Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

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Upgrading to a More Efficient Furnace in Pittsburgh

Monday, March 25th, 2013

The spring off-season is a great time to make any upgrades to your heating system. If your furnace is getting older or requires frequent repairs, then it’s probably time to think about a high-efficiency replacement. Efficiency measures the amount of fuel or electrical input to the amount of heating output. Upgrading is a great way to improve your long-term savings, and allows you to take control of the future of your home comfort. Today’s energy-efficient models are powerful systems that make very little waste. Are you ready for a new furnace in Pittsburgh? Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today!

One of the most important ratings in the heating industry is known as AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It estimates the yearly average of heating output per energy input. It’s a percentage that indicates how much of the furnace’s energy is converted into heat, and how much is waste product exhausted outside the home. Some of today’s furnaces have AFUE ratings of up to 97%, which means that only 3% of the furnace’s energy is wasted—an incredible ratio. Most modern furnaces are AFUE rated at 90% and above, which is a drastic improvement from those produced just 15 years ago.

If you’re considering upgrading to a more efficient furnace, perhaps one with a much higher AFUE than your current system, you’ll also need to consider whether to choose gas or electric. You should take into consideration several factors: what type of energy source your current system runs on, the respective costs of gas and electric in your area, as well as your budget. If you’re already set up for a gas furnace, then perhaps it makes sense to stick with your setup and simply swap out the unit itself. If you previously had electric and you want natural gas, then you’ll need to make sure that you have a gas hook-up nearby that is available. While both types are efficient, electric furnaces tend to be more so, because they don’t need to convert a fuel, such as gas or oil, and they can theoretically operate at 100% AFUE.

Upgrading your furnace is a great way to maximize your savings over the long term and your comfort in the short term. For furnace installation in Pittsburgh, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today! 

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Pittsburgh Heating Guide: 5 Easy Ways to Save Energy

Monday, March 4th, 2013

As a homeowner, you’re always looking for ways to save energy. As one of the leading energy efficiency experts in the area, Boehmer Heating & Cooling is committed to informing you about some easy ways to save energy. Remember that there is no substitute for professional consultation. We’re happy to sit down with our customers and find ways they can make their homes more energy-efficient. For more information, or to schedule heating and air conditioning maintenance in Pittsburgh, call us today!

  • Enroll in a maintenance program. Prevention is the best medicine, as they say and we agree. Enrolling in an annual or bi-annual maintenance program is one of the best ways to prevent major repairs before they happen. It may also be able to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Let the Pittsburgh heating and air conditioning repair experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling come take a look at your equipment.
  • Replace your attic insulation. Attic insulation has a major impact on the efficiency of the heating and cooling systems in your home. In the winter, thin, old or rotting insulation is one of the greatest factors contributing to heat loss. In the summer, poor insulation can allow hot air into your home from your attic.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat is a great way not only to customize your home living environment, but also to ensure that any temperature changes occur gradually and not drastically. This will allow your system to “anticipate” changes in temperature. Programmable thermostats allow you to control your home’s heating and air conditioning systems much more conveniently.
  • Change your air filters. You have air filters throughout your heating and cooling systems. They are there in order to prevent dust, pollen, and debris from entering into your indoor air. They need to be changed and replaced on a regular basis so they don’t get in the way of your cool or hot air.
  • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescents, or CFLs, are highly-efficient bulbs. Not only do they use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, they also last up to 10 times as long.

There you have it: 5 easy ways every homeowner can save energy. When you need your heating and air conditioning repair in Pittsburgh or any installation or maintenance, call on Boehmer Heating & Cooling. No job is too big or small. Call us today. 

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Pittsburgh Boiler Repairs: When to Schedule

Monday, February 25th, 2013

In Pittsburgh, cold temperatures last well into spring. If you want to ensure that your home stays comfortable all year long, don’t wait to schedule boiler repair service. If you think your boiler is no longer operating effectively, it may be time to schedule a consultation with a boiler repair specialist. Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling today for more information.

