ACI Northwest Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Can My Boiler Repair Wait Until Fall?

Monday, March 11th, 2024
a-modern-boiler-for-home-heating

Spring is creeping ever closer. It won’t be much longer until we can throw open our windows and let in the fresh, warm air. Does that mean you can stop worrying about your heating system? If something seems to be wrong with your boiler, can you put off having repairs done until fall? We urge you to get prompt boiler repair. Here’s why.

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Don’t Ignore These Late-Season Furnace Issues!

Monday, February 26th, 2024
a-snow-covered-winter-house

It might seem like winter has been going on forever, but we’re really getting there. It’s almost springtime. However, in the meantime, we still need our heating systems to work. It would be lovely if they just kept chugging along until the seasons change. But when they’ve been working so hard for so many months, problems can crop up.

There are some specific furnace issues that are more likely to happen this time of year from all the wear and tear of the winter. Here’s what to watch for.

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Why Boilers Are Still Popular Heating Systems

Monday, January 15th, 2024
boiler-for-home-heating-in-a-sunny-walk-out-basement

Around fifty years ago, it became common practice to construct new homes with ductwork for the central air conditioners that were suddenly all the rage. This meant that the ductwork could also be used for forced-air heating systems like gas or electric furnaces. Naturally, those increased in popularity as well. 

However, they didn’t completely replace the heating systems that were common before. In fact, home heating boilers continue to be a favorite with many Americans, and for good reason. Here’s why they’re still so popular.

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AFUE Ratings for Furnaces: What You Should Know

Monday, December 18th, 2023
person-calculating-money-saved-by-making-their-home-more-efficient

When you’re researching new furnaces to replace your old one, efficiency is probably one of your top concerns. This may be partly for environmental reasons to keep your carbon footprint from getting too big. But it’s also for financial reasons because an inefficient heating system will cost a lot more money to run.

Looking at the details of any furnace, you might have spotted the acronym “AFUE” and wondered what exactly it means. AFUE is a rating system for measuring the efficiency of a furnace. Knowing what rating to look for will help you choose the right furnace. Here are the details.

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6 Signs You Need Boiler Repair

Monday, November 20th, 2023
home-heating-boiler-in-good-condition

A boiler is a fantastic heating system. Not only does it provide even heat throughout your home, it can keep doing it for twenty years! (Of course, it will only last that long if you have regular maintenance done.) Boilers even require fewer repairs than furnaces. But no system works perfectly forever. 

If you do have boiler problems, it’s important to address them promptly. Make sure you notice right away by reviewing these signs that you need boiler repair. 

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Is Your Heating System Holiday-Ready?

Monday, November 6th, 2023
multigenerational-family-gathered-around-thanksgiving-feast

Happy autumn! It’s the season of cozy holiday gatherings. But if your home isn’t cozy, it can really spoil the season. Is your heating system ready to perform well and keep your family and your guests warm and festive? Here’s how to make sure.

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6 Spooky Sounds Your Furnace Shouldn’t Make

Monday, October 23rd, 2023
Scared woman covering mouth with hands

As Halloween approaches, you’re surrounded by creepy sights and sounds. You might even be staying up late and re-watching your old favorite scary movies. You’re more likely than usual to get jumpy when you hear a strange sound coming from your basement!

You can expect to hear spooky sounds coming from your neighbor’s collection of outdoor Halloween decorations, or from your children as they try on their costumes and practice frightening each other. You should not hear spooky sounds from your furnace! If you do, the furnace needs repair. Keep an ear out for these warning signs.

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Pros and Cons of Radiant Heating Systems

Monday, October 9th, 2023
feet-enjoying-the-warmth-of-a-radiant-floor-heating-system

When you’re building a new home, or remodeling your home, there are so many different things to consider. It can start to be completely overwhelming! You might be tempted to make quick decisions about certain aspects, going with whatever option is familiar just to simplify your process. But when it comes to your heating system, you don’t want to rush your decision.

The way to have a heating system that you’ll be happy with for many years to come is to carefully evaluate your options. Different approaches to heating will work better for different homes, families, and budgets. Radiant heating systems are a fantastic choice for many people. Take time to consider the pros and cons of this option. It might be right for you!

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Understanding Upflow and Downflow Furnaces

Monday, March 27th, 2023
a-new-furnace

There are so many things to take into consideration when you’re purchasing a new furnace. What size do you need to keep your whole home cozy? What fuel will it use and is there anything you have to do to get that fuel, such as having your home connected to natural gas lines? How efficient is it and how much will it cost to run? One thing that you should definitely decide early in the furnace-shopping process is whether to get an upflow or downflow furnace.

What are the differences? What would be the reasons for choosing one over the other? Here is a primer for you so you can determine which makes the most sense for your home.

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Why A Cracked Heat Exchanger Is Worrisome

Monday, March 13th, 2023

Even when your furnace has received annual maintenance, it can still develop a need for expert repairs. Tune-ups can prevent a majority of repairs, just not all of them.

It makes sense that you’d want to address any furnace repair in Hayden, ID quickly, no matter what they are. This applies to repairs even at the end of the heating season. There are some repairs that are a bit more problematic. That’s what we’ll focus on today.

A cracked heat exchanger in your furnace can prove to be a problem for both your comfort and your safety. Read on to learn more and schedule your repair with a professional today.

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