Posted on November 30th, 2015

It is not always completely obvious on when you need to replace your furnace. The signs may be subtle and easy to ignore. However, this is a question Western Heating and Air Conditioning gets a lot, particularly as winter sets in. There are a few key factors that play into replacing a furnace. If your system meets any of the characteristics below, it may be time to replace it. If you need replacement, you can always count on Western Heating and Air Conditioning for installation and maintenance.

Your Furnace Is Old

If your furnace is older than 18-20 years old, it likely needs to be replaced. If you have not maintained it properly, its lifespan may be a bit shorter. Newer models of furnaces are much more energy efficient. Choosing a newer model will save you monthly on utility bills.

Increased Repairs

If you find that your furnace needs frequent repairs just to have it work properly, it may be time to call it quits. If your repairs are getting expensive, it may be worth it to just put that money towards a new unit. General rule of thumb is, if the cost of repair is 50% of the cost of a new furnace, you should just replace it instead of repair.

Increased Energy Bills

If you have noticed that each year your heating bills have gone up without more usage (taking into account your rate) then you may need to replace your unit. As stated above, a newer unit will be much more energy efficient and will help you save on a monthly basis.

If you feel as though your furnace needs to be replaced, contact the experts at Western Heating & Air Conditioning. Call [phone] to schedule one of our licensed experts.

Posted on November 23rd, 2015

Did you know that the air inside your home could actually be worse than the area outside it? The EPA estimates that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. If your indoor air is excessively polluted, this can have a huge impact on your health. There are many products on the market that claim to improve indoor air quality, but how do you know what actually works? Western Heating & Air Conditioning has done the research for you! Here is what you need to know about indoor air quality products.

Carbon Monoxide Detector

The one thing every single household should have is a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide can kill you quickly and is one of the most deadly indoor pollutants. More than 400 people die each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a must-have product in your home that could potentially save your life.

Your HVAC Filter

Many homeowners don’t replace their HVAC system air filter nearly enough. If you run your HVAC system on a year-round basis, you need to ensure that you clean it at minimum each quarter. If you use it sporadically, once or twice a year may be enough. Changing your filter is the easiest step you can take to have clean air in your home.

Air Purification Systems

There are many high-quality air purification systems on the market that attach to your furnace or air handler. These purification systems catch air contaminates and destroy them prior to them being circulated in your home. If you are interested in one of these air purification systems, talk to your HVAC professional today.

For more information regarding indoor air quality products that may benefit your home, contact Western Heating & Air Conditioning. Call us today to schedule your next appointment with one of our licensed technicians.

Posted on November 9th, 2015

As the temperature starts to drop, you will want to start preparing your home for the colder weather. Properly prepping your home for winter means a good hard look at your heating system. This is crucial for optimal energy usage and safety. It may also mean improving the insulation of your home to keep the warm air inside. Western Heating & Air always wants our customers to be informed on how to ensure they are adequately prepared for the winter weather.

Search for Air Leaks

Your home may be leaking out all that warm air you are paying for. You can reduce your heat loss by following these easy steps:

• Check around windows for cracked seals. Repair with silicon caulk.
• Check around doors to ensure they are closing snugly. Close a piece of paper in the door. If you can easily pull it out, there is too much space and you are losing money. Install weather stripping to reduce cold drafts.
• Look for holes near where your home frame meets the foundation. Seal appropriately to prevent cold air from coming into your home.

Professional Inspection

Once a year, you will want a professional to come and inspect your heating system. If your heating system is not working correctly, there could be a gas leak. This leak can be incredibly dangerous for your family. Before you turn on your heater, schedule a professional to come out and take a look.

Air Filter Replacement

When your air filter is clogged, it will cause your furnace to work harder. This uses more energy and will cost you more on your monthly bill. Replace your air filter after your inspection to keep your heating system running efficiently.

For more information regarding prepping your heating system for winter, contact Western Heating & Air. Schedule your heating inspection today!