Tuckers Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating’

Possible Upgrades for Better Heating Performance

Monday, November 18th, 2013

When it comes to heating, Bethesda MD residents want to keep their homes comfortable and energy efficient. We get our share of cold winters in Maryland, and heating can use a lot of energy. You can help yourself out with a little up-front investment in your existing heating system to help it run more efficiently. Here are some possible upgrades for better heating in Bethesda MD.

  • Ductwork upgrades. If you use a forced-air system – a gas furnace that blows hot air through a series of ducts to warm the home – you may want to upgrade your ducts. You can do this in a number of ways: for example by having them wrapped in insulation to better retain the warmth of the air flowing through them. A qualified technician can help you with the specifics.
  • Zone control systems. Zone controls divide your house into different sections, allowing you to heat or cool each one individually. Not only does this allow you to tailor the temperatures in different parts of the house, but you can turn down the heat in rooms you aren’t using, saving you a great deal of money in the process.
  • Programmable thermostats. If you have an older thermostat, consider adding a new digital one with programmable controls. They let you automatically turn the heat down when you go off to work each morning, then turn it back up again ten minutes before you get home. It saves you considerable money in heating without skimping on basic comfort levels.

If you’re exploring possible upgrade for better heating in Bethesda, MD, it pays to consult the advice of professionals. Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating handles all kinds of issues regarding heating, and we offer free second opinions as well as estimates on replacement costs. Let us talk to you about your upgrade options and make the choices that work best for your home and budget. Pick up the phone and give us a call today!

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Is There a “Best” Option for Heating?

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013

When we go shopping for anything we need, whether it’s a car or a bottle of dishwashing liquid, we want to get the best option we can for our money. We would like to believe that somewhere out there exists a “best option” for everything we want to buy—but that’s not often the case.

Take heating your home, for example. You need to have an effective heater in your home to get you through the chilly North Potomac, MD heating season. But is there a “best” choice out there, a single answer to your heating needs?

The answer is: yes and no.

Don’t get frustrated yet! There’s an explanation to that seemingly ambiguous answer, and after you think about it, you’ll see that you have a path toward getting effective and efficient heating in your home for this winter. Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating is here to help guide you down that path.

“No”: There is no general best option for heating

The reason there isn’t a best option for getting home heating is because every house has unique needs. The way to heat a home depends on factors such as size, insulation, age, the number of windows, how many people live there, and the availability of fuel sources. Also, each homeowner will have different goals regarding his or her long-term energy budget. With the variety of different kinds of heating systems available, any attempt to offer a single “best” option would fail.

“Yes”: There is a best option for you

However, if you get experts to look over your house and measure its heating requirements (using an algorithm known as a heat load calculation) and then work with them regarding your specific plans, you can end up with the best option for you. This is why you should never attempt to make a choice for heating system on your own: there are many issues that need the outlook of professionals to discern. If you go from general suggestions found on DIY websites or from the advice of amateurs, the chance of getting the best heating system for your needs will be far less likely.

You don’t want to find out too late into the cold months that you picked the wrong system for heating your North Potomac, MD home. Contact Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating for advice from HVAC experts. Whether a furnace, boiler, or heat pump, we can locate the system that will do the best job possible keeping your family warm this winter.

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Why Consider a Boiler?

Monday, October 28th, 2013

On your list of possible heating systems for installation in your home, is a boiler near the top? If it isn’t, that might be because you consider boilers to be “old fashioned.” They’ve been around for well over a century—and the concept of using hot water to heat a home goes back to ancient times—so perhaps you think the right route for heating in Rockville, MD this winter is to install new, high-tech invention rather than an outdated boiler.

But wait a minute! There are reasons that boilers have stayed around so long. And the modern boiler bears little resemblance to much earlier machines. As HVAC technology advanced, the boiler advanced with it. If you pass over boilers as an option, you will miss out on one of the best methods of heating your home. We’ll explain the benefits of boilers and why you should give them serious consideration.

For excellent boiler installation, hire Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We offer a 5-year parts and labor guarantee.

The benefits of boilers

  • Efficiency: Boilers are among the least expensive home heating units to run. They have high AFUE ratings (annual fuel utilization efficiency), and natural-gas boilers are one of the most fuel-efficient home heaters you can buy today.
  • Longevity: Because they contain few moving parts that will wear down, boilers have an almost unmatched lifespan of service. You can expect fewer repairs on a boiler than you would with a furnace.
  • Clean heating: Since boilers provide heat through radiators and baseboard heaters, they don’t need to rely on air pumped through ducts like furnaces and heat pumps do. This means cleaner air to go along with your warmth.
  • Quiet operation: Few heating systems run with as little noise pollution as a boiler does.
  • Flexible fuel options: Boilers can run off a variety of fuels, with natural gas, electricity, and oil the most common. It’s easy to find a boiler to match your home’s current fuel supply.

All these advantages sound fantastic, and they are. But… a boiler won’t match every home. Even if a boiler sounds like the best choice for you, there are so many models and brands available with different options that you’ll need an expert to help you make the correct choice. That expert should also handle the installation when the time comes.

Look to Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating for advice on heating your Rockville, MD home. We will send NATE-certified technicians to your house to start the process of getting you the right boiler to keep you cozy this winter.

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How to Cut Heating Costs

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

When it comes to heating, Bethesda, MD homeowners are always looking for ways to cut costs. Our snowy winters create a high demand for reliable heating systems, and with that comes an equally high monthly energy bill. You’d be surprised at the ways you can lower that monthly bill without skimping on the heating required to make your home cozy and comfortable.  Here’s how to cut heating costs in Bethesda, MD.

Heating starts with the home itself as much as the furnace. Insulation in your walls and attic will retain the warm air for you. You can help it out by checking for leaks around your doors or windows and sealing them up properly. Double-sided windows can be very helpful as well, and if you can add more insulation to your walls or attic, you should do so.

