Combustion Furnace Components: Electronic Igniters

December 3rd, 2014

Furnaces have a process by which they ignite; this ensures safety and correct combustion. Older furnaces have a standing pilot light, but today’s furnaces come equipped with an electronic igniter. There are two types of electronic igniters and each works a little differently, as we’ll explain below. If you are experiencing problems getting your furnace to ignite or stay lit after ignition, schedule an appointment with your Bartels Heating & Cooling specialist today for quality furnace services in Hamilton.

Types of Electronic Ignition

The two types of electronic ignition are:

  • Hot Surface Ignition
  • Intermittent Ignition

Hot Surface Ignition

A hot surface igniter is a metal probe that heats up when the thermostat cues the ignition process. When the igniter becomes hot enough (it will glow like a light bulb), the main gas valve opens, allowing the gas to flow. Once the gas comes into contact with the heat from the igniter, the gas ignites and lights the burner.

The most common problem that develops with a hot surface igniter is cracking. The metal heats and cools constantly, causing the metal to expand and contract; eventually, the metal will wear and crack. A cracked igniter can’t heat up properly, so your system will have trouble igniting.

Intermittent Ignition

With an intermittent igniter, gas flows through a small pilot line when the thermostat cues for ignition to begin. Once the gas flows, a small electronic device creates a spark that lights the pilot. A flame sensor checks to see if the pilot is lit and if the flame is viable; once the flame is found to be viable, the main gas valve opens and the pilot lights the burner.

A few things can cause the intermittent ignition to fail: incorrect positioning of the pilot gas pipe, problems with the electrical supply, and issues with the flame sensor.

Why Electronic Igniters?

With a standing pilot light, a small amount of gas has to flow all the time; this is not the case with either type of electronic igniter. This not only saves you energy, it can also be safer.

Ignition problems with your furnace in Hamilton should always be handled by an expert. Having ignition problems with your furnace? Contact us today!

Continue Reading

Will Thanksgiving Turkey Really Make You Sleepy?

November 27th, 2014

We’ve all heard it before: you feel so sleepy after a Thanksgiving meal because of the main event: the turkey. For years, people have credited extraordinary levels of tryptophan in turkey as the reason we all feel the need to nap after the annual feast. But contrary to this popular mythology, tryptophan is probably not he largest responsible party for your post-meal exhaustion.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means it’s something that our bodies need but do not produce naturally. Your body uses tryptophan to help make vitamin B3 and serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that sends chemicals to the brain to aid in sleep. But in order to get this essential amino acid, we have to eat foods that contain it.

Turkey has somewhat high levels of tryptophan, but so do many other foods, including eggs, peanuts, chocolate, nuts, bananas, and most other meats and dairy products. In fact, ounce-for-ounce cheddar cheese contains a greater amount of tryptophan than turkey. In order for tryptophan to make you feel sleepy, you would have to consume it in excessive amounts, and serotonin is usually only produced by tryptophan on an empty stomach.

The truth is, overeating is largely responsible for the “food coma” many people describe post-Thanksgiving. It takes a lot of energy for your body to process a large meal, and the average Thanksgiving plate contains about twice as many calories as is recommended for daily consumption. If anything, high levels of fat in the turkey cause sleepiness, as they require a lot of energy for your body to digest. Lots of carbohydrates, alcohol, and probably a bit of stress may also be some of the reasons it feels so satisfying to lay down on the couch after the meal and finally get a little bit of shut-eye.

If you feel the need to indulge in a heaping dose of tryptophan this year, go ahead! Turkey also contains healthy proteins and may even provide a boost for your immune system.

Here at Bartels Heating and Cooling, we hope your Thanksgiving is full of joy and contentment this year. Happy feasting!

Continue Reading

Some Examples of Boiler Repair Needs

November 19th, 2014

Boilers are durable, reliable and energy efficient, which are some of the reasons why they are still popular heating systems today. But like any other mechanical system, your boiler will need repair at some point. Heating repairs should always be left to trained professionals, especially with combustion systems. Bartels Heating & Cooling has been repairing heating systems since 1973, so if you need heating repair, call us today.

Types of Boiler Repairs

Here are some of the more common boiler repairs our technicians see:

  • Leaking – boilers use water to heat your home, so developing a leak isn’t unusual. What is important is to repair any leaks right away. Leaks imbalance the pressure in your system that the boiler needs to operate correctly. As a result, you may experience heat loss in that particular area. Leaks can also lead to the development of rust and create water damage, so the sooner you can have a leak repaired, the better for you and your system.
  • Circulator pump problems – the way the hot water from your boiler is pushed through your system is via circulator pumps. When something is wrong with a pump, the water can’t get to the outlet to release heat. Circulator pumps can develop broken seals that cause leaks; dirt can become lodged in the pump, reducing its ability to operate; and other times the pump may be rusted and/or corroded and require replacement.
  • Combustion issues – whether your boiler uses gas or oil, problems with ignition and operation can develop. For instance, dust and dirt can cover the pilot nozzle, causing the nozzle to have a reduced flame or no flame at all. You may develop a broken thermocouple or the burner may develop a crack. Whenever there’s a combustion problem, it’s imperative to have the problem fixed immediately as issues of safety can develop.

