Design Comfort Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

How Maintenance Leads to Less Energy Consumption

Monday, November 4th, 2013

Here in Salt Lake City, heating maintenance should be as regular and understandable as getting the oil changed in your car. All appliances suffer from wear and tear, and our environment doesn’t readily forgive neglect. Nothing is more exasperating than having to deal with a heating repair service in the middle of a cold front, and scheduling an upkeep session before the snows start to fall can lower that risk considerably. Perhaps more importantly, it can save you money in monthly bills by reducing the amount of energy that your heater uses. Here’s how maintenance leads to less energy consumption.

When your heater sits unused for a period of time (such as during the summer when you don’t need it very often), it builds up dust and grime. This increases friction in moving parts, which forces those parts to work harder in order to do their jobs. Dust can also clog up the air filters which can cause problems with the flow of warm air through your home. All of which severely impacts your heater’s ability to function as smoothly as it should.

Little problems can add up to a loss of efficiency as well. For instance, a loose bolt holding the fan motor in place may cause the motor to rattle in place, preventing it from operating efficiently. Or a small breach between two ducts could let hot air escape the heating system instead of being piped into your home like it’s supposed to be. Eventually, those small problems could turn into much larger ones – costing you money in repairs – but in the meantime, all they do is suck energy out of your heater and stick you with the bill.

Routine heating maintenance in Salt Lake City can correct a number of those problems: cleaning the dust off, tightening loose fittings and otherwise making the heater as ship-shape as it can be. In return, the heater doesn’t need as much energy to do its job and your monthly bills will keep from creeping up. The professionals at Design comfort can help with this process. We’re based in Salty Lake City, heating maintenance is a part of our offered services, and we can show you how maintenance leads to less energy consumption. Give us a call today!

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Signs That You Need Heating Replacement

Wednesday, October 30th, 2013

Utah attracts winter vacationers because of our picturesque snowfalls and superlative skiing conditions. Compared to other states farther north, we experience milder winters: cold enough for snow, but not so cold that we can’t have fun in the snow.

However, any state with winters that produce steady snowfalls is one that requires its residents to have effective and durable heaters. Salt Lake City averages lows in the 20s from December through February, and lows in the mid-30s during March and April, mostly during the night. That calls for efficient indoor heating—and if you aren’t currently getting it from whatever system you have installed in your home, it might be time for a replacement.

For top-quality installation and general heating services in Salt Lake City, hire Design Comfort. We’ve made this city more enjoyable for our clients to live in since 1982.

Here are warning signs that you may need heating replacement before the mercury plunges:

Heightened heating bills

If you keep track of your power bills, you will know what to expect each winter when you start heating your home. If your bills increase without explanation, it usually signals that your heating system needs repairs. But if the inflation remains even with maintenance and repairs, then your heater might be approaching the end of its lifespan.

Continuous noisy operation

As with your power bills, you know what noises to expect from your furnace, boiler, or radiant heater while it’s operating. If you start hearing strange noises that repairs do not remedy, it’s a sign of extreme aging inside the system that has put it beyond the help of regular maintenance.

Reduced heating power

If your home no longer seems to get as warm as it used to, there are a number of possibilities to investigate, such as decaying insulation or thermostat malfunctions. However, your heater might simply no longer be up to the task. If this heating loss occurs in connection with the increase in power bills or a frequent need for repairs, then you probably should have a new heater installed.

Deciding on a heating replacement is a big step, so don’t make it lightly—or without professional advice. If you suspect your heating system is in its last days, get an HVAC technician to come to your house and inspect it. An expert can offer advice on the best replacement unit to get if it turns out that you will need a new heater.

You can rely on Design Comfort and our years of experience to guide you toward the best heater to install in your home, and then perform the installation so your new system will work for you for many years. We are one of the best places to turn for Salt Lake City, UT heating services.

