Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

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North Potomac, MD Heating Guide: Types of Heating Systems Available

Monday, February 25th, 2013

If you’re considering installing a heating system in your new North Potomac, MD home, or thinking of upgrading to a new type of heating, it’s important to know what your options are. Whatever system you choose, you’ll need to consult with a heating professional in order to make sure that your new heater matches the size of your home, and that it meets your energy-efficiency requirements. Let Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating help you make the right decision. Our team of experienced heating technicians can make sure that your home will stay comfortable all year long.

Depending on the size, location, and needs of your home, several options are available to homeowners in the North Potomac, MD area, from geothermal to ductless mini splits. Here are just a few:

  • Boiler- The boiler heats water and distributes either hot water throughout your home by means of baseboard copper piping or radiators. It can be fueled by gas or electricity. It can also heat the water in your home, making it one of the most versatile conventional heating systems. As an alternative to a forced-air system, the boiler does not use extensive ductwork to circulate air throughout your home, and remains an economical and energy efficient heater.
  • Furnace- This is probably the most common type of heating system. The furnace burns fuel to create hot air, which is then distributed through a system of ducts into the various spaces of your home. New furnaces boast outstanding energy efficiency ratings, much higher than their forebears. Gas furnaces run especially clean.
  • Geothermal. As its name suggests, geothermal systems harness the latent temperature of the earth to heat your home. The temperature of the ground below the frost line stays at a median of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the geothermal heating system extracts the heat of the median temperature by means of a heat transfer fluid, and a heat pump then uses that heat to warm air which is circulated throughout your home. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.

Remember that consulting with a heating professional should be the first step. Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating will ensure that your heater is professional installed and serviced. Call us today at 301-670-003 for heating solutions in North Potomac, MD and the surrounding areas!

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Does My Furnace Need Maintenance Service if it is Operational? A Chevy Chase Heating Question

Monday, January 21st, 2013

When your furnace is working well, you probably don’t think much about it. We all love to enjoy the consistent and comfortable heat of a well-functioning furnace. It’s only when our furnace stops providing heat that we actually pay it any attention. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, we provide complete furnace repair and furnace maintenance in Chevy Chase. Getting regular heating maintenance for your furnace is always a good idea. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the benefits.

Benefits of Heating Maintenance

No matter what kind of heating system you have, getting regular inspections and tune-ups is probably a good idea. We all realize how beneficial regular oil changes and tune-ups are for our cars: the same goes for your furnace. Here are some of the benefits of furnace maintenance.

  • Reduced repairs – Perhaps one of the best benefits to regular furnace maintenance is that it can potentially reduce the need for costly repairs. When you have a professional heating technician from Tuckers looking over your furnace, they’ll be able to detect small problems before they potentially turn into larger ones.
  • Increased efficiency – When you use your furnace often without every maintaining it, dirt and dust will start to build up in it. The moving parts will start to wear out which can lead to a decrease in efficiency. During regular maintenance visits, our technicians will clean out and thorough inspect your furnace. We’ll lubricate the fan’s bearings, replace the fan belt and much more. All of this can potentially increase the efficiency of your furnace.
  • Extended equipment life – We called to replace furnaces all the time here in Chevy Chase. Many of those furnaces were destroyed by small problems that could have been detected and fixed during a routine maintenance visit.

If you’re interested in learning more about furnace maintenance in Chevy Chase, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034!

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Heating FAQ: When Should I Schedule Heating Repair Service?

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you need a heating repair service, call Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating. Not only do we provide quality repairs, we also provide free estimates on replacement equipment, as well as free second opinions. If someone else has quoted you on a repair that you aren’t sure you need, give us a call.

We’ve put together a list of common heating problems and some of the potential causes and solutions. Remember that it is important to call as soon as you notice an issue with your heater, since this helps to prevent further damage and equipment failure.

Furnace Not Producing Heat

When a furnace is not producing heat at all, make sure it is on and that your thermostat is on the right setting. You should also make sure it’s set to the heating mode. Consult your owner’s manual if you are not sure how to check the mode. A tripped circuit breaker can also cause your furnace to stop producing any heat. You should call for a repair if these simple fixes do not take care of problem. The furnace could have larger issues or need replacement parts.

If the furnace is running but not producing enough heat, make sure the vents are open and that you’ve changed the air filter. Dirty air filters can affect the airflow and cause your furnace to under perform. Change them often in the winter, at least once every two months, or once a month depending on the model.

Boiler Problems

If your boiler has stopped working, it could be a safety feature that has shut down the system when there’s an issue. If you have an older boiler, or one that has not been maintained, it could also be sediment in the water tank, especially if you hear hissing or popping noises. The sediment could be boiling and damaging the inside of the tank.

