What Causes a Boiler to Leak?

December 2nd, 2013

Boilers remain a key component in many homes, using hot water and a system of pipes to safely warm every corner of the house. They’re fairly easy to maintain, though  they still experience difficulties just like any other heating system. What causes a boiler to leak? The sources vary, but the effects can be spotted without too much difficulty.

The most common source of boiler leaks comes at the seals and fittings between pipes, which are often vulnerable to fissures. Corrosion can sometimes take place in the central system, particularly if it hasn’t been serviced or maintained in a while, but often it occurs at points where the seals or connections have had a chance to deteriorate.  Hard water often adds to these tendencies, since the minerals contained within the water will slowly damage your pipes over time.

“Over time” is a key phrase here, because a leak will rarely show up right away. The fissures and corrosion that result in leaks appear slowly over months or even years, and become apparent only after they’ve progressed very far indeed. In many cases, the leak is small enough to escape casual notice, since the hot water simply evaporates rather than creating a puddle. The best way to notice such a leak is to check the boiler’s water pressure. If the pressure has dropped for no apparent reason, you’re probably looking at a leak somewhere in your heating system.

Regardless of whether the signs are subtle or overt, there’s  no question about what to do. Shut off the boiler and contact a Washington DC boiler repair professional immediately. He or she can determine what causes a boiler to leak, then instigate repairs with courtesy and professionalism.  Our technicians can arrive at your home, inspect the heater for problems and discuss your repair options with you before moving to correct the issue. Pick up the phone and give us a call today. You’ll be glad you did!

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The History of Thanksgiving

November 25th, 2013

Thanksgiving is upon us: a time to get together with relatives, eat some great food, watch a little football or the parade, and stop to appreciate the good things we have in life. Beyond all that, however, there’s a fascinating history to the holiday and its traditions.

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Records are spotty at the time, but indicate that the harvest was particularly good that year due to help from the local Native Americans. The meal was probably much different than the one we’re used to, with venison and fish more likely than turkey, but the general principle was unchanged.

It wasn’t a few centuries later, however, that Thanksgiving became an annual tradition. George Washington called for a “national day of Thanksgiving” in 1789, and again in 1795, but they were both “one shot” declarations, rather than a call for an annual tradition. Individual cities and states picked up the ball, but it wasn’t until 1863 that Thanksgiving became a national once-a-year event. President Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November to be a Thanksgiving “to heal the wounds of the nation and restore it.”

From there, it remained a tradition until Franklin Roosevelt signed a law in December of 1941 making it a federal holiday. The law also changed the date from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday in November, making it a little earlier in some cases (which Roosevelt hoped would give the country an economic boost).

Wherever you celebrate the holiday and whoever you choose to celebrate it with, we wish you nothing but happiness and joy this Thanksgiving.  

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Your Furnace is Only as Good as Your Ductwork

November 18th, 2013

It’s an easy phrase, “your furnace is only as good as your ductwork,” and most homeowners won’t quite know what it means. Your ductwork is often out of sight, and as long as it continues to channel air to various parts of your home, it’s easy to focus on other things. But ductwork does affect furnace performance, since smooth airflow is key to heating your home efficiently. Here in Arlington VA furnace repair must address issues with ducts almost as often as they do the furnace itself.

Problems can start with the installation of the ductwork itself. You want the interior of the ducts to be as smooth as possible, without any grooves or pockets to trap moving air. Ducts that “bunch” or “gather” in places will slow the air flow down, decreasing efficiency in the process.

Leaks and fissures can pull air from the system too, forcing your heater to work harder to do its job. And if your ducts aren’t insulated, then they will lose heat on cold days, especially if they pass through unconditioned areas of your home.

A good technician can help address all of that, first by providing regular maintenance to your heating system. That clears up the dust and dirt, helping to keep it out of your ducts. He can also add insulation to your ducts and look into any areas where they might have bunched up or sprung a leak (both of which depend in part to the kind of material used for your ducts. In Arlington VA, furnace issues of all varieties (including ductwork) can be addressed by the professionals at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.. Your furnace is only as good as your ductwork; give us a call today and let us take care of both!

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What Size Boiler Do I Need?

November 12th, 2013

Heating installation in Alexandria VA can be a tricky process. You need to size your boiler properly in order to heat your home with proper efficiency. If the boiler is too small, it won’t do the job. If it’s too large, it will operate inefficiently: cycling on and off too often and using up tons of unnecessary energy in the process. Considering how cold our Virginia winters get, neither option is acceptable.  “What size boiler do I need?” You ask. A trained technician can answer that (after examining your home), but a few of the basics can be found below.

Boiler “size” is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs), which gauge how much heat the boiler generates. How many BTUs you need to heat your home depends on the size of your home, not only the square feet but the cubic feet, as tall ceilings will make a big difference in how much heat you need.

That isn’t the only factor involved in the equation, however. Your walls, roof and windows enter into it as well. In simple terms, it’s important to gauge how insulated your home is, both in terms of the insulation in your home and attic, and such factors as double glazed windows and the lack of cracks around the door. A technician will also take sunlight exposure into account: A room that gets a great deal of sunlight may be quite a bit warmer than one without. All of that can “move the bar” up or down, resulting in a smaller or larger boiler as appropriate.