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Benefits of Professional Heating Maintenance

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

Salt Lake City heating maintenance means taking our local conditions into consideration before the heating season starts. We have our share of cold winter days and you need a reliable heating system to help keep your home cozy and warm. But we’re also a very dry climate, and the dust in the air can turn small problems into large ones very quickly. Heating maintenance can’t entirely prevent the need for repair, but it can reduce the risk of a breakdown, especially during inconvenient times when you really need your heater to function. Here’s a list of just some of the benefits of professional heating maintenance in Salt Lake City:

  • Improves efficiency. By tightening loose fittings, cleaning dirty parts and replacing worn small components, the technician reduces overall stress on the system. That helps it function more smoothly and use less energy in the process: saving you money when your monthly heating bills arise.
  • Reduces the risk of serious repairs. By reducing stress on the components of your heater, it reduces the chances that a more serious repair job will come along later in the season. If the serviceman spots a problem issue, you can both set up a time to address it before it causes more substantial damage or shuts the heater down unexpectedly during a cold front.
  • Allows a clean start to the heating season. Chances are your heater has sat unused during the warm summer months, accumulating dust and dirt in the process. That can cause damage when you suddenly shift to daily use of the heater. A maintenance session that includes a routine cleaning can prevent that, and allow your heater to “start the season fresh.”

If you see the benefits of professional heating maintenance in Salt Lake City and want to schedule a session, contact the experts at Design Comfort. Our trained staff of professionals will set up a schedule that works for you, then conduct the job with thoroughness and care. In Salt Lake City, heating maintenance is an essential part of keeping your household running. Call us today and make sure the job is done right.

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Energy Efficient Heating Tips

Tuesday, September 17th, 2013

In towns like Salt Lake City, heating becomes a priority as soon as the temperatures start to fall. Our cold winters can be quite biting, with snow and ice common in the colder months. A reliable heating system provides you with a cozy haven on cold days, making it an excellent bulwark against the worst winter weather. As necessary as heating is, however, you shouldn’t have to pay any more for it than necessary. If your system isn’t as efficient as it could be, your bills will go up and no one wants to see that. Here are a few energy efficient heating tips designed to help you make the most out of your home furnace.

  • Set up a maintenance schedule. Routine maintenance on your furnace can help spot problems before they grow too large, as well as keeping the furnace clean and free of little tics or hiccups. Poorly maintained furnaces inflict a lot of wear and tear on their components, forcing them to work harder and raising your monthly energy bills accordingly. A regular maintenance schedule can easily avoid all of that.
  • Insulate your home and seal up any leaks. You may not think of your home as “leaking,” but air can escape from little openings around your doors and windows. Seal them up before cold season begins to increase the efficiency of your heating. Similarly, make sure your home has sufficient insulation, which will help it retain the heat that your furnace generates.
  • Make sure your furnace is properly sized. A furnace that is too small for your house won’t be able to heat it properly. If it’s too large, it will cycle on and off throughout the day, wasting energy in the process. Like Goldilocks with her porridge, you want a furnace that is just right.

For other energy efficient heating tips, as well as sound advice on heating installation and repair options, contact the Salt Lake City heating professionals at Design Comfort. We have years of experience in this field and our technicians are available throughout Salt Lake City. Heating systems should function as efficiently as possible to save you money. Call us today and let us help make that possible.

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Heating Tip: Home Energy Upgrades

Monday, April 8th, 2013

Homeowners throughout the Salt Lake City area are always looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Home energy upgrades take a whole-home approach to heating, taking into account not only the furnace and ductwork, but also structural factors like insulation and air leaks. If you feel that your furnace no longer operates as well as it once did, or that your heated air is leaking to unused spaces of your home or into the outdoor air, then it may be time to consider taking a new approach to your heating system. For Salt Lake City heating consultation, repairs, and installation, contact the experts at Design Comfort today!

Let’s take a look at some ways you can ensure you are maximizing your energy usage during the heating season:

  • Install a programmable thermostat. Ensuring that you are in full control of your indoor climate, no matter what time of day or day of the week can go a long way towards ensuring that you’re getting the most out of your energy usage. A wireless programmable thermostat can be synchronized according to your work schedule, so that you don’t heat your home when no one is there. Temperature changes occur automatically and gradually to maximize energy efficiency and comfort.
  • Upgrade your heating system. If your current heater is over 12 years old, or requires frequent repairs, then consider replacing instead of repairing. Remember, it’s better to invest in the future of your home heating system than to bolster up an obsolete piece of equipment. Whatever type of system you currently have, today’s heaters are substantially more powerful and efficient than those made even 10 years ago.
  • Enroll in a routine maintenance plan. There’s no substitute for professional heating maintenance. Speak to a professional to arrange a schedule of inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups so that your heating system remains in top shape throughout the year. This will not only improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the heater, but also improve its lifespan, and possibly reduce the need for major repairs. Whether your heater is 4 or 14 years old, routine maintenance is a key component of smart energy usage in the home.

For more information about home energy upgrades, or to schedule a Salt Lake City heating service, call Design Comfort today!

