Professional Heating & Air Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

What Is AFUE and How Does It Affect Heating Repair?

Monday, January 20th, 2014

If you’ve spent any time shopping for a new heating system, or if you’ve taken time to inspect the furnace or boiler in your home, you may have come across the letters AFUE. What do they stand for, and do they have any effect on heating repair?

Understanding AFUE is important, and we’ll explain what those letters mean in this post. If you have more questions, contact A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We are available 24-hours a day with emergency heating repair in Hammond, LA.

AFUE = “annual fuel utilization efficiency”

The acronym AFUE stands for “annual fuel utilization efficiency.” It measures how efficiently a heating system burns fuel to create heat. It is expressed as a percentage measuring the amount of units of heat produced for every 100 units of fuel burned. So a gas furnace with an AFUE rating of 85% returns 85 units of heat (measured in BTUs) for every 100 units of natural gas it burns. The higher the AFUE rating, the less fuel the heater wastes.

For the sake of comparison, the AFUE rating of burning wood is 45%-55%. Mid-efficiency natural gas heaters score between 78% and 85%, while high-efficiency models can score from 90% all the way to 98%. For a gas furnace to receive the U.S. Energy Star label, it must have AFUE of 90% or greater.

(AFUE only applies to furnaces and boilers. Heat pumps use a different set of efficiency ratings.)

How does AFUE affect heating repair?

AFUE does not have a direct effect on heating repair, but it can indicate some of what you might expect from a heater. As a general rule, the higher the AFUE is on a heating system, the more complex the system. For example, a high-efficiency condensing furnace, which can achieve an AFUE rating of 98%, contains more components and mechanisms than a standard furnace. High-efficiency furnaces need to have more stringent maintenance and repairs to keep them running at their best.

However, this doesn’t mean that if you have a lower-efficiency heater with an AFUE rating in the 80%-90% range that you can go slack with getting repairs or scheduling maintenance. Make certain you have signed up for a regular maintenance program so your heater receives annual check-ups and tune-ups, and that you never let a repair need go without immediate professional attention.

Whatever the AFUE of your heater, A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can handle your heating repair in Hammond, LA. Call us any time of the day or night for repairs, and look into the benefits of our maintenance program.

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Signs of Problems with Your Boiler

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

If you have taken good care of your boiler with regular annual maintenance visits, then you probably haven’t had much worries with it; boilers are well-known for their few repair needs and their longevity. However, no system can run perfectly, and a time may come when your boiler develops problems that can put your heating in jeopardy.

Here are some signs to watch for in your boiler that will warn you it’s time to call for professional heating repair service in Hammond, LA. Make your first call to A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, where we have 24-hour emergency service to take care of your needs.

Signs your boiler needs help:

  • Rumbling sounds from the tank: Boilers run quietly, much more so than furnaces or heat pumps. When a boiler starts making a loud noise, you will notice it. If the tank of your boiler begins making a rumbling sound, it could mean a number of things. A broken valve might be permitting too much cold water to enter the tank, and the mixing of hot and cold water is creating the rumbling. Or the noise might indicate the water is overheating, which could be due to sediment in the tank, limescale, or corrosion. All these troubles need immediate professional attention.
  • Leaking: Any time you see leaks occurring from your boiler system, whether from the tank, the connections, or the pipes, you have to call for repairs right away. Leaks can mean a spike in water pressure, deteriorating connections, corrosion, or damage. Professionals can seal the leaks and find out what is causing them.
  • Corrosion developing: Boilers are designed to resist corrosion and rust, but the problem can still happen—especially in an older boiler or one that hasn’t received proper maintenance. If you notice rust appearing anywhere on the tank or its components, you need to call for assistance. Too much corrosion on the boiler tank often means it must be replaced.

Have your boiler repaired right away

Even problems that seem small, like a tiny leak, can threaten to ruin your boiler if they are allowed to continue. If you catch the trouble early enough, a heating specialist can usually fix the problem fast and thoroughly… so make sure you don’t hesitate to summon experts when you think your boiler is acting (or looking) strange.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning works hard to give our customers complete satisfaction. For your heating repair in Hammond, LA, for a boiler or any other system, call on our skilled technicians.

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Which is Better: Gas or Oil Systems?

