It is COLD outside, isn't it? Nashville isn't ever supposed to be this cold! Brrrr! Well, if you're anything like me, you might rather die than be freezing in your own home! Red's Heating and Cooling in Springfield (right outside of Nashville) wants to keep your heating system up and running this winter season! We have 4 common winter heating problems that homes have listed below. If you experience any of these problems, contact Red's Heating and Cooling right away!
1. A Sudden loss of heat: The first thought you have when your furnace suddenly stops is a power outage or surge. At least, that's what I hope happens when my furnace stops! If you haven’t lost power, check your fuse box to make sure that you still have power going to the furnace. A malfunctioning pilot light or ignition system could also be the issue. If that's the case, you definitely need a professional like Red's Heating and Cooling because this is not a job for an amateur - no matter how handy you are at fixing things around the house!
2. Cycling heat: A clogged, dirty filter or blower can cause inadequate air flow. This can cause your furnace to click on and off frequently at it shuts off after heating up too quickly. Another problem could be a faulty thermostat can also cause this issue. If you do not know your furnace components, have home heating experts inspect your furnace and resolve the issue of unwanted heat cycling.
3. Inconsistent room temperatures: These inconsistent room temps could be caused by 2 things: Draft issues and/or unbalanced air flow.
If your house is cold despite a continuously running furnace, a draft might be the problem. Leaking windows, drafty doors, and poor or damaged insulation are major heat losses. Check the most obvious places. A professional energy audit from your local utility provider can also help.
Another source of inconsistent room temperatures can be unbalanced air flow. Manually adjusting the vents may resolve this problem, however, air flow problems are often caused by dirty coils or filters.
Make sure to schedule routine air filter inspections with an HVAC professional like Red's Heating and Cooling. You can also prevent this issue by having a professional provide routine vacuuming of your registers and returns.
4. Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is the most serious issue and a major risk for home owners. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless, giving it the nickname of “silent killer.” If your gas furnace is 10 to 15 years old, there is a higher risk of having a rusted heat exchanger. Tiny cracks in the heat exchange can leak carbon monoxide. Sometimes, these cracks can be very small or difficult to find.
If you have an older gas furnace, installing a carbon monoxide detector is a smart, safe idea. Be certain to have a professional inspect your HVAC for potential carbon monoxide leaks whenever you have these experts at your home for maintenance, repairs, installations or other work.
If you suspect any problems or complications with your HVAC system, call Red's Heating and Cooling at 615-815-9655. We service all of Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky!
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Sunday, February 1, 2015
New Homeowner Tips
So you finally did it. You bought your first home! Congratulations! It is both and exciting and overwhelming time for you as a first-time homeowner!
Read your home-inspection report!
1. Pull out your home-inspection report and reread it. Use the report as a handy maintenance checklist. Most inspections take place during a stressful time. Be proactive. Take care of issues as soon as or before they arise.
Know your enemy
2. Did you know that water is about 90% of a homeowner's problems? Your homes basement, foundation and roof are the most susceptible to costly water damage and corrosion.
Inspect your bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens regularly for water leaks. Be sure to caulk around doors and windows to prevent water from seeping into your walls. Outside, keep water routed at least 5 feet from the foundation.
Maintaining your homes gutter system is a major line of defense against water damage. Leaves, dust and dirt from shingles can result in a clog that forces water out and down into the foundation.
Don’t overlook your roof!
3.Roofs should be on the maintenance checklist. If your roof is more than 12 years old, get it professionally inspected!
Take charge of circuits
4.Map out your homes electrical system by determining which outlets serve which circuits and then labeling the breakers. A tripped circuit is a red flag for an overloaded breaker. Update electrical wiring in homes 10 years or older. Make sure GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) are installed near all sinks, in the laundry room and garage, and on exterior outlets. This inexpensive fix (best to hire an electrician) helps prevent electrocutions and fires.
