CJS Heating and AC Repair

How to keep your Furnace from Collecting Dirt and Dust

When the cold weather hits, one thing you want to know for sure is that your furnace will work reliably and efficiently. It’s important to keep up with the maintenance on your furnace so that it will be in peak condition when you need it to keep you warm. What you may not realize, though, is that something as simple as dirt or dust can cause major issues with your furnace.  

  • Dirt clogs your air filters. The filter is an important part of your furnace because it keeps contaminants out of your system. If dust and debris get through the filter, they can damage your furnace’s components. If the filter is doing its job, though, it needs to be changed about once a month during the heating system, because otherwise it will become clogged and restrict air flow. Restricted air flow makes your furnace work harder and wear out faster.  
  • Dust and debris in your furnace can cause a burned-out motor. Dirt that gets into the moving parts of the blower motors can cause them to burn out and need replacing. When dirt and dust get into the burners, they can’t draw oxygen to light the jets as easily. Then, too, the jets can’t easily transmit heat to the combustion chamber if they’re dirty. 
  • A dirty furnace is a less effective furnace. Dust across the heat exchangers causes them to transfer less heat. This forces the furnace to run longer to reach the right temperature, which can cause the whole system to wear out more quickly than it should.  
  • That weird odor you smell could be dust in your furnace. Dust that collects on the heat exchanger and in the air ducts when the furnace is not in use can cause a smell once it’s turned on again. If the problem is simply a matter of built-up dust, it should disappear within a few hours. If it doesn’t, change the air filter. If it still persists, it could mean something else, like a problem with mold somewhere in the system. If the smell is more like burning plastic or electrical parts, see if you can spot a foreign object in the registers or ductwork. If that doesn’t seem to be a problem, call in an expert to help you determine what’s wrong.  
How can you keep dust, dirt, and debris out of your furnace? The main thing you can do by yourself is to change the air filters. It’s also smart to have your air ducts cleaned from time to time, and have your system serviced every time there’s a change of seasons.   Whether you need routine maintenance, duct service, or replacement or repair of your heating and cooling system, you can trust CJS Heating and Air to handle the work for you. We believe in transparency and professionalism, so you’ll know the detailed price before we ever get started, and our team will work hard to make sure you’re satisfied. Our techs are screened, background checked, tested and trained, and our service is dependable and backed up with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about us, please visit our website, chat with a friendly representative, or give us a call with any questions you might have.  ]]>

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Furnace, Furnace Repair, Helpful Tips, HVAC, Maintenance

Prevent Furnace Failure This Winter with These Tips

Columbus Air Conditioning ServiceWill your furnace last another winter? If it’s a few years old, you might not be sure. What you do know is how disruptive a furnace breakdown can be, especially in the middle of the holidays while in-laws are visiting. Decrease the chance of furnace failure this winter by following these tips. 

Have Your Furnace Inspected 

A furnace is most likely to fail when you need it most. Avoid inconvenient breakdowns and emergency repairs with a preventative furnace inspection at the start of the heating season. Your expert technician will check the electrical wiring, inspect valves for leaks, clean the burners, lubricate moving parts, inspect and replace the fan belt if needed, and perform other tasks that set up your furnace for a failure-free season. 

Replace the Air Filter 

This is something your heating technician will do during a furnace inspection, but be prepared to change the filter again in a month or two. If you neglect this task, the filter could become so clogged with hair, dust, fibers and other debris that airflow is restricted to a dangerous level, causing your furnace to overheat. A quick air filter replacement is the easiest way to prevent this. 

Keep the Registers Open 

Some homeowners attempt to save money by closing off and shutting the vents inside rooms they seldom use. However, closing too many vents throws off the delicate return/supply air balance and overworks the heating system. As a result, your furnace is more likely to break down. To prevent this, keep at least 80 percent of the vents in your home open and unblocked at all times. 

Don’t Put Off Furnace Repair 

You might be tempted to ignore your furnace when it starts acting strangely, but delaying a furnace repair could lead to a total breakdown and a more expensive problem to fix later on. The sooner you put in the call to a repair technician, the better chance you have of restoring normal operation without suffering in the cold for a night or two. Signs of imminent furnace failure include funny smells, strange sounds, difficulty starting, fluctuating performance and rising energy costs. 
Consider Replacing the Furnace 

If your heating system is more than a decade old, and it struggled to keep your home comfortable last winter, this could be the year to replace it. Browse your furnace replacement options now so you can make the upgrade before an inconvenient breakdown occurs. Once your new furnace is installed, be diligent about maintaining and operating it correctly to help it last for many winters to come. 

