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Humidity

How to Avoid Static Shock

March 11, 20220

One of the most annoying things about dry winter air is static electricity buildup and the shock that comes with it. Over the years, there have been so many suggestions and home remedies on how to avoid static shock. Some tell you to go barefoot, use hand lotion, or wear natural fibers.

Adding baking soda to laundry, treating clothing with unique products, or rubbing upholstery with dryer sheets are rarely effective or long-lasting. They only work at the moment because dry air is still present in the home. But when it comes right down to it. Is there a proven solution that works all winter long without fail? There is, so let’s take a look.

First, What’s Causing Static Electricity To Form?

According to the U.S. Library of Congress, “Static electricity is the result of an imbalance between negative and positive charges in an object. These charges can build up on the surface of an object until they find a way to be released or discharged. One way to discharge them is through a circuit.

The rubbing of certain materials against one another can transfer negative charges, or electrons. For example, if you rub your shoe on the carpet, your body collects extra electrons. The electrons cling to your body until they can be released. As you reach and touch your furry friend, you get a shock. Don’t worry, it is only the surplus electrons being released from you to your unsuspecting pet.” [1]

How Can You Remove The Dry Air In Your Home?

Now that we know what causes static electricity and that winter’s dry air helps compound the problem of getting shocked, how can these two be removed from your home? To permanently remove any indoor dry air and static electricity, it is found in a unique appliance known as a “Whole-Home Humidifier” that is a very effective and long-term solution.

A whole-home humidifier operates alongside a home’s heating system. What this unit does is raise your home’s indoor moisture levels, which in turn reduces the dry air inside each room. As the dry air levels drop, making it extremely difficult for static electricity to build up. With no mechanism in place to create that negative and positive imbalance, you will now avoid static shock.

What’s The Average Cost Of A Whole-Home Humidifier?

There are several factors to consider when it comes to buying and installing a whole-home humidifier. Depending on the brand and model, heating system type, your home’s square footage, and the gallons per day usage, humidifiers can range from $300 to $1,000 or more.

Also consider that any whole-home humidifier that needs connected directly to your home’s HVAC system, should be installed by a professional. Labor costs can vary significantly depending on what system you install and modifications are needed, but you should budget another $300 to $750 for labor. You should also expect the installation time will average between three to five hours. But before you take that first step, contact a local HVAC company you trust for an in-home consultation and estimate.

If you want to avoid static shock in your home, call Luxury Heating & Air Conditioning today. We are here to diagnose and be the solution to all your HVAC problems.

[1] https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/item/how-does-static-electricity-work/

Heating

Are Annual Furnace Tune-Ups Really Necessary?

October 12, 20210

This is an easy one: yes, yes they are. Routine maintenance on your HVAC system is not only the best way to prevent future, expensive repairs, it is also essential to the overall health and safety of your furnace. Honestly though, we get it, you spent so much on the furnace itself now you have to routinely shell out $100 or so every year to maintain it. Annoying, right? What it comes down to is this: the value and significance of the furnace warrants the care and consideration. Since, heat in our homes is one of those non-negotiable necessities, we need to do our best to keep things running smoothly. We, here at Luxury Heating & Air Conditioning, are such proponents of preventative maintenance we put together this detailed list to bring you to our side. 

It Could Save You Thousands in Repairs

Furnace tune-ups prevent future breakdowns. This is especially true with older systems. Staying on top of your furnace maintenance now, will help it run smoothly during the dead of winter, when you need it most. 

Tune-ups usually consist of standard cleaning, lubricating parts, checking connections and keeping an eye out for any problems that ned to be addressed. If you don’t get these annual tune-ups your system will most likely be working harder than it needs to be; jacking up your energy bills and shortening the life of your system in the process. 

Furnace tune-ups cost anywhere from $80-$150, this might seem like a nuisance now but that is nothing compared to the thousands that repairs and replacements can cost.

