Common Furnace Problems: Not Enough Heat

Our last blog, we covered some troubleshooting tips for when your furnace is not producing heat for your home. In this blog, we will give you common problems for when your furnace is not producing enough heat, and some troubleshooting tips you can use.

Have you ever had to hold your hand over the heating vent to see if there was any heat coming out, only to find not enough heat is coming out? Before you call a technician out, let us tell you what might be happening and what you can do at home to fix it yourself.

The possible causes of "not enough heat":

• A dirty furnace filter will block your heat from reaching your registers.
• Your gas burners may be dirty or need an adjustment.
• The air flow in your duct system might be blocked.

So what can you do besides calling a technician to your home at 10 PM? 

First, check your furnace filters. This should be one of the first steps you take when doing any trouble shooting with your heating and cooling system. It is a quick and easy fix and is often overlooked.

If the air flow to the furnace is blocked, remove the blockage, but ONLY if you can safely do so. Any blocked register or grille will greatly constrict your heat from coming through the registers.

Lastly, if your gas burners are dirty or are in need of an adjustment, that is something that needs to be handled by a professional, and we do NOT recommend you try to clean or adjust them your self. You might do more damage to injure your system, or even injure yourself.

These are, again, more common problems when dealing with not enough heat. It is a starting point, but if the things you can troubleshoot do not work, you do need a professional technician to assist you.

Our next blog will cover what might be wrong when your furnace kicks on and off frequently. We will also include troubleshooting for this topic as well. Thanks for reading!!

Stay warm!

DSB Comfort Zone

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation

201 E. Division St.

Suite A

Sparta, MI 49345

P: (616) 205-5522

F: (616) 205-5533

W: www.dsbcomfort.com

Common Furnace Problems: No Heat

Here in Sparta, Michigan, we are noticing the temperatures are taking a nose dive! Temperatures have been in the low to mid thirties lately, sometimes with the occasional wind gust that will chill you straight to your bone.

Yes, the cold weather is making it's return upon us. It is time for sweaters, chili, thick comforters, hot coco, and thermal underwear. The best feeling though, is when you come inside and feel the heat warming you up. Have you ever come home to the heat not working?

If you have, then the question arises, "Why isn't the heat working?"

In this blog series, we will take a look at the more common problems of why your furnace is not working. We can even show you some tips that might fix your problem, saving you money from a service call.

The most common problem, of course, is no heat.

Your possible causes might be the following:

• Dirty furnace filter
• Thermostat set at a temperature that is too low
• Your thermostat is not working
• A circuit breaker or a fuse might be blown or tripped
• Your natural gas or propane valve might be closed
• The pilot light might not be lit (only if you have a non-electronic ignition)

So what can you do at home yourself that would troubleshoot these problems?

First, check your furnace filters. A dirty furnace filter will stop the heat from coming into your home. It is the simplest and cheapest fix there is!

Next you can check if your thermostat setting is set to "heat", there should be a flame symbol if you have an electronic thermostat. If you have an older thermostat make sure the switch is set to "heat". Once the setting is set to "heat" set your temperature at an appropriate setting.

You can further do some testing by adjusting the temperature up or down a few degrees to see if your furnace kicks on.

If you have a tripped circuit breaker, or a blown fuse, simply reset your circuit breaker or replace the blown fuse.

Should the pilot light not be lit, simply relight the flame.

If these simple steps do not fix your problem, then it is time to call your service technician out to your home to help you, as the problem might require an expert to fix. When the technician gets to your home, you can tell him about the troubleshooting you have already done.

In our next blog we will cover what could be wrong when there is not enough heat coming from the furnace, as well as some troubleshooting tips.

Stay warm!!

DSB Comfort Zone
Heating, Cooling and Ventilation
201 E. Division St.
Suite A
Sparta, MI 49345
P: (616) 205-5522
F: (616) 205-5533
W: www.dsbcomfort.com

Is A Furnace Inspection Really That Important?

Now that the weather is getting cooler, you might have noticed heating and cooling companies are advertising furnace check and tune ups. One of the questions we are asked by our inquiring customers, and folks at picnics, is "Are these check ups necessary?"

The answer is: ABSOLUTELY!!

Just like your vehicle, your furnace needs maintenance. Without proper maintenance, you are risking a malfunction with your heating system at an inconvenient time. Have you had your furnace quit working in the middle of the night on the weekend? How about during the holidays? If you have, you know about "after hour" and "emergency" service rates, which can be high.

So, what is done during these "check and tune ups"?

