Tag: heating

A New Heating System for a New Year

Start the New Year Warm and Cozy With a New Heater Installation

There’s nothing worse than spending the cold with a faulty heater. Whether it’s a boiler on the fritz or a furnace throwing a fit, it can be downright dangerous to have a malfunctioning heater. This blog shares some signs that it’s time for a new heater and what to do to make the most of it!

Signs It’s Time for a Heater Replacement

There are certainly some telltale signs that indicate a failing heater. The first thing to look at is the age of the heater. Both furnaces and boilers last about fifteen years. So if the heater is fifteen years old or older, there’s a good chance it’s on its last legs. Heater performance is also something to consider. If the rooms heat unevenly and there are cold spots throughout the house, it means a problem with the heater. 

If the heating costs are higher than usual, it’s another indication that the heater is faulty because issues with the unit can lead to a loss of efficiency.  Finally, it’s good to keep an ear out. Strange sounds from the boiler or furnace often mean a failing heater or component of the heater. If homeowners notice signs of a malfunctioning heating system, they should call a professional before it gets worse.  

Choosing the Right Heater for the Homeheater

Two popular types of residential heaters are furnaces and boilers. Generally, whatever type of heater the house already has will be the best bet for replacement. Boilers are often replaced with boilers and furnaces with furnaces. This is because both systems have associated infrastructure to go with them. This means a system of pipes, baseboard heaters, and radiators for boilers. For furnaces, this means ductwork. So installing a boiler in a house that previously had a furnace would be more expensive than just replacing the furnace.

There are also things to consider when it comes to boilers and furnaces. Boilers tend to be quieter than furnaces and don’t move allergens like dust and pollen around in the air as furnaces do. But boilers rely on heating water, so there can be corrosion and water damage issues if the boiler breaks. Homeowners who need guidance on the right heater for their home should consult a qualified HVAC professional. 

Ensure Proper Maintenance for the New Heating System

maintainingNo matter what kind of heater the home gets,  homeowners should remember the importance of proper maintenance. Like any other complex system, heaters need regular maintenance performed by trained professionals to ensure longevity and performance. When cared for properly with maintenance, the heater will keep the house warm more efficiently, with fewer repairs, lower utility bills, and a longer lifespan.

But if maintenance is skipped, it’s only a matter of time before the heater starts causing problems and losing efficiency. Maintenance also allows professionals to catch any issues before they turn into more costly problems. It’s good for homeowners to think of heater maintenance as caring for their investment. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has more than 40 years of expertise serving Staten Island, NY, and the surrounding areas. They provide maintenance plans, fast response, and financing. Call them today for boiler or furnace installation in Staten Island, NY.

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Women's History In The Heating and Cooling Profession

Who Are The Women Who Impacted Heating and Cooling?

Women’s history month would not be complete without discussing the women pioneers of the heating and air conditioning industry. These women have patented inventions that are still used today to help regulate a home's temperature. By learning through hands-on experience and mentorship, these women changed how challenges are perceived. 

Today’s Women

Over the past few decades, more women have entered the heating and air conditioning industry. This is partly due to the women who have come before them. Previous women in the industry worked hard to become recognized as professionals and masters in their fields. They were able to provide an attainable vision for women in the field today. 

Women now work in various roles, including technical assistance, engineering, and business ownership. Depending on the type of job, education requirements greatly vary. A woman engineer is not the only type of professional that can make a difference. The required education necessary for the HVAC industry can open doors for women from different economic levels. To have a secure job in a profession that uses hard-earned skills is attractive to both men and women. 

Alice H. Parker

aliceAlice Parker was born in Morrison, NJ, in 1885. As a child, the winters were cold and often left her feet and hands feeling numb in the morning. Today she is known as a revolutionary female inventor in the heating and cooling business. Her invention of a specific type of gas furnace has impacted both men and women for decades.  

Alice Parker’s gas furnace was powered by natural gas. It contained individually controlled ducts that could distribute heat throughout a home. Using her education from mechanical engineering school, she provided a system that regulated temperature in different areas of a building. 

In 2019 the National Society of Black Physicists honored her invention as a “revolutionary idea” for the 1920s. She was able to channel her creativity and hard work in a way that could influence many people to come.

Margaret Ingels

margaret

Margaret Ingels was the first female engineer to have graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. She was the first woman to receive a mechanical engineering degree in the country. She chose to focus her work on air conditioning to develop a temperature regulation method that worked.

After researching at the American Society of Heating and Ventilating Engineers’ lab, she became interested in germ-laden dust. This was a particular concern of hers regarding classrooms and other public spaces where the air was available to everyone. She eventually helped create the sling psychrometer to show how much humidity is in the air.

Margaret Ingels continues to help promote women's agency even after her death in 1971. The Student Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Kentucky now provides a fund in her honor. This Fellowship Fund is designed to help students enrolled in a Master of Science degree. 

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

Paul’s Home Care Club is a membership offered by PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning that allows members to receive a 15% discount on all repairs, priority service, and scheduled maintenance inspections. Call PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning today for service in Staten Island, NY.

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Fixing the Central Heating and Cooling Unit at the Source

The Best Ways to Fix the Central HVAC Unit

Being a homeowner is glorious, isn’t it? Well, that’s not always true. Of course, there is a lot of value to owning a home because it goes up in value over time and often ends up being among the top high-value assets that people own. But on the other hand, it can be really stressful to own a home! Things break down, need to be replaced, need to be updated, and so on. It can be hard to keep up with everything as a homeowner.