The experts at CJS Heating and Air are here to help you prevent furnace failure this winter. Whether you need to schedule a furnace inspection or repair, or you think it might be time for a furnace replacement, we can help. The next time you need heating services in Columbus, OH, please contact us.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Emergency Service, Furnace, Furnace Repair, Helpful Tips, Winter Tips

Difference between a Heat Pump and an AC/Furnace Combo

Heat Pump and an AC/Furnace Combo DifferenceWhether you are building a new home or trying to decide on a new heating and cooling unit, you may be wondering what the difference is between a heat pump and an AC/furnace combination unit. Each offers a similar service, but the way they are set up is a bit different. Knowing the differences between the two systems can be helpful if you are trying to decide between one or the other. The team at CJS Heating and Air has pulled together the following information for you to help outline what makes each unique.

What is a heat pump system?

A heat pump system is basically an all-in-one unit that functions as both the central heat and ac systems in your home. Heat pumps are energy efficient since they work by transferring air from one space to another. These systems are a great option for those with limited space, as they take up much less room than a furnace and air conditioning system. Both the heating and cooling functions take place within one unit in a heat pump system.

Since the heat pumps transfer air from one area to another, it’s important to make sure yours is sized properly for the space it is going to condition so that it works well. Contact a heating and cooling specialist for additional information about what type of unit will work best for your home.

What is an AC/furnace combo unit?

AC/furnace combo units are the traditional systems in most homes today. This AC and heater unit for home consists of a furnace and an air conditioning unit, two separate pieces of equipment that together, provide heating and cooling for the interior space. Furnaces can be regular or high-efficiency models. Air conditioning units include a compressor unit that is stored outside the home.
An advantage of the AC/furnace combo unit is that, if it is sized correctly, it should have no trouble keeping up with your heating and cooling needs. The systems rely on mechanical processes to provide cool air or hot air, depending on the demand. To find out the proper sizing for your house, consult a heating and cooling company for the furnace air conditioner combo cost. They will be able to make a recommendation based on your square footage and other important factors.

Choosing your heating and cooling system

Ultimately, as with most things, which central heat and air package units you select comes down to a matter of personal preference. Much of it will depend on factors such as your budget, home size, layout, infrastructure, and desired results. Every house is different, and every household has a unique set of needs.

While a heating and cooling company can’t make the choice for you, it can help you learn more about the options you have available, and see what matches best with your current needs and lifestyle. Hopefully, we’ve helped to clear up some of the differences between the central heat and air units for you so you can make a more informed decision. Feel free to contact us in Columbus, OH, if you’d like additional information about heating and cooling systems for your home.
Contact us for heat pump or furnace installation!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Air Conditioning, Furnace, Heating and cooling, Helpful Tips

Quick Tips: Replacing your Furnace and Air Conditioner

<![CDATA[Replace Furnace and Air Conditioner
Whether you’re experiencing strange noises or smells coming from your HVAC unit or your energy bills are higher than they have been in the past, there are a number of things to consider when replacing your furnace and/or air conditioner. Read on to learn about the telltale signs that you need a new furnace or air conditioner system, plus what to consider before buying and installing a new one.

Signs you may need a new furnace

If you’re wondering whether or not you need a new furnace installation, it’s likely you’ve been experiencing and noticing some of the following situations. First, you may notice your heating bill is higher than it used to be. As a furnace ages, it begins to lose its efficiency, having to work harder to produce the same amount of heat.
Second, you might be calling for frequent furnace repairs. Repeated repairs can become costly over time, and end up costing you more than installing a new furnace. If the cost of repairs is 50% or more the cost of replacement, then you should probably replace it.
Third, your home isn’t heating properly. Some areas of your home are too hot, while others are too cold. Who wants to constantly change clothes from one room to another?
Fourth, if your furnace is producing a completely yellow burner flame, then you have a serious safety concern on your hands. Your flame should be blue with a small yellow point in the center. If that’s not the case, your furnace could be producing carbon monoxide. This potentially deadly gas is odorless and colorless, which is why you should have a carbon monoxide detector within your home. Other signs of carbon monoxide include streaks of soot around your furnace, excess moisture on your windows, and excessive rusting on pipes.
Finally, if your furnace is 12 to 20 years or older, you’ll want to start shopping around for a new one. The average lifespan of a furnace is 12 to 20 years, so looking into what’s available now will help you make the right choice when it’s time for a furnace replacement.

