It may not be winter yet, but the cold is slowly creeping throughout Poquoson. Before it gets too cold, we recommend you contact our Poquoson heating company to get your furnace professionally inspected. 

Would you prefer to know if your furnace system is in good condition now as opposed to finding out unexpectedly in the dead of winter when it suddenly stops working?

Your furnace is an important piece of equipment, as it prevents you and your family from spending miserable nights in frigid temperatures. Still, if you don’t think a professional inspection is worth the investment and you are willing to take the risk this winter, here are six reasons why you should rethink that.

Your Last Inspection Was Over 1 Year Ago

It is recommended that your furnace be professionally inspected at least once a year to ensure it is in proper working order. Who doesn’t want a heating system that operates more efficiently when the warm months begin to turn? Many furnace manufacturers recommend maintenance by a technician in addition to annual inspections. Always make sure to read your warranty to see what it says about damages caused by improper maintenance.

Ensures Even Air Flow

Inspections make certain that every room in your home receives sufficient heat and that it gets distributed evenly throughout the house. No more scratching your head over the fact that one room is colder than all the others. Uneven airflow is often caused by restrictions due to an accumulation of dust and debris, but there are other more serious causes that a professional can diagnose and resolve while servicing your system. If it is just an accumulation of contaminants, they will clean your system and even replace older parts, like the filter, which has its own role in helping the furnace run smoothly.

Minimizes Unnecessary Strain

There are many factors that can restrict the airflow in your furnace. Dirt and grime are not the only culprits. No matter what the cause, restricted airflow will result in your furnace working more than it should to compensate for the additional burden. The result is undoubtedly a system that performs less efficiently and has a shortened lifespan. While you may think you are saving money by not having your furnace checked at the onset of winter, you are actually putting yourself at risk of spending more in the long run. You may end up replacing parts prematurely or worse, replacing your entire unit.

Improves Overall Performance

Restricted airflow is just one reason your furnace may not run efficiently this winter. Unfortunately, it is one of many. Some of the most common causes of furnace failure that we run into are:

• Thermostats that no longer work correctly
• Clogged drain pipelines that result in leaks
• A blower that doesn’t stop running
• Filters that haven’t been cleaned or replaced recently

Keeps Your Warranty Valid

We briefly mentioned that manufacturers recommend one annual inspection and annual maintenance by a certified technician. When was the last time you read your warranty? 

Now, may be the time, as some manufacturers require your furnace to be serviced annually to keep your warranty valid. In other words, by neglecting to have it inspected, or hiring a technician who is not certified just to save a little money, you can void your warranty. We recommend reading your warranty if you haven’t already just to be sure. Additionally, store receipts for repairs in a safe place, as you may need to produce them to prove proper maintenance.

Ensures Safety

There is another reason you should have your Poquoson furnace inspected that has nothing to do with efficiency or securing your warranty. Because furnaces rely on natural gases, such as oil or propane, to heat a household, any misstep in the combustion process can lead to cracks in the line or joint. This can cause a gas leak or an increase in carbon monoxide levels, two dangerous and potentially fatal consequences. While some gas leaks may be noticeable, people can’t detect an increase in carbon monoxide unless they own a carbon monoxide detector. Most furnaces produce this odorless gas to function, but not at dangerous levels. While we do recommend every home be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, it is equally as important to have your furnace inspected at least once a year to prevent dangerous leaks.

Contact Atlantic Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning

Our Poquoson heating company has proudly served the Virginia Peninsula since 1977. For a professional inspection, contact Atlantic PHAC at 757-868–8590.

Want to update your heating systems as winter is approaching but don’t know what’s best for your house? We’ve got you! This guide would help you find the most suitable system that you can use to keep your home warm during this winter.

Upgrading to a newer model or a new system might seem overwhelming due to the expenses and choices. Especially in Newport News, heating companies are expensive, but this investment will be worth it in the long run. Several new heating technologies are available in the market, and so much more efficient than the old, outdated versions.

Here are three types of heating systems you can get professionally installed in your house;

1. Central Heating Systems

In this system, the heat is generated through the central heat source, and it is distributed across rooms. Central heating systems provide heating to several rooms; it could be through pipes or ducts, depending on the type of system you choose to use. The heat source should be placed where it is accessible but also secluded. The attic or basement of your house would be the best area to place the heat source.

Heat pumps

Using heat pumps is not new, but the advantage of using them is that they are good for all seasons. Hence, it can be used to keep your home warm during winter and keep it cool inside during summer. This quality makes it efficient and cost-effective.  They can last for about 15 years before you need a replacement.

Furnace

Furnaces use gas, electricity, or fuels to heat air and distribute it throughout your rooms via ducts and vents. They are best known for their affordability, longevity up to 30 years, and ensures indoor air quality.

Broilers

The broiler is the most commonly used heating system in the US. This system uses hot water via pipes to distribute heat all over. It uses pumps to circulate water and bring back cold water into the broiler to reheat and distribute. This cycle continues. It distributes heat uniformly across rooms.

2. Direct Heating System

As the name suggests, there are no ducts or vents to distribute heat but can directly acquire heat from the heating source. This system is perfect for a small room like your study room as it has small heating output.

Gas-Fired Space Heaters

These are portable heaters that can be installed in your room without much professional help. They are affordable as they work on fuels such as kerosene or natural gas, depending on what’s easily available in the state you live in. Not only is affordability an advantage, but it is also uncomplicated. They are operated manually rather than extensive systems and remotes.

Electric Space Heaters

These are plugin heaters as they use electricity to produce heat instead of fuels to operate. Like gas-fired space heaters, these as well only heat small spaces and need continuous electrical supply in the wall socket for them to work.

3. Ductless Heating System

This can easily be installed and is less heavy on the pocket. As the name suggests, a ductless heating system does not require vents and ducts to distribute heat. This heating system is made for one room only. So, if you need heating systems in more rooms, you’ll need to invest in more than one. There are two types of ductless heating systems:

Portable Standing Air Conditioner with Heat

This air conditioner is on wheels and is lightweight to make transportation easy. They are less expensive than the other two ductless heating systems and are easy to install.

Minisplit Heat Pumps

This modern heating system is controlled using a remote. Fancy, isn’t it? It is suitable for both summer and winter as it functions as a cooler and a heating system. They are smaller in size and sleek-looking, making them perfect for your new home.

Did You Find What Is Best for You?

With so many options available in the market, it can be a daunting experience to choose the right one for your house. Before buying a replacement for your heating systems, check which heating system is most commonly used in your area, what fuels are easily available, what companies are available to help you install your system, and most importantly, what your affordability is. Doing your research before you decide would make the process smooth and less overwhelming.

We suggest getting in touch with the HVAC experts at Atlantic Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning for better guidance and installation. They have been serving the community at Virginia Peninsula including Newport News, providing professional HVAC and plumbing services since 1977. Visit the Atlantic PHAC website to learn more and request a service.