Author: Clarke & Rush

While winter temperatures in the Northern California are on the mild side, it can still be quite costly to heat your home. Replacing your existing system with something newer and more energy efficient is one way to reduce your monthly heating costs, while also improving indoor air quality and overall comfort.

Below is some important information put together by your Sacramento-area heating repair experts regarding the energy efficiency of two common types of home heating systems: furnaces and heat pumps.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency refers to the amount of energy that is required to operate your heating system. While your system has a maximum efficiency measure, there are a number of other things that could affect its efficiency. Dirty filters, unmaintained systems, and even age can affect the operation and efficiency of your system, therefore costing you more than is necessary in heating costs. Expend less energy, and save money on your monthly utility bills.

Furnace Efficiency

Furnace efficiency is measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). This measure is expressed as a percentage. Gas fired furnaces tend to have higher AFUE than oil fired furnaces. Fuel availabilities in your area may affect your decision when choosing between a gas or oil furnace. High quality furnaces of today have efficiencies ranging from 82.7-96.7% AFUE, which is likely significantly higher than the efficiency of your existing system.

Heat Pump Efficiency

Heat pump efficiency is measured by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). A higher HSPF indicates a higher level of efficiency. Heat pumps tend to be a more energy efficient option than furnaces, and add the extra benefit of performing cooling functions in the summer. We offer a number of highly efficient heat pumps with 9.2 HSPF at the highest.

Which system is a better fit? If you are thinking about replacing your existing heating system, it is recommended that you contact your Sacramento-area heating repair company for personalized, expert advice. Call Clarke and Rush today to schedule an installation estimate at your convenience!

Some people may be surprised to know that the Environmental Protection Agency discovered that the quality of indoor air is 70% more polluted than the air outdoors. To make matters worse, studies also showed that the average American spends almost 90% of their time inside.This means people are exposed to potentially harmful air conditions for most of their lives. This increases the risk of contracting a variety of diseases from indoor air pollutants, especially for people who are especially susceptible. The EPA categorizes poor indoor air quality as one of the top five public health risks for the American public. Speak to HVAC contractors in Sacramento now to ensure the quality of your air is up to health standards.[vc_single_image image=”1852″ img_size=”large” css=”.vc_custom_1602100901334{margin-top: 40px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;}”]There are ways to improve your air quality. Changing your air filter regularly can make a big difference in not only air quality, but the cost of running your air conditioning unit. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (or HVAC) systems have air filters that collect whatever air particles it can as the air is being conditioned. Having an old, dirty filter means having a filter that can’t clean the air and that may clog the system, forcing the air conditioning unit to work harder to provide your home with conditioned air (warm or cool). These filters should be changed even before they get dirty – new filters should be installed in frequent intervals. During the months the HVAC system is working the hardest, such as in the summer and winter months, they should be check and replaced more frequently.[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1600115698768{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]Checking and replacing an air filter monthly is a good rule of thumb. Definitely don’t go longer than three months without checking on your filter. Contact HVAC contractors in Sacramento if you need help changing your air filter.[vc_single_image image=”2491″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://clarke-rush.com/schedule-appointment”][vc_custom_heading text=”Potential Dangers of Dirty Air Filters” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:265%25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1602101166782{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]The airborne pathogens in a home are invisible to the naked eye, but could cause serious harm to inhabitants. There are over 900 chemicals, particles, and biological materials in the air circulating in a typical home. Many of these could negatively affect the health of the people breathing this air. The following list contains information about the health risks of poor air quality and those that may be especially susceptible.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1600116353115{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]

• When shopping for filters, take a look at the MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) number on the packaging. These numbers range from 1 to 12 with higher numbers indicating better filtration.
• Get an HVAC tuneup and regular maintenance, especially at the start of winter and summer seasons. Licensed HVAC contractors in Sacramento can investigate the health of your unit by checking electrical connections, looking for fire hazards and carbon monoxide, and calibrating the thermostat.
• Change filters based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once a month is a good rule of thumb, checking more frequently during periods with more extreme weather.