Things you should consider before buying a new furnace

If it is time to replace your furnace, there are a few things you should consider before having one installed, including:

  • Fuel source
  • Zoning systems
  • Correct air flow requirements for proper operation of new system
  • Correct system size for efficiency, comfort and operation of new unit
  • Warranty
  • Indoor air quality
  • Energy efficiency: annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating
  • Rebates and incentives

Signs you need a new air conditioner

There are also a few signs that can indicate you need to contact your local heating and cooling professional for a new air conditioner installation. The first noticeable sign that you might need a new AC unit is if there is no cool air or limited airflow. This is likely due to a problem with the compressor.
Another point of concern is if your AC unit is making weird noises and producing unpleasant smells. Your air conditioner should function almost silently. You’ll be familiar with the common noises it might make, but as soon as you notice any differences, you should contact your HVAC professional. The same goes for any strange smells, which could mean mold or insulation damage.
Any leaks or excessive moisture are signs you need to contact an expert for repairs. The leakage could even be refrigerant that needs to be handled safely. If you continually have to call for these types of AC repairs, it’s probably time to get a new one. Continual repair costs over time can become more expensive than getting a new unit.
Finally, if your energy bills are higher than normal, your air conditioner might be working harder to produce the same amount of cooling.

What you should consider before purchasing a new AC unit

As with heating system replacements, you’ll want to consider a few things before buying and installing a new air conditioner, including:

  • Type of system: central air, ductless mini split
  • Correct air flow requirements for proper operation of new system
  • Correct system size for efficiency,  and comfort and operation of new unit
  • Location of outdoor unit
  • Variable speed air circulation
  • Warranties and guarantees
  • Incentives and rebates
  • Energy efficiency: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating

Consult an HVAC professional

The best way to determine whether you should go for furnace or AC repairs over a new HVAC installation is to speak with an experienced professional. The technicians at CJS Heating and Air have the expertise to guide you in the best direction for your comfort and your pocketbook.
For a free consultation, get in touch with our team today!]]>

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Air Conditioning, Furnace, Helpful Tips

How To Stay Warm While Waiting For Furnace Repair

It happens more often than you think. People decide to forego their regular furnace maintenance or forget to test their heating system before cold weather sets in. Then, as it does, the weather suddenly switches from cool summer temperatures to straight fall chill. And that’s when you know there’s no chance of another heat wave to let us keep on living the summer dream. It’s time to turn up the heat, and put on our gloves and scarves as we head out the door. The HVAC professionals at CJS Heating and Air have many times been called to homes where the gloves and scarves are being kept on, even within the home. A broken or poorly functioning heating system means people need to get a little creative on how to keep warm and return to some of the methods used in pre-furnace days. If your furnace is blowing cold air or isn’t coming on, call our team for an appointment, and then read on to employ some of the tips below on how to keep warm while you’re waiting for furnace repairs.  

How to stay warm when you’re waiting for repairs

There are two courses of action to follow when trying to stay warm without heating. You can make your body warm and toasty and you can do things within your home to prevent the cold air from coming in and the warm air from escaping outside. Let’s first start with fortifying your home.

Open or close curtains and blinds based on the time and weather

If the sun happens to be shining brightly and warmly, you can open your blinds to let the sunshine and warmth come into your home. However, if it’s evening or cloudy, you’ll want to keep the curtains and blinds closed. They’ll act as a form of insulation, preventing the cold from sneaking inside and warm air from leaving your house.

Increase the humidity of your home

Think of a hot, dry summer day out in the country. It’s somewhere around 80°F: a perfect day. Now, think of a hot, humid summer day in a city. It’s the same temperature, but it feels more like 86 degrees: less bearable and more sweaty. Bad science lesson aside, you know what we’re saying: Humid air feels warmer. So, when your heating isn’t working, you can increase the humidity of your home to stay warmer. Do this by using a humidifier and leaving your fan off while you shower.