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Heating Repair Tip: Common Heating Repairs

Monday, April 1st, 2013

Spring will get here eventually, but before the weather warms up we still have some heating to get to. After working hard throughout the long, cold winter months, your heater may hit a road block or two in its operation. This is to be expected on occasion, and most heating problems are not terribly serious. Not at first, anyway.

The longer you force your heating system to operate when it is in need of professional repair service, the more likely it becomes that real damage will be done. Contact the Salt Lake City heating repair professionals at Design Comfort today to learn more. Here are a few examples of common heating repairs we perform.

Airflow problems are among the most frequent issues that homeowners contact their heating repair company about. As is the case with many heating problems, this single issue has a multitude of potential causes. It is possible that your fan motor is damaged, that a belt has slipped or your bearings need lubrication. The issue may also lie in your ductwork. If your air ducts are damaged, torn or improperly installed then you cannot expect them to deliver heated air throughout your home efficiently.

If your pilot light has trouble staying lit, another common heating problem, a few different heating repair services may be necessary. It is possible that you have a faulty thermocouple. A thermocouple is a safety device that determines whether or not there is sufficient heat to safely ignite a fuel source. If enough heat is not connected, this device will stem the flow of natural gas. There may also be a problem with the gas delivery system itself.

Very often, the problems that homeowners contact their heating technician about could have been avoided simply by scheduling routine heating maintenance. If you have not had your heater professionally maintained in the past year, schedule service today. There is no better way to reduce the risk of damage to your home heating system.

For more Salt Lake City heating tips, call Design Comfort. We can answer any questions that you may have. Contact us today to learn more.

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Heating Tip: What to do before switching your heat pump from heating to cooling mode

Monday, March 25th, 2013

When you live in the Salt Lake City, UT area have a heat pump is a great option. It provides efficient and comfortable heating and cooling in one simple unit. Over the last winter you’ve probably been using your heat pump in heating mode much more than the cooling function. As we move into the spring and summer you’ll probably be tempted soon to start turning on your air conditioning.  Before you do that you may want to think about preforming a few tasks on your heat pump to make sure that it lasts throughout the summer. Contact the Salt Lake City heating technicians at Design Comfort for all your heat pump services. Check out a few of the things that you may want to get done to your heat pump.

Benefits of Heat Pump Maintenance in Salt Lake City UT

Heat pumps are fantastic and efficient heating and cooling systems. But because they provide both heat and cooling they get used a lot throughout the year. This can lead to the development of problems or issues that usually require repair. Also, because the cooling function of your heat pump hasn’t been used in quite some time, it could cause other problems if you just started pumping out cooling all the time. A great idea is to call for heat pump maintenance for your system this spring before the summer hits. There are huge potential benefits to getting regular maintenance.

  • Potentially Reduce Heat Pump Repair – When you call the Salt Lake City, UT heating maintenance experts at Design Comfort, we’ll send out one of our exprt Salt Lake City heating repair technicians to your home to thoroughly inspect every component of your heat pump. This will allow them to find small problems and repairs and fix them before they balloon into larger, more costly repairs.
  • Increase efficiency – The small problems that your heat pump can develop could cause it to work harder to heat and cool your home. This means that it will reduce its efficiency. When you get regular maintenance for your heat pump our technicians will find those things and repair them.
  • Extend equipment life – We often see heat pumps that developed a small problem that eventually destroyed the entire system. Getting regular inspections might be able to help you avoid that.

Contact the Salt Lake City, UT heating experts at Design Comfort for all your heat pump repair and maintenance. Call Design Comfort today!

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Heating Tip: How To Tell If I Have Air Flow Problems

Monday, March 18th, 2013

You depend upon your heating system to provide excellent airflow throughout your home, no matter what type of system you have. But, at times, airflow throughout your ductwork can become impeded, or something breaks down within your heater that causes it to heat inadequately or unevenly. It’s important to monitor your heating system to make sure that you notice when such things occurs. That way, you are ready to call a professional heating repair expert. Airflow problems can negatively impact your comfort and your energy efficiency. Call Design Comfort  today for Salt Lake City heating service!