Friday, January 10th, 2014

For many years, oil was one of the main fuel sources people used to power their heating systems: boilers and furnaces often ran from a supply of oil. Today, oil has lost ground to natural gas that is piped into homes through lines from a municipal supply. The most popular furnace and boiler models today are powered by natural gas.

Is natural gas the superior option? We definitely think so, and we’ll explain in this post the benefits of natural gas over oil when it comes to heating in Hammond, LA. For more about installing a natural gas heater in your home, or if you need repairs or maintenance, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning… any time of the day or night.

The advantages of natural gas

  • Easy access: Natural gas comes directly into homes through pipes. You can run out of your oil supply and need to wait for delivery before you get your heating back, but you always have natural gas ready whenever you need it.
  • Less expensive: Natural gas is not only less expensive than oil, it’s often less expensive than electricity. Comparison studies have shown that it can cost up to three times more to heat a home during the winter with oil than with electricity.
  • Useful in other parts of your home: Natural gas is useful throughout a house, not just for a heating system. It can power stoves and ovens, and even some laundry machines.
  • Better for the environment: Natural gas burns “cleaner” than most fossil fuels, which means it produces fewer emissions that are toxic for the environment. And this works locally as well as globally: there’s none of the soot that burning oil can leave behind.

There is only major disadvantage with natural gas: you need to have a connection to a municipal supply. If you don’t have access to natural gas, then propane or electric furnaces (or a heat pump) are perhaps the best route to go for heating. Electricity is always available, although propane furnaces can often reach higher levels of heat. Consult with home comfort experts for your best option.

When you are researching choices for heating systems in Hammond, LA, have professionals working with you from the beginning. A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning has a staff of heating experts who will know the right system for keeping your house warm this winter and for many winters in the future. Contact us today to get started.

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Heat Pump Repairs We Often See in the Winter

Monday, December 16th, 2013

Although we usually experience mild winters in Louisiana, we still have many chilly days and chillier nights when we will need a sturdy heater keeping us warm. Heat pumps make great home heating options, since they also provide the important air conditioning we need during the summer, and can handle the level of cold during the winter without losing efficiency.

Because you’ll have more use from your heat pump during the summer when it stays in cooling mode, it’s more likely to malfunction during that time. But winter brings its share of repair issues for heat pumps as well. Here are some of the ones we often see at this time of year. If you need heating repair service in Kenner, LA for a heat pump—or any type of heater—you can rely on the 24-hour service of the professionals at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

Common heat pump repairs

  • Sealing leaks and recharging refrigerant: Although people associate the word “refrigerant” with cold temperatures, not with heating, the refrigerant that runs through your heat pump is just as vital during the winter. If leaks develop along the refrigerant line, it will reduce the system’s heating capacity. A repair technician will need to find the leak, seal it, and then recharge the refrigerant level.
  • Fixing outdoor fans: Winter weather can be cruel to the outdoor unit of your heat pump, and we often have to repair damage done to the fan that draws air across the outdoor coil so it can absorb heat. If the fan breaks or develops bent blades, it could cause the system to lose its heating power.
  • Replacing broken reversing valves: The key component that allows a heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes is the reversing valve, which changes the direction of the flow of refrigerant. It’s an unpleasant surprise for a homeowner to discover on the first day he or she needs heating power that the heat pump can’t switch functions—and usually it’s because of a broken valve. Fortunately, this is a simple fix for professionals, who will find the right heating valve replacement to match the heat pump.

Heat pump repair requires special training and tools. On your own, you wouldn’t know the correct kind of refrigerant to use to recharge a leaking unit, for example. Trust to heating professionals, such as those at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, to handle any trouble you may experience with your heat pump. We aim for complete customer satisfaction in all our work doing heating repair in Kenner, LA.

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Noises Your Heater Should Not Make

Monday, December 9th, 2013

During the colder months of the winter, the sound of a heating system form a part of the general “white noise” in a home: something you don’t notice much, but which serves as a subconscious and soothing background sound. When your heater makes a noise that suddenly draws your attention, you’ll probably suspect that something is wrong.

Most unusual noises are warnings that you need an HVAC specialist to investigate your heating system to see if it requires repair work. Don’t procrastinate, since the repairs will only get more complicated and expensive if you let them slide—and some might turn dangerous.

Here are a few heating system sounds that you definitely should not hear. If you do, call A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning for professional heating repair service in Metairie, LA.