Whenever the final decision, it’s important to consult with an expert to help answer the question “what size boiler do I need?” Not only can a trained technician perform exact measurements, but he or she can sit down with you to discuss you options and plan for an installation that meets your schedule. For these and other matters related to heating installation in Alexandria, VA, contact the experts at Polar Bear to help. We’ll help you determine the right size boiler for your home, then conduct the installation with professionalism and pride. Give us a call today!

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Why Does my Furnace Pilot Light Keep Going Out?

November 5th, 2013

Does the pilot light keep going out on the furnace in your Washington DC area home? Here are a few possible reasons your pilot light could go out and what to do about them. If none of these suggestions work, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. for help.

Down Drafts Causing Pilot Light to Go Out

If your furnace vents through a chimney, always check first for the potential of a down draft causing the light to go out. This could happen if the light tends to go out on windy days. The chimney design could also be causing the problem. Check to see if it is high enough, and that it has a proper chimney cap installed at the top.

Clogged or Dirty Pilot Valve

Once you’ve made sure that there are no down drafts, have a professional check the pilot light gas valve to make sure that it isn’t clogged in any way. They will also check to see if it is adjusted properly. One of our technicians can answer any further questions about how to operate the pilot valve and controls.

Not Enough Gas Pressure

Your technician also check gas pressure while the furnace is on to see if the pressure has dropped. If it has dropped, this could easily cause the pilot light to go out.

Always call a professional HVAC contractor you can trust to handle repairs for any type of gas heating system in your home. Call the furnace experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. of Washington DC any time you need a furnace repair or tune-up.

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Washington, DC Heat Pump Tip: Why Your Heat Pump Isn’t Heating

October 28th, 2013

If you have a heat pump installed in your home, you’ll expect it to fulfill both sides of its heating and cooling bargain: air conditioning during hot weather, heating during cold weather. With the chilly temperatures now crawling up on us in Washington, DC, you might find that your heat pump is failing on the “heat” promise. What might cause this, and what can you do to get the heat levels you need?

Polar Bear handles Washington, DC heat pump installation, repair, and maintenance—we know what sort of problems you may encounter with the heat pump in your home, and we are ready to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Why you might not get heat from your heat pump

Before investigating any possible serious malfunctions with your heat pump, make sure that you have it set correctly. Check the thermostat to see that the pump is in “heating” mode, not “cooling.” Make certain that the current programming in the thermostat (if you have a digital, programmable model—and you should) isn’t causing it to shut off at the wrong time.

There is the possibility that the thermostat has developed a fault and is sending the wrong instructions to your heat pump: this is a common occurrence, but one that technicians will have little trouble addressing.

If the heat pump is experiencing issues, the likely reasons are a malfunctioning reversing valve or compressor. A heat pump needs two compressors and the reversing valve to change from air conditioning to heating.

Another possibility to consider is the temperature outdoors. Heat pumps draw heat from outside to warm your home. Even when it’s cold outdoors, there is still some heat available. However, at extreme cold temperatures, heat pumps will struggle to operate efficiently. This will become noticeable when the outdoor temperature drops below 35°F. Then your auxiliary heat will turn on to keep your home comfortable. However, if there is an issue with your electric resistance coils, then your heat pump will not be able to heat your home.

Another issue can be the defrost cycle. When the heat pump is absorbing heat from the outdoor air, ice can form on the evaporator coils. Usually, your heat pump will have a defrost cycle that runs periodically to melt this ice and allow your heat pump to function. However, if there is a problem with your defrost cycle, the ice can build up on the coils and prevent them from absorbing the heat from the air.

Heat pumps won’t work for all homes and all weather conditions. If you discover that your heat pump isn’t malfunctioning and simply cannot cope with the extreme cold, you may need to get a replacement model, a larger heat pump, or a back-up system.

Heat pump repairs require service from professional HVAC technicians. If you can’t explain why your heat pump has stopped giving you heat, contact us right away. With more than a decade of experience, we can find out the source of the problem and devise a solution that will restore your warm indoors as quickly as possible. Give your Washington, DC heat pump the finest care— call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating!

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Paying Too Much for Heating in Arlington, VA?

October 22nd, 2013

In terms of heating, Arlington, VA homeowners need to watch the bottom line. Our winters can get cold, and a good heating system is often the only way to keep your home warm and comfortable when temperatures drop. A lot of people simply accept high heating bills as the price they pay for a cozy home. But it doesn’t have to be the case. Are you paying too much for heating in Arlington, VA? If you are, you can take steps to alleviate the condition.

