Gas Furnace in a Blackout

Many Salt Lake heating systems still burn fossil fuel, namely kerosene and propane. In terms of price, gas-operated furnaces are more affordable to operate and requires little electricity just for ignition and the fans. As to how the Indiana family managed to make their propane heat operate despite disconnection, reports said they hooked up to other lines.

If you have a gas-fired furnace at home, you may want to invest in a generator. This allows the furnace to operate for a limited time during a blackout.

http://www.esconow.com/2014/01/utah-dodges-cold-snap-salt-lake-heating-now-higher-priority/

Heating systems are an essential component in maintaining the comfort levels of a home during winter. The cold weather can be too much for some, and there’s always the risk of freezing. Fortunately, heaters can balance indoor temperatures and keep homeowners safe from the glacial conditions. 

As the winter chill dawns upon your neighborhood, your central heating system will see the most frequent use than any other time of the year. However, using your heater immediately after its long hibernation without checking it first might get it into trouble in the middle of the season. Here are some basic heater troubleshooting tips you can try:

Initial Inspection

The most notable sign of a failing or faulty heater is uneven or insufficient heat. If you notice it, the first place you should check is the thermostat, since it might simply have reset or someone might have adjusted it. Otherwise, check the main electrical panel, as your heating system might have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.

Air Filter

Should you notice that the heater is indeed working, just not efficiently, you might have a problem with dust or debris. In this case, turn off the thermostat and check the air filter for any obstruction. Clean and replace the filters, or you might have to buy a new one entirely.

Condenser

Look for your heating system’s condenser (in most central heaters, this should be located outside). Check the condenser for air flow problems like you did with the air filters, and clean it accordingly as well. There might be weeds or vines working their way through your condenser; make sure they are removed.

According to the report, nobody was harmed because the leak was caught early, although another incident in the same article makes mention of a man passing out. Since carbon monoxide doesn't have any odor, it is very difficult to determine when it's leaking until it's already too late. Gas furnaces produce small amounts of carbon monoxide during their operation and, if the equipment is in good condition, the substance is safely expelled from the home through the furnace's venting. Gas furnaces that are not cleaned and maintained well cannot work efficiently and may produce large amounts of the substance. Moreover, as time passes, the furnace's combustion chamber may develop cracks not easily visible, and it is through these cracks that carbon monoxide can leak into the home. This is why homeowners should make it a point to get themselves some Salt Lake City heating repair and maintenance services from companies like ESCO Heating.

http://www.esconow.com/2013/11/annual-inspection-salt-lake-heating-systems-helps-protect-families/

Home furnace is one of the equipment you have at home that needs proper maintenance and repair, especially now that the winter is closing in. However, your basic knowledge and skill in mechanical work may not be enough to deal with some issues like malfunctioning motor and damaged circuitry. You need the help of a professional technician to inspect and repair your heating system. Exactly when should you consider getting expert help?

Insufficient Heat

If you feel less heat is coming out of your ducts despite having no problem with the furnace's performance, dirty filter, damaged blower, and clogs in the ducts may be to blame. You can inspect the whole system for potential damage that might be causing heat to be plugged. If you don’t find any, consider calling an expert to double check the equipment.

Rising Energy Bill

The HVAC already takes a huge chunk of your regular utility bills, and it can be alarming if your expenses suddenly rise. It may be an issue of damaged fuse or burner, something you might not be able to fix without the help of an expert. Call in an HVAC contractor to do overall repair work.

Broken Thermostat

When the system seems fine and no blockage is preventing heat from circulating into the house, check the thermostat for damage. A broken thermostat mayl render you curious about the unprecedented problem with heat supply. Considering the fact that such a problem normally requires thermostat replacement, let experts handle it.

Insulating your home means getting it ready for extreme weather, be it the summer heat or the winter cold, and keeping your HVAC system from consuming way too much energy in trying to heat or cool your house. There are many professionals that can help you with efficient home insulation. But just which portions of your house should you have insulated?

Attic Insulation

It's recommended that you have batt or loose fill insulation in your attic. Loose fill insulation materials are blown in or poured into selected areas, thus they are perfect for irregularly shaped spaces with lots of obstruction. Batt insulation, on the other hand, provides more coverage when efficiently installed, and can even be much less costly.

Exterior Wall Insulation

Loose-fill insulation is also used for the exterior siding of existing homes. This is because this type adjusts to the shape of a surface, so, in using it, one doesn't have to worry too much about any wiring between the walls. Owners of new homes, on the other hand, have a lot more leeway when it comes to choosing an insulation type.

Foundation Insulation

Your home's foundation can also benefit from insulating materials, particularly if you want to prevent insect infestation, moisture problems, and even radon exposure. Most often, one has to plan how to use this type of insulation even before a house is built.

For heating systems to operate effectively, they need good regular maintenance. No matter what type or brand of heating system you have, there are several key things that you should do to keep it in the best condition.

First, it is important to make sure that your unit is receiving enough power for it to work efficiently. Check if there are problems in the fuse or in the circuit breakers. Some furnaces have a power entrance in a separate panel by the main entrance panel, so this should be checked as well.

Dirt is the main enemy of your heating unit, as it can lower its efficiency. It is therefore important to clean your heating system regularly. It is also as important to give attention to any problems your unit might show. If these are neglected, you might face even bigger problems in the future.

Lastly, to keep your heating system in its best shape, you should hire a professional to conduct an inspection and tune-up at least once a year. The best time to hire one is at the end of the heating season since this is the time when you can get discounts and when service teams are more responsive.

There are several types of heating systems used in homes today, and each has its own pros and cons. In choosing a heating system for your home, you should consider how one works and its suitability to your home or space. A reputable heating contractor can help you make the right decision by evaluating your space and determining the amount and type of heating you may need.

The most popular heating system in the country is the forced air system. This works by heating air in a furnace, then distributing the heated air around the house through ducts and registers. It is an inexpensive system that may also be used for cooling, and has the highest Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) among all heating systems. It also allows air to be filtered, humidified, and dehumidified as needed.

However, a forced air system needs regular maintenance to keep it working efficiently. Its distribution system can also facilitate the spreading of allergens, hence constant filtration and purification is needed. Another disadvantage of the forced air system is the use of ductwork that could occupy a lot of space in walls, and may need to be hidden for aesthetic purposes. Likewise, the system's furnace fans can generate a lot of noise that may be disturbing to residents.