A number of things, actually. Every heating and cooling company is different, but there are basic things that should be checked. If your service technician is checking things on this list, they have earned every dollar of the service, which is usually between $80-$150 annually (check out our $49 inspection special!)

• Vent system - This should be checked for leaks and/or blockages
• Combustion gases - These should be analyzed to unit specifications
• Blower door - The door should be checked to make sure there is a tight seal at the furnace
• Fresh air intake and louvers - These should be checked for blockages
• Heat exchanger - Needs to be checked for rust and corrosion
• Burners - They need to be checked for proper ignition burner flame and flame sensing
• Drainage lines - These need to be checked for blockage and leaking
• Thermostats - Their operation, wiring and calibration need to be checked
• Blower wheel - This needs to be checked for debris
• Amps - Preforming an amp draw test will make sure of the correct amperage
• Wiring - All wires should be checked for corrosion and exposed wires
• Filters - Filters checked and or replaced.

This list seems simple enough, so couldn't a homeowner do it themselves? Sure!! But, only if that homeowner has experience in HVAC. These "check and tune ups" are a little more detailed than simply hooking up a vacuum and sucking out some dust. 

Is the "tune up" worth the money? As professionals, we say of course it is, but it is up to the homeowner. Is spending $49 now to have a "once over" better then paying hundreds in after hours fees, parts and labor? Absolutely. Most of the time the cost of these "tune ups" are barely enough to cover the trip to your home, so if your technician checks even half of the things on this list, he has earned every dollar by giving you piece of mind.

Do We Fix It or Do We Replace It??

As a homeowner and keeping up with your household maintenance, this question must pop into your head from time to time...

"Do we fix it? Or would it be better to replace it?"

Our technicians are asked that frequently in these hot summer months. While we can make recommendations, the decision is ultimately yours. With that is said here are somethings to consider while contemplating your decision.

• When it becomes too much to repair - If you are having frequent service calls on your system, it might be time to replace your air conditioning system. By purchasing and installing a high efficiency central air conditioning system, it will ultimately pay you back by your energy savings, and not needing to pay for service calls. You might want to also consider replacing your system when your repair bills are over $500. Financing is more for replacement, and not for servicing. So when your air conditioning system breaks, you usually are on your own in covering the cost of the repairs.
• Hot spot and cold spots - Have you ever walked into a room and it was cold, but the next room is too hot? This is called the "Goldilocks Syndrome". If you find yourself in this situation, it could be a sign of improperly sized equipment. Just because you bought the biggest unit there was available, does not mean it will work better for your home. The same goes for your duct work. When purchasing your system, it is important that the equipment you are buying is properly sized for your home. If it is not, you are likely to have the "Goldilocks Syndrome" or frequent service calls.
• The age of your system - Equipment that is over 10 years old, should be under consideration for replacement, even if it is still functioning properly. Ten year old equipment is less efficient by current standards.
• Rebates, tax credits and financing - When it comes to rebates on your new system, often your local utility companies offer rebates for updating your system (here in West Michigan, Consumers Energy and DTE Energy BOTH offer rebates) and by utilizing those rebates, your system can become less expensive for you when you replace it for a newer energy efficient system. The federal government also offers a tax credit for updating to a higher efficiency system. Like we already started talking about, financing only covers replacements, so it is not likely you will be financed to repair your system.

Of course there are some other things you might want to factor into your decision. However, these are the more common reasons we see in the field. When hiring your contractor to replace your equipment, make sure they are doing a thorough job inspecting your home. Insulation, windows, ducts, and square footage (to name a few) should all be considered when purchasing your replacement. 

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to ask us!

If you need repairs done or interested in a free quote for replacement, give us a call. We would be more than happy to put you back in your comfort zone!

Stay cool!

DSB Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling

201 E. Division St. 

Suite A

Sparta, MI 49345

Phone: (616) 205-5522

Website: www.DSBComfort.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DSB-Comfort-Zone/293025420811077

YouTube: http://youtu.be/jNPR2EeFK8M

Understanding Industry Lingo

Here is a scenario.

It is hot out today, and extremely humid. You decide to turn on your central air conditioner (if it isn't already running) and you anticipate sweet relief as you hear your system turn on. A couple of minutes pass by and you check your vents but do not feel the cold air coming out. Thinking that it might take a moment for the system to "warm up" to cool down the air, you go about your business. A few moments later, you check again, still no cool air. You go through the basic check list of checking your filters and for ice, but can not figure out what is wrong. So, you decide to call your HVAC company and have a technician come out to fix your air conditioner. 

