 When the temperature outside drops, like everyone else, you turn to your furnace. This keeps you warm while preventing potential winter disasters like frozen pipes and leaks. However, the problem is that you might not even notice the wear and tear that your furnace sustains during the half of the year that you don't use it. Still, many people put off using their furnaces until the last minute, which can lead to many problems. Not only that but putting off furnace maintenance can also damage your heating system and raise your utility costs. So, how do you know when it's time for furnace maintenance? If you are unsure whether your furnace is operating properly, we are here to discuss the five signs your furnace needs maintenance.
1 It's Been Years Since the Last Inspection If it's been more than a couple of years since you last had professionals look over your furnace, the best thing to do would be to schedule an inspection. Scheduling preventive maintenance visits for your system in advance might help get it ready for the colder months. Some of the things you should look into are:
2 Issues With Activating the Heater The most obvious sign that your furnace needs maintenance is if it doesn't start. A malfunctioning furnace could be due to several different factors. If you turn on your furnace and find it is not producing heat and the blower motor is silent, you may have a problem. However, if you don't find anything, the best course of action would be to call professionals to take a look for you. It's important to take extra care around the various components of your furnace since they might pose a threat if you're not careful. And if you've just bought the place, one of the must-dos when moving into a new home is to inspect all the systems and check if the furnace has any apparent issues. It might slip your mind to do so because, for example, you've relocated during the warmer months. But not inspecting the furnace on time can result in you not having a heat source during the winter. 3 Odd Smells From the Furnace Although new furnaces often have an unpleasant odor, they should dissipate over time. On the other hand, if the smell persists or suddenly develops, it may be time to get the furnace checked out. If your exhaust has a particularly pungent odor, it may indicate improper combustion. While carbon monoxide has no odor, the byproducts of poor combustion, called aldehydes, do. An excessive buildup of these gases can cause severe damage to your central nervous system if you inhale it regularly. In general, fumes from your furnace's exhaust should never be noticeable in your home. All the fumes the furnace produces should either be burned up entirely or be drawn outside through a proper venting system. If neither of these things is happening, you should have your HVAC technician look at it as soon as possible. This way, you'll be able to determine if there is a problem and what you can do about it. 4 Low Heat Production A furnace is there to heat your home. You need to fix it if it's not doing its job correctly. Your furnace may not produce enough heat for various reasons, including a filthy air filter, a clogged or malfunctioning blower motor, or a blocked air duct. You can check the furnace's air filter, which you will find between the return air duct and the blower motor chamber. From there, you can troubleshoot other issues. However, if the filter is blocked, a replacement may be necessary. Improperly functioning heating elements or thermostatic control are common problems leading to low heating output. You could fix some of these issues if you know where to look, but you shouldn't tinker too much with your furnace. But, if the issue still exists after trying this simple solution, it is time to get help from an expert. 5 Large Heating Bills If your heating cost keeps going up without you using more energy, your furnace may have an efficiency issue. If your furnace's efficiency drops, it will have to work more to create the same heat, driving up your energy costs. Many things might trigger this behavior, including a dirty or defective heat exchanger, incorrect air flow, or dirty burners. Any of these reasons could significantly impact your home's energy usage. Fortunately, an experienced technician can diagnose the issue and help you resolve the problem quickly and efficiently. Just make sure that you do this as soon as possible. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse over time. Furthermore, the longer you wait to address this issue, the more you will have to pay to fix it. ConclusionThese are the five signs your furnace needs maintenance. That being said, these are just the five most common reasons you would need to do furnace maintenance. There are many more. So it's crucial to inspect and look after your furnace all year round. Don't just leave it sitting there all year long when you are not using it. In fact, you should take precautionary measures and have a professional technician do a tune-up on your furnace twice yearly. It's a good idea to do this even if there is nothing wrong with your furnace. If you regularly check your furnace, you will most likely be able to spot and prevent many of the problems mentioned here.
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 A full HVAC system replacement usually costs between $5000 and $10000. Therefore, it is hardly a surprise that people tend to avoid it as much as possible. Unfortunately, at a certain point, you will have to replace your HVAC. Not doing so is both costs ineffective and can be quite unhealthy. So, let's outline 8 clear signs that it's time to replace your HVAC system.
