Monday 08.20 2018

Do I really NEED a fall furnace tune up?

You’ve heard it before. You have probably listened to countless radio commercials urging you to schedule an appointment right away. You may have even seen or heard our fall specials.

But the question remains … “Do I really need a furnace tune-up every year?”

To answer that question, I’d like to first pose a few other questions:

  • Is your furnace more than 5 years old, or older?
  • Are you looking to extend the life of your system for at least a few more years?
  • Have you purchased a furnace within the last few years and want to prolong the life of the unit?
  • Is your new furnace’s warranty important to you?
  • Are you interested in keeping your heating and cooling bills as low as possible?
  • Do you care about the health and welfare of your family?
  • Do you think going to the doctor or dentist for annual check-ups is a good idea?

If you answered yes to some of these questions (or any at all!), then you really do need a furnace tune-up each year.

The best analogy is that of a dentist. It’s recommended that two times per year you see the dentist for preventative dental care. They will clean and inspect your teeth, remove plaque build-up, inspect for cavities before they become a real problem, periodically take x-rays to identify hidden concerns, and many dentists even perform cancer screening.

Why is this so important? So that you can maintain great dental health and fix minor issues, before they become major issues. Instead of a painful root canal, or tooth extraction, these yearly exams will alert you to potential issues so that you can take care of it without a huge painful experience on your mouth and your wallet.

The same is true with furnace tune-ups. A qualified HVAC technician will inspect your HVAC system to ensure it’s running at peak efficiency. They will help make sure minor issues are fixed immediately before a costly repair or replacement is needed. They will also make sure your system doesn’t fail you during the winter and leave you and family out in the cold!

When scheduling a yearly tune-up, it’s important to understand exactly what will be covered. Be sure to do your homework because not all service calls will cover the same things. At TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, we cover the following items during our tune-ups:

  • Inspect the heat exchanger and system for rust and corrosion.
  • Check the burners for proper ignition, flame and flame sensing.
  • Ensure the drainage system and humidifier are functioning properly.
  • Inspect the blower wheel to ensure it’s clean and clear of debris.
  • Test the amp draw on the blower motor to ensure it functions smoothly.
  • Examine all electrical wiring to make sure there is no corrosion or damage.
  • Look at the air intake system to ensure it’s clean and provides a smooth flow of air.
  • Test the venting system and combustion gases.
  • Check the blower door and internal seals to make sure there is a tight seal on the furnace and it runs at peak efficiency.
  • Inspect air filter.
  • Run air pressure, gas pressure and temperature diagnostics.

Scheduled Your Fall Furnace Tune-Up and Cleaning Now

The leaves are starting to turn and the nights are getting cooler. Now is the perfect time to schedule your yearly furnace tune-up to ensure that your system is running at peak efficiency and safety. Call TJ’s Plumbing & Heating today. And, be sure to check out our fall specials:

Clean & Check Your Furnace: $69.00 Special
Clean & Check Your Tankless Water Heater: $20.00 Off
Clean & Check Your Boiler: $74.00 Special
$100 off a new Furnace or Boiler
$50 off Whole-House Aprilaire Humidifier
$35 off First-Time Customer Discount
And more!

Monday 08.20 2018

How Long Should My HVAC System Last?

Purchasing a new HVAC system can be a big investment. But, it’s one that can pay a lot of dividends over time and help to dramatically save on energy costs.

When thinking about a new HVAC system there are many things to consider and many questions to ask. The one question that we constantly get is: How long should my HVAC system last?

The answer? It depends.

I know, I know, that’s a really vague answer but unfortunately it’s the right answer. It really depends on the quality of the system, the size of the unit (making sure it’s the appropriate size for your home), proper installation, and perhaps most importantly…how well the system is maintained.

Ok, so it depends. But what’s a ball park figure?

While all units are different, there is a common consensus that your HVAC system should last 15-20 years. With that said, the unit’s lifespan can be increased with proper maintenance, including:

Changing the air filter regularly.