It Could Save You Money On You Energy Bill

We have already stated, a poorly maintained furnace has to work harder to pump air. Now, since the average home spends more than $2,200 a year on energy, with nearly half of that going toward the heating and cooling process, do you really want your system to be wasting energy working harder than it needs to? 

A routine maintenance call can improve your system’s energy efficiency by up to 30%, this will go a long way in lightening the load on your wallet each month. 

It Will Increase Airflow and Air Quality

Dirty filters are efficiency killers. A standard tune-up will involve basic cleaning and a new air filter, this cleaning process will remove dust and debris from your system. This will take stress off the unit, increase air flow and provide cleaner air throughout your home. 

They will also do a static airflow test. This will measure how hard the fan has to work to pump air throughout your home. If it is working too hard it can shorten the lifespan of your system and create problems that will cost money to repair

 their are solutions to be had to protect your unit 

You could choose to get a more involved tune-up which will include duct cleaning, this goes a step further towards cleaner air and a more efficient system.

It Might Be Necessary to Maintain Your Warranty

This is as straightforward as it gets. It depends on the furnace manufacturer but most warrantees require installation as well as regular maintenance to be done by a certified technician. Complying with your warranty agreement will save you loads of cash down the road if a major problem occurs. 

It Could Prevent a Future CO2 Leak

The prior points on this list were about saving money and increasing comfort, (which are important!) this point though: this is about safety. Around 50,000 Americans visit the emergency room every year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The scary part about CO2 poisoning is that the gas tasteless, odorless and cannot be seen, so the warning signs come from symptoms alone (detectors can and should be installed). 

Now, all systems have failsafes in place to prevent this disaster from happening, however leaks can still occur. The most common issue we see that can cause a leak is a cracked heat exchanger, which is the set of coils that create the hot air that is then circulated throughout your home. This happens mostly when the coils are overstressed and working too hard, which in turn, can happen from dirty air filters or the wrong size system. 

A tune-up would prevent this. Our expert technicians are trained to identify cracked heat exchangers and any other problem that might cause a dangerous CO2 leak. 

So, even if everything is working fine and dandy, preventative furnace maintenance can still improve the efficiency and lengthen the lifespan of your system. Just keep in mind, a properly maintained furnace will not use any more energy than necessary, it can last up to 20 years, and it will keep your family warm and safe during the cold winter months. Make sure your furnace is in peak condition and ready to go all fall and winter long, call Luxury Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule a tune-up. 

Heating

Why Does My Furnace Smell Like Its Burning?

September 22, 20210

Every year around this time our customers come to us with concerns about a burning smell coming from their furnace. Naturally, this is a worrisome situation for many because in our minds a burning smell heralds a fire. However, this is not always the case and the smell could be completely harmless and normal, even expected. Read on to find out when you should and should not be concerned when your furnace smells like somethings on fire. 

Your Furnace is Shaking the Dust Off After Its Long Summer Nap

It happens this time of year because October is typically the month everyone gives into the change of season and turns on the heater for the first time. During your furnace’s dormant period it has accumulated layers of dust on its internal components, such as the heat exchanger as well as in and around the burners. 

As your furnace heats back up it is burning this dust off, hence the burning smell. This is normal and is not considered to be a safety hazard. The smell should go away after a few hours once the furnace burns all the dust away. 

Tip: to minimize this annoying smell, consider turning on your furnace during a mild day where you can open the windows and let the burning smell waft away without compromising your comfort and every usage. 

Okay, But Its Been A Few Hours and It Still Smells Like Burning

Well, now we might have a problem. If your furnace is still emitting a burning smell after having it on for a long time there is a chance that your air filter is clogged or worse, there is an electrical issue.

First, check your filter. If it is in fact, clogged your blower motor is most likely working overtime and beginning to overheat, producing the burning smell. Not to mention the clogged filter will produce dirt and debris to buildup on the furnace which would also smell like burning. Change the filter and consider calling a pro in to cleanup/tuneup the system. 

