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

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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Heating FAQ: How Efficient is a Hydronic System?

Friday, March 8th, 2013

Here at Sound Heating, we often get asked about hydronic heating systems in Tacoma, WA. For people that have forced-air systems like furnaces and heat pumps, the idea of hydronic heating is very interesting. There are definitely distinct advantages that hydronic heating systems, like boilers, enjoy over furnaces and heat pumps. But how efficient are boilers really? At Sound Heating, we offer comprehensive heating services, including heating repair in Tacoma, WA and heating installation. We wanted to help shed some like on hydronic heating and help out our customers in the area.

What Is Hydronic Heating?

Hydronic heating is the use of hot water to heat your home. Common hydronic heating systems including hot water radiators, under-floor heating and wall heating systems. The systems usually include a large boiler where the water is heated (not boiled) and a pump that pushes the water through the pipes to the rest of the house.

Difference Between Forced-Air Heating and Hydronic Heating

Forced air systems use convection to heat your home: your furnace draws in air, heats it up and then circulates it through your home. Hydronic heating systems use heat radiation to heat your home. Heat radiates out from the radiators in your rooms or from the pipes in the floor. Thus, hydronic heating systems actually heat the objects in the room instead of heating the air.

 How Efficient is a Hydronic Heating System?

Hydronic heating systems do offer homeowners some energy advantages over forced-air systems. One of the main advantages is that radiant heat is easier to retain in a space than convective heat. This allows hydronic heating systems to use less energy to keep your home warm. Also, many hydronic heating systems feature zone control. This allows you to only heat the rooms in your home that you’re using instead of wasting energy heating other, unoccupied rooms.

If you have any questions about hydronic heating installation in Tacoma, WA call Sound Heating. We have years of experience installing all kinds of heating systems—including forced-air and hydronic systems. Contact Sound Heating today!

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Heating FAQ: What are the most efficient heating options?

Tuesday, March 5th, 2013

Energy prices never seem to go down which is why many homeowners are looking for new and creative ways to reduce the amount energy that they use in their homes. Getting a new heating system is a great way to potentially reduce your heating bills because new systems are typically much more efficient than older ones. Contact the Olympia WA heating experts at Sound Heating if you’re interested in getting a new heating system. We thought it would be helpful if we put together a quick list of some of the most efficient heating systems on the market.

Forced Air Heating Systems

Forced-air systems like furnaces and heat pumps are extremely popular across the country. They are able to provide very efficient and comfortable heating. Furnaces are given an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating that describes how much of the fuel they consume is actually turned into heat. Many older furnaces had an AFUE rating of about 60%, meaning that they wasted the other 40%. New furnaces can have up to 98% AFUE ratings which is a huge improvement. Heat pumps, on the other hand are normally even more efficient than furnaces because they don’t actually burn fuel to create heat. Instead, they just move heat from one place to another. Their heating mode has an efficiency rating called a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) that describes how much heat they produce over a season divided by the energy that they consume. Heat pumps also include geothermal heat pumps which use the energy of the ground or the water to provide heating and cooling as well. These systems are even more efficient than standard air-source heat pumps.

Hydronic Heating Systems

Unlike forced-air systems, hydronic heating systems like boilers use heated water to provide heat to your home. They typically use a series of pipes in the floor, walls or baseboards to produce heat. This kind of heat is also called radiant heat. Many homeowners have reported that radiant heat is actually more comfortable than forced-air heat. Because of how radiant works, homeowners can typically set their thermostats a few degrees lower to remain comfortable. This could potentially reduce the amount of energy that you use in your home for heating.

For all your Olympia, WA heating repair and installation needs, contact Sound Heating today.

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Common Questions About Solar Heating Systems

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Solar energy is much more common nowadays than in years past, but a lot of homeowners still have plenty of questions about solar heating systems. When properly installed and maintained by qualified Tacoma, WA solar professionals – and properly operated by homeowners – a solar heating system is a great way to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter in an extremely efficient way. Contact Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today with any questions you have about solar installation in Tacoma. The sun is up there shining away pretty much every day. Why not put all that energy to use?

Does Solar Heating Work Even if it is Cloudy Out?

Here in Tacoma we see our fair share of cloudy days. This makes some homeowners skeptical of the effectiveness that a solar heating system can really offer. While it is true that cloudy days may limit the amount of energy absorbed on that day, you must remember that energy is used in real time. If that were the case, then a solar energy system would not operate when it is dark out. A solar heating system, paired with a large battery storage system and efficient appliances, will help you keep your home heated efficiently. A backup heating system, used only when the solar heating system is overwhelmed, can give you the extra boost your heating system may occasionally need.

Are Solar Heating Systems Very Expensive?

There is a certain amount of expense when investing in a solar heating system, but like any good investment you can expect a return on this one. The reduction in energy costs when heating your home will help offset the initial investment. Solar panels and set ups require little maintenance, as they have few moving parts, so you will not have to pay much for repairs and tune-ups. Routine maintenance will help ensure the continued success of your system.