A blocked air filter can restrict proper airflow. This causes the system to work harder to heat or cool to the proper temperature. This causes undue stress on the unit and decreases the lifespan. Aim to change your air filter every three months and get into the habit of checking it even more frequently. Large HVAC repairs or replacements are costly, air filters aren’t!

Having your HVAC system tuned/serviced seasonally.

Having a professional tune your unit each year will help ensure the unit is running at peak efficiency. HVAC systems are complex systems with a lot of parts that work together.  Having a professional conduct routine maintenance and make minor repairs can prevent more costly repairs in the future and dramatically extend the life of your system.

Checking your unit frequently.

While you may not be a licensed HVAC technician, that doesn’t mean you can’t check in on things! Take the time in the spring to inspect your A/C unit before turning it on. Clear away debris from your unit or your furnace. Make sure there is proper airflow and check your filters regularly.

Giving your system a break.

Imagine how you would feel working a 24-hour shift without a break! That’s how your system feels when it’s constantly running day in and day out. Don’t put undue stress on your system. Get a programmable or smart thermostat, follow our thermostat setting tips, and don’t crank the A/C or heat when you really don’t need to!

Considering a new HVAC system?

Contact the HVAC experts at TJ’s Plumbing & Heating. Our trained HVAC experts will help you evaluate your home’s system and identify the best possible HVAC solution. Whether it’s a repair or a completely new system, our team will work with you to identify the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Tuesday 08.14 2018

Why are different rooms in my house different temperatures?

pexels-photo-266896Wouldn’t it be great if you set your thermostat to 70 and every inch of your home was exactly 70 degrees? Well that’s just wishful thinking, isn’t it?

Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to have the same exact temperature at every point in your home. But for some homes, the temperature swings can be huge and unbearable. We have seen extreme cases in which a temperature in a room on the first floor can be over 20 degrees different than a room on the second floor.

So why are there such wide temperature swings in different rooms?

There are a number of different reasons that temperatures vary throughout a home. Let’s look closer at a few of the most common:

  1. Multiple floors.
    The most common reason comes down to pure physics. Hot air rises, cool air falls. You’ll often find that in the summer, your rooms on upper floors are much hotter than the first floor or basement. This is because the hot air continues to climb and can get trapped upstairs. Likewise, in the winter you may find the upstairs to be warmer than the lower levels. Using fans to pull or push the air between levels can help alleviate this challenge.
  2. Distance from the HVAC system.
    The distance a room is from the system can have a big impact on temperature. As you get further and further from your HVAC system, there is air flow loss. Rooms at the furthest point may not be as warm or cool as the rooms much closer to the system. In some cases, the HVAC fan isn’t strong enough to drive forced air to the far reaches of the home. In some cases a power vent in the system can help your system reach the outlying rooms of your home.
  3. Poor return air flow.
    Many homes, especially larger homes, don’t have enough air returns. This doesn’t allow the cool and warm air to be recirculated through the system effectively and the system doesn’t run at peak performance. A qualified HVAC professional can help determine if limited return air is causing issues.
  4. Wrong sized unit.
    Bigger isn’t always better. If you have an HVAC system that is too large, it may shut off too quickly—not allowing the cool or warm air to reach all levels and all rooms. And, if the unit is too small it may not be able to keep up and warm and cool the entire home. Your HVAC contractor should be able to share recommendations on the proper sized unit based on the square footage of your home. Don’t just assume that a bigger unit is going to be better.
  5. Poor insulation.
    This one is a biggie. You may be sending your heating and cooling dollars right through drafty windows, poorly sealed doors, and under insulated walls and attics. If your home isn’t insulated properly then both heating and cooling will not stay within your home and you will waste a lot of energy. Consider having a home energy audit to identify areas in your home where you are losing energy and then consider making adjustments.
  6. Closed vents.
    In some cases, we have found vents to be either closed, clogged, or not connected. Before you do anything else, check to make sure your vents are open. Then make sure there is a clear path for airflow. Make sure you’re not blocking vents with furniture and there is nothing clogged in them. In some cases we have even found that the vents are open, but the ductwork isn’t connected properly and all the cool and warm air was never making it to the vent.
  7. Poor airflow.
    If you’re dealing with unbalanced heating and cooling, consider turning on fans throughout your home. This works in both the winter and summer. In the winter, using fans to push the warm air back down can make your home much more comfortable. In the summer, use fans to circulate the cooler air that pools on lower levels.