If the filter isn’t clogged and you think it might be an electrical issue call one of our technicians immediately as this can be a major fire hazard. Normally, a furnace will power itself down when it begins to overheat; if it doesn’t, the safety feature is compromised and will need service as soon as possible. 

The Smell is Persistent and the Burning Smells Like Plastic 

This could be from a number of reasons: a foreign object made its way into your HVAC system. Anything from a child’s toy to a plastic fork could’ve gotten down there and is now wreaking havoc on your nostrils. The scent of burning plastic could also be from an overheating kitchen appliance or more still, there might be issues in your unit with broken down or worn out furnace parts. Regardless of the reason for this particular smell an HVAC specialist needs to handle it in a timely manner to avoid further damage to your unit and safety, as bunting plastic can emit toxic fumes. 

What About A GunPowder Smell? 

Anything associated with gunpowder probably seems like a major safety hazard but really its just dangerous for the system. This specific aroma is most likely the result of a fried-circuit board or an overheated fan motor. Either way it is not a good idea to continue running your furnace. Hit the off switch and call an HVAC pro on the double.

Burning Oil or a Smoky Scent…?

While heating essential oils seems to be the latest fad, an oily scent from your furnace is not good for you or your “chakras”. This oily or smoky scent comes from an oil furnace that needs an oil filter change to avoid overheating. If, after the change, the smell continues damage was most likely done to the system and an HVAC specialist needs to be called. In the meantime, turn off the unit ASAP as some problems can cause the system to catch fire. 

All furnace smells are not created equal, that being said, while they are not all dangerous they should all be investigated if they are persistent. For example, if your house smells like burning dust when you first turn it on and goes away after a few hours with returning, there is nothing to worry about. Persistent burning, burning plastic, gunpowder or smoky oils must be dealt with immediately as they are either a safety hazard, a huge risk to your system, or both. If you’ve got a questionable smell coming from your furnace contact us at Luxury Heating & Air Conditioning today, we are here to diagnose and be the solution to all your HVAC problems. 

Energy Savings

Keep Cool While Saving Energy

August 12, 20210

Summer is a joyful season, isn’t it?. Lots of fun outdoors, bright sunshine and that lovely warmth upon your newly tanned skin. However, now that we are rolling into August the heatwaves might feel like less of a fun novelty and more of a sweat-induced groan with a large helping of frustration from the hits you’re wallet is taking from your monthly energy bill. Yet, the temperatures continue to rise and keeping cool remains critical. At Luxury Heating and Air Conditioning, we feel your pain and have put together a list of tips to help you stay cool and save money.

Here are a few basic (and free!) strategies to consider in an effort to keep cool.

  • Close blinds during the daylight hours to keep the suns rays from heating your home
  • Always keep your doors to the outside closed and that beautiful AC air indoors! Your AC is working hard enough, don’t work against it.
  • Unplug unused appliances and keep lights off in room your not using
  • Skip the dishwasher and clothes dryer, air dry items instead.
  • Set your thermostat to 78 on extra hot days to avoid an overwhelmed AC system.
  • Cook meals in a smaller air fryer, the microwave or the grill to keep the oven from heating your house and putting more of a strain on your system.

The points on this next list all come with a price tag, but we think these investments are worth your consideration. 

  • Add insulation, it will help keep the cool air in in the summer and the warm air in in the winter. 
  • Install weather stripping if you have an older home or feel a draft beneath doors and windows. Air leakage will make your system work harder. 
  • Install awnings or plant shady trees to cover the south and east windows of your home, shadowed areas are several degrees cooler than those with direct sunlight and the sun’s rays will make your home feel very warm.
  • Install ceiling fans where in rooms where there aren’t any, this takes a lot of pressure off your AC unit and will even help in colder months too if you reverse the direction. 
  • If you are due for a new system consider one with an ENERGY STAR rating. Most appliances come with an energy-efficient option and can anywhere from 10%-50% of the energy required and thus, save you money.
  • A properly maintained unit will run more efficiently saving energy and saving you money in the long run. Schedule routine maintenance with your contractor to keep things running smoothly.  