After he arrives, he gets right to work. Then he comes back to give you his diagnosis. You listen intently as he explains what is broken and how it needs to be repaired. He hands you the authorization form and goes to get the parts needed. 

Do you ever find yourself wondering what on earth he just said to you? He knows his industry very well, but the jargon he used, made no sense to you. 

In this blog, we will give you three more common key terms and definitions in layman's terms so you can understand what is being done to fix your system, and what is being replaced.

Air Conditioner Diagram

• Condenser Unit - A typical configuration of a condensing unit is: The condensing coil  wraps around the sides of the unit with the compressor inside. In this condensing coil section, the refrigerant goes through multiple tube passes, which are surrounded by heat transfer fins through which cooling air can move from outside to inside the unit. There is a motorized fan inside the condenser unit near the top, which is covered by some grating to keep any objects from accidentally falling inside on the fan. The fan is used to blow the outside cooling air in through the heat exchange section at the sides and out the top through the grating. These condenser units are located on the outside of the building they are trying to cool, with tubing between the unit and building, one for vapor refrigerant entering and another for liquid refrigerant leaving the unit. Of course, an electric power supply is needed for the compressor and fan inside the unit.
• Evaporator Coil - An evaporator is used in an air-conditioning system to allow a compressed cooling chemical, such as Freon or R-410A (your refrigerant), to evaporate from liquid to gas while absorbing heat in the process. This coil is located next to your furnace in the duct system. 
• R-22 and R-410A - In 1987 an international environmental group called The Montreal Protocol established requirements that began the worldwide phaseout of ozone-depleting CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons, more commonly known as Freon in air conditioning.). These requirements were later modified, leading to the phaseout in 1996 of CFC production in all developed nations. Currently, we can service existing systems with Freon (R-22), however, we can no longer INSTALL systems with R-22. Today, air conditioners are installed using R-410A. By the year 2020, companies will no longer manufacturer R-22. After 2020, the servicing of R-22-based systems will rely solely on recycled or reclaimed refrigerants. 

Of course, there are many other parts and details we can discuss and I am sure you have questions on. If you have a question, feel free to leave it in our comments section, and we will be happy to answer anything you are unsure of or would like to know!

From all of us here at DSB Comfort Zone, stay cool!

Why Is My Air Conditioner Frozen?

Why Is My Air Conditioner Frozen?

Frozen unit at one of our customer's rooftop unit (taken 6/12/2013)

Here is an all too common problem we face in the heating and air conditioning industry; a customer will call our office with a service call. When we get out there we see an all too common problem. Their air conditioner has frozen up. Perhaps this has happened to you before, as well.

After telling the customer what the problem is, 9 times out of 10, the customer asks: “What caused my central air conditioning to freeze up?” 

There are three main reasons why it could be freezing up:

1) Lack of airflow

If there is a lack of airflow to your central air conditioning unit, you run the risk of severely damaging your entire system. When there is a lack of air flow, warm air moves through the return ducts. The air passes over an extremely cold refridgerant coil to "drop off" its heat. When air comes in contact with this coil, the moisture in the air condenses. Normally, the water will exit through the system's drain line, but if air flow is constricted, the water can not move down the drain line. With no place to go, the water will freeze to the evaporator coil. The simplest way to fix this problem, is to turn off the unit for 24 hours and check your filters. If they are dirty, clean or even better yet, replace them. When you turn your air conditioner back on, and there is no more ice forming, then you have solved your problem.

2) Refrigerant leaks

Air conditioners have to have a particularly balance level of refrigerant to keep the system running smoothly and efficiently. When your air conditioner has low levels of refrigerant, that usually means there is a refrigerant leak. Once the levels of refrigerant in the coil are too low, the air conditioning unit will not be able to absorb heat going through the system and your air conditioning unit will freeze. In this situation, it is better for you to contact your heating and cooling company for a technician to take a look and address the problem.

3) Outdoor temperature

Your air conditioner is only supposed to be operated when the outdoor temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you run your air conditioner when the temperature is less than 65, you will be pushing the fluids in your air conditioner through when they are at their thickest. This can cause damage to your unit besides the freezing problem.

There are some troubleshooting tips you can do. First thing you should do is turn off the unit. Let the air conditioner defrost, a 24 hour period should be enough time, but if it is not and you can, give your air conditioner another 24 hour defrosting period.

