Furnace Maintenance - Comfort Star AC Repair Houston

Smart Ways of Preventing HVAC Related Fires

Winter months are the time of year when home fires are most likely to occur. This is a key consideration because not only can a heating related fire cost the homeowner tens of thousands of dollars, but more importantly it can even result in loss of life. Here are some simple strategies for greatly reducing the chances of experiencing a heating system related fire during the coldest time of the year. For example, always be prepared to have your HVAC system inspected by a professional AC technician at least once each year. This includes having all the ducts cleaned and changing the heater filter regularly.

Don’t Forget to Check Your Water Heater

Equally important is to be extremely cautious when it comes to using space heaters in your home. When purchasing this type of heating device, it is always a good tip to choose one that has an emergency switch, so that it will shut off automatically if it is knocked over or tipped in some way. Don’t forget to check your water heater because many fires originate in this particular home appliance. Finally, it is also a good idea to have adequate insurance coverage in the unlikely event that a home fire does occur. Winter is a critical time of the year where fires can cause serious damage and injury.

Achieve your Goals with Regard to Safety

All said, a little bit of common sense and preventive maintenance can go a long way in keeping everyone safe in the winter while saving you money at the same time. As an added note, choosing to work with a trusted and reliable name in home HVAC systems is absolutely essential to ensuring that you achieve your goals with regard to home heating safety and monthly cost savings. One company that has stood the test of time when it comes to high-quality Houston home heating services is Comfort Star. Contact the company today for more information.

Easy Ways to Save Money on Home Energy During the Winter

Homeowners are more concerned with saving money today than they have ever been in the past. That is why it is so important to consider the various options available when it comes to reducing your monthly energy costs. For example, simply increasing the insulation in walls and the attic can greatly improve overall efficiency and save you money when it comes to monthly electric bills. Best of all, there are many types of recycled insulation that are available and that are very affordable and highly effective. In addition, it is important to find any leaks or drafts that exist around windows and doors.

Draw Down Heat That Rises to the Ceiling

Work with your home contractor to find leaks and drafts and have these spaces filled as soon as possible. Equally important is to have regular maintenance performed on your home HVAC system. Poorly maintained units are inefficient and end up costing more money in terms of energy usage. If you have a gas fireplace it is best not to use it, while using a wood fireplace is always a good option because of its overall affordability. In the wintertime it is recommended that you reverse your ceiling fans as a way to draw down heat that rises to the ceiling. Another great tip is to always keep your thermostat a couple degrees lower and you would normally.

Simply Take the Time to Explore Your Options

However, it is important to never turn off the thermostat completely. If the thermostat is turned off of or the setting is too low this can result in burst pipes and can even have health related issues for all occupants of a home. Finally, many homeowners are turning to space heaters as a way to more efficiently heat small rooms. Whatever the case may be, one thing is sure and that is that saving money on energy is easier than most people might imagine. Simply take the time to explore your options and save money over the short and long-term. For more information on home energy saving tips and tricks for Houston homeowners contact Comfort Star today.

Safety Tips for your Home Furnace

Staying warm during the winter months is an important part of overall health and wellness. That said here are a few simple yet very important safety tips when it comes to maintaining your home furnace system year-round. For example, one of the most important aspects of keeping your home safe when using a heating system is to make sure that all carbon monoxide detectors are in good condition and working properly. This is especially true with regard to the potential dangers associated with a malfunctioning furnace. Any time a carbon monoxide detector is not working properly it is essential to replace it with a new unit.

Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detectors

Along the carbon monoxide detectors, it is also important to routinely check smoke alarms and smoke detectors throughout your home. Always check all the units in your home and replace batteries as necessary to make sure that these devices can deliver a warning when necessary. Equally important is to keep the area around your furnace clear of any debris or dirt. This will help to reduce the chances of potential fire and keep the system operating at peak performance. From reducing the chances of fire to saving money on energy, there are multiple reasons why keeping your furnace clean is well worth the time and effort.

Routine and Regular Inspections

It should go without saying that keeping the air filters clean and replacing them regularly will help to maintain optimum airflow for your furnace. This ensures that the system is not overworked and will also reduce the chances of a carbon monoxide related leak. Dirty filters not only reduce efficiency, but they also result in system components wearing down over time. Finally, routine and regular inspections performed by heating professionals will ensure that your system is always working at its best. To learn more about the proper care and maintenance of your home furnace simply talk with the friendly staff of Comfort Star today. Houston heating and cooling experts are always just a call away with Comfort Star.

Winter Care Tips for your Trusted Home Furnace

Today more than ever before it is essential to make sure that your home furnace is always operating at peak performance. With winter in full swing there are a few excellent ways to keep your trusted home furnace in great condition during the coldest times of the year. For example, changing air filters is one of the least expensive and easiest ways to maintain any home furnace in the best condition possible. Changing filters at least once every few months helps to keep particles, dirt, dust and even pollen out of your HVAC system. This ultimately serves to prolong the life of the unit.

