Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Heating Tip: Preventing the Need for Solar Repair Service

Monday, February 4th, 2013

As more and more homeowners in Tacoma, WA are attempting to make their homes more environmentally friendly many are turning to solar power. The sun is up there in the sky, after all, giving off an awful lot of energy. It only makes sense to harness that energy and make use of it inside your home. With the installation of a solar heating system in Tacoma you can keep your home warm with a clean, dependable and sustainable energy source. Keep your solar heating system working properly and effectively with these tips from the Tacoma solar pros at Sound Heating & Air.

No home heating system is perfect. Every mechanical system experiences problems in operation at some point, and a solar heating system is no different. There are plenty of steps that you can take, though, to prevent the need for solar repair in Tacoma.

First of all, your solar heating system must receive a professional installation by a qualified Tacoma solar heating technician. This technology is too complex and requires too many components to trust anyone other than a qualified professional. Your system must be properly sized to ensure that it is capable of heating your home as efficiently and effectively as possible. If it is too large it will short cycle frequent, incurring unnecessary wear and tear and heightening the likelihood of system damages. If it is too small it will work too hard to reach temperatures it simply is not capable of attaining. This too increases the likelihood of damage to your system. Call us today to find out more about professional solar installation in Tacoma.

By far the best measure that you can take to minimize solar heating system repair in Tacoma is to schedule professional maintenance service. By having your solar heating system routinely inspected and tuned up you can enjoy reliable, efficient heating service throughout the heating season. Schedule professional maintenance today to keep your solar heating system operating properly.

For more information about solar heating in Tacoma or to schedule an installation or maintenance service, contact Sound Heating & Air. We can help you heat your home more efficiently than ever before. Contact us today to learn more about keeping your solar heating system in prime working condition.

Tags: Heating, Solar, Solar Installation, Solar Repair, Tacoma
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Heating FAQ: Is Solar Heating Right for Me?

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

At Sound Heating & Air, we can go over the many benefits of solar heating in Tacoma, so if you are wondering if solar heating is right for your home, call us. We’ll make sure you get the most cost-effective solution for your heating needs. Installing a renewable energy heating system, such as a solar heating system, is a great way to save energy; however, they are not for all homes or situations.

Before you decide on solar heating, it’s a good idea to get a home energy audit to ensure that your home is properly insulated and sealed. This ensures that your home is ready for a high-efficiency system and that you will the most out of your investment. Choosing between a solar heating system and a different type of heating system really depends on the size and location and size of your home. Fuel costs are also factored in.

While you can get quite a bit of savings with a solar heating system, even be sure that the panels can be installed in an area that gets direct sunlight for long periods. Homes surrounded by trees or where it’s not practical to install solar panels may need a backup heater or a different type of heating system altogether.

Local building codes and the required routine maintenance are also factors to consider. Solar heating systems require a lot of routine maintenance, so ask yourself if it is worth it to you. Our installers are familiar with the building codes on solar installation, and we can go over the type of maintenance required.

Start saving energy today! Call the Tacoma solar heating experts at Sound Heating & Air to schedule a consultation. Contact Sound Heating & Air today!

Tags: Heating, Solar, Tacoma
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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.

Tags: Heating, Heating Repairs, Tacoma
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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!

Tags: Furnace, Heating, Tacoma
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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.

Tags: Bellevue, Heating, Hydronics
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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.

Tags: Heating, Tacoma
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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!

Tags: Auburn, Boilers, Heating
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Heating Tips: What to Think About Before Switching to a Solar Energy System

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Before you switch to solar energy in your Fife, WA home, you should think about a few factors that will affect the performance of your heating system. While active solar energy can help lower heating cots, sometimes providing up to 75% of your heating needs, it isn’t always the best option in some situations.

Backup Heat

Keep in mind that all solar energy systems will require some type of backup heater. Also, how much use you get out of the solar heat as opposed to the backup heat depends largely on how much sunlight you get in the winter. You can store energy with a solar heating system, but it is important to know that shading from trees around your home and other factors, such as weather patterns, will determine the cost-effectiveness of using solar heat.

You will also need regular maintenance for your solar energy system. Just like with any sort of HVAC system, preventive maintenance will help prevent problems and also help maintain the efficiency of the new system. Solar panels need to be checked for hairline cracks as well, since small cracks can quickly turn into a replacement need.

Insulation

The one mistake many people make is not updating their home before installing solar panels. If your home isn’t properly insulated, you won’t get as much out of the savings from the solar energy source. It’s also important to get a home energy audit that can pinpoint areas where your home needs improvements, such as more sealing or ventilation.

Local Restrictions and Building Codes

One of the main factors you will need to consider involves knowing the local restrictions and building codes. Some areas will not allow for the installation of solar panels due to regulations that limit certain improvements that do not maintain the character of the neighborhood. Some zoning laws restrict anything that is considered a private nuisance. That’s why it is important to hire a contractor who is familiar with local codes.

Call the Fife, WA solar energy experts at Sound Heating, and we’ll go over all the factors with you and help you decide whether a new active solar energy system is right for your home. Contact Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Tags: Fife, Heating, Solar Energy
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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.

Tags: Heating, Tacoma, Thermostats
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How Does a Fife Hydronic Boiler System Work?

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Do you know how the boiler in your home in Fife works? Boilers are a very popular heating system in the United States yet some people aren’t familiar with how they actually work. Knowing how your heating system works is critical to knowing if it is operating properly. Below, we’ve outlined a very basic explanation of how hydronic boilers work. If you have any questions about boilers or if you suspect that your boiler needs repair, contact Sound Heating and Air today.

What is Hydronics?

Hyrdonic systems in Fife use water to transfer heat to the air in your home. Pretty simple right? Hydronic systems are some of the oldest heating systems in the world. They include radiant floor heating, steam and hot water radiators.

The Boiler

Unless you have a steam system, your boiler doesn’t actually boil the water. It heats it to between 130° F and 160° F. The temperature should not exceed 200° F.

The Pump

The pump actually circulates the hot water to the rest of your house.

The Expansion Tank

The expansion tank is a critical part of your boiler system. Have you ever boiled water in a tea kettle? When the water is hot enough, it actually expands and starts shooting steam out the lid of the kettle. That’s what makes that high-pitched squeal. The expansion tank exists to account for the property of water that makes it expand when it heats up. Without the expansion tank, your pipes, pumps and valves would burst from the pressure of the hot water. The expansion tank looks like a propane gas tank that you would use for your barbeque.

The Radiators

Hot water radiators are actually the components that are responsible for distributing the heat into the air in each room. One some newer models, they have a temperature control on each of them.

For all your boiler system needs, contact the heating professionals at Sound Heating and Air. We have experience working with all types and brands of boilers. If you need boiler repairs in the Fife area, we’re the company to call. We’ll be at your as quickly as possible to diagnose and fix the problem.

Tags: Boiler, Fife, Heating, Hydronics
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