quality product that can be used with our home heating system. It is natural, during the heating season, to want to seal up your home as tightly as possible. After all, you do not want the air you have paid to heat escaping to the outdoors. However, sealing your home up too tightly can cause air to go stale due to a lack of ventilation. By ventilating your home and recovering heat that would be lost in the process otherwise, an energy recovery ventilator allows you to keep your air quality high and fresh without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.

For more information about how to improve indoor air quality in your home, call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ll make sure that you are able to enjoy high indoor air quality throughout the Auburn, WA heating season. Contact us today to learn more.

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