Cleaning the Heat Exchanger

In addition, if your HVAC system has a condenser it may be worth considering covering it as a way to protect it from ice and debris outdoors. Using a piece of board or some type of plastic tarp can be effective in this regard. As a note of caution, if covering your AC condenser is an option it is best not to wrap it too tightly where moisture becomes trapped. Equally important is to consider cleaning the heat exchanger. Simply vacuuming or brushing this component of your HVAC system or having it done by a trained professional is a great way to maintain system health. Having annual inspections done by a professional is usually the best option.

Comprehensive Annual Inspection of Your Furnace

Annual inspections will include everything from having the igniter tested to lubricating and cleaning the blower motor. Best of all, a comprehensive annual inspection of your furnace will also ensure that all carbon monoxide detectors are working properly. With so much to offer it is clear to see why simple care and maintenance of your home furnace system will ultimately save you money as a whole over the short and long-term. Talk with the friendly staff of Comfort Star for more information on the proper care and maintenance of your home furnace in Houston during the winter months.

Reducing the Chances of Furnace Failure During the Winter

Homeowners depend on their furnace to operate at peak performance especially during the coldest times of winter. That is why it is so important to consider a few easy yet important tips on how to reduce the chances of a furnace breakdown or failure. For example, anytime you sense a smell coming from your furnace it may be an indication that something is wrong. A slight burning smell in the beginning of the winter season may just indicate that dust is burning off. While this is a normal thing, other smells that are chemical in nature or that smell like electrical burning should be further investigated immediately.

Replacement of Batteries

Equally important is to always make sure that the thermostat batteries are fresh and functioning normally. As a matter of fact, a large number of furnace malfunctions are often the result of weak or dead batteries. When the batteries are not good the thermostat simply will not work and as a result the furnace also will not work. The regular replacement of batteries will help to prevent this from happening. In addition, always make sure that the vents are fully opened around your home. Closing vents can cause the system to back up and ultimately will waste energy. Furnaces are designed to heat a home based on its size. As a consequence, closing vents can disrupt the system’s normal operation.

HVAC Professional in your Local Area

Finally, probably one of the easiest ways to reduce the chances of furnace failure or breakdown during the winter months is to simply have routine inspections performed by an HVAC professional in your local area. This is truly one of the smartest ways to detect problems long before they become serious or more costly. Trained professionals can detect problems long before they become an issue. In short, any time you are in doubt about the overall performance of your home heating system it is best to call a professional. If you suspect something is wrong with your heater call a technician right away. To learn more about proper care and maintenance of your Houston home furnace talk with the friendly staff of Comfort Star today.

What Can Cause Your Home Furnace to Fail?

This is a question that is often asked by homeowners desiring to extend the life of their existing home furnace system. The good news is that there are some simple tips and tricks that can greatly increase the useful life of a furnace adding years to its operation. For example, regular routine maintenance performed on a heating and cooling system can greatly extend its overall life. This is simply due to the fact that having a professional HVAC company involved in routinely inspecting your heating system will ensure that any problems are detected in the earliest stages. This ultimately saves homeowners money and will ensure that a system operates as it should for many more years.

Modern Automatic Digital Thermostats

Another key consideration as far as preventing failure of your home furnace is to check for the proper functioning of the thermostat. There are indeed many instances where a malfunctioning furnace thermostat can actually cause the furnace to wear out much faster than it would normally. Today’s modern automatic digital thermostats are inexpensive and very easy to install. Spending a little bit of money on a new thermostat can save thousands of dollars in repairs or the cost of replacing an entire home furnace system. Equally of concern is that proper care and consideration is given to keeping your furnace clean year-round. Cleaning is one of the best ways to protect your system from unexpected failure.

It May be Time to Call in a Professional

Whether you have a professional furnace repair technician come in to clean the heating system or you do it yourself one thing is sure and that is that keeping a furnace clean can save money and extend the life of this important appliance. As a note, any time a heater does not appear to be heating adequately, it may be time to call in a professional. When a furnace does not do its job and heat the way that it should it simply means that something is not right within the system. Whether it is a faulty blower or a failing heating element, having a professional inspect your system is always the right choice. Talk with the friendly staff of Comfort Star today for more information on Houston heating and cooling that gets results.

What are Some of the Most Common Furnace Related Problems?

A furnace is a unique type of home appliance that requires special care and consideration. The good news is that when a home furnace is properly maintained it can last for many years and produce outstanding results when it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable. That said there are a few common furnace related problems that every homeowner should think about as a way to maintain peak system performance year-round. For example, dirty air filters are one of the biggest problems that is often overlooked in terms of a home heating furnace system. Simply getting into the habit of routinely changing air filters is a smart cost saving strategy.

Normal Wear and Tear is Often Overlooked

Maintaining clean air filters that are in good repair will ultimately extend the useful life of any home heating system. In addition, normal wear and tear is often overlooked when it comes to keeping your furnace operating at its best at all times. One of the best ways to deal with normal wear and tear is to simply have routine inspections performed every year by a professional heating technician. This will ensure that any problems are detected in the earlier stages so that repairs can be made long before they become more expensive to the homeowner.