So, before you start dreaming of “sweater weather” and the pumpkin lattes of fall, enjoy the remainder of summer’s sunshine without breaking the bank on energy bills. Keeping cool is the priority, but maybe with these tips you can be kind to your wallet and the earth. Call Luxury Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule maintenance or ask about energy saving appliances and whether they are right for your home and budget.

Ductless Split Systems

Common Problems Solved By Ductless Air Conditioning

July 21, 20210

To duct, or not to duct, that is the question. Ductless air conditioning might seem daunting at first, as all new things do, but really it might solve some of the issues you have with your current central air. Maybe you are facing uneven temperatures in your home, or you have a desire to zone control from room-to-room, or maybe you are renovating and are concerned about adding duct work to the new addition. Whatever the problem may be, ductless AC might be the answer. We’ve put together a list of the benefits of a ductless system for you to consider, we would love to be a part of the solution. 

Problem 1: Uneven Temperatures 

Ductwork can be troublesome as there are so many little things that can go wrong. Cracks and holes are not uncommon and lead to energy waste and hot/cold spots. Leaks in the ductwork are the enemy of efficiency; you could be losing as much as 30% of the conditioned air due to these faulty ducts. Not to mention if your system is running overtime to cool a warm spot it can damage the system leading to excess repairs and possibly replacements. 

Problem 2: Heating/Cooling Uninsulated Spaces and/or Additions and Renovations 

Ductwork requires insulation to deliver air evenly. Spaces like the attic or the garage that might lack insulation would be difficult to add to the central air system. If you are considering renovating these spaces and/or using them for more than what they were intended for a ductless unit would be perfect as they are installed with little disruption. Connecting ductwork is expensive and unnecessary. It would operate independently from the main system, (so it won’t steal air from other rooms,) it is energy efficient, (so it won’t overload your current system,) and bonus: install is a breeze. 

Here are a few situations where ductless would ideal

  • New additions: garages, bonus rooms, sunrooms, man caves
    • We’ve already heard about the ease of ductless in renovation projects but consider the “man-cave” room. If you intend to smoke cigars in it you won’t want to be sharing ductwork with the rest of the house.
  • Downsizing efforts for larger homes
    • Older home owners that only use a few rooms in their homes often shut vents in those unused rooms. This can lead to pressure imbalances and in some cases, mold. Installing a ductless systems gives you complete control over which rooms to condition and which to not. 
  • Discord between family members on the “ideal” temperature 
    • End the thermostat fight in one fell swoop. Ductless means zone cooling, each zone can be set to a unique temperature. 
  • Supporting your “problem” room
    • Sometimes no matter how efficient your HVAC system is a room just cannot reach the ideal temperature. For example: maybe you have a small kitchen with a giant stove or a large room sunny room with floor to ceiling windows, ductless can support your current system without the expensive of adding ductwork. 
  • You just bought an existing home with no ductwork installed
    • Ductless is not cheap, but it would be cheaper in this instance. Going through and adding ducts to an already completed house would be a nightmare.  

If you find your current system is simply not cutting it, considering adding ductless. It is less of a headache to maintain, it is more energy efficient and it an easy install. Call us today at Luxury Heating & Cooling, we can help you determine the best option for your home and budget. 

Air Conditioning

6 Key Warning Signs That Your AC is Failing

May 27, 20210

This latest heat wave has seemingly snapped people into summer mode. HVAC technicians everywhere are busy keeping up with maintenance and repair calls. There’s nothing like a 90 degree day to remind us how important a functioning AC unit is! If your unit is perpetually on the fritz, how do we know whether we should push it for time or invest in a new one? We, at Luxury Heating and Cooling, have put together this short list to help you make your decision.

Your Unit Uses R-22 Freon

This is a no brainer. R-22 Freon was phased out last year due to environmental issues. Now to prevent further use the prices for the refrigerant have been hiked up significantly. An HVAC technician spends $800+ a gallon now versus less than $200. Every repair will cost more and you will have to replace it eventually anyway as the plan is to completely phase out R22. 