Looking for More Balanced Heating and Cooling?

Contact the HVAC experts at TJ’s Plumbing & Heating. Our trained HVAC experts will help you evaluate your home’s system, insulation, ductwork and more. In some cases we can identify simple fixes to solve your challenges. Whether it’s a big or small challenge, our team will work with you to identify the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Saturday 07.21 2018

What are the most efficient thermostat levels for the summer?

Smart ThermostatThe summer is upon us! It’s time to hit the pool, the beach, the boat or relax under a nice shady tree with a great book. But sometimes the summer can also bring hot and muggy days. The days where it’s tough to breathe and walking to mailbox makes you feel like you just swam a few laps in the pool. It can also make sleeping at night almost impossible!

Installing air conditioning and keeping your system properly maintained can help give you a cool and comfortable place to escape the heat. But, it can also drive up your energy bill and put a crunch on your wallet.

To help control cooling costs, here are the ideal summer thermostat settings:

When you’re home:

It’s suggested that when you’re home, you should set your thermostat to 75-78 degrees. This is generally a comfortable temperature for most people if your humidity levels are controlled. If your humidity levels are too high, then 78 may feel too hot and muggy. But if you maintain the right humidity levels, then 75-78 should feel perfectly comfortable for most people (here is more detail on the right humidity level).

When you’re away:

If you’re leaving for an extended period of time for vacation or a long weekend, you may consider turning off the system completely and cracking a window to allow excess heat to escape. However, if you’re just leaving to go to work for a few hours, you’ll want to turn the thermostat to around 85. Studies show that for every degree above 78, you could save approximately 6-8% off your cooling costs. So, if you’re cooling off your home throughout the day when no one is there, you’re just wasting energy. However, you don’t want to allow it to get too hot in the house, even when you’re away. Letting your home get over 86-88 while away will cause the system to work hard to bring that temperature back down.

Want to control cooling costs even more?

Here are a few tips that can help make sure your system is running efficiently and you keep energy costs at a minimum:

Install a whole house dehumidifier.

High humidity levels make the air feel much hotter than it is and can cause mold and mildew issues in the home. A dehumidifier works to remove moisture in the air and makes the air feel much cooler. If you feel hot even when the temperature is a comfortable 75, you may need to control those humidity levels. Here is more detail on whole house dehumidifiers.

Have your unit serviced and tuned up.

Make sure that you have your unit serviced by a licensed professional each year. This will not only keep your system running more efficiently, it will help extend the life of the system and better control costs. Learn more about HVAC tune-ups here.

Open windows at night.

Simply opening windows on a cool night will allow cooler air into your home and reduce the need for your A/C unit to turn on. Take advantage of those cool nights and let a little fresh air in your home.

Close the blinds.

If you sit next to a window on a bright and sunny day you’ll understand just how much heat can come into your home. By drawing the blinds on the sun-facing windows throughout your home during the day, you can keep the heat out and the cool air in.

Turn on a fan.

Using a fan can help recirculate the cool air throughout the home and make everyone much more comfortable without having to lower the temperature.

Install a smart thermostat.

Smart thermostats will learn about your heating and cooling preferences. They know when people are home, and when they aren’t. Studies show that installing a smart thermostat can cut cooling costs by 15%! Learn more about smart thermostats here.

Bonus tip: Contact TJ’s Plumbing and Heating

At TJ’s our team of HVAC professionals will make sure you have the right systems in place, running at peak efficiency. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Thursday 07.12 2018

It’s Not the Heat…It’s the Humidity

The summer in our area can bring amazing weather. It can also bring with it some amazingly hot and sticky weather.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” In our area of the country we can have a tough battle with high humidity which leaves us feeling hot, muggy and damp.

