Design Comfort Blog

The Dangers of a Cracked Heat Exchanger

March 5th, 2018

Inside a gas furnace. Focus = the top of the middle flange. 12MP camera.With winter winding down but temperatures still keeping our furnaces on full-force for now, it’s the perfect time to take care of any small repair needs that might have cropped up, so that you’ll know your heater is fully functional for next year. Functionality is just part of the equation, however. You want to ensure your furnace is safe, too.

The only way to guarantee this is the case is to stay on top of any Salt Lake City, UT furnace repair needs that come up. Hopefully, you had maintenance done before this winter began, and if you were alerted to any service needs you took care of them right away. There is one in particular that should definitely never be delayed—and that is fixing a cracked heat exchanger.

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When One More Heating Repair Just Isn’t Enough

February 19th, 2018

return air vent on wallWe hope that you scheduled your heating maintenance before the heating season began, just like you should be doing each and every year (or twice a year, if you have a heat pump). We also hope that when a professional recommends heating repair in Salt Lake City, UT, that you take care of it right away. After all, this is the only way to properly care for your heater, no matter what type you have.

Eventually though, you will have to replace your heater. No amount of maintenance or timely repairs will prevent a heating system from aging—eventually “just one more repair” just won’t cut it. But how do you know whether or not the time has come to start considering a heater replacement or upgrade? It’s not always easy to tell, but we do have some common signs that you can watch for. If any of the three scenarios describe what you’re going through, be sure to give our pros a call.

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Have You Checked Your Sump Pump Lately?

February 5th, 2018

A sump pump installed in a basement of a home with a water powered backup system.You may be wondering why we ask. After all, you haven’t had any severe rains lately, right? Why would be so concerned about your basement flooding this time of year? Well, as the weather warms and the snow subsequently melts, many home and businesses face an increased risk of water flooding into their basements and crawlspaces.

Besides, weather is just as predictable as, well, the weather—meaning it’s not predictable at all! Storms can happen at any time, and even unexpected plumbing accidents can cause water to gush down into the lower parts of your home. In other words, you need a line of defense, and that defense system—your sump pump—better be in good shape!

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No, Your Furnace shouldn’t be Booming

January 22nd, 2018

woman covering her ears isolated on a white backgroundThis probably goes without saying, but the middle of winter is likely the absolute worst time of the year to have your heating system develop issues. It’s also the time of year when heating issues are most likely to occur, due to the added strain they’re put under. If you can detect furnace problems early enough, you can have them repaired before they turn into a bigger emergency and potentially even a system breakdown.

You’ll want to be especially vigilant if you want to catch Salt Lake City, UT furnace repair needs early enough. One of the first signs most homeowners notice that something is amiss with their furnace is the presence of strange noises while the system is functioning. The one that is typically the most concerning, for homeowners and HVAC pros alike, is a booming sound.

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Maintenance Can Prevent These Common Heater Problems

January 8th, 2018

male technician servicing furnaceThere’s no denying that winter is here, and temperatures aren’t even at their coldest yet! Chances are though, you’re already using your heater on a daily basis. In the following weeks you’ll be putting a lot of strain on the system, so before you read any further, be sure to schedule maintenance if you haven’t done so already in the past year (or in the past 6 months, if you have a heat pump).

Even with maintenance, there is no guarantee that your heater will work 100% without malfunction or the need for Salt Lake City, UT heating repair throughout its lifespan. But the thorough inspection, cleaning, and adjusting that happens during maintenance can certainly help fend off some of the most common heater problems we receive calls for, such as the following.  

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So, Your Pipes Froze, Now What?

December 25th, 2017

frozen pipeThis past fall, we discussed the importance of preventing frozen pipes. This is an unfortunately common problem during this time of the year, as temperatures drop below freezing outside and effect any outdoor plumbing you may have, in addition to indoor plumbing that’s hidden behind walls and beneath floors—which describes the majority of your plumbing system!

Regardless of whether or not you took preventive measures, you may have still ended up with frozen pipes. So, what do you do about it? Your first instinct is likely to try to thaw them on your own—perhaps with a hairdryer or some type of heavy duty garage equipment you have, like a blow torch. Resist this temptation! You can do more harm than good, damaging your pipes and increasing the likelihood of injury.

For safe and effective plumbing repair in Salt Lake City, UT, reach out to our team. Here’s what you can expect, when you do.

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How Can a Malfunctioning Thermostat Impact Your Heater?

December 11th, 2017

man setting thermostat When it comes to selecting a thermostat for your HVAC system, there are a variety of options to choose from. Finding the right one can help you save considerably on your heating—and cooling—costs. If you’re already considering upgrading your thermostat, be sure to get in touch with our HVAC professionals, so we can lead you in the right direction and ensure that the installation is done correctly.

You might not realize just how much the poor installation of a thermostat can impact your heating system—which is the last thing you should have to deal with this winter. That’s why we do not recommend doing the installation on your own. In fact, installing your thermostat yourself could actually invalidate the equipment warranty on the device. Any thermostat system can wind up damaging your HVAC system, by sending it the wrong signals, if it’s improperly placed in your home, or otherwise installed shoddily. Our Salt Lake City, UT heating technicians have the knowledge and the skill to make sure this doesn’t happen.

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What Kind of Shape Is Your Heater in?

November 27th, 2017

technician checking the inside of a furnaceWe’ve officially entered the coldest time of the year here in Salt Lake City, with chillier temperatures still to come. That being said, you’ve likely already been using your heating system on at least a nightly basis, if not already 24/7. Hopefully, you’ve already scheduled or had heating maintenance completed. But of course, even with careful attention, a heater can still experience problems, particularly if it is aging.

But how do you know if your heater is functioning to the best of its ability, or if it needs Salt Lake City, UT HVAC repair services? We’ve shared a few indicators of a heater in need below. If you suspect or experience any of the following issues, be sure to give our staff a call right away!

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Don’t Let Frozen Pipes Surprise You This Winter!

November 13th, 2017

Icicles hanging from a brown pipe. Frozen water and metal surface, winter time concept. selective focus shallow depth of field photoThis time of the year is known for chilly temps, falling snow, and—unfortunately—frozen pipes. And this can actually cause a good deal of damage if not addressed properly. This is because as the water in the pipes freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the walls of the pipes, increasing the likelihood of burst pipes.

Dealing with leaks or ruptured plumbing is very likely the last thing you want to deal with this winter. In order to protect your pipes from such a hassle, there are a few steps you can take. Keep reading to learn more, and then contact our team for reliable Salt Lake City, UT plumbing services, whether you end up with damaged plumbing or you’d just like more information about preventive plumbing care.

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Plumbing Problems: Is It Time to Call in a Pro?

October 30th, 2017

An old pipe breaks in freezing weatherSome plumbing issues are fairly obvious. For example, you might have a clogged drain in the bathroom that is causing water to severely back up. Ideally, you’d be able to resolve this with nothing more than a plunger and a little bit of “elbow grease.”

There are some plumbing problems, however, that are not as apparent and require the services of a professional plumber in Salt Lake City, UT. With the right equipment and tools to detect and fix the problem, we are the team to call when you do have a plumbing problem of this nature. But how do you know when you do? Here are some signs to keep an eye out for.

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