Your Unit is 10+ Years Old

Typically AC units last 10-12 years, very best case is 15 years if you take excellent care of it. So, if your unit is over that 10 year mark and is routinely needing expensive repairs we recommend investing your money into a newer unit that will save you money in the long term. Also, bonus: with the newer systems the recent technology advancements in energy efficiency will see your utility bills go down as well. 

Your Unit Has Become Inefficient 

An AC unit’s energy efficiency is measured in a SEER rating. A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is liken to the miles per gallon rating of your car. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient it is. All new units have a rating of at least 14 and can go as high as 21. If your unit is 13 or below, you should consider a replacement. 

Your Unit Breaks Down Frequently 

A unit that is always breaking down is heavy on the wallet and the mind. With summer coming up you need a system you can rely on. Repair costs add up, not to mention the possibility of it breaking down on a 90 degree day is too big of a risk. Replace the unit to save yourself the headache, and the money in the long run. 

You Are Facing Expensive Repairs

This is much like our last point, but it is important to state: anytime you are facing expensive repairs it is important to weigh the cost of the repair against the cost of a new unit. Not to mention the cost of future repairs if you do not replace the old one. Chances are the cost of the repair might cover a large part of a new system, especially if you checked “yes” to the other points on this list. 

Your Unit is The Wrong Size

While the system might not be failing in the literal sense, it is failing your home if it is not big enough to pump the cool air to all corners of it. Again, unless you ticked off multiple points on this list, this fix might not require a whole new unit. You might get by with just getting a stronger motor, or even a booster to help the circulation of air. Talk with a specialist to see what they can do to help keep that cool air moving. 

What it comes down to is your comfort. If your comfort is compromised and your AC unit checks off too many points on our list, is not up to the task of keeping you cool and needs to be replaced. If you have more questions about whether you should keep your unit or get a new one, our technicians at Luxury Heating & Cooling would be more than happy to help you out. Don’t wait until the temperatures reach the 90s again, prepare for “summer mode” by calling a specialist today. 

Indoor Air Quality

How to Choose the Right Air Filter

April 27, 20210

Time to switch out the air filter in your HVAC system? Choosing the right air filter for your unit is a bigger deal than many people realize. We have found that most homeowners tend to rely on the filters available to them at their local hardware stores without really knowing how the filter they are purchasing will affect their comfort, as well as their utility bills. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation. Air filters are a crucial component of the whole HVAC system and need to be selected with care. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, here is what you need to know to choose the right filter and keep your system happy and running smoothly. 

The Function is in the Name

Everyone knows what air filters do, they filter the air. However the retelling of the process might help you see its importance. Generally, there are two different materials you will see when selecting an air filter: spun fiberglass or pleated paper/cloth, both enclosed in a cardboard frame. What happens is the disbursed air throughout your home is sucked back into your HVAC system and then forced through these materials so they can trap the particles and contaminants, thus preventing them from recirculating.

Some examples of things your air filter is keeping out of your air:

  • Mold & spores
  • Pollen
  • Pet hair & dander
  • Bacteria /Microorganism
  • Bust & dirt
  • Fibers & lint
  • Metal, plaster & wood particles
Dusty-Room-Allergies

Can you imagine breathing in those particles? And it’s not only a health issue. If those contaminants are allowed to flow freely in your HVAC system they will eventually damage the unit. Not to mention the buildup would cause your system to work harder meaning more money spent. Who knew something framed in cardboard could be so pivotal?

MERV Ratings and Why They Are Important

First of all, who is MERV and why is he rating things? Don’t fret, most people have never heard of a MERV rating before either. MERV stands for “Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value”. Everything we buy comes in different levels of quality: low-end, mid-level, and high-end. It just depends on what you need it for and/or how much you want to spend. 

Typically the MERV rating for residential filters is valued on a scale from 1-16. As you can imagine the level 16 rated filters will remove the smallest particles at the highest volume. 