When should you schedule boiler repair? That depends on the problem, of course, but as a general rule, it’s important to keep in mind that boiler problems do not simply go away. Even if the symptoms are no longer there, the underlying problem is likely still the same and may have worsened. Even if your boiler is still relatively effective, scheduling routine service can significantly reduce the likelihood of major repair needs and increase the durability of the system. Familiarize yourself with the following symptoms—if you recognize any of these issues in your boiler system, then don’t hesitate to call in a pro to have a look.

  • Excessive noise. An appliance as large as your boiler is bound to make some noise, but if there are especially loud or unusual sounds coming from your boiler, it could be an indication of a serious problem. You may have air in the system, water pressure may be too low, or, if you have hard water, there may be lime scale build-up on the heat exchanger inside your boiler, thus causing it to rumble.
  • Pilot light keeps going out. This is a common issue, and may be due to too much debris in the supply line to the pilot, which is not giving the flame enough fuel to burn, or there may be a draft in the system that keeps blowing it out.
  • No heat. Your boiler requires power, and if a fuse has blown or if a circuit has been tripped, then it cannot work. Other reasons vary: water level might be low, thermostat malfunction, pilot light or electronic burner ignition malfunction, and other so on. This is probably the most obvious reason to schedule a boiler repair, but due to the complexity of the factors involved, it is not easy to determine a definite cause.

Thankfully, knowing when to schedule a boiler repair in Pittsburgh is much easier than repairing the boiler itself. If you have any doubts about your system or if it’s already giving you problems, give Boehmer Heating & Cooling a call today.

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Pittsburgh Boiler Repair Guide: Why Does My Boiler Make Strange Sounds?

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Does your boiler bang, squeal, or make other noises? There can be a number of reasons for strange sounds emitting from your Pittsburgh home’s boiler. As one of the home’s most hard working appliances, the boiler accounts for a significant part of your utility bills. It is imperative, therefore, that the boiler stays in top shape throughout the year, but especially during the heating season. The most important thing to keep in mind is that a proper diagnosis must come from an expert. Call the Pittsburgh boiler technicians at Boehmer Heating & Cooling to discuss your concerns with a professional.

If your boiler emits banging noises, as though metal parts were clanging together, it may be the rapid expansion and contraction of your boiler’s internal components. There may also be air pockets trapped in the boiler caused by a decrease in water flow, which may be due to corrosion or a problem with hard water. Water flow problems can also be caused by a flow rate setting or a faulty pump. Strange sounds are only part of the list of symptoms, and assessing your boiler requires a hands-on approach.

If your boiler operates without clanging, but you notice uneven baseboard heating, or if your fuel bill jumps from one month to the next, those may also be signs that your boiler needs expert repair. In any event, know that you can rely on your local Pittsburgh boiler technician to make a professional diagnosis and to offer you a solution.

A noisy boiler is never a good sign. Schedule an inspection with Boehmer Heating & Cooling to determine if your boiler needs repair or if it is a part of its normal operation. It’s the first step to maintaining a effective and efficient boiler. Call us today. 

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Pittsburgh Geothermal Question: Is Geothermal Installation Possible in My Yard?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Geothermal systems are a terrific way to potentially reduce the amount of energy that you use to heat and cool your home. Most heating systems have to burn a fuel source in order to create heat. But geothermal systems actually use the endless and free energy stored in the earth to both heat or cool your home. At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we provide complete geothermal installation in Pittsburgh. Because of the unique way that geothermal systems work, not every home can accommodate them. If you’re interested in having a geothermal system installed at your home, here are a few of the considerations that you need to think about.

How Geothermal Systems Work

If you were to dig down into the ground about 10 feet the temperature there would be about 55° F. No matter what the temperature is outside the ground below the surface will stay that same temperature. Geothermal systems use a long series of coils buried in the ground to take advantage of the energy stored there. A heat pump in your home circulates refrigerant through those coils.

In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the ground and moves it into your home. In cooling mode it does the opposite: it removes heat from the air in your home and exhausts it in the ground.

Geothermal Installation in Pittsburgh

During geothermal installation large holes need to be dug into the ground to bury the coils. The coils can be installed vertically in some homes where space is limited. The holes need to be dug very deep into the ground to accommodate the long pipes of refrigerant. In a horizontal installation, a large area of ground is dug out and the coils are laid out and then buried.

