Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating Systems’

Why Does My Heater Keep Shutting Down?

Monday, November 19th, 2018

servicing-furnaceThere can be a pretty major gap between a heater that is functioning decently and one that is truly functioning at peak performance and efficiency levels. When winter temperatures are at their coldest, it is easy to overlook that your heater is not really firing on all cylinders. You may not want to deal with a heating problem when you need the heater to be running at all times—which is precisely when you really need your heater to be functioning properly in every way!

Don’t convince yourself that “good enough” is good enough when it comes to your heater and its overall performance quality. If your heater is failing you in any way, it is time to take the problem seriously. No, it’s never “minor” enough to ignore! A prime example of a problem that too often goes unresolved for too long: short cycling. If your heater is running in short bursts, you may need professional heating repair in Leesburg, VA.

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Explore Your Heating Options

Monday, October 22nd, 2018

cold-couple-on-couchYou may not be ready to fully embrace it, but the fact of the matter is that winter is heading our way once more. We’re willing to bet that you’ve already put your heating system back into rotation, even if it isn’t running all day and night quite yet. If you don’t like what you’re experiencing, or if you know that your heater just does not have another season left in it, contact us for your heating replacement in Alexandria, VA.

Just keep in mind that this is not the type of service you should rush into. Just because you have an existing heating system does not mean that you have to continue to use that same type of heating system, after all. If you are serious about enjoying 100% satisfaction with the way in which you heat your home, you need to choose your new heater carefully. We’re here to give you a rundown on your options so that you can do just that.

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Pros and Cons of Various Heating Systems in Washington DC

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

When it comes time to install a new heating system in your Washington DC home, there are a lot of options to consider. Many people get overwhelmed when confronted with all of the furnaces, boilers and heat pumps on the market these days. So, to help you get a handle on what each has to offer and which will offer you the best benefits, here is an overview of the modern heating system market.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the core of a forced air heating system and use gas, oil or electricity to heat air which is then circulated through your home by a blower in your air handler. Furnaces are among the most fuel efficient heating systems on the market today with options available at up to 95% AFUE (meaning it uses up to 95% of the fuel consumed to produce heat). They are also inexpensive to install and while they don’t last quite as long as boilers, they are highly efficient when well cared for.

Boilers

Boilers use gas, oil or electricity to heat water or steam which is then circulated through your home into radiators or baseboard heaters. The heated water or steam releases heat into your home and heats it in turn. While not quite as energy efficient as a high efficiency furnace, boiler heat is perfect for homes with existing radiators and no room for vents and ductwork. It also has less of an impact on indoor air quality since there is no air movement and boilers tend to last a very long time when well maintained.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular, especially in milder climates where it rarely gets below 40 degrees F. A heat pump uses the same technology as an air conditioner to extract heat from outside using a compressor, evaporator coils, and condenser coils with refrigerant.

It is most efficient in the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, but it uses much less energy than either a boiler or furnace and it can be used in the summer to cool your home. When properly maintained, a heat pump will last 10-20 years and save quite a bit of money, though it is recommended that you have an emergency heat source for days when the temperature outside gets below 40 degrees F.

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