Next you should check your filters. If they are dirty, first step is to replace them. Give your unit the 24 hour defrost time before trying to turn it back on. If you do not see any ice, then turn it back on and keep an eye on it. If ice reforms, it is time to call a service technician (our number is (616) 205-5522)

If after the 24 hour defrost period, and changing the filter does not work, you need a professional to help repair your unit, you might even consider replacing the system. DSB Comfort Zone offers a full inspection of your system, as well as providing you with everything you need to replace your air conditioner. We check everything from your refrigerant levels, filters and even your duct work. In this blog we discussed the the three most common problems, however, some units might have more technical issues that only trained professionals would be able to notice and discuss with you.

DSB Comfort Zone

Comfort In Any Season

201. E. Division St.

Suite A

Sparta, MI 49345

Phone: (616) 205-5522

Email: info@dsbcomfort.com

Website: www.dsbcomfort.com

Facebook: Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling

Twitter: @DSBComfortZone

The Benefits of Air Conditioning and Your Health

One of the biggest things we all worry about is our health. After all we are only in this life once right? Quality of life is a huge concern. With all the news stories of what is healthy and what isn’t, consumers are spending money to ensure their days are filled with happy memories and feeling as good as possible.

Have you tried any of the suggestions out there? Eating organic? Exercising? Taking vitamins? Buying non chemical products?

In our last blog, we briefly touched on the health benefits of having central air conditioning, in this one, we will take a look at those topics in more detail.

1. Excessive heat can be dangerous.

Being overheated can and does cause some serious health issues and conditions. If, ignored, excessive heat can be fatal if your body cannot cool down. You can suffer from minor things such as heat rash, to more major things such as heat exhaustion and even, heat stroke. Know the warning signs.

Heat exhaustion: If you feel light headed, dizzy or easily confused, that is a possible warning sign that you might be experiencing heat exhaustion. When you sweat, you lose your body’s salt and water from and when you replace them improperly, that can expedite your heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is more likely to occur after a duration of heat, or “heat wave”, versus a long day of heat and humidity. It is recommended that you slowly increase your water, and seek comfort in air conditioning as soon as possible.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is when your body can no longer cool itself down. When your body temperature rises over 105 degrees, your symptoms may be lethargy, confusion and unconsciousness. Your speech might become slurred, and you may also have dry and hot skin without sweating. Your body may go into shock, which can damage your major organs. Heat stroke is dangerous, as it may lead to death, if you do not address the warning signs.

Elderly folks and young children are more susceptible to being victim to heat stroke, but that is not to say a middle aged person will not suffer a heat stroke if protection from the heat is not sought. Air conditioning can help regulate your body temperature in conjunction with drinking plenty of water.  

2. Air Conditioning can help clean your air

During the spring months, we are all so excited to finally be able to open our windows and air out our homes. For folks with seasonal allergies spring is not always a blessing. Simply put, what is outside blows into our homes with the breeze; things like dust, pollen, animal dander and mold when humidity is excessive outside. Itchy eyes, congestion, and stuffed up noses cause havoc on allergy sufferers.

When the air is heavy with humidity, older folks with COPD struggle with their breathing as well. Those folks also might be suffering from the same symptoms as folks with seasonal allergies. Air conditioning helps keep air irritants outside, but also filters them out of your air when your unit is working properly and efficiently.

3. Having Air Conditioning Can Reduce Your Stress

On top of every day stresses, like; mortgage payments, kids schedules, bills..., the summer’s heat can cause you to become even more stressed. Think about it. This is Michigan, we don't just have heat to contend with, we also have humidity. How is your mood when the weather is 90 degrees with full humidity? If you are anything like the majority of people, you can become cranky, irritable, and even frustrated. Then imagine that feeling of walking into a store or restaurant with central air conditioning. That “AHH” feeling can and does feel like a slice of heaven.

Installing central air conditioning to your home can keep you comfortable after a long day at work.How can you unwind and rest for the next day, if you are uncomfortable sweating, and being hot in general? Instead of “not feeling like cooking” because of the heat, you can cook evening meals instead of spending extra money on ordering out. And how about your sleep? Your sleep will be more restful because your body isn’t under unnecessary stress trying to regulate its internal temperature. By eliminating the un-comforts of heat and humidity, you can de-stress at home. As we all know, stress can wreak havoc on your body.

If you are considering on installing central air conditioning into your home, we hope you find our blog to be informative as to the benefits on your home, and your health. We, here at DSB Comfort Zone, strive to improve the quality of our customers lives by providing proper home comfort solutions that is right for each customer. Our company owner has over 20 years experience in the industry, to say he is knowledgeable is an understatement. We are confident we will be able to find a solution to keep you in your Comfort Zone, so you have comfort in any season. Give us a call and we can get started.