If you’re interested in potentially reducing the amount of energy that you use to heat or cool your home, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for geothermal installation in Pittsburgh.

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Basic Boiler Components: A Pittsburgh Boiler Guide

Monday, February 4th, 2013

For a long time, boilers have been one of the most popular home heating options on the market. Their great durability and even, efficient heating suggest that this will not change any time soon. Boilers also feature fewer moving parts than many other home heating systems, reducing service needs and the frequency of breakdowns. At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we believe that homeowners should have a basic understanding of their heating systems. This can help you recognize problems with your system and even to use it more efficiently. Here are a few descriptions of the basic components that make up the boiler in your Pittsburgh home.

The burner that your boiler uses to heat water or create steam is one of the most important parts of your boiler. The thermostat (another important component) that you use to regulate temperatures in your home tell the burner when it needs to kick into operation. Fuel is fed into the boiler and combustion takes place, allowing the burner to heat the liquid your boiler uses to warm your home.

The burning of this fuel takes place in a chamber known as the combustion chamber. Temperatures in the combustion chamber get very hot, very quickly. The heat from this chamber is then sent to the boiler’s heat exchanger.

A heat exchanger is responsible for transferring the heat created in the combustion chamber into heating liquid. The water in a series of pipes absorbs this heat and is pumped throughout your home. This is how the heat created by your boiler is utilized to keep your entire house warm.

While a boiler does not have many moving parts, it is still necessary to schedule routine maintenance service to ensure that all of its components are in proper working condition. This will help to boost efficiency and will also keep your boiler operating safely. Don’t take any chances; schedule boiler maintenance service today.

For more information about the way in which your boiler heats your home in Pittsburgh, contact the home heating experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We can help ensure your comfort and the safe operation of your home heating system. Our professional boiler technicians have the answers to any questions you may have.

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Pittsburgh Heating Tip: Problems Affecting Your Boiler’s Performance

Monday, January 28th, 2013

While there could be many problems affecting your boiler’s performance, there are a few common reasons your boiler is not heating your home enough. Call the Pittsburgh heating specialists at Boehmer Heating & Cooling for all your boiler needs.

If there’s sediment build-up inside the boiler tank, this could affect the performance. That’s why it is important to have a professional flush your tank during routine tune-ups so that it prevents decreased water levels, which affects how well the boiler heats your home or hot water. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge as well so that you know when the water levels are abnormally low. Consult your owner’s manual if you aren’t sure how to read the pressure gauge. Call a repair technician if the readings are not normal. This could prevent a safety issue or damage to the system.

If there’s too much air in the lines feeding the radiators, this could also affect performance. If you hear hissing noises, there could be too much air inside the lines. In gas boilers, a bad thermocouple sensor is another issue that can cause low heating output. This sensor measures the gas flow, so if it is broken, then you won’t be getting enough heat. Call for repairs if you think this may be the issue.

Lastly, a leaking boiler tank will definitely cause performance problems since a water leak can affect the temperatures of the water. Signs of corrosion or rust on your tank should be looked at by a boiler repair technician.

Call Boehmer Heating & Cooling for heating repair in Pittsburgh!

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Boiler or Furnace: Which is Right for Your Pittsburgh Home?

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Boilers and furnaces are two of the most common heating systems in the United States. There are pros and cons to each heating system but when it comes down to it, the best system for your home is the one that you like the most. But which one is right for your home? This can be a hard question to answer without knowing the specifics of your home, your budget and your personal preferences. Boehmer Heating & Cooling has been providing complete boiler and furnace installation in Pittsburgh for many years. We’ve help countless customers figure out which system is right for their home and then installed it for them so that it works when they need. Here are some of the things to think about as you move forward with this process.

Radiant Heat vs. Forced Convection

Boiler systems generally heat your home using radiant heat. This means that the heat from the under floor or wall pipes radiates out into the room and heats up the objects in the room. You can also have baseboard radiators which heat the air. A forced-air convection system, like a furnace, heats up the air and moves it through your home.