What is humidity anyway?

Humidity is simply the amount of water vapor in the air. It’s what helps to form clouds, rain, and lightning and thunder. When the humidity level is high, there is a lot of moisture already in the air and this can eventually lead to rain. Humidity is a very important part of our environment, but it can lead to some challenges too.

How does humidity impact us?

Our body uses sweat as a way to regulate temperature. When it’s hot out, we sweat and the air around rids us of this moisture and cools us off. When the humidity levels in the air are high, there is already a lot of moisture in the air and our sweat won’t evaporate (and we can’t cool off). That’s why high humidity levels in the air can make an 80 degree day seem even hotter than it is. Likewise, when humidity levels are low it can feel much cooler than it actually is.

What is the most comfortable humidity level?

Environmental studies show that the most comfortable humidity level is around 45%.

In the winter, many people will turn on a humidifier with their HVAC system to help add moisture into the air. Doing this makes the air feel warmer and can help cut down on your heating bills (more info on whole-house humidifiers).

In the summer, using a dehumidifier in your home helps to pull out moisture from the air. By keeping a lower moisture level in the home, the temperature feels cooler and more comfortable.

Should I install a whole-house dehumidifier?

High humidity levels can make the air feel much warmer than it actually is. It can also have a few other consequences for your home and family. Here’s why installing a whole-house dehumidifier makes so much sense for our area:

Alleviate allergens and breathe easier.

High moisture levels provide a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew and also allows dust mites a comfortable home where they can thrive. Mold, mildew and dust mites can trigger allergies and make things unbearable for those who suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions. By eliminating excess moisture levels, you can drastically reduce alleging levels.

Eliminate moisture damage.

Showering and cooking add a LOT of moisture to your home. In the summer months when air moisture levels are already high this water can’t evaporate in the air, it builds up on windows and other areas of your home. This excess water can lead to rotting issues and mildew growth. A whole-house dehumidifier will help remove this excess moisture so it doesn’t cause damage throughout your home.

Create consistent moisture levels throughout your home.

A stand-alone dehumidifier can help remove moisture from a room, but doesn’t help the rest of the house. A whole-house dehumidifier works together with your HVAC system to ensure moisture levels throughout the entire home are consistent.

Reduce cooling costs.

As mentioned above, high moisture levels make the air feel much hotter than it is. That means you need to turn your thermostat even lower and use more energy to stay cool. Using a whole-house dehumidifier allows you to reduce that moisture level to a comfortable range and makes the air in your home feel cooler. This helps to limit the stress on your A/C unit and lower energy consumption (saving your money).

Looking to install a whole-house dehumidifier?

The experts at TJ’s Plumbing & Heating can help. We will help identify the right whole-house humidity control solution to keep your home feeling comfortable year-round. Contact us today for a free estimate on installing a whole-house dehumidifier today.

 

Wednesday 04.25 2018

What is a smart thermostat and can it save me money?

Smart ThermostatDo you remember the movie franchise Back to the Future? Our good friend Marty McFly traveled to the future in a DeLorean. He went from the year 1985 to the year 2015—and boy did things change!

  • There were flying cars everywhere.
  • Kids were riding all over on real hover boards (not the ones that start on fire today, but actual floating boards).
  • Shoes were self-lacing.
  • It was a very futuristic world!

While the writers and producers did overshoot on a few things (we’re still stuck in traffic jams on the ground), they did get several things right:

  • Video conferencing is now common practice at businesses all over.
  • Televisions are now flat panels and have a lot more capabilities.
  • Drones are real (Amazon has even tested using them for delivery).

The houses in Back to the Future even had a lot of automated features to make life easier and more comfortable. Could you imagine being able to turn on the lights with your voice? Or how about being able to turn on the heat or air conditioning miles away—or even around the world for that matter?