Clear signs that it is time to replace your HVAC System Although it might not seem so, there is a time when your HVAC system replacement can be premature. After all, your HVAC has a clear task to perform in your home. And seeing how expensive it is, you should only replace it once it becomes inefficient in its job. Fortunately, there are clear tell-tale signs of when you need to inspect your system and when replacing it is the only option. And if you keep an eye out for them, you can do so in a timely manner. It is over 10 years old The Department of Energy recommends replacing your HVAC system every 10-15 years. Multiple factors outline this number, but they all boil down to the fact that after 10 years, the average HVAC system will become inefficient. Most systems were made to last 10-15 years max. Remember that new HVAC systems are far more energy-efficient than old ones. And 10-15 years is more than enough for your system to become comparatively inefficient. So, consider changing your HVAC system after 10 years, even if you feel it is working fine. You've moved into an older home Unless you are perfectly sure that the HVAC in a home is brand new, you'd be smart to replace it. Know that a homeowner is unlikely to replace their HVAC unless there is something seriously wrong with it. And all of them will tell you that they've responsibly maintained their HVAC, even though the truth can be far from it. Therefore, if you wish to be on the safe side, at least consider replacing your HVAC once you've bought a new home in California. Once you get help from a trusted team and move in, try to see if there are any notable issues. If there are, don't waste time and call a professional to inspect your HVAC with you. Repair costs keep increasing Just like replacements, HVAC system repairs are by no means cheap. These usually range between $100 to $200. But, if you feel that your system needed repairs more often in the recent period or that it requires a more expensive repair, you might want to replace it. A good rule of thumb is that if you need to spend half of the replacement cost for repairs, you are better off replacing. The energy bill keeps increasing The great thing about your energy bill is that it will give you a clear idea of how efficient your HVAC system is. If you tend to keep your former bills, you can even monitor whether there are any notable changes in the energy efficiency of your system. After a while, it is bound to become energy inefficient. And the more closely you can follow the increase in your energy bill, the better you'll know when to replace your system. Know that a brand new HVAC can cut down your energy bill by as much as 20%. So, when you do your calculations, try to figure in all the money you'll save by using an energy-efficient HVAC. Temperature fluctuations in your home The point of an HVAC is to keep your home at a consistent, comfortable temperature. Unfortunately, while this may seem simple, it is a product of a complex system at work. Every aspect of your HVAC needs to work correctly if it is going to maintain a specific temperature efficiently. And even one flaw can cause significant problems. Now, it is essential to note that your HVAC might not be suited for your home. If you've just installed a new one, and it struggles with maintaining a specific temperature, you may have opted for one that needs to be more powerful. But, if you know that your HVAC can maintain a constant temperature in your home and is failing to do so now, you may need to replace it. You should, of course, first figure out what the problem is. It can be the case that a simple fix can bring your HVAC up to speed. But know that temperature fluctuations indicate that it is time to replace your HVAC system. Peculiar sound or smell A well-functioning HVAC shouldn't make any sounds and especially no smells. Therefore, it should be a cause for concern if you find some. Mold in the HVAC can be the cause of the foul smell, as well as dust burning off. In both cases, you want to turn off your HVAC and fix the root issue. Similarly, new sounds can be an indication of a severe problem. The solution is the same, turn it off, and don't turn it back on until you know what it is. It can be a minor issue that will require minimum investment on your part. But, if you keep your HVAC on, that little issue can quickly become much more severe. Sometimes, the HVAC is simply old and will need to be replaced. Poor air quality Another task of your HVAC system is to keep the air quality of your home at a decent level. Regardless of what the situation is outside, your HVAC should filter out any moisture, dust, and smells. If it is not doing so, you may need to invest in a new HVAC. Further signs that it is time to replace your HVAC system include mold around your home, mildew, dust, or increased humidity. Final takeaway Any of the signs that we've mentioned can indicate that it is time to replace your HVAC system. If you notice two or more, you can be pretty much sure of it. So, when the time comes, don't hesitate much and call professionals to install a new HVAC system for you.  When a certified HVAC technician is dispatched to your home to complete an AC Diagnostic, a measurement is taken of your system’s refrigerant, commonly referred to as Freon. HVAC gauges are used to read Freon levels and vacuum pressures. When Freon levels are low, it is often a direct indication that a leak exists somewhere in your HVAC system. Leaks can occur due to damage to your Indoor Evaporator Coil and/or Outdoor Condenser Coil and these major components will eventually need to be replaced. However, minimal leaks can be temporarily repaired using a leak seal kit.