It can be tricky to spot high heating bills, especially in the winter. Obviously, you are not going to use your heater as much during the fall as you do in the dead of winter. One good method to determine whether you’re using too much energy is to schedule a maintenance session for your heating device. A trained technician can arrive at your home and examine the heater for any signs of wear or use. If a small part is worn out, he or she can replace it. If dirt or dust have built up, he or she can clean the unit. If larger repairs need to be made, he or she can pinpoint the problem and schedule a later service date. Ideally, this maintenance session should take place at the end of cooling season, before the winter settles in. It allows you to spot potential trouble areas and increases the heater efficiency, helping to cut down on heating costs.

If you’re able to consider something more radical, look into the possibility of upgrading your unit to a newer and more efficient one. Heating systems have their efficiency measured in Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings, measured as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more energy is spent actually heating the home instead of being wasted. Newer units have a higher AFUE rating than older ones, and this can lead to significant savings on your utility bills each month.

If you’re paying too much for heating in Arlington, VA, Polar Bear can help. Whether you want to install a new unit or just give a little care to your old one, our staff has the training and experience to do the job right. Call us today to set up an appointment.

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3 Reasons to Consider a Furnace in McLean, VA

October 15th, 2013

Nothing can fight back a snowy day like a warm, cozy household, with heating provided by a reliable furnace. Furnaces aren’t the only form of reliable heating in this neck of the woods, however. You can also find boilers, heat pumps, and many others. So what are the benefits of a furnace? What makes them a better option for heating that other technologies?

Here are 3 reasons to consider a furnace in McLean, VA:

  1. Energy efficiency. Gas furnaces tend to operate at high levels of efficiency, costing less to install and run than other forms of heating. You can easily customize them to add energy-saving upgrades like zone control and programmable thermostats.
  2. Few breakdowns. Gas furnaces suffer from wear and tear like any other mechanical system. But they are known to be both reliable and durable. That means fewer repairs and fewer complete breakdowns.
  3. Versatility. Alternate forms of heating aren’t always practical for every home, and you may need to make big changes in your home in order to accommodate them. Gas furnaces, on the other hand, are extremely flexible, and modern models have a lot of installation options.  You do need ducts for a furnace to heat your home, but they can be the same ones that are used by your central air conditioning system.

If you need more reasons to consider a furnace in McLean, VA, contact Polar Bear for sound advice and expertise. We can install a new furnace in McLean, VA, as well as setting up a reliable maintenance schedule to keep it running smoothly. Our trained technicians are dedicated to your complete satisfaction and we will discuss your options with you so that you’re completely clear on what will happen. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.

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Northern Virginia Boiler FAQ: How Do Boilers Work?

October 7th, 2013

Here at Polar Bear, we advise our customers to place boilers on their list of potential heating systems to install in their homes. Modern boilers provide some tremendous advantages: low cost installation, energy-efficient performance, even heating, quiet operation, improved air quality, durability, and longevity. In Northern Virginia, a boiler is one of your best options for a comfortable and cozy home all the way through to spring.

But how exactly does a boiler work? Here’s something you probably didn’t know: there are few boilers today that do any “boiling.” Older models operate from steam, but the modern ones use hot water to heat your home. We’ll give you a rundown on how these boilers work, and this information will help you understand better why boilers are good heating options.

Boilers can run off a variety of fuel sources: natural gas, electricity, and oil are the most common. We’re going to focus on the type we see the most often in homes, the gas-powered boiler, in this post.

A boiler uses a tank full of water that it heats up and then sends into your house to raise the temperature in your living space. A pilot light ignites gas jets in a combustion chamber located underneath the water tank. These jets raise the temperature of the water—although not to the point of boiling into steam the way old systems used to do. A pump them moves the hot water through pipes.

The hot water eventually reaches an end point, usually a radiator or a baseboard heater, where heat then radiates into your home. (This is why boilers won’t lower the air quality in your house: they use radiant heat instead of forced air moved through ducts that can become dirty.) The cooled-down water from the terminal point then returns to the tank, where the process of heating it starts again.

We recommend homeowners look into gas-powered boilers—especially if they already have a natural gas supply hooked to their house—because they are among the most efficient and energy-friendly heating options available today. Our heating experts at Polar Bear also perform oil-to-gas conversions to help you get the highest efficiency from your current boiler. When you need help with your boiler, the Northern Virginia specialists at Polar Bear are ready to give you the assistance you need.

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The Benefits of Oil to Gas Conversions

September 30th, 2013

Do you want all the benefits of a gas boiler or furnace without the high replacement cost? Have you considered an oil to gas conversion? Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. offer oil to gas conversions for customers in the Washington, D.C. area.

Here are reasons customers would want to convert from oil to gas:

1. Homeowners will save a lot of money on fuel bills.

2. The system will pay for itself through energy savings in just a few years.

3. Natural gas is a much cleaner burning fossil fuel, which is better for the environment.

4. Home heating oil can be smelly, but natural gas is odorless.

5. Homes with natural gas heating systems have higher resale value.

Call Polar Bear today to find out if your existing oil boiler or furnace can be converted to natural gas. The switch can save you money on fuel and natural gas is much better for the environment. Natural gas can also be piped directly to your home, so you never have to worry about fuel deliveries again! Let the expert team at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. take care of your oil to gas conversion, increase the potential value of your home, and help you save money on energy costs!

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