As far as the furnace itself goes, proper maintenance is the key to high efficiency. A regular maintenance session from a qualified professional can tighten any loose fittings, clean the dirt off of core components, and identify any problem areas for a more extensive repair session later. That helps the furnace perform at peak efficiency. It won’t have to work as hard to overcome faulty components, and it can heat the home with less effort than it might others.

If you’re thinking about something more extensive, consider an upgrade or an addition to your heating system. For example, if you have an older thermostat, replace it with a programmable one that lets you shut if off automatically when you go to work and back on again twenty minutes before you arrive home. Similar upgrades include zone controls and air filtration systems, all of which will help you shave a few dollars off of the bottom line.

If you want to cut heating costs in Bethesda, MD and need some expert help, Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating is standing by. Call us today to make an appointment.

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Heating FAQ: When to Stop Repairing Your Heater

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

In Rockville, MD, heating systems can last a long time provided they’re treated properly. Good upkeep and maintenance allow them to perform smoothly during our snowy winters. There comes a time, however, when wear and tear have taken too much of a toll, and repair bills mount up so quickly that there’s no option but to replace the old unit with a newer one. It can be tough to spot that moment exactly. Here are a few signs that could determine when to stop repairing your heater and install a new one. If you still aren’t sure if you need professional heating services in Rockville, give us a call.

  • Your heater is old. In and of itself, this shouldn’t determine whether or not you install a new heater. With proper maintenance, your heater can last well beyond that time period. However, when added to other indicators on this list, it’s a pretty good sign that your heater is ready to be replaced.
  • Costs are rising too high. In part, this means that breakdowns are becoming more frequent and repair bills are rising. But it also means a general loss of efficiency, resulting in higher monthly energy bills. If your bills are going up even though you’re not using your heater any more than normal, and breakdowns are becoming the rule more than the exception, it’s probably time to consider other options.
  • The sizing isn’t right. This can tie into extended repair issues and other problems with your heating unit. Your heater needs to be neither too small nor too large to heat the space in your home. If it’s too small, it will struggle to heat the home adequately. It it’s too large, it will cycle on and off too often, increasing wear and tear as well as raising your bills. Both issues will cause your heater to break down sooner than it should. Replacing an incorrectly sized heater with a properly sized one will go a long way towards reducing these problems.

If you know when to stop repairing your heater and need a local expert to help install a new one, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating right away. We specialize in heating and can spell out your options for your Rockville, MD home before installing your new heater.

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Unfamiliar Odors and Your Heating System

Monday, September 23rd, 2013

When it comes to heating in Bethesda, MD, you can’t take chances. Our cold winters make reliable furnaces an absolute necessity, and with our hot, humid summers, we may not even be aware of a problem until we turn on our heaters at the beginning of the cool season. You need to be aware of the signs of problems before they become a major issue. That way, you can arrange for a timely repair service before the first cold front moves in. Take for example, the question of unfamiliar odors and your heating. What do those odors mean, exactly? In general terms, look for the following:

  • Burning or smoke.  When individual components start to wear out, they may work too hard to keep your home heated and start to overheat. The burning smell is likely caused by one of these components. Turn off your heater immediately and contact a service repair representative.
  • An electrical smell. This goes hand-in-hand with the burning smell, but probably contains the whiff of ozone or a similar discharge. It can help pinpoint the source of the trouble, which is likely electrical in nature and stems from a short circuit somewhere in the heating system. The procedure is the same, however: shut off the heater, and turn off the breaker powering it if possible, then call a trained electrician to help.
  • Dusty smell. A dusty smell is far less dire than other smells, especially if you’re turning your heater on for the first time in a while. It’s simply accumulated dust in the system, being blown up or burned when the components start. You can avoid that smell by scheduling a routine maintenance visit before operating your heater.

Whatever the cause, there’s no reason to take a chance with unfamiliar smells and your heating. If you live in  Bethesda, MD and need heating service, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating today at 301-670-0034!

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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 professionally installed and serviced. Call us today at 301-670-003 for heating services in North Potomac, MD and the surrounding areas!

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How Do Ductless Mini Split Systems Work? A Heating Question

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Ductless mini split systems are a great option for homeowners comfortable and efficient heating for their home. While some homeowners have already started to take advantage of them, some people may not know how they provide heating. At Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating, we offer complete ductless mini split system repairs and maintenance in Bethesda, MD. We wanted to clarify exactly how these amazing systems provide heating for your home.

Traditional Heating Systems

Furnaces and boilers are two of the most common heating systems in the country. They offer comfortable heat for homeowners and are also fairly cheap to repair. However, they produce heat by burning fuel. Burning fuel in your home can be dangerous: not only is there risk of fire but there is also the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Ductless Mini Split Systems

Unlike other traditional heating systems, ductless mini split systems don’t burn fuel to create heat. Instead, they just move heat from one place to another. Ductless mini split systems have individual units mounted on the wall in each room. These units circulate the air in the rooms and heat or cool it. It does this by pulling air into the unit and passing it over a series of evaporator coils that are filled with refrigerant.

The “split” part of their name comes from them being connected to an outdoor condensing unit. This condensing unit is responsible for collecting the heat that will go into your home. In heating mode, heat from the outside air is absorbed by a series of coils in the outside unit. The newly heated refrigerant circles back into your home where the evaporator coils in the room units allow the heat to be distributed into your home.

If you’re interested learning more about ductless mini split systems in Bethesda, MD, call Tuckers Air Conditioning & Heating. We provide complete ductless mini split installation and repairs throughout the Bethesda, MD area.

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Does My Furnace Need Maintenance Service if it is Operational? A Common 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 thoroughly 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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