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

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!

Tags: Heating, Hydronics, Tacoma
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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.

Tags: Solar, Tacoma
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Solar Heating Tip: What to Consider Before Installing a Solar Heating System

Monday, February 18th, 2013

At Sound Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer solar heating installation in Tacoma, WA and surrounding areas. There are many factors to consider before installing a solar heating system in your home. We have provided a list of those factors in this post to help you decide whether or not solar heating is the most cost-effective choice for your home. Call us if you have further questions or would like to set up a consultation.

Location of the Home

The location of your home is an important factor to consider. While you can choose either a passive or active solar heating system, they will only be effective if certain conditions are in place. Ask yourself a few questions before you discuss your options with a Tacoma solar expert.

Is your home located in a shady area?
How many windows are in the home?
What direction does your home face?
How expensive is gas and electricity in your area?

Insulation and Air Sealing

In addition to location, how well your home is insulated and sealed is another important factor in helping you decide if a solar heating system is the most cost-effective solution for your needs. Homes that are not properly insulated won’t get as much benefit from either passive or active solar heating systems.

Hot Water Needs

If you have an older hot water heater, you can add a solar water heater to your solar heating system to efficiently meet your hot water needs. Be sure to speak with a contractor about all of your options. You may decide to install one system at a time, or all at once, depending on your needs and energy-saving goals.

Call the Tacoma, WA solar heating experts at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for all your solar heating and solar hot water heater needs. Contact Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

Tags: Solar, Solar Installation, Tacoma
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Can Solar Heating Really Heat My Home That Well In The Middle of Winter?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

For homeowners that are looking to reduce the amount of energy that they have to buy to heat their home, solar heaters are a great option. But some homeowners are skeptical because of the weather that we get in the Tacoma, WA area. There are some differing opinions on the matter but at Sound Heating and Air Conditioning we’ve been providing complete solar services in Tacoma, WA for many years. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some information for our customers in the area.

Solar Heating in Tacoma WA and Cloud Climates

One of the obvious weaknesses of using solar panels in cloudy climates like Tacoma, WA is that it needs sunshine. Since we often have cloudy weather many homeowners are hesitant to use solar panels. However, there are a huge range of options for you that can help you reduce your energy consumption.

First, just because we have cloudy weather doesn’t mean that you won’t benefit from a solar array. There are many days of sunshine during which your solar system can help you reduce the amount of energy that you use. Using highly efficient appliances and a large battery storage system you could potentially reduce your energy consumption by quite a lot. However, you most likely will need a good back-up heating system like a wood burning stove or a furnace.

Solar Water Heating in Tacoma WA

The water heater in your home gets used every day. While solar photovoltaic systems are designed to produce electricity from sunlight, solar water heaters operate in a completely different way. Instead, they use heat from the sun to heat your water. These types of systems can work even when it’s cloudy because they don’t require sunshine—just heat. So even when it’s cloudy, a solar water heater in Tacoma, WA can still provide some heat for your home’s water. When used in conjunction with a traditional water heart, your solar water heater could offer significant energy savings.

For all your solar services in Tacoma, WA call the technicians at Sound Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact Sound Heating and Air Conditioning today!

Tags: Solar, Tacoma
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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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Solar Tip: How to Get the Most Out of My Solar Heating System

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Solar heating systems are a great way to provide heat for your home using the renewable energy of the sun. Not only does this reduce the amount of electricity that you have to buy, but it also provides comfortable heating for your home. But are you sure that you’re getting the most out of your heating system? At Sound Heating and Air, we provide complete solar heating installation, repair and maintenance in Tacoma, WA. We wanted to help our customers in the area by putting together a short list of some of things that can help you get the most out of your Tacoma solar heating system.

Professional Solar Heater Installation in Tacoma

One of the best ways to make sure that your solar heater works well is to get it installed by a professional Tacoma solar contractor. At Sound Heating and Air, we have years of experience working with all different kinds of solar heating systems. Making sure that your solar heater gets off on the right foot is a great way to get years of terrific service from it. Without the proper training and experience, there could be complications or problems with your solar heating system in the future. Call Sound Heating today with all your solar installation inquiries.

Solar Heater Maintenance in Tacoma

One of the best ways to make sure that your solar heater works as efficiently as possible is to get it maintained by a professional. Here are some of the benefits of regular maintenance for your solar heating system in Tacoma.

Less repairs – During regular maintenance visits, the technicians from Sound Heating and Air will be able to discover small issues before they turn into larger, more costly repairs.
Increased efficiency – Over time, your solar heater will develop small problems that cause it to lose efficiency. With regular cleaning and repairs, some of that efficiency can be returned to it.
Extended life – Many times, air conditioning systems can be completely ruined by small problems. But during regular maintenance visits, our expert technicians will be able to find those problems and eliminate them before they cause permanent damage to your AC system.

If you need any kind of solar services in Tacoma, contact Sound Heating and Air today!

Tags: Solar, Solar Installation, 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: 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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