Know your shut-offs
5. The main electrical shut-off should be a switch either at the main breaker panel or outside near a service entrance.
The water shut-off valve will be on a wall of the house facing the street. These areas need to be easily accessible.
Inspect for leaks
6. Inspect all plumbing and fixtures. Make sure the shut-off valves on toilets and sinks turn easily and are not rusted shut. If they are corroded, replace them.
If the faucet is leaking, then it needs a washer. If your toilet is running all of the time, a flapper valve needs replacing. Have slow drains looked at immediately to prevent costly backups.
Consider warranties
7. Warranties can be tricky. Sometimes a warranty can cost as much as a replacement/repair. Do your research.
Buy and update your homeowners insurance
8. Get replacement coverage to cover property damage. Make sure your policy outlines exactly what will be covered in case of a catastrophe. Video and/or photograph all valuables. Keep a list of serial numbers and write down dates of purchases for possible reimbursement proof.
Buy a flood policy
9. Get flood insurance even if your home isn't near a flood zone. Remember the flood of 2010?
Do your homework
10. Compare property taxes with similar homes' taxes in your neighborhood. If all things are equal such as square footage and upgrades, protest your rate increase with the assessor's office.
Call Red's Heating and Cooling for any HVAC, electrical safety and preventative maintenance issues you run across! We are here 24/7 and on call for Emergency situations! 615-815-9655 for a free estimate!
Read your home-inspection report!
1. Pull out your home-inspection report and reread it. Use the report as a handy maintenance checklist. Most inspections take place during a stressful time. Be proactive. Take care of issues as soon as or before they arise.
Know your enemy
2. Did you know that water is about 90% of a homeowner's problems? Your homes basement, foundation and roof are the most susceptible to costly water damage and corrosion.
Inspect your bathrooms, laundry rooms and kitchens regularly for water leaks. Be sure to caulk around doors and windows to prevent water from seeping into your walls. Outside, keep water routed at least 5 feet from the foundation.
Maintaining your homes gutter system is a major line of defense against water damage. Leaves, dust and dirt from shingles can result in a clog that forces water out and down into the foundation.
Don’t overlook your roof!
3.Roofs should be on the maintenance checklist. If your roof is more than 12 years old, get it professionally inspected!
Take charge of circuits
4.Map out your homes electrical system by determining which outlets serve which circuits and then labeling the breakers. A tripped circuit is a red flag for an overloaded breaker. Update electrical wiring in homes 10 years or older. Make sure GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupters) are installed near all sinks, in the laundry room and garage, and on exterior outlets. This inexpensive fix (best to hire an electrician) helps prevent electrocutions and fires.
Know your shut-offs
5. The main electrical shut-off should be a switch either at the main breaker panel or outside near a service entrance.
The water shut-off valve will be on a wall of the house facing the street. These areas need to be easily accessible.
Inspect for leaks
6. Inspect all plumbing and fixtures. Make sure the shut-off valves on toilets and sinks turn easily and are not rusted shut. If they are corroded, replace them.
If the faucet is leaking, then it needs a washer. If your toilet is running all of the time, a flapper valve needs replacing. Have slow drains looked at immediately to prevent costly backups.
Consider warranties
7. Warranties can be tricky. Sometimes a warranty can cost as much as a replacement/repair. Do your research.
Buy and update your homeowners insurance
8. Get replacement coverage to cover property damage. Make sure your policy outlines exactly what will be covered in case of a catastrophe. Video and/or photograph all valuables. Keep a list of serial numbers and write down dates of purchases for possible reimbursement proof.
Buy a flood policy
9. Get flood insurance even if your home isn't near a flood zone. Remember the flood of 2010?
Do your homework
10. Compare property taxes with similar homes' taxes in your neighborhood. If all things are equal such as square footage and upgrades, protest your rate increase with the assessor's office.
Call Red's Heating and Cooling for any HVAC, electrical safety and preventative maintenance issues you run across! We are here 24/7 and on call for Emergency situations! 615-815-9655 for a free estimate!
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