At Geske Heating & Air, our HVAC technicians will determine the amount of Freon needed to adequately recharge your system in pounds. Generally, if the system requires more than 2lbs of Freon, the Indoor Evaporator Coil and/or Outdoor Condenser Coil should be inspected and possibly repaired or replaced. If the system requires less than 2lbs of Freon, a leak seal kit may be used to temporarily stop the leak and Freon can be added to recharge your system. A leak seal kit is a temporary fix that will prevent the leak for a limited period of time. In some cases, customers can enjoy their AC for another summer and address the larger issues in the following season. However, the costs of recharging your system must be considered. Freon can get expensive The type of Freon your system uses can greatly affect your costs. Most newer HVAC systems (2006 and newer, for example) use 410A Freon. Older systems often use R22. Geske Heating & Air charges 3X more for R22 Freon than 410A – and we don’t really have a choice. Why R22 is more than 410A? Freon is a substance regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the mid-1970’s, the EPA determined R22 refrigerant was affecting the environment and long-term use of the substance damages the ozone layer. The EPA, along with other related international agencies, have been actively phasing out the new development of R22 Freon since 2010. By 2015, approximately 90% of R22 Freon production has been eliminated. While the reclamation, recycling and reusing of R22 is allowed, the substance is not allowed in any newly manufactured appliances or HVAC equipment. If your HVAC system uses R22 Freon, is it time for a New HVAC system? Consumers are impacted by the regulation of R22 Freon. Due to the laws of supply and demand, R22 will cost significantly more than an environmentally stable Freon, such as 410A. While it is not illegal to recharge an R22 system, it will cost you in the long run. Consider replacing your system with a more environmentally, cost-effective 410A HVAC system. It's time to schedule your furnace tune-up. While the weather is still teetering between summer and fall in the Central Valley, soon it will be time to crank on that heater. Now is the best time to check your furnace. Schedule a SAME-DAY furnace tune-up to ensure your heater is operating safe and efficient. Did you know that furnace maintenance is recommended each year and required to keep your manufacturer warranty valid? Regular maintenance protects you from costly repairs, ensures you don't void your HVAC manufacturer warranty, and keeps your home safe. A cracked heat exchanger is a common furnace problem and can result in leaked carbon monoxide into your home or cause a fire. A furnace tune-up includes a safety inspection of all your electrical components and thermostat, an air flow check, and filter replacement, if needed. Don't skip your furnace tune-up. Call Geske Heating & Air today!   Indoor air quality has never been more crucial to your good health. In these unprecedented times that are keeping most of us indoors for a significant amount of time, consider upgrading your AC filter. Choose from brands like the Merv S100 Filter Box, which captures more than 90% of airborne particles and contaminates. Remove the pollutants and chemicals in your home that cause headaches, eye irritation, allergies, fatigue and more. High efficiency filters ensure cleaner air throughout your home and optimal performance of your HVAC system.   Customers should feel comfortable with their HVAC company. HVAC is a skilled trade that requires training, certification, and a license to operate. We would recommend finding a licensed contractor to do any kind of HVAC work on your home or business to ensure your system is working properly and safe.
