Bartels Heating & Cooling Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Why Invest in a Variable Speed Furnace?

Thursday, March 20th, 2014

Winter is slowly coming to an end, and with it comes a chance to replace your old, outdated furnace with a new one. Here in Hamilton, OH, a great heating system is absolutely necessary to keep your home cozy and comfortable in the winter, and installing a new furnace is a chance to add some new bells and whistles to your system. For example, you may want to invest in a variable speed furnace, which allows you to adjust the blower between high speeds and low speeds. Why invest in a variable speed furnace? The shortest answer is because it can save you money.

Using the blower’s lower speed means that the air doesn’t distribute as quickly and it takes longer to heat your home. On the other hand, that doesn’t not matter on mild days when the temperatures don’t get that low, and it can save a lot of energy. A lower speed can still get your home to the temperature you want quickly, and the setting means that you’ll save money in the process. When temperatures get colder, you can use the higher setting to keep your home comfortable.

Variable speed furnaces improve the resale value of the home they’re in because of their flexibility. Many of them are programmable, which allows you to further tailor the speed with which you receive heated air to ensure the maximum amount of savings. And because the technology involved is reasonably simple, you can count on a standard technician to perform repairs instead of hunting around for a specialist.

For more on why you should invest in a variable speed furnace, or to discuss your heating options in general, contact Bartels Heating & Cooling. We have years of experience handling heating issues of all varieties, and we can help you determine the best time to replace your old worn-out furnace with one that offers a few more options to save you money. If you need Hamilton, OH furnace service, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment today!

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Boiler 101: The Expansion Tank

Wednesday, March 12th, 2014

Boilers have advanced tremendously during the more than a century that they have heated businesses and homes. Few boilers use steam any more to send heat through their pipes, and the cast-iron radiators of yore have gradually vanished in favor efficient baseboard heaters. Another way boilers have made a technological leap forward is with the invention of the expansion tank to replace primitive methods of regulating water pressure inside the boiler to protect it from “water hammer.”

We’ll take a close look at this important component of the operation of your boiler in West Chester, OH. If you encounter any troubles with your expansion tank or other parts of your boiler, call the 24-hour emergency service technicians at Bartels Heating & Cooling.

What the expansion tank does

If you look at the top of the water tank of your boiler, you will notice what looks like a smaller water tank attached to a pipe. That’s the expansion tank. Although the name may make it sound like it’s a container for extra water, that’s not how boilers work. (They have a set amount of water already in them, and more water won’t make them work any better.) The expansion tank does the job of maintaining even pressure inside the boiler by giving its water a place to expand and a cushion to absorb the pressure and then regulate it.

Inside the expansion tank, a diaphragm divides the chamber into two sections. On one side, water from the boiler tank flows in through a pipe; on the other side is air controlled by a valve. When the pressure in the boiler increases, the water in the expansion tank presses against the diaphragm and the air on the other side, which alleviates the pressure. The air valve then pushes back against the water until the valve registers that pressure has reached normal once more.

This system prevents air from entering the water. Older boilers simply had an open space at the top of the main tank to absorb the pressure from water hammer (a pressure surge from water motion when a valve closes), but the introduction of air into the tank would promote corrosion. The expansion valve keeps the air and the water separate.

Keep the expansion tank working

Expansion tanks can suffer damage and lose their seal against water or start losing air. When this happens, you need to call for repairs before your boiler’s pressure increases and begins to cause leaks. Call for repairs for your boiler in West Chester, OH from Bartels Heating & Cooling. We also offer a maintenance program that will make sure the expansion valve is always in the best shape possible. Call us to sign up today.

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Signs It’s Time for Boiler Replacement, Not Boiler Repair

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

Boilers are a durable and reliable means of heating your home, which is why they’ve been in use for as long as they have. Sooner or later, however, you’re going to have to consider replacing an old boiler with a new one. That exact moment can be hard to spot, especially if you’re trying to get as much as possible out of your existing boiler before putting it out to pasture. Here are some signs it’s time for boiler replacement, not boiler repair from your Fairfield, OH heating specialists at Bartels Heating & Cooling.