Heating system warning sounds

  • Booming/grumbling: If you have a gas furnace, these noises often indicate there is too much dirt along the burner, and the gas jets or pilots light cannot get enough air to ignite. You will need a professional to remove the burner unit and clean it.
  • Grinding: This sort of sound coming from a furnace cabinet is often a warning that the motors are running down because of worn parts. Usually, the motors will need to be replaced.
  • Screeching: The bearings on the motors are wearing down, possibly due to a dust infiltration. This needs attention before the whole motor requires replacement.
  • Clacking: Any noise that sounds like one component is striking against another might mean that a blower motor fan belt has come loose and is hitting other mechanisms inside the cabinet. This needs repair immediately before the loose belt causes further damage.
  • Clicking before the blower motor comes on: Although hearing a few clicking sounds as a gas furnace starts up is normal, if you hear a loud clicking about a minute and a half before the blower motor turns on, it might mean a crack in the heat exchanger—which could lead to a leak of carbon monoxide. If you suspect this has happened, shut off the gas to the furnace and call for repairs immediately.

Heating systems do not yet come equipped with artificial intelligences that can exactly inform you about a malfunction and what to do about it. However, these sounds listed above are the next best thing: when you hear them, bring in a human intelligence—a professional technician—to find out what is wrong and what to do about it.

A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning aims to deliver complete satisfaction with your heating repair in Metairie, LA. If your heater starts to warn you that something is wrong, call us.

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How Often Does My Heater Need Professional Care?

Monday, December 2nd, 2013

If you’re asking this question, you’ve already made a positive step: you know your heating system requires professional attention in order for it to work its best. Any mechanical device needs service and care, as well as repairs, occasionally. However, you may wonder exactly how often you will need professional work on your heating system.

In this post, we will give you two specific answers to that question. When you need professional heating service in Hammond, LA, call us at A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning to get the expert and personal touch that will take care of your heater.

You should schedule professional care for your heater…

  • Annually. Heating systems, regardless of durability, should have a maintenance visit once a year. Twelve months is more than enough time for a heating system to develop kinks and flaws that will begin to cause it to work less efficiently—and eventually lead to a breakdown. A maintenance visit will check, clean, and tune-up your system so it can soldier through another year with the fewest problems possible. Maintenance will also catch possible repair needs before they become serious or expand into more expensive repairs. Enroll in a maintenance program from a dependable HVAC contractor, and you’ll have your heater’s care covered every year.
  • Whenever something seems wrong. Don’t wait for any problem with your heater to get worse. The moment the heating system in your house begins to display irregular behavior—odd smells from the vents, strange grinding and clicking sounds, uneven heating, a drop in air flow, an unexplained increase on your heating bills—you need to have experts come in to inspect it. Letting any of these problems continue will lead to more expensive repairs later and a possible unexpected and inconvenient breakdown. It will also reduce the lifespan of your system.

Keep your heater in good shape for the winter

If you need repairs, or if you want to start with maintenance, act now before the weather turns colder. HVAC professionals will have busier schedules when the thermometer drops and people require heating services, so take advantage of the current slower season.

At A–Professional Heating and Air Conditioning, we make it our goal to deliver you 100% satisfaction with our work. You can trust us to give your heating system in Hammond, LA quality care so it will keep working for you for many years with few repair service calls. Call us today to enroll in our maintenance program, or call us any time of the day or night for emergency services.

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Hire a Pro to Handle Your Repairs and Installations

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

We know it’s a big responsibility owning a home or commercial space, but at A-Professional Heating & Air Conditioning, we strive to make it easier on you. Whether your home’s air conditioning or heating unit needs to be replaced or your commercial units needs a repair, you can count on us to provide you with exceptional customer service and workmanship. Having a comfortable space year round is important, especially living in Hammond, LA where the temperatures can be extreme. Call us today to schedule an appointment or schedule service online.

Commercial unit residential units

 

 

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Tips for a Successful Heating Installation

Monday, November 4th, 2013

Louisiana is a pretty warm place for much of the year, but the heat does not stick around year long. This means that the heating system in your home is every bit as important to your overall comfort as your air conditioner is. You can invest in the greatest heating system on the market but still fail to get the best performance it has to offer, though, if you fail to schedule your heating installation service in Hammond, LA with a skilled professional. Do not put your comfort in jeopardy this heating season. Contact the heating installation pros at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll make sure that you get the most out of your heater.