For more information about solar heating systems in Tacoma, WA, call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning. Our Tacoma WA Solar professionals will have you heating your home more efficiently in no time. Call today to schedule an installation.

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Why Is My Heater Not Heating My Home Efficiently?

Monday, January 14th, 2013

When the winter rolls around here in Tacoma, you may hesitate when you reach for the thermostat because your heating system isn’t working efficiently. If this is the case, you should call your local heating contractor immediately. At Sound Heating and Air Conditioning, our goal is to make sure that each of our customers is comfortable in their home and that their heating system is working as efficiently as possible. We always like helping out our customers so we put together some of the most common reasons why your heating system might not be working as efficiently as possible.

Clogged Air Filter

By far the most common cause of heating efficiency problems is a clogged air filter. If you have a forced air system like a furnace or heat pump, then you likely have an air filter located at the return air duct. This filter isn’t designed to improve the air quality in your home: it’s there to keep dirt and dust from getting inside your heating system. Over time, it can get clogged and start to restrict the flow of air in to your system.

Clogged Ductwork

The ductwork in your Tacoma home is crucial to the proper operation of your heating system. If you have large amount of dust, dirt or debris in your ducts it could be restricting the flow of air. Additionally, if your ducts are old or if they weren’t installed properly, they could be pinched or bent which also will cause your heating system to operate inefficiently.

Heat Pump Thermostat

Heat pumps are highly efficient systems to heat and cool your home. But if use your thermostat wrong your heat pump could be operating very inefficiently. Heat pumps need a particular type of thermostat to run them. Most of them have a setting on them that is called Emergency Heat or Backup Heat. When the temperature outside gets too cold your heat pump needs another source of heat to keep your home comfortable. Emergency heat systems are typically electric resistance coils that are expensive to run. If you have your heat pump set to backup heat, you could be using more energy than you need.

If you’ve noticed that your heating bills have begun to rise inexplicably, call Sound Heating and Air today. We have years of experience working with all different types of heating systems. We provide heating repairs in Tacoma and would love to talk with you about any issues that you’re having.

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Heating Tip: What Are My Options For a New Heating System?

Monday, January 7th, 2013

When the heating system in your Tacoma home gives out, it can be a frustrating and discouraging experience. But the exciting part is that you get to pick out a brand new heating system for your home. There are a variety of options available to you that you should consider carefully. Depending on how old your previous system was, new models likely offer you a number of very attractive improvements. At Sound Heating and Air Conditioning, we know how important a good heating system is to survive the winters here in Washington. We thought it would benefit our customers in the Tacoma area if we put together a quick explanation of some of the available options.

Benefits of Replacing Your Heating System

Even in just the last 5 or 10 years there has been some pretty impressive advancement in heating technology. Here are just a few of them.

  • Safety – Many new models of furnaces, boilers and heat pumps have safety features that are designed to potentially protect you from carbon monoxide poisoning, fuel leaks and fires.
  • Efficiency – Perhaps one of the most attractive developments is high efficiency systems that may be able to reduce the amount of energy required to heat your home.
  • Size – In general, many new heating systems take up less space than older models.

Heating System Options in Tacoma, WA

When you start to think about replacing the heating system in your home, there are some important things to consider. First, what type of fuel is available to you? In general, natural gas systems are cheaper to install and to operate. While electric systems are more efficient, they almost always cost more to run. If your old system was an electric furnace, you may want to consider switching to a gas-fired furnace. If you have a gas line running into your home, it would be fairly simple to run it to your furnace’s location. However, if you don’t have a gas line, it can be very costly to install one.

Another option to consider is switching systems. If you’re replacing a furnace, you may consider getting a heat pump. Heat pumps offer comfortable heating and also are highly efficient. Additionally, you can also think about moving from a forced-air system (like a furnace) to a radiant heating system like a boiler system. Ground source heat pumps also offer a great deal of energy efficiency while providing comfortable heat to your home.

If you have any questions about heating systems and the options that are available to you in Tacoma, call us. We can walk you through the installation process and also discuss all of the options that are available to you. Contact Sound Heating and Air Conditioning!

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Heating Tip: What is a Hydronic Heating System?

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Are you constructing a new house or renovating your existing home? Is it time to start thinking about the installation of your new home heating system? Before you make any decisions about the way in which you will keep your home warm and cozy we recommend that you take a few minutes to learn a little bit about hydronic heating systems. These quiet, efficient heating systems will make a great addition to your Bellevue home. Contact Sound Heating and Air Conditioning today if you would like to learn more about the benefits of hydronic heating or to schedule installation service.

A hydronic heating system uses hot water or another heat transfer liquid to warm your home using radiant heat. This means that rather than distributing air the way a forced air system does objects themselves are heated. A system of tubing is installed below your floor, in your walls or along baseboards to spread the radiant heat throughout your home.

Because of the piping necessary to take advantage of a hydronic heating system the installation can be labor intensive for existing homes. If, however, you are building a new home or doing renovations it is the perfect time for a hydronic heating system installation. A boiler is used to heat the water or liquid, and the heated liquid is sent all throughout your home to keep the entire building warm.’