Unusual Noises Coming from a Furnace

As a note, if a system cycles too frequently it is best to call in a pro technician. A heating unit that is cycling excessively can indicate that more serious problems are impending. Also, worth noting is that unnatural or unusual noises coming from a furnace may be a telltale sign that something is simply not right. A home furnace is a vital and important part of the overall home environment and can be an expensive and costly replacement if the system is not properly maintained. That is why it is always recommended to contact a technician with a reputable heating and cooling company as soon as possible when you suspect there is a problem. Talk with Comfort Star today for more information on Houston heating services and maintenance with a proven track record.

Know the Most Common Furnace Failure Indications

Your home heating system is one of the most important elements of a house when it comes to keeping it safe and comfortable year-round. This is especially true during the winter months where cold weather can cause serious concern. Here are some common furnace failure indications that homeowners should always consider as far as maintaining a heating system in top condition any time of the year. For example, a home heating system may experience a cracked heat exchanger. One of the best ways to avoid this problem is to simply have regular maintenance and cleaning performed on the unit.

The Blower Continues to Run

In addition, a malfunctioning thermostat is usually indicated by erratic system operation and lack of adequate heat. Fortunately, homeowners can check thermostat function on their own and can even replace a thermostat relatively easily and inexpensively. Conversely, having a professional do the work will ensure that it is installed properly. Equally of concern is when the blower continues to run without stopping. This is often an indication that a limit switch has failed. If you suspect that the limit switch has failed because of a continuously running blower it is best to contact your professional heating technician as soon as possible.

Dirty Air Filters are one of the Biggest Culprits

Finally, there are some simple things that homeowners can do to keep a furnace in top condition throughout the winter. This includes having regular maintenance performed as well as changing air filters at regular intervals. Surprisingly, dirty air filters are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to poorly operating heating systems. Today it is easier than ever before to have access to affordable air filters. As a matter of fact, air filters can be bought in bulk saving even more money. Consider these simple yet important tips for expertly maintaining your furnace in the best condition possible. Contact Comfort Star today for more information on heating and cooling services in the greater Houston area.

Furnace Preparation Tips For Winter Operation

With the first day of winter just around the corner, making sure that your furnace is ready for the colder temperatures that are about to arrive is well worth the time and effort. Here are a few useful and practical preparation tips when it comes to keeping your furnace operating at peak performance throughout the coldest time of the year. For example, when heating your home for the first time this winter it is best not to dramatically increase the temperature setting on the thermostat as a way to rush the process. Choosing a high temperature initially will not heat your home any more quickly.

Turn Off Any Auxiliary Heating Equipment

All this does is ultimately increase the cost of energy and may even damage your furnace. Choose rather to slowly raise the temperature in your home in a controlled and metered way. This puts less stress on your heating system and ultimately will make your home comfortable and inviting. Also it is a good idea to turn off any auxiliary heating equipment like space heaters. This is simply due to the fact that this type of heating system can be a safety hazard and will substantially increase the cost of electricity in your home. It is better to let your furnace do the work.

A Dirty Air Filter Can Decrease Airflow

In addition, those with a fireplace may wish to close the damper as a way to reduce the loss of heated air from within your home. When a fireplace is not being used the chimney can act like a vacuum and will draw warm air directly out of the living space. This results in a system working harder to keep your home comfortable. Remember also that a dirty air filter can decrease airflow and cause your system to work harder than is necessary. A dirty air filter may also cause an increase in dust, dander and dirt throughout your home. Contact the professionals of Comfort Star today for more information on Houston heating services that get results.

When Is The Best Time To Call Your Furnace and Heating System Professional?

When Is The Best Time To Call Your Furnace and Heating Professional?

This is a question that is often asked when it comes to maintaining a home furnace or heating and air conditioning system just about anytime of the year. In fact, homeowners can do a lot to monitor the health and condition of their HVAC system. For example, simply listening to the system for abnormal noises or sounds can provide clues that something has gone amiss. When the system is working harder than necessary the sound of operation may change in a noticeable way. Take the time to listen to your system because it may be talking to you and telling you that something is wrong.

Turn Off The System And Wait

Perhaps one of the best predictors of a fault in an heating system is a strange or unfamiliar noise. Whether it is grinding, squealing or some type of thumping noise, the end result is typically the same in that it is telling you that something is not right. Whenever you hear odd noises coming from your heating system make it a point to call a heating and cooling professional as soon as possible. Turn off the system and wait for the maintenance technician to arrive. The good news is that in many cases a strange or irregular noise may indicate something simple such as the need to replace an air filter.

Make Certain That Your Heating System Operates At Peak Performance

Finally, homeowners would be well advised to make it a habit to clean any visible debris, dust or dirt from intake vents and registers. Doing this at regular intervals will help to make certain that your HVAC system operates at peak performance. When this is not performed regularly, the end result is that a system will work harder than is required otherwise. This reduces the useful life of your HVAC system and will ultimately result in system failure over time. Talk with the professional staff of Comfort Star today for more information on Houston heating and cooling services that are trusted and respected throughout the region.