  • Costs are getting too high. This can include multiple repair visits coming one on top of the other, as well as a general wear and tear that translates to higher monthly costs, even if you aren’t using the boiler any more often than normal. At some point, you just end up throwing good money after bad, meaning that it’s time to install a new boiler.
  • The condition of your boiler is deteriorating. An old boiler isn’t necessarily ready to be done, but the older it gets, the more you need to weigh the possibility of replacing it. If its overall condition worsens – if more rust appears, leaks start springing up more regularly and the like – then an older unit may be ready for replacement by a new one.
  • Energy efficiency is lower than you’d like. Boilers are designed to last for many years, even decades in some cases. During that time, new developments and improved technological breakthroughs will result in newer, more efficient boiler systems that will do the same job while using less energy. You may wish to replace your system in order to take full advantage of these developments.

If you spot signs it’s time for boiler replacement, not boiler repair, then call on Bartels Heating & Cooling for help. Give us call to schedule Fairfield, OH heating repair or replacement services today!

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Reasons to Look into Carrier Greenspeed Technology

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014

The technology of furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps continues to surge forward each year. The furnaces of today have an energy efficiency far superior to models manufactured a mere ten years ago. If you are thinking about making a change in your home’s comfort system, now is an excellent time to look into the cutting edge technology available.

One of the best advances in heating and cooling is Carrier’s Greenspeed technology. We’ll explain why you should consider a heat pump or furnace in Hamilton, OH equipped with Greenspeed Intelligence. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling, your local Carrier dealer, for more information and to schedule a great installation.

What is Carrier Greenspeed technology?

Carrier, the company that invented mechanical air conditioning over a hundred years ago, constantly strives to lead the industry in innovation. Greenspeed Intelligence is an exciting recent advance in heating and cooling from Carrier that combines whisper-quiet operation, high energy-efficient performance, and ideal comfort.

Greenspeed Intelligence is designed to pair with the Carrier Infinity product line, such as the modulating Infinity 98 gas furnace or the variable-speed Infinity 20 heat pump, and improve upon their existing Infinity systems. Greenspeed can control the heating or cooling system to run at anywhere from 40% to 100% capacity depending on a home’s current needs, which results in better comfort levels and a significant reduction in power use. With variable speed, the system runs longer but at a steadier capacity, so it can operate at 40% capacity most of the time while maintaining the ideal level of heating or cooling for your home.

The amount of energy you can save with Greenspeed Intelligence is significant: the Infinity 20 heat pump with Greenspeed enhancement can run up to 69% more efficiently than other forced-air heat pumps.

Other benefits you’ll receive with Greenspeed: quiet operation from the reduced capacity, precision temperature control, and easier addition of air purifiers and humidifiers.

Call to find out more about Greenspeed technology

Are you interested in having installation of a heat pump or furnace in Hamilton, OH equipped with the Greenspeed difference? At Bartels Heating & Cooling, we have the equipment and skills necessary to install a heating/cooling system with Greenspeed so you can enjoy years of high efficiency and serene comfort. We are local Carrier dealers and can handle all your needs for home comfort.

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3 Ways to Avoid Heating Repair

Monday, February 17th, 2014

Here in Fairfield, OH, heating repair is no small matter. We need our heaters to function on a daily basis when the snow falls, and any problems need to be fixed quickly before the indoor temperature drops. A good heating repair company will respond in a timely fashion, but even better than repair is avoiding a breakdown in the first place. The more prevention you can exercise, the greater the chances that your heater will continue to function as it’s expected to.

Here are 3 ways to avoid heating repair:

  • Schedule a maintenance visit before heating season starts. A technician will come to your home and clean the dirt off of the heater’s interior components, as well as tightening loose fittings and running the heater to see that everything is functioning as it should. Not only does this reduce the chances of a breakdown, but it helps the heater run more efficiently, cutting down on monthly energy costs.
  • Don’t crank the heat way up. Many people falsely assume that turning the heat up means that the furnace will warm your home faster. This isn’t true. Most furnaces have just one fan speed, and the others don’t have more than two or three. That means that turning it up won’t warm your house any faster. It will just increase the strain on your system, and with it, the chances of a significant breakdown.
  • Watch for signs of trouble. Not every problem results in the heater shutting down. Many times, they will keep running until the problem gets worse, wasting energy in the bargain and raising the cost of repairs when it finally does give up the ghost. You can prevent this by listening for strange sounds, monitoring the functioning of the heater and checking you monthly bills to see that they’re not going up unexpectedly.