There are many benefits to using a hydronic heating system. They are virtually silent, and they do not use ductwork to distribute air, eliminating the energy loss common with forced air systems. They also allow for easy zone control integration, further boosting efficiency and convenience.

If you are interested in the installation of a hydronic heating system in your Bellevue contact us today. We will be happy to discuss your options with you. Let Sound Heating and Air Conditioning help you find the right home heating option for needs and personal habits.

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Heating Tip: Heating Your Home Efficiently in Extreme Cold Weather

Monday, December 10th, 2012

Are you looking for more ways to heat your home more efficiently during extreme cold weather? Call the Tacoma heating professionals at Sound Heating to provide you with tips and expert advice.

First, take a look at a few tips we’ve put together on ways to save energy and heat your home more efficiently.

Insulating and Sealing Your Home

Many homeowners don’t realize that their homes need to be better insulated and sealed. If you have never had an energy audit, call your utility company. They may be able to provide this service for you, but there are plenty of home energy professionals out there who offer audits. Once you know the areas that need improvement, then you can take the first steps to improving your home’s overall efficiency.

Small Heating Upgrades

Have you ever considered a simple upgrade for your heating system, such as a wireless or programmable thermostat? Any new digital thermostat will provide more accurate readings, and programmable thermostats have set back features to help you save on heating costs when you aren’t using your heater. Wireless models prevent “ghost readings” since they can be installed anywhere in the home for more accurate results. We also install energy recovery ventilators (ERV) to help ventilate your home more efficiently in the winter.

Consider Zone Control

Have you ever thought about why you heat your entire home when you are only using certain parts of your home at all times? Heating the attic or rooms that are not occupied can waste energy, and with zone control, you can heat only the areas that need heat. We can retrofit your current forced air system to give you these results.

Call the Tacoma heating experts at Sound Heating for more advice. Contact Sound Heating anytime.

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Heating FAQ: Can My Boiler Heat My Water Efficiently in the Summer?

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

At Sound Heating & Air, our Auburn WA heating experts want to make sure you get the most efficient water heating system available. Deciding whether or not to use your boiler in the summer will depend on several factors. Here are some things to consider. You can always call us if you have further questions.

Typically, if you have a high-efficiency boiler system, it is more cost-effective to use the boiler to heat your water in the summer. Keep in mind that the boiler’s heating efficiency rating is not the same as how efficiently it can heat the water for your home.

Most heating experts agree that leaving the boiler on in the summer is better than shutting it down. It can create maintenance problems otherwise, especially for older models. You can also find combination boiler/hot water systems that are highly efficient at heating both your home and your hot water.

If you are not ready to upgrade to a new boiler, you have many other options for hot water systems, including immersion heaters, solar water heaters, and tankless systems. Overall, figuring out the hot water efficiency for a boiler is not an exact science because it can be difficult to separate out from the heating energy in the winter. However, finding the cost-effectiveness should factor in your overall water bill, which can be high in some areas.

Call the Auburn WA heating experts At Sound Heating & Air if you still aren’t sure how to calculate energy savings for heating your water with your boiler year-round, contact Sound Heating & Air today!

 

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Heating Tip: Getting the Most out of Your New Thermostat and Other Upgrades

Monday, November 19th, 2012

Are you considering installing a new programmable thermostat or other upgrades to your Tacoma home this heating season? Make sure you get the most out of your home improvements with these energy-saving tips. You can always call Sound Heating & Air with questions, but here are a few tips to get you started.

Thermostat Upgrades

Whether you’ve recently upgraded your heating system, or you want to install a programmable thermostat as an easy way to help save energy, make sure you know how to operate the new device for optimal savings. Depending on how many thermostats you have in your home, consider wireless models if you have thermostats hard-wired in places that are near natural light or heat sources. This can provide false readings due to the heat from the light. Wireless models give you the option of installing them anywhere in your home.

Other Upgrades to Consider

Do you have an old water heater that works but just isn’t as efficient as you would like it to be? Instead of upgrading to tankless immediately, consider some minor adjustments to the old equipment. Make sure the storage tank on your hot water heater is insulated properly. Ask a plumber if you aren’t sure how to tell. One rule of thumb is the amount of heat you can feel coming from the tank. If you can feel excess heat radiating from your water heater, it may need a water heater jacket.

Upgrading to double-paned windows and installing heavy storm doors is one option, but you can also add caulk to seal the cracks in places where there’s an air leak. Try the candle test if you haven’t received a home energy audit. Hold a lit candle near windows and doorways to see if it flickers. If it does, you need weathers tripping or some type of sealant around the cracks.

Lastly, installing ceiling fans can actually help in the winter. If you reverse the direction of the fan, it will push down all the warm air that rises to the ceiling. This also helps circulate the warm air from a forced air heating system.

You can count on Sound Heating & Air to provide you with professional advice and tips on how to increase overall home efficiency. Call us any time to speak with one of our Tacoma heating experts.

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