The Pros and Cons of Boilers in Pittsburgh

As is the case with everything, boilers do offer some great advantages to your homes but they also have some disadvantages. To begin with, many people report that radiant is more comfortable than forced-air heating. If you have radiators in each room, you can turn some of them off if you’re not using the room which offers energy savings. However, boilers are typically much more to install and to replace. They also don’t offer any humidity control for your home because they don’t circulate air.

Pros and Cons of Furnaces in Pittsburgh

Furnaces offer certain benefits over boilers. They allow you to incorporate an air filtration and humidity control system directly into your heating system. They also cost much less to replace and to install. However, because they move air around, they pick up dust and other allergens and move them into the air.

If you need any kind of help picking out a new heating system for your home, just call Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience providing complete furnace installation and boiler installation in Pittsburgh. Call us today!

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Why Won’t My Pilot Light Stay Lit? Pittsburgh Heating Repair Tip

Monday, January 14th, 2013

There are a few different reasons why the pilot light in your Pittsburgh home may have trouble staying lit. While not all of them are particularly serious, any malfunctioning pilot light should be recognized as a potential safety hazard. If your pilot light just does not want to stay lit, we encourage you to contact the Pittsburgh heating experts at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We have the skills, training and tools necessary to determine if your pilot light issues are just a matter of a faulty component or if there is a serious issue in your basement.

One reason that your pilot light may not stay lit is a faulty thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety feature that gas furnaces and water heaters feature designed to stem the flow of gas to the appliance in the event that the combustion process is not safe to perform. Basically the thermocouple detects heat at the burner of your furnace. If there is not sufficient heat to keep the combustion of the fuel going safely the thermocouple will sense this and trigger the shut off of the gas supply. If your thermocouple malfunctions it may not sense sufficient heat even if it is there, causing it to shut off the flow of gas even when there is no threat to your safety.

A more serious issue that may cause your pilot light to go out frequently is a problem with the supply of gas itself. For instance, if there is a gas leak en route to your furnace there may not be enough gas coming in to keep the pilot light lit. Anytime that you are dealing with a combustible fuel like natural gas you need to be sure that it is provided in a safe, effective manner. A natural gas leak can lead to exposure to carbon monoxide, a toxic gas.

For more information on potential reasons that your pilot light will not stay lit, contact the Pittsburgh heating professionals at Boehmer Heating & Cooling. We want to make sure that you are safe in your Pittsburgh home. Let us help you heat your home and water in a safe, efficient manner. Schedule service today.

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Why Enroll in a Maintenance Plan? A Pittsburgh Heating Guide

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Making a sound investment is a great feeling. You work hard for your money, and when you spend it in a way that improves your life over time while saving you money along the way. Enrolling in a maintenance program with your Pittsburgh heating and air conditioning contractor is one of the best decisions you can make in terms of spending a little to gain a lot.

At Boehmer Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on not only the quality of our service but the value that we provide our customers. That is why we encourage you to enroll in one of our exceptional maintenance plans available throughout Pittsburgh. Contact us today for more information.

When it comes to getting the best, most efficient and most dependable performance possible from your heating and air conditioning equipment, regular maintenance is your best bet. There are numerous benefits that come with the professional maintenance of your home comfort systems. Maintenance ensures that each individual component of the system is operating properly, boosting efficiency and reducing the risk of damages and breakdowns. It also allows for the safe operation of your heater and air conditioner.

By enrolling in a maintenance plan you get many additional benefits. Our maintenance plans include discounts on repairs and reduced diagnostic charges or an option that includes no additional labor or diagnostic charges. You will not pay any overtime charges and we will always be there when you need emergency services.

Maintenance plans are a great idea considering the busy, hectic lifestyles that most people lead these days. You do not need worries about your heating and air conditioning systems added to your plate. When you enroll in a maintenance plan, you have a professional team to do that for you. You don’t even have to worry about remembering to schedule service.

As heating and air conditioning professionals, we here at Boehmer Heating & Cooling cannot recommend enrolling in a maintenance plan enough. It is the best way to keep your Pittsburgh home comfortable with total confidence. Feel free to call us with any questions you may have.

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