For more ways to avoid heating repair in Fairfield, OH, or to schedule a maintenance or repair visit, call Bartels Heating & Cooling. Contact us today to make an appointment!

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Boiler Problems Caused by Rust

Thursday, February 6th, 2014

Your boiler is a key part of your household, providing dependable heating even during the coldest parts of winter. That’s no small consideration. Rust is a concern with any kind of metal equipment, let alone that relies on water to do its job. As closed loop system, the boiler isn’t supposed to have problems with rust. But no system is perfect, and when rust forms in your boiler, it can cause serious trouble very quickly. If you need boiler repair in West Chester, OH, call Bartels Heating & Cooling today.

Rust is caused by oxidation, which entails oxygen, water and metal. When a leak springs up in the system, oxygen can enter into in, starting the oxidation process and creating rust in the metal. It can occur in the main boiler itself or along any of the pipes and radiators it uses to heat your home. But wherever it occurs, trouble is bound to follow. The rust corrodes and east away at the metal of the boiler, making the walls thinner and more prone to damage.  Eventually, it will breach the metal, resulting in a leak and necessitating replacement of whichever parts have been overcome by the rust.

A number of preventative measures can avoid boiler problems caused by rust. A trained professional can use certain chemicals to keep oxygen from oxidizing inside the boiler. However, you usually need to call in a service technician to remove the rust and correct whatever problem created it in the first place. If you need West Chester, OH, boiler repair service, call Bartels Heating & Cooling. If you spot rust in your boiler, don’t hesitate to contact us right away.

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3 Reasons to Invest in Geothermal Heating

Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

Geothermal heating uses the heat of the earth to keep your home comfortable all winter long. No matter how cold the weather can be outside, the temperature just a few feet under the ground remains unchanged. A geothermal system uses that to facilitate a heat exchange – running coils or tubes filled with liquid to transfer the heat and take it back to your home.  But the up-front cost is enough so that you should carefully consider the benefits before making a decision. For more information about installing geothermal heating or any of our heating services in Fairfield, OH, give Bartels Heating & Cooling a call today.

Here are 3 reasons to invest in geothermal heating:

  • Lower bills. While the installation cost can be quite expensive, geothermal heating is extremely efficient with little wasted energy. That means it will cost less to heat your home from month to month than it would with a more traditional furnace. Geothermal systems can also provide very efficient air conditioning in the summer. A geothermal system may add resale value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • Eco Friendly. Geothermal heating system use little energy and produce no pollutants. That makes it a very “green” option for environmentally conscious homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
  • Fewer repairs. Geothermal systems are known for their durability, and since most parts are located underground, they have few repair and maintenance needs. The underground pipe systems can last 50 years or more.

Other reasons to invest in geothermal heating can vary depending on the nature of your property. If you’re considering investing in a system, then the Fairfield, OH heating experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling can help. Not only can we install a geothermal system quickly and properly, but we can set up a regular maintenance schdule to ensure that it’s running as it should. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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Furnace Guide: 3 Components You Should Know

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Furnaces don’t last forever, and even the best furnaces break down occasionally. A faulty component can often result in the entire system shutting down, or even worse: can damage to additional components as well. The more you know about how these components function, the better you can understand the ways they affect your heating when they run into problems.

  • Igniter/thermocouple. These two components are basically linked, and sometimes even appear as one conjoined unit. The igniter consists of the pilot light (usually in older furnaces) or an electric igniter (usually in newer ones). The thermocouple controls the flow of gas into the furnace, to ensure that your home isn’t flooded with gas when there’s a problem. If either component is damaged, the furnace simply won’t turn on.
  • Burners. The burners themselves provide the heat, fed by gas that passes through the thermocouple to create hot, intense flames. Burners can malfunction for a variety of reasons, including becoming clogged with dirt and dust.
  • Heat exchangers/venting systems. The heat exchangers transfer the heat from the burners (which often contain toxic gases) into air which can then be blown into your home. The gases move into a venting system which can then safely remove them from your home. The heat exchangers suffer breakdowns when the blowers connected to them malfunction and/or if blockage in the venting system prevents them from releasing the gases.