Here are some indications that may be alerting you to an airflow problem:

  • Inadequate heating. If your heater no longer heats as well as it once did, or if you notice a sharp decrease in the amount of heat that emerges from your ductwork, then you should take heed. There might be a fault within the mechanical components of your heater, or there may be debris blocking your duct vents or registers.
  • Uneven heating. Depending upon what type of system you have and how it circulates heated air into and through your home, uneven heating can also indicate airflow problems. If certain aspects of your ductwork become clogged or even partially blocked, then the corresponding section of your home may suffer from cold spots. This can also indicate a thermostat problem.
  • Clogged air filter. Occasionally, you may not really notice a change in your airflow if it occurs gradually. But checking the air filter of your system can often be revealing. If your air filter is dirty or clogged, then replacing it will not only improve your indoor air quality, it will also boost your energy efficiency.
  • Cracked or leaky ductwork. If your ductwork is cracked or loose, your heated air may be lost within the walls of your home, or even returned to the cold air outside.

Airflow problems can be irritating and costly. Fortunately, your local Salt Lake City heating professional is here to help. Call Design Comfort today for comprehensive Salt Lake City heating services, from installation to repair.

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Heating FAQ: What are Some of the Heating Options My Home?

Monday, March 11th, 2013

If you are trying to decide which heating option is best for your Salt Lake City area home, there are a lot of different factors to consider. When choosing the right heating system for your needs and particular home, you’ll have to think about the layout, size, and location of your home, in addition to the fuel sources that are available in the area. There’s also figuring in how efficient your home is, as well as how warm you prefer your home to be.

At Design Comfort, we are here to help you out with your decision. Whether you are replacing an older heater, or this is your first time purchasing a new heating system, it is an investment in your home. And it is an investment that you want to be sure that you get the most out of. That’s why this week, we’re providing some professional advice in our blog post. Use this as a general guide in helping you get started by looking at the different options, but you can always call us, and one of our Salt Lake City heating experts will be glad to walk you through the selection process.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces can be highly efficient, especially the newer models with high AFUE ratings. Depending on whether or not you already have a gas hook-up, you will need to think about the cost of adding a new gas line. Ventilation is another factor to consider, so call a heating professional to assess your home if you are considering a gas furnace.

Electric Furnace

Because they do not need ventilation, and there’s no potential energy loss from that, electric furnaces can get even higher efficiency ratings; however, you will need to think about the cost of electricity in your area. Keep track of your electric bills to give you a better idea.

Heat Pump

Heat pumps are another option, but if temperatures often get below freezing, you may have to get a backup furnace. Heat pumps can also cool your home, so they have an added bonus. A professional contractor should be able to help you decide on the most cost-effective system for your home.

Call the Salt Lake City heating professionals at Design Comfort today for expert advice about purchasing a new heating system! Contact Design Comfort today!

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Heating FAQ: Is an Energy Recovery Ventilator Right for Me?

Monday, March 4th, 2013

If you’re like most other homeowners then you’re looking for any way to reduce the amount of energy that you use to heat your home. Many homeowners have started looking into energy recovery ventilators (ERV) to try to reduce the energy demands of their heating systems in Salt Lake City. These types of systems require very little energy to run but can result in huge increases in efficiency. At Design Comfort, we offer complete energy recovery ventilator installation and repair in Salt Lake City. Our technicians have years of experience working with all different kinds of ERVs and can help you pick out a great system for your home. We thought it would be a good idea to put together a quick explanation of how they work and the potential benefits.

How Do Energy Recovery Ventilators Work?

ERVs are normally installed in the ductwork of your home. In heating mode, your furnace or heat pump pulls in cool air from the outside, heats it up and then pushes it into your home. After that hot air travels through your home and cools down, some of it gets pulled back be re-heated while the rest gets exhausted outside. The air that gets exhausted still has some heat energy in it. An ERV allows the cool, incoming air to acquire some of that heat energy by pushing it over a heat exchanger. The two air streams aren’t allowed to mix so that the new, fresh air isn’t contaminated by the stale, outgoing air. Some ERVs have humidity recovery systems that allow you to recover some of the moisture that would be lost in the outgoing air.

What Are The Benefits of Energy Recovery Ventilators?

So what’s the bottom line with ERVs—how much can you save? That question is difficult to answer because each system has its own efficiency ratings and capabilities. Some ERVs can achieve up to 85% heat transfer efficiency. That translates to a significant amount of energy savings for your home. But some systems can have as low as 50% transfer efficiency. But in most cases, the electricity required to run the ERV is much less than the energy savings that they can achieve.

If you’re interested in energy recovery ventilator installation, call Design Comfort. We are the Salt Lake City heating experts and can help you pick out a good system for your home.

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