Here’s how its broken down:

  • MERV 1-4: These are common with basic filtration at a low cost.
  • MERV 6-8: Also common with better filtration. The material is pleated cloth or paper.
  • MERV 9-12: Mid-range filters with pretty high efficiency: traps particles of 1 micron or larger.
  • MERV 13-16: Highest efficiency and the best standard filters you can buy: traps particles as small as 0.3 microns and larger.

Filters do come higher than a MERV rating of 16 but they are too thick and dense for your standard residential HVAC systems. Check with a certified technician to see where your unit stands. They can help you if you want to go even further in air filtration, there are additional units that will work alongside your HVAC system to help clean and purify the air. 

Many factors go into the decision of which filter to buy. Maybe someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, maybe you have pets that shed a lot, a new baby or an elderly person living in-home, or even just that cannot stand the sight of excess dust, you might want to consider a higher grade filter. 

Maintenance is Key

Indoor-Air-Quality-Filter

Properly maintaining your HVAC unit is very important. Dirty, clogged air filters cause:

  • Malfunctions and sometimes even damage
  • Reduced airflow
  • Contaminants released back into the air
  • Further buildup in your ductwork leading to avoidable cleanings
  • Higher bills from your system working harder than necessary.

Typically you should switch out your filters every 90 days but we suggest you check them once a month. Many factors can affect the filtration process and cause need for an early exchange. During your inspection, remove the filter and put it to the light, if you cannot see the light through the filter it is time for a change. 

Now, if your filter is due for a change or you simply want to make sure you’ve got the right one, call us today at Luxury Heating & Cooling. We would love to be a part of your choice. We can visit your home and determine if you have proper air flow and appropriate filtration for your heating and cooling system. The proper filter will optimize your utility bills, safeguard your system’s equipment and maximize the comfort in your home. Proactively prepare your AC system for the coming summer months by making sure it is clean and happy today!

Air Conditioning, HVAC Maintenance

The Benefits of Duct Sealing

March 4, 20210

Put simply: aerosol duct sealing is a process that uses polymers (long, binding molecules) to seal up leaks, holes or misalignments in your ductwork, thus improving the air deliverability of heat, ventilation and air conditioning in your home. The question is though: will it save you money? The answer is: yes, probably. There is a chance your ducts are completely fine, but according to Energy Star the typical American home loses 20-30% of the conditioned air that travels through the ducts. This is due to improper sealing, which has then caused leaks, gaps and loose connections. In fact, it would not be unimaginable to find out your home’s air distribution has a leakage percentage as high as 50%, that is how common and unchecked this issue is. Read on to discover the benefits of aerosol sealing and the possible signs your home’s ducts need help.

If your home was built before 2000 there is a very high probability your ductwork was installed improperly. These were wild times when energy costs were low and nobody knew or really cared about the negative impact high energy consumption had on the environment. Ductwork was not the priority and we are bearing that bottom line now.  

One of the problems is, most homeowners assume their HVAC equipment is to blame when it isn’t working properly. When in reality the equipment is tip-top and poor ductwork is the culprit. 

These signs might help you determine that your ducts are the issue.

  • Musty smells
  • Uneven temperatures in different rooms
  • Too much humidity
  • Energy bills that are inordinately high
  • Excessive dust accumulation

Lower energy bills is not the only benefit to sealing with Aerosol. Improved airflow will result in cleaner, healthier air and a more comfortable home. Holes and gaps in the ducts force the system to operate under a negative pressure meaning dirt, dust, fiberglass and more could be circulated all around your home. 

Aerosol sealing helps in many ways, it will:

  • Increase your comfort throughout every room in your home
  • Lower your energy consumption which is good for your wallet and the environment
  • Improve the air quality making the air your family breathes cleaner and healthier
  • Provide you with a Pre and Post leakage measurements, so you know your time and money was worth it. 