Quality boiler repair service in West Chester requires the expertise of a professional. If you are experiencing problems with your boiler, call Bartels Heating & Cooling to day and schedule an appointment with one of our heating repair specialists.

Continue Reading

Warning Signs You Need Furnace Repair

November 12th, 2014

Unless you’re a heating expert, it can occasionally be difficult to accurately gauge the health of your furnace. Most homeowners don’t bother worrying about this, assuming that any major problems will announce themselves with obvious signs like the heat not turning on. This can sometimes happen, but the goal of any homeowner should be dealing with potential problems before they grow into something major and expensive to fix. The following are some of the most common warning signs that you need furnace repair in Fairfield, OH.

Short-Cycling

When your furnace seems to turn on and off rapidly and continuously throughout the day, that is called short-cycling. Short-cycling is a phenomenon caused by actual or perceived overheating in your furnace system. This can be caused by an oversized furnace, a faulty thermostat, or a clogged air filter. The end result is the same, though. The furnace starts up in response to a request by the thermostat, and begins circulating heat. The furnace control system registers a heat output beyond what the furnace should be producing, causing it to shut the furnace down as a safety measure. After the furnace has cooled a little, it starts up again in an attempt to heat the house and the whole cycle repeats ad infinitum. If you notice your furnace short-cycling, call a professional immediately. Prolonged short-cycling wastes a lot of energy and drastically shortens the life of your furnace.

Increase in Heating Bills

It’s always a good idea to keep a close eye on the cost of your heating bills. Aside from the obvious benefit of helping you budget properly, this is one of the first ways that heating problems present themselves. The average forced air system loses about 20-30% of its heat on average to leaks in the ductwork. That translates to quite a lot of wasted money on heat that never reaches its destination. A sudden rise in your heating bills indicates that your furnace is losing heating efficiency, which is a pretty good sign that you have a problem.

If you’re experiencing issues with your furnace, schedule an appointment with Bartels Heating & Cooling. Our professional furnace repair service covers all of Fairfield, OH.

Continue Reading

What to Do If Your Heat Pump Won’t Switch to Heating Mode

November 5th, 2014

We are at the time of year when we switch our heat pump systems from cooling to heating – but what if yours won’t switch? There are a few reasons why a heat pump won’t switch modes, but the first thing to remember is not to panic. Bartels Heating & Cooling has the trained technicians to help you with any heat pump issues you may experience, so if you are in need of a heating repair service in West Chester, call us today!

Reasons Your Heat Pump Won’t Switch Modes

Thermostat Problems

Your thermostat is the instrument that cues your heat pump to change modes. Thermostats can malfunction just like any other component, and can require repair. Sometimes the instrumentation inside the thermostat can become dusty and dirty, which can affect how it operates. The wires that connect the thermostat to your system can fray and corrode, cutting off needed electrical flow. Sometimes it can be as simple as an issue of programming. The best way to manage a problem with your thermostat is to call a technician to review and inspect yours for any existing problems.

Refrigerant Leak

Your heat pump needs an exact amount of refrigerant to operate correctly, whether or not the system is cooling or heating your home. During the winter, the refrigerant absorbs the heat in the surrounding air so that your system can heat your home. If there is a refrigerant leak somewhere in your system, the heat pump can’t operate as it should, and the result may be lukewarm air blowing into your living spaces. Refrigerant leaks can be hard to find, and handling refrigerant requires certification, so if you suspect you have a refrigerant leak in your system, call for a technician.

Reversing Valve

The reversing valve in your heat pump is what allows the device to switch from cooling mode to heating mode. The reversing valve can get stuck in a certain position, whether it be a specific mode or in between modes. If the reason for the immobility is traced to the solenoid, the solenoid can be repaired; if the reason for the valve being stuck is attributed to a refrigerant leak or other issue, the valve will need to be replaced.

If your heat pump isn’t changing modes, don’t wait to call for heating repair in West Chester – call Bartels Heating & Cooling today!