Call the heating experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating if you experience any of these problems, or if need any heating repair service in Gaithersburg.

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Getting the Most from a Commercial Heater

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Getting the most efficient performance possible out of any heating system is a great goal to have, but it can be especially important – and difficult – when dealing with a commercial heating system. Commercial heating systems are put under a lot of stress, and they can go through a lot of energy to keep your commercial space comfortably warm. That is why it is so important that you contact a professional service provider, such as Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating, to handle all of your commercial heating services in Gaithersburg. Only a qualified professional can help you get the most out of your commercial heater.

The process begins before your commercial heating system installation is even performed. It is necessary that your commercial heater is appropriately sized for your commercial space. If the system is too small it will be overtaxed and inefficient. If it is too large it will heat the space too quickly, short-cycling often and reducing air quality. This can lead to unnecessary wear and tear or damages to your commercial heater.

The installation of your commercial heater is integral to its successful, efficient operation. This is a much bigger job than a residential installation, and your professional service provider must be able to integrate all of the components into your system properly for you to get the full benefits. If your installation is not handled by a qualified professional, you will never get the efficiency and effectiveness during operation that it should be capable of.

Finally, the most important step that you can possibly take is to schedule regular, professional maintenance for your commercial heater. Having a commercial heating expert service and maintain your system is the best protection you have to prevent minor problems from becoming serious issues. Even light damages to your system can quickly snowball, reduce efficiency and cause serious disruption to your commercial heating service if left unaddressed.

When you need to keep your commercial heating system in Gaithersburg running smoothly, you need to contact a professional. A high quality installation teamed with the exceptional services from Tucker’s Air Conditioning & Heating can help you get the most from your commercial heater. Call today to schedule service.

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What to Consider Before Scheduling a Heater Installation

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

Having a good heating system here in Gaithersburg is absolutely critical during the winters. We all love to go outside and play in the snow, but eventually we all want to go back inside to a warm home. When you decide to get a new heating system installed, there are a lot of things to consider before you move forward. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, we’ve been helping our customers in the Gaithersburg area with their heating installations for many years. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the most important things to consider before having your new system installed.

Size of the System

No matter what kind of heating system you’re getting installed, picking the right sized unit is crucial to the success of your system. We get calls for service all the time to homes where the furnace too big for the home. Here are some of the problems that can result from a heating system being the wrong size for the house.

  • Short cycling – This happens when your heating system turns on, quickly heats up your home and then shuts off. A short time later when your house has cooled down, the system turns back on and then off again. Not only does this greatly reduce the efficiency of your system, it also causes more wear and tear on it.
  • Uneven heating – When you have a heating system that is too big or too small, it can cause certain parts of your home to be too warm while other parts of the house are still cold.
  • Reduced efficiency – While short cycling can cause reduced efficiency, the size of the ducts in your home also play a part in reducing the efficiency. If your home’s ducts don’t match the size of the system, your heater will have to work harder to push the air through them.

Efficiency Rating

This can be a confusing part of the process for many homeowners. There are a lot of different efficiency ratings and it can be hard to figure out what they mean. Here are a couple of the most common ones:

  • Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) – The AFUE rating measures how much of the fuel consumed is converted into useable heat. Many old furnaces have an AFUE rating of 60% which means that they waste about 40% of the fuel. New furnaces can have an AFUE rating of up to 95% and higher.
  • Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) – This is typically used to measure the efficiency of heat pumps in heating mode. It measures the total heat output over a heating season divided by how much energy it used.

If you need professional heating installation services in Gaithersburg, contact Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We have experience working with all types and brands of heating systems. A good installation is one of the best ways to make sure that your heating system works well for many years to come. Call us today!

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Heating Tip: Early Warning Signs of Heating System Problems

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Heating systems function best and last longest when they are well maintained. Homeowners sometimes wait until a break-down in the heating system of their home before addressing a problem.  These types of repairs are usually costly, and can weaken the overall functionality of a heating system.  By keeping an eye out for early warning signs that your heating system may be in need of maintenance or repair, you will save money and extend the life of the heater.

Here are early warning signs to look out for:

Heat Pumps

Proper air flow is essential for any heating system to work well, including heat pumps. If you believe there is an inconsistency in air flow from your heat pump, or you feel air leaks coming from ducts, it is a good idea to call a professional to inspect it. An HVAC contractor can check to see that the air is moving properly throughout the system. It is a good idea to have your coils cleaned on your heat pump, because if they are dirty or clogged it can prevent good air flow.