Well, luckily for us these last few are predictions that did come true. Homes are now smart—sometimes even smarter than us!

What are smart thermostats?

Smart thermostats connect wirelessly to the Internet and allow you to control your home’s heating and cooling system remotely from a smart phone, tablet, or computer. Many also allow you to connect to a smart hub like Amazon’s Echo so that you can control systems with your voice.

What are the advantages of a smart thermostat?

Smart thermostats are more expensive than traditional or programmable thermostats. On average they cost from $200 – 400 for the unit itself. But they do come with a host of features that offer great convenience and cost savings:

Remote Access

The traditional programmable thermostat is nice. You can program specific temperatures at specific times—but it’s not 100% flexible. With a smart thermostat, you can change temperatures remotely. If you don’t know exactly when you’ll be home, you can set the heat low while gone and then use your phone to begin heating your house on the way home. Or in the summer you can turn on the A/C before you leave work and walk into a refreshingly cool home when you arrive.

Self-Learning

Probably one of the most amazing features of smart thermostats is that they are self-learning. They get to know your heating and cooling preferences and continually learn and adjust. As you manually adjust temperatures after first installing, it quickly learns what you like and automatically adjusts future temperatures.

Reduces Energy Waste

A standard programmable thermostat goes on and off based on the strict schedule you set. It doesn’t care if anyone is home or not, it turns on when the clock ticks. Smart thermostats however listen. With audio and movement sensors, it can tell when someone is home, or when the home is empty, and adjust energy consumption accordingly.

Saves Money

By learning your behavior, reducing energy waste, and adjusting remotely, smart thermostats can greatly reduce energy bills. Many smart thermostats even provide a detailed report on consumption that allows you to pinpoint waste and adjust your habits.

One of the first mainstream and popular smart thermostats, Nest, was found to save a considerable amount. Real Savings did a study and found average the Nest Thermostat saved 10-12% on heating and 15% on cooling. Based on typical energy costs, the study estimates as savings of $131 to $145 per year.

Ready to get smart? Call the smart HVAC specialists at TJs Plumbing and Heating!

The experts at TJs will provide more information on whether a smart thermostat is right for you. We can help you get connected and enjoy the convenience and cost savings right away. Contact us today to learn more.

Tuesday 04.03 2018

Tired of Dry Air in Your Home? Here’s How a Humidifier Helps

DryAirDry, itchy skin.

Constant sore and irritated throat.

Static electricity that won’t seem to stop.

That nagging cough that won’t go away.

It’s been a long winter. Even though the temperatures are beginning to warm just a bit, the nights are still cool and your house is still dry.

Why is the air so dry when it’s cold outside? 

The short answer, physics.

The longer answer is that colder air can’t hold as much moisture are warm air. All air contains some water molecules that bounce around in a gas state. These molecules can bump into each other and form a grouping that then drop out of the air (moisture). Since cold air can’t hold as many molecules, they don’t bump into each other as often so less moisture is produced.

Enough with the physics lesson, what can I do about it? 

Ok I get it! You might not really care too much about why it’s so dry, you just want to find a solution. Lucky for you, there are some great solutions available!

To help put more moisture back into dry air, there are some temporary solutions and then some more permanent solutions too.  Let’s look more closely at a few:

Boil water on your stove.

This is a pretty simple and easy option. As you boil the water steam will rise and add some moisture into the air. While it’s simple, it also won’t raise the humidity levels throughout the entire house. You might find some temporary relief in and around the kitchen, but it’s not a very effective whole-house solution.

Use a small free-standing humidifier.

You can purchase a free-standing humidifier that you fill with water, plug-in and place in a room. This will release a steady stream of humidity throughout the area it is in.

This will increase the humidity levels in the general vicinity of the unit. It is a relatively inexpensive option, but you will need to buy one for every room of the house and continually fill the water reservoirs. You also can’t easily control the humidity level.

Install a whole-house humidifier.