Continue Reading

Ways to Tell Your Ductwork Needs Sealing

October 29th, 2014

Calling for professionals to seal holes and gaps in the ductwork of your home’s ventilation system is important to maintain efficient heating and cooling, as well as to protect your indoor air quality from a decline due to contamination entering through the breaks. However…how can you know that your ductwork is in need of sealing when most of the air ducts in the ventilation system remain unseen behind walls and ceilings?

It can be a bit of challenge to detect ducts that are leaking air, but if you know what signs to watch for, you should be able to catch the warnings and call up Bartels Heating & Cooling in time to have the holes sealed before the problem grows worse. Below we’ve listed some of the more common indications that you need to call for repairs on your ductwork in Hamilton, OH.

Warning Signs of Leaking Air Ducts That Need Professional Sealing

  • Odd smells from the vents: When ductwork develops holes, they will usually appear in places that are dusty and musty, such as between walls or in crawl spaces. This will allow air with unpleasant smells into the ducts and then out the vents into your living spaces. Any unpleasant odor emanating from your vents is something you should have professionals investigate right away.
  • Drop in airflow: It only takes a small hole in a duct to cause the airflow inside it to drop noticeably. (Ducts have airtight sealing in order to prevent this air pressure loss.) When you notice lower airflow from the vents into the rooms, it usually means that something is wrong somewhere along the ventilation system, and air leaks are one of the main suspects.
  • High heating/cooling bills: A drop in air pressure will also lead to an increase in your heating and cooling costs, since the heater/air conditioner will need to strain harder to reach its normal temperature. You can expect both higher comfort costs and also an increase in repairs for the system because of the extra stress.

Don’t ignore any of these warning signs. Even if they are not due to leaking air ducts, they definitely point to trouble somewhere in your HVAC system. Call for the professionals at Bartels Heating & Cooling right away. We can handle any repairs for your ductwork in Hamilton, OH, and we also take care of air conditioning and heating repairs. Make us your first stop for indoor comfort.

Continue Reading

Why You Should Consider Zone Control with Your Heating Installation

October 22nd, 2014

A new heating installation can help you improve your comfort and your energy efficiency – but what if we told you there was a way to increase both without a huge hassle? There is–a zone control system. A zone control system gives you a level of control over your heating (and cooling) that a single thermostat can’t, and installing a zone control system with your heating installation in Fairfield can be seamless and easy. Bartels Heating & Cooling has specialized in heating and cooling services since 1973, and we have worked with a variety of systems and upgrades. If you are ready to upgrade your heating system in any way, call us today!

What Is a Zone Control System?

A zone control system is a series of motorized dampers that are installed into the supply vents of your ductwork. The dampers are connected to a main control panel, which controls when and how much the dampers open and close in order to maintain the temperature of a zone. Zones are established by you: they can be individual rooms, a group of rooms or an entire floor – the decision is yours. Each zone has its own thermostat, which is also connected to the main control panel. Zones operate independently, which allows you to set different temperatures per zone.

What Are the Benefits of a Zone Control System?

Here are some of the benefits you can gain with a zone control system:

  • Better energy efficiency – a zone control system allows you to use only the cooling and heating you need. This can help reduce the operation of your system, which helps reduce energy usage.
  • Customized comfort – the independent operation of the thermostats in each zone allows you to set a temperature that is comfortable in each area versus setting a single temperature for all areas.
  • Less stress on your system – heating and cooling only what you need puts less stress on your system, which can help reduce wear and tear and prevent premature aging.

A zone control system can help enhance your new heating installation in Fairfield tremendously. Interested to see what a zone control system can do for you? Call Bartels Heating & Cooling today and schedule an appointment with one of our installation experts.

Continue Reading

How to Tell a Furnace is Your Best Choice for Heating

October 15th, 2014

With all the hype around more modern systems like heat pumps and radiant heating, it’s easy to overlook the furnace as a viable heating option. There is a good reason that the furnace remains the most popular heating choice in America, however. Let’s highlight the reasons why a furnace might be the best choice for your home.

Convenience

The number one reason to choose a furnace as a heating system is that it is the most convenient to install and maintain. Natural gas, the most common furnace fuel source, is readily available in most areas of the country. Because of the popularity of furnaces, it is easy to find an HVAC company that is well versed in installing them. Maintenance is also much easier, as replacement parts will be easy to find.

Flexibility

Furnaces come in a wide variety of types and sizes, making it more likely that you will find one that perfectly suits your home. Keep in mind the way furnaces interface with ductwork, as well. Many homes are outfitted with ductwork for central air conditioning. Oftentimes, furnaces can use this same ductwork without problems. Radiant heating, on the other hand, requires that an entire network of pipes be installed that only that system can use.

Furnaces also tend to heat up faster than other systems, like boilers. Water is a better conductor of thermal energy than air is, but it also takes longer to absorb that energy. A furnace can reach target temperature and begin actually warming the house well before the boiler even begins to approach the right temperature.