Boilers

There are a few early warning signs that your boiler may be in need of maintenance.  If you notice a decrease in heat being produced, something may have happened inside the boiler to reduce the hot water levels. You can check the pressure gauge, or call a technician to do so, to see if that is culprit. If there is a problem with the radiator within the boiler, you may hear a hissing sound or there may be a lack of heat if this is the case. Problems with the radiator will require an HVAC technician to fix it.

If you notice that your gas boiler’s pilot light has gone out that may indicate a gas flow problem within the system. Call an HVAC technician, who should be able to easily fix the issue. And if you notice any water leakage coming from your boiler, that can lead to problems with temperature control.

If you notice any signs of trouble with your heating system, especially early on, it is important to address them as soon as possible to help maintain your heater’s performance.  Call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating at 301-670-0034 with any questions or to help address any concerns with the heating system in your Gaithersburg area home.

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5 Benefits of Heating Maintenance That You’re Missing Out On

Monday, November 19th, 2012

Think about how your car would run if you didn’t get the oil changed regularly. Now imagine how the heating system in your home will run without maintenance. Regular tune-ups and maintenance are a great way to positively impact the heating system in your home. To show just how beneficial regular maintenance can be, we’ve put together 5 benefits that you might be missing out on without it.

Reduced Repair Costs

One of the main benefits of regular maintenance is that it can potentially reduce the amount of repairs that are needed for your heating system. When you have a professional heating technician looking over your equipment on a regular basis, they can find small problems before they turn into larger, more expensive repairs.

Improved Efficiency

Over time, the efficiency of your heating system will start to deteriorate. This is just a natural part of life. Moving parts start to wear down and they cause the system to have to work harder to accomplish tasks. Regular heating maintenance is a good option for slowing that process down. During their maintenance visits, the technician will lubricate moving parts, replace worn belts and generally perform upkeep on the system. This may be able to improve the efficiency of the system.

Extended Life

Another benefit of regular maintenance is the potential to extend the life of your heating equipment. Your professional heating technician will be able to catch small problems before they can destroy your system completely. This reduces the chances that catastrophic issues will develop.

Safety

In some cases, regular maintenance might be able to improve the safety in your home. Some problems that develop with your heating system, particularly those systems that burn fuel, can be threatening to your health and your home. For example, if you have a furnace with a cracked heat exchanger, it might be leaking carbon monoxide into your home. This problem is very difficult to detect. But with regular maintenance, your professional technician will most likely be able to identify the symptoms and propose a solution.

Greater Comfort

With regular maintenance your heating system will probably work better. This will most likely result in a greater level of comfort in your home due to the proper operation of your heating system.

If you have any questions about the heating system in your home in Bethesda or the surrounding areas, contact the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been providing comprehensive heating installation, repair and maintenance services in the Bethesda area for many years. Call us today!

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Central Heating Maintenance

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Do you change the oil in your car regularly? Most people do. Regular maintenance for your car is a great way to potentially reduce repairs costs and increase efficiency for your vehicle. That principle is also true for the central heating system in your home. Making sure that all of the components in your central heating system are working properly may be able to reduce the cost of repairs in the long run. Here are a few of the common maintenance tasks that your professional heating technician can perform when they visit your home.

Forced Air Systems

If you have a forced air system like a furnace or a heat pump, there are a number of different things that your technician can do to make sure that your system works well.

  • Check the air filter – The air filter on forced air system is one of the easiest parts to maintain. It is also the most common cause of problems that we see in Bethesda.
  • Check the flue – If you have a gas-fired system like a furnace, your flue is responsible for removing the harmful combustion gasses out of your house. If it starts to leak, it can allow carbon monoxide and other harmful contaminants. Making sure that the connections and joints in this system are properly fitted, are absolutely critical.
  • Refrigerant levels – If you have a heat pump, whether it’s air or water source, your technician will check the pressure gauge to make sure that the refrigerant levels are at the proper levels.
  • The fan – The fan is one of the most critical parts of a forced air system. It’s the part that actually pushes the air through your duct work. Checking the fan blades, the fan bearings and the belt are great ways to make sure that the fan works correctly.

Water Circulation

Water circulation systems include boilers and other radiant heating systems. Because these systems don’t use a series of ducts to move air, they obviously require different maintenance tasks.

  • Check water pressure – This is one of the most crucial parts of a boiler system. Near your boiler there normally is a pressure gauge that indicates the water pressure in the lines. Depending on the brand and type of boiler you have, the optimal levels can vary. A trained technician will be able to tell you exactly what that is.
  • Expansion chamber – This chamber holds heated water that is allowed to expand and produce pressure. Water or air leaks in this chamber can lead to poor performance of your boiler system.