In many cases, even licensed HVAC contractors do not follow the best practices, however. When allowing a contractor to enter your home or business to make repairs, remove or replace your HVAC unit, possibly remove and replace roofing materials, cut into your walls, blow insulation and more, it is important to select a contractor that you can trust will do an excellent job throughout your property without causing any damage. Check out reviews and take recommendations from friends and family. Check your contractors HVAC CA license by clicking here: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ Find a contractor that explains pricing. There are many options for selecting an HVAC system. Be sure to understand energy efficiency ratings, any applicable energy rebates, and performance based on the size of your home. If a salesperson guarantees to save you "hundreds on your energy bill", be sure to ask how!! In many cases, savings occur over time and not on your first month's bill! Look out for HVAC companies that try to inflate these savings, which can be misleading. In reality, a high SEER rated HVAC unit will save you money on your bills. However, this is over time. Plus, keep in mind, there are many factors that affect energy efficiency in your home. A technician should discuss these factors with you and inspect your home's duct systems and register placement, insulation and the size of your system in relation to your home. Ask Geske Heating & Air and we will give you a straight-forward estimate without any surprises. Before you book a service call... Be ready to answer one simple question: Is your Heater or AC currently working? If not, you need to schedule an HVAC Diagnostic. An HVAC Diagnostic allows a certified technician to thoroughly inspect your system and identify the problem. This includes testing for any leaks or damage, corrosion, electrical wires, motor function, refrigerant levels, air flow, and more. 1HR HVAC Diagnostic for $75 - WE GUARANTEE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *If repairs are needed, additional costs will apply. However, Geske Heating & Air will not do any work without a discussion with the homeowner and a complete disclosure of costs. Approval is always needed before we proceed. No surprises. If your system is working, but hasn't been serviced in months, schedule a Tune-Up. Do both your AC & Heater and Save! If you need a new HVAC system, estimates are FREE. CALL TODAY (209) 580-5906 Regularly changing your home's heater and air conditioning filters is a good idea. Changing your filters reduces allergens and other toxins throughout your home and increases the air quality significantly.
Changing your heater or ac filters can also increase energy efficiency in your home. Good air flow is important for both your heating and cooling system. You spend a lot of time indoors. Especially, during the winter months. Ensure your home is safe and #livecomfortable. Maintenance programs are available. Call Geske Heating & Air today at (209) 580-5906!  Did you know that MID offers Energy Rebates? Most HVAC manufacturers including Trane®, Lennox®, and Goodman® offer state of the art systems that may qualify you for HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS in Energy Rebates.
Modesto Irrigation District offers residential customers rebates for buying and installing qualifying energy efficient home products. Install an energy-efficient system with Geske Heating & Air, and we’ll file the rebate paperwork for you! CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER - $250 - $500 per unit* CENTRAL HEAT PUMP - $350 - $600 per unit* ENERGY STAR® MINI SPLIT SYSTEM AIR CONDITIONER or HEAT PUMP - $330 per ton* AND MORE... *Some restrictions may apply. Rebates depend on tier 1-2 of the unit. For full terms & conditions, visit http://www.mid.org/rebates/home/default.html Don’t Wait, Get Your Rebate! #livecomfortable Live outside of Modesto? Call Us to Find Your Rebates (209) 580-5906  Efficiently heating and cooling your home can be difficult and expensive. It is estimated that nearly 50% of your energy bill goes toward your HVAC system (Energy.gov, 2017).
There are number of ways to lower your energy bill including weatherizing your home, cleaning and routing your air ducts properly, choosing the right thermostat and by updating your HVAC system to an energy-efficient unit. Most HVAC manufacturers including Trane®, Lennox®, and Goodman® offer state of the art systems that may qualify for Energy Rebates! Install an energy-efficient system with Geske Heating & Air, and we’ll file the paperwork for you! Energy Rebates on qualifying systems are available now. Don’t wait to get your rebate! Lower your energy bill by selecting the appropriate energy-efficient products. Save energy, Save Money and #livecomfortable Call for a free quote on a new system today (209) 580-5906. **Ask for Wayne and receive an additional 10% OFF, no restrictions, no exclusions, no kidding. Energy.gov (2017). Image Retrieved from: https://energy.gov/energysaver/heat-and-cool |
AuthorAfter years in the HVAC industry working for both small and large companies, we knew we could offer customers our experience, good prices, and excellent service. So, we started our own HVAC company. Archives
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