Like any system, a furnace has its drawbacks. It isn’t the most energy efficient heating system available, which may result in slightly higher heating bills than if you used other systems. The reduced cost of installation and repairs can often compensate for those factors, however.

If you would like to install a new furnace in your home, call Bartels Heating & Cooling. Our HVAC experts install furnaces throughout West Chester. We’d be happy to help you pick the best furnace for your home. Call us today!

Continue Reading

Heating Options for the Winter Season

October 8th, 2014

As we begin to move into the cold months of winter, people are beginning to think about the state of their heating system. After maintenance and repairs, upgrades are the most common reason that HVAC professionals are called during this season. If the sheer amount of options for heating your home this winter seems daunting, don’t worry. We’ve assembled some information to help you make the right choice.

Furnaces

A furnace is a quite common and reliable option for heating your home. Furnaces are the core of forced air systems, heating air through combustion and circulating it throughout the house using a fan. Oil, wood, and natural gas are common fuel sources, though natural gas is the most widely available.

Boilers

Boilers distribute heat through water instead of air. This necessitates running pipes throughout the house instead of ductwork. There are a number of options for boiler systems, often referred to as “radiant” heating systems. Baseboard heaters and radiators are more traditional methods of distributing the thermal energy throughout the home. Recently, however, pipes installed in the walls and subfloor of a room have also become popular. Boilers, like furnaces, can burn a number of fuels. Again, natural gas tends to be the most common.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are forced air systems that have a couple of unique advantages associated with them. The first advantage is that a heat pump can operate as both a heater and air conditioner. This is accomplished through a reversing valve that can reverse the flow of refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units of the heat pump. This obviously saves you the cost of having one unit for each function, as most homes do.

A heat pump is named for its ability to move heat from one space to another. When in heating mode, the outdoor unit will actually absorb thermal energy from the air around it and direct it into the house. Utilizing this thermal energy saves money on your heating bills, because the heat pump doesn’t have to work as hard as other heating systems. This is the second advantage to installing a heat pump.

If you are interested in installing a new heating system for your home in Hamilton this winter, call Bartels Heating & Cooling.

Continue Reading

Duct Cleaning Question: Why Do the Ducts Get Dirty in the First Place?

October 1st, 2014

You have probably heard that the ductwork in your home requires regular cleaning—usually once every three or four years—in order for the heater and air conditioner to work at their most efficient, and to prevent the indoor air quality from plunging. Regular professional duct cleaning is crucial for maintaining health, comfort, and energy-efficiency in a home.

However, people often wonder how a ventilation system can reach a level of dirtiness where it becomes necessary for trained experts with special equipment to come to a home to clean it. It’s easy to look over a clean house and think that it’s impossible the ducts could have enough contamination in them to create problems.

But no matter how clean a home appears, dust and dirt and other pollutants will find a way into the ventilation system until they reach a level that makes it necessary to call professionals to remove them. Bartels Heating & Cooling is available to handle the job of duct cleaning in Fairfield, OH when you need it.

Why Ducts Develop Contamination

To understand how your ducts become dirty, you need to first understand how the ventilation system operates. There are two types of ductwork in a home’s ventilation system: the return ducts and the supply ducts. The return ducts draw air in from the rooms in a home, where the blower sends the air through the heating/cooling system. The supply ducts then distribute the conditioned air to the registers around the home and into the rooms. The air is eventually drawn back into the return ducts.

For the most part, this is a closed loop. Modern homes have heavy air sealing on them to prevent heat loss and gain. But this means scant fresh air enters the house to clear away dust, dirt, pollen, dander, and other debris. The contamination in a home enters the return vents along with the air, and then circulates in the closed loop through the ventilation system and the home. Over the space of a single year, the average six-room home will circulate more than 40 lbs. of dust through its ventilation system.

This amount of contamination will start to catch along the sides of the duct walls, beginning a process of accumulation that increases as more dust, dirt, lint, etc. gathers. It only takes about a year for a layer of dust to coat the insides of ducts, and another one or two for this buildup to start creating serious airflow issues for the HVAC system. At this point, cleaning is necessary.

Professionals must handle duct cleaning because it takes special equipment and training to access all of the ventilation system and change the pressure inside it in order to agitate the contamination from the ductwork walls. The process only takes a few hours, and it will restore the ducts to like-new condition, resulting in energy savings and a healthier indoor environment.

Since 1973, Bartels Heating & Cooling has delivered quality duct cleaning to Fairfield, OH and the rest of Southwest Ohio. Give us a call to schedule your duct cleaning with us today.

Continue Reading