Changing your HVAC system’s air filter is one of the easiest things you can do to ensure the air you and your family breathes is safe.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2108″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Illnesses that may arise from airborne pathogens:

• Heart disease
• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asthma

Airborne particles that may cause health problems:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Radon
• Carbon monoxide
• Dander
• Paint particles
• Asbestos[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Symptoms:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Rashes
• Eye irritation
• Muscle pain
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing
• Other respiratory problems
• Lung cancer
• Asthma
• Fever or chills
• Hearing loss
• Nose bleeds[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”More Reasons To Change Your Air Filter Regularly” font_container=”tag:h2|font_size:265%25|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1600116217441{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”]As if more reason was needed besides your health and the health of your family, changing your air filter frequently can have other benefits as well:

• Extends the life of your HVAC unit – a dirty filter is the most common reason a heating and air conditioning system breaks down. The system gets clogged and can overheat as dirt accumulates.
• Lowers energy costs – dirty air filters have to work harder to pass conditioned air through. This means more energy is required to do the normal job of an HVAC unit, resulting in higher energy bills. The Department of Energy explains that the average household spends about $2200 a year on its energy costs. Consistently changing an air filter can decrease these costs by 5 to 15 percent.
• Saves the environment – using more energy doesn’t only increase costs for the household – it increases how much energy must be generated. This means more carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released in the process of producing this extra energy.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”913″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”2492″ img_size=”large” onclick=”custom_link” link=”tel:9166092669″][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″ css=”.vc_custom_1600115873026{margin-top: -40px !important;}”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Even in Northern California, winters can be very chilly. This is why your heater needs the be in top working condition, particularly in the coldest months of the year. What if your heater gives out on you, leaving your home feeling like the inside of a freezer? Your first instinct is probably to call a HVAC repair company to inspect your system.

While that is a safe and reasonable choice, it is possible that the malfunction in your heating system is relatively minor and can be corrected quickly and simply.

Here are a few tips to try before calling the professionals at Clarke and Rush for heater repair in the Sacramento area.

Perform an Electrical Check

The first thing you need to determine is if there is a power supply to the system. Make sure there is no power interruption in your neighborhood before calling your local heater repair company.

If the breaker for your furnace has tripped, reset it and see if your unit starts working again. If the circuit keeps on tripping, then there may be a more serious electrical problem that requires professional attention.

If the fan does not run, check the fuse and make sure the furnace switch is in the “ON” position. Also, watch out for loose electrical connections. Check the panel board and look for any burn spots. If you feel uncomfortable performing these electrical checks,you can always have a professional do it for you instead.

Check the Filter

The filter’s job is to clean the air that goes into the furnace and the heated air that circulates throughout the house. If there are clogs or blockages in the filter, airflow is probably compromised, which will make furnace overheat.

There are newer furnace models that automatically shut down before too much dirt is accumulated, telling you to clean the filters. However, older units will keep on working – but with considerably less heat production and capped efficiency.

Professionals recommend changing furnace filters every 30 to 60 days, depending on how dirty the air is. Properly maintaining your filter can greatly impact the overall performance of your furnace.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat is responsible for telling the furnace to function. That is why a malfunctioning thermostat can effectively disable your entire heating system. If your furnace stops working, you should always inspect the thermostat before performing any other troubleshooting steps.

You need to make sure the thermostat is set to HEAT. Also, keep in mind to set the thermostat to a thermal reading that is above the room’s temperature.

If your furnace has a thermostat that is battery-operated, check the low-battery indicator that typically flashes if they need changing. You’ll be surprised to know that a lot of furnace repair service calls are actually solved by simply replacing the batteries.

Check the Vents

Your furnace is vented to the outside to get rid of the after-effects of gas combustion. During winter storms, these vents can be clogged by snow and cause issues to your heating system.

If you have a new, high-efficiency furnace model, you do not need to worry since these units are designed to stop working when the vents are clogged. This is one of the safety features of some of the latest models.

However, if you have an older furnace that doesn’t have this safety feature, your system will continue to run, accumulating significant amounts of carbon monoxide, a very hazardous gas. You will need to manually check your vent pipe to make sure it is not clogged.

A common mistake homeowners commit is that they close all the vents in unused rooms. This could actually lead to damage to your system as closed vents generate higher pressure, causing high resistance and heat build-up within your heating system.

How Clarke & Rush Can Help

If you have attempted these simple troubleshooting tips but your furnace still gives you a headache, call a trusted heating company in Sacramento, CA like Clarke & Rush.

We are a premier HVAC company serving the Sacramento metropolitan area. We have been the preferred heating and cooling contractor of our clients for over 50 years. Our certified technicians have years of training and experience, and they can help you with your heater repair needs.

We offer after hours service should your furnace let you down after normal business hours. Our technicians won’t keep you freezing while you wait for someone to repair your furnace.