While a bit more costly initially, a whole-house humidifier offers a humidity solution for the entire home with more control. While the other options might work in a very small area of the home for a limited time, the whole-house humidifier works with your heating system to circulate more comfortable air throughout the entire home.

The whole-house humidifier allows you to choose a comfortable humidity level and ensure that too much moisture isn’t released into the air (which can damage furnishings).

As an added benefit, a steady humidity level throughout the home provides more comfort at lower thermostat temperatures. This allows you to drop the temperature a degree or two. According to the EPA, every degree you lower your thermostat can save 4% in your energy bill!

Stop Dealing with Dry Air – Call TJs Plumbing & Heating Today

So goodbye to dry! The experts at TJs will provide a free estimate and consultation to determine the most effective and efficient system for your home. Contact us today to learn more.

 

 Learn More About Whole-House Humidifiers

Saturday 08.05 2017

4 Ways to Make Your Air Conditioner More Efficient

Wow, it’s been a record setting summer for Southwestern New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.

We’ve seen a lack of rain and an abundance of heat and humidity. We’ve also seen utility bills skyrocket as we try to keep our homes cool and comfortable. While you try to combat the heat, there are some things you can do to make your battle with higher utility costs a little less painful.

Here are a few tips you can use to make your A/C more efficient and keep costs down:

Turn that ceiling fan on.
Oftentimes people will turn the thermostat down to make the room more comfortable. While this can do the trick, striking a balance between the A/C unit and ceiling fans is the way to go! Ceiling fans will help you circulate the air in the room and make temperatures approaching 80 degrees feel like a cool and comfortable 72. Some of the new energy efficient ceiling fans use less energy than a single 100-watt light bulb. So instead of hitting that thermostat lower and lower, flip the switch on the fan! (Ceiling fans in the winter also help push warm air down to heat your home when it’s cold.)

Make sure your attic is well insulated.
A well-insulated attic can cut energy usage by 10% or more! Unfortunately, attic insulation is often overlooked. Investing in more insulation and ensuring proper attic ventilation can dramatically lower temperatures in your attic and help eliminate wasted energy consumption—and keep you cool and calm!

Clean and replace filters.
In the spring and early summer, pollen and dust are flying all around. Your furnace and A/C filter is working overtime to keep these contaminants at bay. But most people don’t attend to their filters often enough! A clogged filter can restrict air flow and limit the effectiveness of your unit.  Take a moment to check and replace your filter. This inexpensive fix can really improve efficiency.

Make sure you have the proper size unit for your home.
Consult with a highly skilled HVAC contractor to make sure your A/C unit is the proper size for your home or building. If a unit is too small, it will need to work extra hard (consuming a lot of excess energy) to try to keep up. An undersized unit may also run into maintenance and performance issues sooner – costing more in maintenance and up keep.  If you’re unsure about your unit contact the HVAC professionals at TJ’s for a consultation.

A/C unit not keeping up?

With temperatures on the rise, we find that some units just can’t keep up. Whether looking to replace an old A/C unit, need a tune-up, or want a full system installed in your home or business, contact the leading HVAC Contractors in Southwestern NY and Northwestern PA – TJ’s Plumbing & Heating.

 

Saturday 05.13 2017

What is that smell?

Have you ever walked into a building or home and felt like you’re walking into a cloud? It could be a cloud of pet odor, strong food, maybe smoke, mold or mildew, or just a stale smell?

Of course you have, we all have!  Some of us have even walked into our own homes and noticed a not-so-fresh odor. It doesn’t mean the house isn’t clean, it just means that daily odors are trapped—and they need a way out!

Today’s homes are more efficient. This is good, but…

In our quest to be energy efficient (and we should be), we’ve created buildings and homes that keep heat in over the winter, and keep our homes cool in the summer. This is great for our energy consumption, but doesn’t allow daily odors to escape.

Traditional heating and cooling systems are simply recycling stale air—with airborne odors—throughout the entire house. Without replacing the stale air with fresh air, the odors stick around—or worse, they intensify.

