How does current forced air gas heating technology work?
The thermostat senses that the room temperature is cooler than the set temperature and signals the furnace to come on. Inside the furnace a small exhaust vent blower comes on to force the unused vent gas out the flue. This in turn allows gas and air into the "heat exchanger" to be ignited by a glow bar. When the gas begins to burn it heats up the metal "heat exchanger". The furnace blower then comes on and blows the air warmed by the heat exchanger into the room thru your duct system and registers. Ultimately, you and your family feel warmer.
If I am going to replace my old gas-guzzler furnace, do I need to replace it with the same BTU capacity?
In most cases the answer is NO, you won't need as large an input furnace. With today's furnaces obtaining 80% to 90% in efficiency you just don't need as large a furnace. In the old "gas guzzlers" were wasting almost half of their heat up the flue vent to the outside and not into your home. A Frasier’s Home comfort specialist can help you in deciding what system is right for your home.
How will I know it's time to replace my system?
When your system starts giving you more problems and the problems are not cost effective to repair, particularly when major components such as the compressor start making unusual noises or otherwise indicating need for service. Because newer equipment is more energy efficient, the money you save in reduced utility costs, might pay back your purchase price of a new system years earlier than you might think.
How important is my heating and cooling system?
One of the most important investments in your home you’ll ever make is an improvement in your heating, cooling and indoor air quality system. These systems are vital to your family’s comfort and health. Although it is not glamorous, good home comfort equipment that is correctly installed can increase the value of your home, prevent costly repair bills, and even help improve some health problems. If your furnace is very old and you replace it with a new high efficient model you could see a savings of up to 40% in your gas bill.
Is there anything I need to do to get my heating system ready for winter?
Most heating systems are quite reliable and will provide you with quick, comfortable heat when you need it, providing you take good care of the system. Have your furnace cleaned and inspected by one of Frasier’s professional technicians before the cold harsh Northwoods winter sets in.
What causes cracks to form in a gas furnace heat exchanger?
In the normal course of a gas furnace operation, the heat exchanger experiences repeated heating and cooling, which causes a corresponding expansion and contraction of the heat exchanger metal. As the heat exchanger ages over the years cracks will tend to form in areas of the heat exchanger that are weak, such as the areas that have been welded together. More weak spots and holes will form as a result of corrosion. Corrosion of the heat exchanger often signifies problems with the exhaust venting. It is always a good idea to have Frasier’s clean and inspect your furnace once a year.
What are some ideas for saving on our heating bills?
- Try lowering your thermostat setting a few degrees, especially while you sleep. Changing it from 72 degrees to 67 degrees could save up to 10%. You can also have Frasier’s install a programmable set back thermostat that will do this automatically.
- Check your home over carefully for air leaks, especially around windows, doors, electrical switches and outlet plates on outside walls.
- Make sure your fireplace damper is tightly closed when the fireplace isn't in use. Glass fireplace doors can reduce the loss of heated air when you are using the fireplace.
- Use kitchen, bath and other ventilation fans sparingly in cold weather.
- Exhaust fans remove a very large amount of heated air.
- Ensure heating registers and air returns are not blocked with furniture and personal items.
- Have your furnace system cleaned and properly adjusted annually. A dirty gas furnace can be a real gas-guzzler! Consider replacing your old, inefficient heating system with a new high efficient energy-saving 92% efficient gas furnace.
How long should a central air conditioner last?
The useful "life" of an air conditioner can vary greatly. Such factors as climate, maintenance care, and quality and capacity of the original equipment can increase or decrease the service a system will give by months or even years. On the average, a residential central air conditioner will last from ten to fifteen years.
I have a foul odor coming from my garbage disposal. What can I do to eliminate this odor?
Foul odors occur from a buildup of food debris within the disposer. To eliminate this odor, place ice cubes and lemon or orange peels in the disposer and run for 30 seconds. Next, squirt a little liquid dish detergent into the disposer while it is still running. Finally, run cold water for about 30 seconds to rinse all the debris away.
My shower head and faucet aerators have a buildup of a white substance around the area where the water comes out.
Is there anything I can do other than replace them?
Frasier’s would be happy to replace them for you. But first, try this. To remove mineral deposits from the showerhead, take a plastic bag and pour a cup of vinegar in it. Place the bag over the showerhead and use a twist tie to hold it in place overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use an old toothbrush to gently scrub off the deposits. You might be able to remove the aerators from the faucets and allow them to soak in the vinegar overnight.
My air conditioning is not working - What can I do?
One of the most common causes of failure is that some one has switched off the power supply. So check that circuit breakers and isolators are all OK and working. Another common cause is blocked air filters, so check they are clean and are regularly kept clean. If all else fails and you are still having a problem, contact our service department and we’ll send out a Duck Truck and have your A/C fixed in no time.
What are the signs of potential electrical hazards in the home?
Some things to look for: Room lights dim when the refrigerator or air conditioner kicks on; the television screen shrinks; circuit breakers frequently trip; outlets or dimmer switches seem hot to the touch. These conditions indicate that the electrical wiring in your house is overloaded.
Is an old-fashioned fuse box a hazard?
The short answer is no, because fuses provide the same protection against overloaded wiring as circuit breakers. However, when fuse boxes were in widespread use, most homes had only 30 or 60-ampere service.Today’s homes need at least 150 to 200 ampere service to safely supply power for major appliances. If you have a fuse box and you’ve added any large appliances over the years, it is recommended that you have your home wiring inspected to make sure it is still safe. Call Frasier’s and we can send a qualified electrician to inspect this for you.
How can I tell when an electrical outlet isn’t safe?
There are three indicators of an unsafe outlet. If an outlet can no longer hold a plug snugly; if any parts of the outlet are broken; or if the outlet feels hot to the touch. If any of these conditions exist, Frasier’s can replace the outlet for you.
Can I add more outlets in the kitchen?
Most likely, yes. And don’t forget to install GFCI outlets in the kitchen. This is a job for a licensed electrician and we’re ready to help do it right.
How long does electrical wiring last?
That’s a hard question to answer, since it depends on the type of use and abuse the system has experienced over the years. If you have any doubts about your wiring, or notice some frayed or broken insulation, call Frasier’s and have a complete inspection of your home’s electrical wiring.
How long do outlets and switches last?
It depends on use. Electrician's will tell you they see outlets more than 50 years old that still work fine, and others that are worn out after only a few year.
Where should I Place A Carbon Monoxide Detector?
Because carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air and also because it may be found with warm, rising air, detectors should be placed on a wall about 5 feet above the floor. The detector may be placed on the ceiling. Do not place the detector right next to or over a fireplace or flame-producing appliance. Keep the detector out of the way of pets and children. Each floor needs a separate detector. If you getting a single carbon monoxide detector, place it near the sleeping area and make certain the alarm is loud enough to wake you up.
How Serious Is Indoor Air Pollution?
Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can damage their health but may not know that indoor air pollution also can have significant harmful effects. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of many pollutants may be two to five times, and occasionally more than 100 times, higher than outdoor levels. Also, people spend more than 90 percent of their time indoors. The EPA and its Science Advisory Board rank indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health.
How do we detect indoor air pollution?
With special equipment, a Frasier’s Indoor Air Quality Technician can test for airborne particulates, specific organic and inorganic gases, vapors and dust in indoor air. Detecting radon gas is easy and relatively inexpensive.
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