Different systems in the home can develop problems as the home ages, often within the HVAC system. So who wants an easy way to fix their central HVAC unit? Most people would agree that they want to find solutions to the common HVAC mechanical issues that they face. To help solve this need, here are a few easy ways to fix the small issues that homeowners will face on an HVAC system.

Tip #1: Melt Ice on the Condensate Drain Line

ice meltingThe refrigerant is a critical piece to a well-functioning HVAC unit. The role of the refrigerant is to absorb the heat from the air indoors and transform that heat from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure liquid.

The refrigerant then moves outside where fans blow on the coils, cool the refrigerant, and turn it back into a gas. This process should run flawlessly, but if there is a leak, the refrigerant can cause parts of the HVAC system to freeze.

The best thing a homeowner can do is to first fix the leak so the same issue doesn’t continue happening. Second, homeowners should clean up the mess by melting any ice that may be on the condensate drain line to prevent other parts of the HVAC system from malfunctioning.

Tip #2: Clean the Outdoor Unit

Though the outdoor unit may be outside and seem separate from the rest of the house and HVAC unit, it is truly a critical part of HVAC functionality. This part of the system is often forgotten, so it isn’t cleaned regularly. However, when gunk starts to build up on the outdoor unit, the efficiency of the system quickly goes downhill.

cleaning hvac

Make sure that dust, dirt, leaves, or any other debris are cleared off of the outdoor unit. Just add this task to the spring clean list so it doesn’t get forgotten! A clean condenser unit ensures that the HVAC system is functioning efficiently and that the outdoor unit won’t overheat or malfunction from having too much debris covering it.

Tip #3: Schedule Regular Maintenance

schedulingWhen people think about their cars, they think about the regular maintenance that a car needs. They know they need to change the oil about every six months. They know they need to rotate their tires. They know they need to wash the car when it gets too dirty.

Car owners know that the car needs regular technical maintenance to operate efficiently. Yet homeowners often forget that the same is true for their HVAC system.

The best way to keep a working central HVAC system is to schedule maintenance checks. These checks can help identify small problems before they turn into a costly disaster.

About PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning is committed to providing customers with a hassle-free service experience from start to finish. They handle it all: clogged drains, leaking water heaters, AC repairs, rattling furnaces, and more. And they don’t just fix the problem - they make sure it doesn’t happen again!

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3 Dirty Little Secret Habits to Save Money on Heating Bills

Create Habits to Save Money on Heating

The days may be getting shorter, but many homeowners have probably noticed an increase in their heating bills over the last few months. As temperatures drop and heaters or furnaces are being used more, it may seem inevitable, but it’s not. Read on for three tips from HVAC professionals for creating habits to help save money this winter by keeping the heating system efficient, and the heating bill down.

1. Ensure the Home is Airtight

make home air tightA small crack in a window or door can seem minor, but letting hot air escape and cold air in can take its toll on any heating system. Making the home airtight will ensure that the system doesn’t use more energy than it needs to in order to heat the house.

It also prevents the system from overworking itself, which could lead to more costly repairs down the road. Making the home airtight can be a quick weekend project. Assess exterior walls, especially those with windows and doors, to find places where the air is escaping.

Not sure which doors or windows might need work? If visible light is coming through, then air is definitely escaping there. Homeowners can also hold up their hand around the edges to feel for cold air coming through.

They should also check any recessed lighting that may connect with the attic area and even the insulation around electrical outlets. Once air leaks are determined, there are a few different ways to make the home airtight. Here are three ways to make the home airtight this weekend:

  1. Apply caulk or spray foam around windows or other exterior cracks. This is one of the most common ways for air to escape.
  2. Install foam weather strips around windows or doors.
  3. Place a draft guard at the bottom of exterior doors that have a gap at the ground.

Most home improvement stores will have all of these things available, as well as a professional to answer with any questions about how to install them.

2. Keep the Heating System Clean

Keeping the heating system clean is important for a number of reasons. Not only does it help avoid potential fire hazards, but it also increases the life of the system, and helps it run more efficiently. An efficient system gets the heat where it needs to go as quickly as possible and uses as little energy as possible to get it there, which will ultimately save money.

clean heating system

Additionally, keeping your system clean will go a long way to improving your air quality, which is always important for the family. Annually cleaning the heating system is an important habit for homeowners looking to save money.

3. Replace Old HVAC Parts

replace old hvac partsSimilar to keeping it clean, replacing old HVAC parts will increase the life expectancy of the heating system, and keep it running efficiently. Spending money on new parts may not seem like the best way to save money in the long-term, but running a system with old parts that need to be replaced can cause long-term damage to the system overall.

The cost of a replacement part now is well worth avoiding the cost of having to replace the entire system sooner than anticipated. Additionally, replacing old heating parts will help the system use less energy, which can show up as immediate savings on the next heating bill.

Get Professional Help

PAC Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning has been the local leader for plumbing and HVAC in Staten Island since 1979. Offering tailored advice for customers, they promise to deliver high-quality solutions with excellent customer service. They also have a Home Care Club available for homeowners interested in preventative maintenance like HVAC tune-ups and extended warranties.

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