Donald P. Dick Air Conditioning Blog: Archive for the ‘Furnaces’ Category

Common Combustion Pollutants in Your Home

Tuesday, February 10th, 2015

 Common Combustion Pollutants in Your Fresno HomeAlthough the amount is higher during the winter, common combustion pollutants can lurk in your home at any time of the year. Anything that burns can leave behind unhealthy gases if combustion isn’t complete. Of these gases, carbon monoxide (CO) is the deadliest, but others can adversely affect your health over time. Here are some common combustion pollutants to look out for in your Fresno home:

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Can Putting in a Furnace Filter the Wrong Way Cause Damage?

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015

Can Putting in a Furnace Filter the Wrong Way Cause Damage?Furnace filter screens are designed to be placed a certain way, and not heeding this proper direction can cause issues. By taking a few moments to ensure your filter is placed the right way, these headaches can simply be avoided.

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Furnace Types That You Can Consider — Single-Stage, 2- Stage or Variable Speed

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2014

Furnace Types That You Can Consider -- Single-Stage, 2- Stage or Variable SpeedWhen you’re considering replacing your existing heating system, it can be difficult to determine what you need. Aside from efficiency levels and heating capacity, furnaces come in different types with regard to how the gas valve and blower motor operates. Knowing your options and understanding the difference between furnace types will help you in making your decision. Before speaking to an HVAC specialist to determine the best fit for your home, you should understand the differences between single-stage, two-stage and variable-speed furnaces.

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Do You Understand AFUE? Here’s Why You Should

Thursday, November 27th, 2014

Do You Understand AFUE? Here's Why You ShouldFurnace efficiency is measured by AFUE, short for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It’s a simple percentage that gives consumers a basis to compare energy efficiency among similar makes and models of furnaces at a glance. AFUE isn’t the only element that impacts your efficiency and operating costs. Other factors include the airtightness of your home, the amount of insulation, and how many hours a day you typically run the furnace.

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An Oversized Furnace Causes 2 Major Problems

Tuesday, November 25th, 2014

An Oversized Furnace Causes 2 Major ProblemsTo ensure comfort and optimal efficiency, your home’s furnace must be sized accurately just like the air conditioner. Instead of using a rule of thumb to estimate the size, an HVAC contractor should perform a load calculation and consider key factors such as the home’s square footage, orientation, insulation level, windows and ductwork system.

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Choosing the Right Furnace Filter

Thursday, November 13th, 2014

Choosing the Right Furnace FilterAre you choosing a good quality air filter for your heating and cooling system? Many people replace the filter regularly, but don’t take the time to choose one of good quality. The result is poor air quality in your home and possibly added strain to your HVAC components. 

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Fall is the Beginning of Heating Season — Time for Furnace Maintenance

Thursday, September 11th, 2014

Fall is the Beginning of Heating Season -- Time for Furnace MaintenanceFall is on its way, and winter is not far behind, which makes now the time to make sure your furnace is up to the task. Early fall is the best time for furnace maintenance, and a little do-it-yourself know-how, along with an appointment with a certified technician, will ensure a warm house and manageable heating bill during the months ahead.

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How to Prepare for the Cost of a Furnace Installation

Tuesday, September 9th, 2014

How to Prepare for the Cost of a Furnace InstallationThe cost of a furnace installation can vary depending on what type of furnace you are going to purchase. Variables include the efficiency level of the furnace, its brand and model, and whether it’s electric, natural gas, propane or oil. The cost of furnace installation also can be affected by how easy your current furnace is to access and remove.

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Furnace Installation Planned? 3 Points to Consider During Planning

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

Furnace Installation Planned? 3 Points to Consider During PlanningMaking smart decisions when replacing your furnace will benefit you for years to come. Think about these three major factors concerning furnaces when it comes time for your next furnace installation:

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Your Furnace: How Efficient Should It Be?

Thursday, February 20th, 2014

Of course, efficiency matters when choosing a new furnace for your Fresno area home – but there are trade-offs to think about. Highly efficient heating systems (with 90-97 percent efficiency ratings) have a higher purchase price. Since you won’t be relying upon home heating like someone from the Northeast U.S. would, paying a premium for super-high efficiency may not be your biggest concern. As an educated consumer, you’ll want to weigh the following factors regarding a new furnace:

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