Let’s get fresh!

The good news is that you don’t have to stand for (or breath) stale air. If you’re dealing with slight, moderate, or even down right offensive odors, it might be time to install a whole-house ventilation system. Here’s how a good ventilation system helps:

  • Removes household contaminants.
    According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the concentration of pollutants inside your home can be up to 10 times greater than outside! A whole-house ventilation system can help extract pollutants such as formaldehyde, radon, smoke and other volatile organic compounds and replace those with fresh and clean air.
  • Eliminate food odors.
    Fish, garlic, spices…they may taste great at the time but they can leave a lingering, unpleasant odor that sticks around! In order to remove the smell, you need to remove and replace the air. A whole-house ventilation system allows you to quickly and efficiently replace the odor with fresh air.
  • Control energy consumption.
    Without a whole-house ventilation system, you may resort to propping open windows and doors throughout your entire home to clear the air. While this might work when the temperature is a comfortable 75 outside, at just about any other time you’re losing a lot of money on heating or cooling loss. A whole-house system lets you keep the cool or warm temperature in your home, while pulling in freshness!

Learn More About Whole-Home Ventilation Systems

At TJ’s, we are a certified dealer of Aprilaire Whole-Home Ventilation Systems. To learn more, contact us today or watch this short video on how these systems can help improve your family’s health and comfort:

Thursday 01.19 2017

Furnace Tune-Up: Scam or Valuable Service?

Most homeowners might think they can do a furnace tune-up themselves by basically taking a Shop-Vac to it and moving on.  In reality, a certified HVAC service provider conducts a multi-step inspection and tune-up that is much more in-depth.  There are a number of things trained experts can do and know what to look for that the average homeowner wouldn’t.

For example if you are not a trained professional, the terms heat exchanger or combustion rate or thermocouple wire may mean nothing to you.  Knowledge of these terms and functions, as well as many others, demonstrate why having a certified HVAC service provider conduct a tune-up is valuable to you and the life expectancy of your furnace.

Safety
Improper combustion caused by a tiny crack in your heat exchanger can lead to unsafe levels of carbon monoxide in your home.  This causes an extremely dangerous environment for you and your family.  Cracks in your heat exchanger might not be noticeable to the average homeowner but could be a red flag to the trained eye of a certified HVAC service provider.

Cost Cutting
Sometimes spending a little money can help you save a great deal.  A furnace with issues doesn’t run well and drives up heating costs.  According to EnergyStar.gov, nearly 50% of the energy costs in the average home go to heating and cooling.   Having your furnace serviced annually will ensure it’s running optimally and save you money.

On Your Time
Scheduling a tune-up when it’s convenient for you is better than letting your furnace determine your service appointment.  Bad things always seem to happen at the worst of times – your furnace kicking out in the middle of winter can lead to unnecessary stress as well additional money out of your pocket.

Preventative Maintenance
Getting a tune-up can prevent you from waking up in the middle of a 20-degree night to discover your furnace has broken down and wondering what to do or how to keep your family warm.  Having your unit checked over now will ensure less chance of problems when you most need your furnace to be running smoothly.

Keeps Your Warranty Valid
Many furnace manufacturers require you to have regular maintenance in order for their warranty to remain valid.  Without an annual furnace tune-up, your warranty may become null and you may be forced to replace any broken equipment out of pocket.

Clearly – you, a Shop-Vac, and a screwdriver may not be able to conduct a quality tune-up for your furnace.  Instead, call the experts at TJ’s Plumbing & Heating to schedule your furnace tune-up today.  At TJ’s Plumbing & Heating, we have HVAC specialists on call to help with all of your heating and cooling needs.  From furnace maintenance and repair to installing a new HVAC system, we can help.  We service both residential and commercial customers in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties, NY, Warren County, PA and Erie, PA – from Dunkirk/Fredonia to Jamestown and the  Southern Tier, Warren, PA, Erie, PA and all places in between.  Contact TJ’s Plumbing today.

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