No matter what kind of heating system that you have in your home in Bethesda, the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating can help make sure that it works well when you need. We are committed to our customers’ complete satisfaction and have experience working on all types and brands of heating systems. Call us today at 301-670-0034 to learn more about our maintenance program, the Ultimate Savings Agreement!

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Heating Maintenance Tasks for Furnaces, Boilers, Heat Pumps, and Geothermal Systems

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Regular maintenance of your heating and air conditioning system is critical to extending the life of your equipment and keeping it running well. We’ve laid out some of the basic maintenance practices for furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and geothermal systems.

Furnace Maintenance

Here are some essential tasks that need to be regularly performed on your furnace by a professional:

  • Check and replace the air filter
  • Check and clean the burner, ignition source
  • Check the flames for irregular movement or color
  • Check the flue for cracks, leaks or holes
  • Check the motor and fan blades for debris and obvious wear or repair needs

Boiler Maintenance

Boilers also need regular, professional maintenance. Here are some things your contractor will do:

  • Bleed radiators to release air bubbles
  • Check and clean burner
  • Check water and air levels in expansion chamber
  • Check for water leaks around the base of the boiler
  • Check pump, lubricate parts as necessary

Heat Pump Maintenance

Heat pumps typically have a condensing unit outside that needs regular, professional maintenance. Heat pump maintenance includes:

  • Changing air filters
  • Check refrigerant levels
  • Lubricate and clean all moving parts like fan motor, belts and blades
  • Check coils for leaks
  • Check drainage line and condensate pan for clogs or leaks
  • Visually inspect your duct system

Geothermal Maintenance

Though geothermal systems don’t need a lot of maintenance, there are some tasks that need to be performed by a professional regularly to keep them working efficiently.

  • They will change the air filter for your geothermal system
  • Check the refrigerant pressure gauges regularly to make sure that there isn’t a leak in your loop
  • Check and lubricate moving parts like fan motors, belts and blades
  • Visually inspect your ducts
  • Check condensation drain lines and the condensate pan for clogs and leaks

Regular professional maintenance is absolutely critical to your comfort. If you have questions about heating and air conditioning maintenance for your home in Gaithersburg, then call the experts at Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034.

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Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Monday, October 15th, 2012

With winter fast approaching it is important to make sure that your home is ready for it. There are a number of steps you can take to make sure that home is comfortable and efficiently heated on even the coldest days of the year. Here are some tips from Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating to help your prepare your home for winter.

  • Air Stripping and Shrink Wrapping: It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing look, but shrink wrapping your windows can make a big improvement on heating efficiency. Air stripping your door frames will also help keep the heat in your home, where it belongs.
  • Schedule Maintenance Now: Before you put your home heating system into heavy rotation make sure that it is in good working condition. Call a professional heating and air conditioning company for maintenance service before the cold arrives. That way you know that your heater will be ready for action.
  • Flip the Switch: Did you know that your ceiling fans actually have two settings? There is a switch on the fixture that allows you to reverse the direction in which the fan blades spin. In the winter keep your blades spinning clockwise (usually) to force the air that has risen back down to the living area.
  • Schedule an Energy Audit: If your heating costs seemed unusually high last year you may want to schedule a professional energy audit. Procedures such as a blower door test can help pinpoint where your home is leaking energy, making it easier to repair hard-to-find leaks.
  • Upgrade Your System: If your heater was inefficient last year, it’s going to be inefficient this year. Don’t be put off by the initial investment of an equipment upgrade. Look for products that offer the most energy efficiency for your budget and the savings will add up, offsetting purchase costs.
  • Put on a Sweater!: This may sound simple, but simply putting on an extra layer or two while at home will allow you to lower your thermostat settings by a few degrees. It may seem inconsequential, but even small reductions in energy use will add up over the season.
  • Clean Out the Gutters: Clogged gutters are never ideal, but when temperatures drop the debris and moisture can freeze up. This will lead to overflow from your gutters, in turn leading to icy conditions around your home. Keep your walkways safe and ice free this winter.
  • Add Some Wood to the Fire: If you have a fireplace remember that it is not just for decoration. Keep wood on hand for those nights when you want a little extra comfort but don’t want to turn up the thermostat. A working fireplace is a great opportunity for cozy evenings with the family.

Take these tips to heart and you can start living more comfortably during the coldest months of the year. Get creative and see what else you can come up with. When it comes to getting your home ready for winter preparation is key.

Call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034 to schedule your annual maintenance visit or to learn more about our Ultimate Savings Agreement!

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