Aerosol duct sealing is a safe and effective option for your home’s air duct issues. The ingredients in the sealant are those often found in hairspray and chewing gum and are indeed nontoxic and safe for your ducts. It could be a game-changer to fixing any HVAC issues you might have in your home. Call us at Luxury Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment and find out whether your home would benefit from Aerosol duct sealing. Stay warm out there!

Heating

5 Common Furnace Problems and How to Fix Them

February 4, 20210

During winter, the furnace is king: its importance being made abundantly clear when it starts to break down. We have created a list of common furnace problems that could happen to your system. While some issues will require professional help, it is still a good idea to be prepared with some basic knowledge so that if a small complication does arise, you can do some simple maintenance and avoid costly repairs in the future. 

#1 A clogged air filter

Air filters keep dust and debris from entering the system, meaning the air will flow freely and the unit will run efficiently. If the air filters are dirty and clogged the whole system has to work harder to maintain the right temperature; this can lead to overheating and a premature shutdown. A dirty filter is the number one cause for a furnace malfunction, fortunately this is also the easiest to fix. Simple maintenance is key. Check your filters once a month and replace or clean them when necessary. 

#2 A broken thermostat

Thermostats are important as they regulate your whole heating system. Here is a short checklist for you to go through before you contact a professional:

  1. Check it is set to heat: This may sound silly, but it has been known to happen.
  2. Check the batteries: Another obvious one, but also a commonplace. Your device needs enough power to activate the furnace.
  3. Make sure the device is away from heat sources: Do this to avoid false readings.
  4. Clean it: Remove the cover, brush away any dust or dirt using a cotton swab or a soft cloth. If you see corrosion use an electrical contact cleaner. 
  5. Calibrate it: Get a trusted thermometer and tape it to the wall, after 15 minutes check the variance. If it is +/- 3˚F it is deemed acceptable, if not call for service.

When in doubt call a professional, calibrations and adjustments can sometimes be trickier and more in depth than people want to deal with. Just know the better your thermostat works the more reliable and economical your whole HVAC system will be. 

#3 Power to your furnace

If numbers one and two are not the culprits, your problem could be power. First off, check that the furnace switch was not accidentally turned off, again, it can happen! Next, check the electrical panel and reset the breaker. If the power is still an issue or there is an electrical damage the next steps might be out of your comfort zone. Our advice is that its best to leave electrical issues to the professionals. 

#4 Pilot light won’t ignite 

Heating systems that run on gas or propane will not ignite without a pilot light. Routine maintenance is especially important with these types of systems and chances are the components are dirty as they are prone to soot buildup overtime. The most common sign of a dirty pilot light is the absence of one, but a pilot light that burns yellow or orange and makes a rumbling sound also means it needs cleaning. Call a professional to clean or replace the components. If you have an older system and the light has simply blown out, you may be able to reignite it yourself. Consult the manual and remember, if at any time you smell gas, evacuate and call your gas company. Again, if you feel at all uncomfortable with handling these issues your local professional would be happy to help. 

#5 A constantly running furnace blower

You might have problems with your limit switch. Try setting your thermostat to a temperature lower than the current room temp and make sure the fan is set to Auto. If the fan continues to run, check the limit switch (located under the supply plenum) and make sure it is also set to Auto. If it isn’t, and its set instead to manual override this might be why the blower motor is continuously running. If it is already set to Auto you might have wiring issues or problems with the fan limit switch and you should call a pro for either of these. 

Hopefully these tips prove useful and you are able to fix your furnace troubles easily, if not don’t hesitate to call us at Luxury Heating & Cooling, we will get your furnace up and running and your home cozy and warm again in no time. Don’t forget that scheduled maintenance can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. Keep warm this winter; in the season when the furnace is king, long live the king.

tankless water heater, water heater

Tankless Water Heaters: Are They Worth It?

January 6, 20210

Everyone is always trying to free themselves from the shackles of overspending, especially during the winter. We take a look at our bills and we decide what we can do to cut back for the ultimate goal of saving money. There are many different ways to bring that monthly number down but sometimes it requires a big upfront cost. We are here to help you determine whether one of those options is worth it: a tankless water heater. We have compiled a pros and cons list for you to make the best decision for your budget.