Use your ceiling fans

Speaking of fans, make sure any ceiling fans are running in reverse. This pushes warm air back down to the ground and keeps you cozier.

Block drafts and prevent heat from escaping

If your home is drafty, you’ll immediately know if your furnace stops working. So this is truly an ideal time to figure out where you’re losing heat from your home. Doing this will save you money when your heating system is back up and running, too, so you might as well make your home a bit more efficient in the meantime. Check windows, electrical outlets, and doors. You can fill any gaps where cold air is getting in by using weather stripping, caulk, rolled-up towels, or some other homemade MacGyver rigging.

Use some other heating device

We saved the most obvious home solution for last: Use a space heater or a fireplace, if you have one. Electric blankets and hot water bottles also work. Now let’s move onto how to keep yourself warm.

Put on more clothes

This time, let’s start with the most evident idea: Put on a sweater. Dress in multiple thin layers. Wear wool. Dig out your bunny ear slippers. Wear ear warmers or a hat. You get the idea. Also, it’s obvious to add extra blankets to your bed and put on some flannel sheets if you have them. Double up on the amount of heat you’re getting by throwing your clothes or blankets in the dryer and then snuggle up in them.

Warm your body from the inside out

You have a number of options here. Many people will drink hot tea, coffee, soup, or some other warm food or beverage. Others (of legal drinking age) can responsibly enjoy a fine whiskey or rum to warm themselves up. Those with some real motivation and discipline will use this time to start their home workout routine. Get your body moving to raise your body temperature — and look fabulous come this holiday season.

Increase cuddle time

Finally, perhaps the best way to keep warm during your heating crisis is to be around others. Snuggle with the one you love, or invite a group of friends over. The more bodies in the room, the warmer it’ll be inside your home. That’s it! Those are some of the best ways to stay warm while waiting for furnace repairs. If you’re uncertain whether or not your home heating is ready for the coming winter season, get in touch with CJS Heating and Air for an inspection and maintenance check. Schedule your furnace appointment now; call (614) 388-9241  ]]>

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Furnace, Furnace Repair, Winter Tips

Life And Death Reasons To Get A Carbon Monoxide Detector

You probably have a smoke detector in your Dayton home, especially since most new homes come with them already installed. Most people would agree that it is a “no-brainer” to have one in your home to alert you and your family of a possible fire. But, what about a carbon monoxide (CO) detector? Do you have any installed in your home?  [Read more…]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Carbon Monoxide, Detector, Furnace

5 Ways to Save on Your Utility Bill This Winter

Dayton Air Conditioning ServiceAs winter months approach, many of us Dayton homeowners struggle to find creative new ways to save on utility bills. The time to take action is now before cool snaps turn into frosty, cold nights.

Energy-Saving Tips

Taking these few simple, energy-saving steps helps conserve energy and make this winter more comfortable and affordable.

1: Optimize Home Insulation

Depending on how much your Dayton home has already, applying home insulation can help lower energy bills. Placing extra insulation around windows and covering the gaps between the base of an exterior door and the floor with convenient “weather strips” helps prevent waste.

2: Schedule Regular Heating and Cooling Maintenance

One of the simplest ways to save on utility bills is scheduling regular preventative maintenance for your furnace and air conditioning system. One of our clean, screened, trained, and timely CJS techs can inspect your air conditioning and furnace to make certain that this equipment remains in safe, efficient working condition. For example, we clean dirt and debris from your combustion chamber which helps your furnace operate more efficiently, ultimately contributing to more energy savings.

3: Use Energy Star Appliances

Another smart way to lower energy bills is to purchase energy-efficient appliances. Refrigerators, ovens, and other household appliances and fixtures today frequently carry the Energy Star label. This system helps you understand how much energy these units require. Over time, purchasing Energy Star energy-efficient products results in significant savings.

4: Consider Ceiling Fans

Installing ceiling fans throughout your home increases comfort without keeping the thermostat as low in the summer or as high in winter months. Ceiling fans help cool everyone in a room effectively, working in conjunction with central air and central heat.

5: Upgrade Outdated Home Heating And Cooling Systems

Mechanical systems all break down at some point. If your Dayton home heating and cooling system frequently malfunctions, or uses outdated, obsolete technology, upgrading to a state-of-the-art heating and cooling system will help reduce your utility bills.