This furnace guide contains 3 components you should know, but most furnaces contain a great deal more. Hopefully, this will give you a basic idea of how the heating process works and how a breakdown with one component can affect the entire unit. Regardless, if you live in West Chester, OH, furnace repair services can be provided by the professionals at Bartels Heating & Cooling. If you’re experiencing problems with your furnace, pick up the phone and call us today!

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Causes of Boiler Leaks

Tuesday, January 14th, 2014

Leaks are among the most common cause of boiler malfunction, lowering the pressure and preventing the boiler from heating the your home comfortably. They can also be quite subtle: it’s not enough to simply look for a puddle because some leaks are so small that the water simply evaporates. Trained heating technicians know how to hunt down the causes and make repairs accordingly. Here are some common causes of boiler leaks. For more information or for boiler repair, call the Fairfield, OH heating repair experts at Bartels Heating & Cooling.

  • Rust. Rust and corrosion can affect any part of the boiler, especially an older one. Rust around seals and fittings is common, but depending on the boiler, it can pop up anywhere.
  • Bad circulator pump. The pump helps the water move around the boiler system, allowing it to heat your home. When the pump won’t work, the water doesn’t move and the pressure can build up. All that pressure can work on weak fittings and seals until a leak develops.
  • High pressure. Along those lines, excessive pressure from any source can put severe strain on the boiler’s components and result in a leak.
  • Cracks in the body. As your boiler ages, it may develop hairlines cracks and create a leak in the core unit. This is serious because it usually means having to replace the entire boilers.  Cracks are especially prevalent in older boilers that have been around a while.
  • Seals and joints. Depending upon their age and condition, seals and joints are the most obvious places to look for leaks. Unlike the pipes themselves, they don’t have to corrode to create a breach. A poor fitting can be enough to cause a leak (though such fittings are usually easy to fix).

A good heating technician can spot the causes of boiler leaks and make a strong plan for repairing them. Call Bartels Heating & Cooling for Fairfield, OH heating repair services. We pride ourselves on absolutely professionalism and we’ve seen countless cases of leaky boilers over the years. Contact us today to make an appointment.

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What is a Thermocouple?

Wednesday, December 18th, 2013

What is a thermocouple? In the shortest possible terms, it’s a vital component in your gas heating system, controlling the flow of gas into your system. In some cases, it’s actually a part of your pilot light or electric ignition system: bound in a single unit. It serves as a key safety feature which can literally render your heater inoperable. Here in Fairfield, OH, heating repair services can fix or replace a broken thermocouple, but that still doesn’t explain how, exactly it does its job.

The thermocouple begins with two wires, usually made of differing metals and joined together in a circuit. A voltmeter or similar measuring device is often attached to the wires. One end is placed in a position where the temperature does not vary (such as an ice bath or a sealed container), and the other end is placed in close proximity to the pilot light. When the light comes on the voltmeter detects the differences in temperature (usually requiring a certain specific difference), and signals for the thermocouple to release the gas and start the heating process.

The purpose of this is to ensure that the gas isn’t released when there’s nothing to ignite it, preventing your house from flooding with gas (which can create a serious safety hazard). Most heaters will shut the gas off automatically if the thermocouple becomes damaged, another safety step to keep the gas from flooding your home. (As frustrating as it can be, the heater’s inability to turn on without a functioning thermocouple is a good thing.)

On the other hand, it still won’t heat your home, which means you need a reliable repair service to come in and deal with the problem. If you need Fairfield, OH heating repair services, call Bartels Heating & Cooling, who has the expertise to repair or replace your thermocouple quickly. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, and won’t rest until you’re completely satisfied with our work. If you’re having trouble with your furnace, then pick up the phone and give us a call!

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