The first step in ensuring that you get a great performance from your heating system is to discuss your heating options with a qualified heating installation technician. While furnaces are still at the top of the game, there are many other systems to choose from. If you enjoy the comfort that a forced air distribution system has to offer but are also interested in boosting energy efficiency, a heat pump may be right for you. No room for air ducts in your home? No problem. A ductless mini split system allows you to keep your home comfortable all year long without the use of ductwork. You may even want to consider the installation of an old fashioned fireplace or wood burning stove. There is no “right” method of home heating, only that which is right for you.

Another important part of ensuring that your heating installation is a success is to schedule your service prior to the heating season. As the season gets closer, technicians enter the busiest service time of the year. Putting off your heating installation may result in a delay of service and a disruption to your comfort. Call to schedule your heating installation or replacement before the chill of winter arrives, and be ready for what lies ahead.

Whatever heating system you decide is right for your home, the Hammond, LA heating installation specialists at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can complete the service properly. Call today to learn more. We are happy to help you keep warm and cozy this heating season.

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Getting Your Furnace Winter Ready

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

As winter approaches and your air conditioner is used less and less frequently, you should begin thinking about the performance of your furnace this heating season. You may find that your furnace is not in the great condition necessary to keep your home comfortable throughout the coldest time of the year. Taking the initiative to get your furnace winter ready is a necessary task if you hope to make it through the winter comfortably and with an efficient, effective heating performance. Call today to learn more. The Hammond, LA heating experts at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning can help you determine what must be done to prepare your heater for winter.

Before you fire up your furnace on the first cold night of the year, you should have already run it a little to ensure that everything is functioning properly. After all, the fact that it worked fine at the close of the past winter does not mean that it will start right up again successfully at the beginning of this heating season. You should also take the time to complete a quick visual inspection of your furnace and the supply and return ducts throughout your home. Nothing should be stacked up around your furnace or placed in front of the air ducts. There is a fire risk in storing things around your furnace, and your system will not distribute air effectively and efficiently if it must force that air through your couch.

By far the most important step you can take to get the most out of your heating system, though, is to simply schedule routine heating maintenance with a qualified professional. Only a skilled technician can ensure that your heater is able to handle the demand that you will put on it in the coming months. Do not take any chances. Allow a Hammond, LA furnace maintenance technician the opportunity to inspect and tune up your furnace before winter arrives.

Call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning to get the great performance you need from your furnace in Hammond, LA. Do not let it slip into disrepair. Your comfort and the condition of your heating system will be put in jeopardy.

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Common Problems with Furnaces

Monday, October 14th, 2013

There are a lot of issues that you may encounter with your home heating system. While furnaces are widely renowned for their efficient, effective heating performance, it is impossible for even such a well-regarded heating method to completely avoid operational problems. Investing in a good heating system and scheduling routine furnace maintenance is a great way to protect the condition of your heating equipment, as well as your comfort. However, there are some common problems that you may encounter with your furnace in Hammond, LA. Here are a few examples from the home Hammond, LA heating repair technicians at A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning.

One of the most common issues that homeowners encounter with their furnaces is a lack of heating power. There are a few reasons that you may experience such a problem. If your furnace is too small for your home, there is no way that you can hope to get an efficient, reliable performance from your heating system. Your furnace will struggle to provide enough heating to reach target temperatures, which will in turn cause it to work inefficiently and suffer unnecessary wear and tear. If the furnace in your home is undersized, a furnace replacement may be necessary.

You may also notice that the pilot light on your furnace keeps going out. When you burn natural gas or propane to fuel your furnace, problems with the pilot light cannot be taken lightly. Incomplete burning of such fuels can introduce carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas into your home. It is possible that there is a problem with your fuel delivery line, but you may also need a new thermocouple. The thermocouple in your furnace is a safety device which shuts down the flow of gas to the pilot if there is not sufficient heat to ignite the fuel. If your thermocouple malfunctions, it may misread the temperature and shut off the gas unnecessarily.

To learn more about common furnace problems in Hammond, LA, call A-Professional Heating and Air Conditioning. We’ll help you get a great performance from your heater to keep your home warm and efficiently heated.  Contact us today for more details about effective home heating.

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