During earlier decades, many manufacturers did not appreciate the importance of conserving energy. Today, most modern heating and cooling systems emphasize energy saving features.

Dollar Wise And Common Sense

Taking a little time to explore ways to lower utility bills remains a very wise investment. Savvy property owners today understand the importance of conserving energy.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Air Conditioning, Check-up, Energy Efficicency, Furnace, Insulation

3 Furnace Troubleshooting Tips When It Blows Cold

You rely on your furnace to keep you warm during the long, cold Dayton winters. But if your heating system is blowing cold air, then there are three common reasons such as thermostat problems, overheated furnace or the pilot light is out.
[Read more…]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Check-up, Furnace, Safety Check, Troubleshooting

4 Tips To Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Tips For Keeping Warm This WinterStaying warm in winter is a basic need that all creatures share, but you can also use winterizing projects around the house to help save yourself some money. Keeping warmer and saving money doesn’t have to cost a lot either. Here are four ways you can stay warm and keep money in the bank. [Read more…]

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Check-up, Furnace, Heating, Insulation, Winter

The Different Types of Furnaces

Choose Right FurnaceThere’s nothing worse than your furnace going out during the biggest cold spell of the year. Fortunately, you have a variety of options to choose from when it comes to furnace replacements, the most common of which are oil, gas, and electric. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so take a look at this comparison provided by the clean, screened, trained and timely technicians at CJS Heating and Air to determine which furnace may be right for you.

Oil furnaces

Oil furnaces offer reliable heat from clean-burning fuel. The oil is first pumped into the furnace from a storage tank where it is turned into a mist, sprayed out through the blast tube, and ignited with a spark. The fine droplets mix with the air and produce an efficient and powerful flame, which heats a heat exchanger. The combusted gases then exit the oil burner through a chimney. Pros
  • Average lifespan: 30 years.
  • You own the fuel supply.
  • You choose when to buy oil.
  • More efficient than electric furnaces.
  • No equipment or monthly charges.
Cons
  • An on-site storage tank is necessary to store fuel.
  • Maintenance requirements of the oil tank and fuel system are more demanding than gas.
  • Requires more maintenance than a gas or electric furnace.
  • Having oil around the property brings with it a hint of oil smell especially during refill periods.
  • It’s more expensive to maintain than a gas or electric furnace
  • Fewer technicians understand Oil than those technicians who understand gas or electric.
 

Gas furnaces

The burner in a gas furnace responds to the controls of the thermostat by switching on automatically. The natural gas is delivered to the home via underground pipes and is regulated by a gas meter. When the burner is on, the furnace blower brings in cool air from a particular portion of the house and pushes it through the heat exchanger. Air warmed by the burner is then pushed in the direction of the living area via air ducts. When the desired temperature is reached, the burner switches off. Pros
  • Gas is less expensive than fuel oil and electricity.
  • More efficient and effective at heating than electric furnaces.
  • Gas burns cleanly.
  • Low furnace maintenance requirements.
  • Easy to install.
  • Requires only a single gas line and a vent pipe to the roof.
Cons
  • Average lifespan: 15 years.
  • Higher upfront cost to install than an electric furnace.
  • Can be noisier than an electric furnace, especially if not well maintained.
  • Complicated to install and maintain compared to an electric furnace.
  • Installation is dependent on available gas infrastructure.
  • Poses the biggest safety threat with the possibility of carbon monoxide escaping or combustion issues causing a risk of explosion.
 

Electric furnaces

When the thermostat sends an electric signal to relays inside the furnace, those relays apply voltage to the heating elements, which are similar in appearance to heating elements in toasters and hot plates. These tightly wound coils of resistive wire build up heat as the electricity encounters resistance. Then, forced-air blowers automatically disperse the hot air through the furnace cabinet and into the living areas. Pros
  • Average lifespan: 20 to 30 years.
  • Lowest upfront cost.
  • Convenient, quiet, and easy to install.
  • Small and manageable in size.
  • Automatic breakers keep the furnace from overloading.
  • Simple and inexpensive maintenance.
Cons
  • Electric furnaces tend to have higher running costs.
  • Least environmentally-friendly option.
  • Less energy- efficient than oil and gas.
  To find out more information, contact the furnace experts at CJS Heating and Air:  (614) 388-9241!]]>

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Furnace, Heating

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