Thanks for reading!

DSB Comfort Zone

Comfort In Any Season

201. E. Division St.

Suite A

Sparta, MI 49345

Phone: (616) 205-5522

Email: info@dsbcomfort.com

Website: www.dsbcomfort.com

Facebook: Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling

Twitter: @DSBComfortZone

Why Central Air Conditioning Maintenance Is Important

We often wait all year long for summer's blessings; hot temperatures, long lazy days on a boat, gatherings with friends and family, just to name a few. After winter's harshness, it is a much welcomed season in West Michigan.

One of the things residents of West Michigan have come to appreciate, is the feeling of after being outside during the summer months, coming indoors to enjoy the comforts of central air conditioning. Have you ever been in a situation where the central air conditioning was not working properly? The stresses of getting your equipment back in proper working order can be a stressful ordeal.

Having your air conditioner serviced once a year saves you time.

Time is a valuable thing. Would you rather be spending time with your family or finding a heating and cooling company that is available to fix your air conditioning? Most customers agree, family time is a better way to spend your time then keeping track of  heating and cooling companies, appointments, who you have talked to and even waiting for your technician to come and fix your air conditioner.

Air conditioner maintenance is better for your health!

Your air conditioner does not just keep your home comfortable while outside temperatures climb. It removes humidity and can help keep dust, pollen and bacteria out of your air. Customers with allergies or breathing concerns can relate, your air quality is just as important as your temperature comfort. You want the best for your family, why not start with giving them the best air they can breathe?

More money in your pocket.

You work hard for your money, so you would like to keep as much of it as possible in your pocket, right? Spending money to have your air conditioner serviced will save you money in the long run. The cost for servicing your air conditioner once a year is a fraction of what it would cost you to repair or even replace your air conditioning system. A properly serviced air conditioner uses much less energy than a neglected system, therefore helping with your electric bills.

Air conditioning maintenance is something that does not cost a lot of money or time, and is a simple appointment. It should be done once a year to make sure you have a fully charged and operational system. Give yourself piece of mind that one less thing will go wrong, by scheduling your appointment BEFORE you run your system and run into problems.

Enjoy your summer!

DSB Comfort Zone
Comfort In Any Season
201. E. Division St.
Suite A
Sparta, MI 49345
Phone: (616) 205-5522
Website: www.dsbcomfort.com
Email: info@dsbcomfort.com
Facebook: Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling
Twitter: @DSBComfortZone

Why is Central Air Conditioning in Michigan is so important?

It's strange to think Central Air Conditioning would really matter while living in a state with only three, almost guaranteed, months of summer but it's true.  Central AC is a big money saver for Michigan home owners.

The average summer humidity in Michigan is 88%.  Wow!  That's crazy.  If you have lived through the radical changes of the Michigan weather you may have an idea of how much reliance a home owner can have on Central Air Conditioning just for personal comfort.  But what does that humidity do structurally to the home you're investing in?

For starters, running your central ac during these extra hot months helps control the build up of condensation on water pipers and toilets.  When condensation builds up on pipes, under sinks, and behind toilets the risk of mold and mildew increases. By having a consistent temperature and humidity controlled environment you dramatically decrease the ability for these toxic environmental hazards to grow.

Next flooring and dry wall are preserved.  Have you noticed the cracks in dry wall from houses that have settled over time?  They are not just from the foundation settling.  These dry wall cracks occur in new construction homes too. Having an efficient central air conditioning unit installed at the time of construction could save you thousands next summer repairing cracked dry wall.  The same is true when it comes to hard wood floors.  If the swelling of the wood during super humid months is too much the flooring will buckle causing tons of money spent on repairs.

Many homeowners in Michigan think Central AC Installation is just not worth it because of the short summer season.  The truth is, that's reason it makes sense.  Michigan homes go through so many climate changes from the outside elements we need to maintain the integrity of homes climate from the inside.  Using central air to achieve optimum personal comfort levels and squelch damaging humidity is the best way for us to protect our investment.

Dan Berndtson is the owner of DSB Comfort Zone, Heating and Cooling.  Comfort Zone serves the comfort needs of West Michigan homeowners in any season.  As an authorized Trane Dealer, Comfort Zone offers repair, upgrade, and installation of some of the most efficient and technologically advanced HVAC equipment in the industry.

DSB Comfort Zone
Heating, Cooling, and Home Efficiency
Comfort for any Season
info@dsbcomfort@gmail.com
616-205-5522