Before we go into our pros and cons list it is important that we answer one question that may be on your mind: how does a tankless water heater work? As you might have guessed, a tankless water heater does not have a tank, thus, it does not store hot water. So when a user turns the hot water tap on, cold water travels through a pipe, entering into the tankless unit. The system’s gas burner or electric heat element, provides an almost instant and endless supply of hot water.  Which bring us to our pros:

Pros

Pro 1: Instant Hot Water

Once the system flushes the cold water from the pipes you are brought a continuous stream of hot water almost instantly.  Hot baths and back-to-back showers just got a lot more convenient.

Pro 2: Longer Life Span

The standard tank model, even a high-end option, will only last around 8-10 years. The tankless system will function for twice that long, around 20 years or more.

Pro 3: Save Energy for Lower Monthly Costs and Tax Breaks

Perhaps the best thing about tankless (besides the instant hot water) is the difference in energy use. A standard water tank even uses energy when no one is home due to the need to continuously reheat the water in the tank. Tankless fires up only when in use.  Studies have shown that they are as much as 22% more efficient than a tank model, bringing your energy bill down, thus, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars each year.

Another consideration is that the energy efficiency of a tankless water heater, can sometimes qualify them for local energy rebates and federal tax credits. Contact your local HVAC specialist for details.

Pro 4: Space Saver

This is rather obvious to consider but it’s worth a mention because in smaller homes it is a real bonus. Tankless water heaters are installed right on the wall, the space they take up is negligible compared to their tanked counterparts.

Pro 5: Longer Warranties

While the warranty will vary from brand to brand and system to system, many offer protection for up to 15 years!  That’s longer than the entire life expectancy of a tank system.

Pro 6: Never Run Out of Hot Water

This is the #1 pro on our list, tankless heaters do not rely on reserved water to meet the demand. With a standard tank unit, once the tank is empty you have to wait awhile for the heated water to replenish.

Pro 7: They’re Safer

There is no chance of a catastrophic leak and you don’t have to worry about bacteria forming, also because the air-supply and exhaust vents are sealed, CO can’t leak into the house from a back draft.

Pro 8: They Are Easy to Winterize

This is for all the snowbirds and landlords with vacant properties, no more draining the entire contents of your enormous water tank! With a compressor a tankless heater drains in seconds and then you simply unplug it.

 

All these benefits sound pretty incredible, right?  They are!  But in order to make an educated decision, there’s also a few downsides you should be made aware of.

Cons

Con #1: Inconsistent Temperatures

In most cases the inconsistency can be fixed with simple maintenance solutions. But if your family has heavy hot water usage, you should be aware that simultaneous usage can sometimes lead to inconsistency of hot water temperatures.

Con #2: High Upfront Cost

Coinciding with Pro #2, the high upfront cost comes from the long lifespan of these units. A standard tank model can cost anywhere from $600-$1,200, whereas a good tankless system can set you back $2,000-$4,500 installed.

Con #3: Limited Water Supply

Again, tankless struggles with multiple competing outlets. It is great if several people take showers consecutively because it will be able to keep up and continuously heat that source. However, if 2 people are showering, while also running the washing machine, all at the same time – it could pose an issue.

Con #4: Additional Maintenance May Be Required

In order to keep that 20-year warranty active, routine maintenance might be required. A simple flushing out of the system to avoid mineral buildup will probably suffice.

Con #6: The Payback May Take A Few Years

The payback on tankless systems is certainly not instantaneous like its hot water supply.  Depending on your overall investment, your payback may take more than just a few years.

Whether your current water heater has failed, or you are simply unhappy with its performance, there are many things to consider before you make a purchase. If you are tired of running out of hot water, you will love the idea of the “on-demand” heating style of a tankless water heater. You will also find yourself enjoying the lower monthly energy bills. If you’re serious about taking those next steps, you can contact a professional to help you weigh your options and find the right hot water solution for your home needs and budget.