The dangers of not maintaining your heat exchanger

A damaged heat exchanger can threaten the safety of your home. It’s therefore important to have a better understanding of how your heat exchanger works and what you can do to keep it running safely.

What does a heat exchanger do?

The heat exchanger is a crucial part of your gas-furnace heating system, as your furnace relies on it to provide warm air throughout your home.

To create heat, the furnace combusts gas in a sealed chamber. The heat exchanger’s job is to keep toxic combustion fumes contained so they’re directed safely out of the system’s exhaust flue, and do not enter the air in your home.   

To do this safely, the heat exchanger must have an airtight seal to prevent the toxic gases from escaping.

If toxic fumes – such as carbon monoxide – escape into the air you breath in your home, you and your household are at risk of illness, health issues and even death.

What causes the damage? Some common issues:

Normal wear and tear from the process of heating and cooling cycles will cause metal fatigue and cracks in the heat exchanger naturally over time.

However, this may happen prematurely.

For instance, clogged air filters or closed registers prevent proper airflow, which causes repeated overheating that ultimately lead to stress cracks.

If your furnace is oversized for your home, this can also cause overheating which lead to cracks.

In some cases, condensation can cause corrosion and rusting which deteriorate the heat exchangers and cause holes to form.

What can you do to prevent and detect potential damage?

First and foremost, schedule an inspection from a trained, professional HVAC technician – like any of ours here at Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing.

You’ll want an annual tune-up as an absolute minimum. However, we recommend a maintenance contract which comes with two visits a year. Doing so will help keep your heat exchanger running reliably, ensure your system is safe, and save you money on repairs.

Between inspections…

Pay attention to unusual smells, as well as any rattling, clicking or banging sounds coming from the furnace.

Install low-level carbon monoxide monitors to detect the presence of carbon monoxide. Remember, you won’t smell, see, taste or hear the presence of carbon monoxide – thus why it’s commonly referred to as the “silent killer”.

If you notice any of the above, suspect any damage or have any concerns, call our office today: 770-253-2665.

Call our office at: 770-253-2665

Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


What you need to know about heat strips

Do you have an electric heat pump system? If you do, then now is a good time to talk about heat strips!

Understanding what heat strips are, and how they’re meant to function, could save you untold dollars on your electric bill.

Here’s what you need to know:

What are heat strips?

Heat strips are a secondary heating source that are installed inside the air handler of your electric heat pump system. They are coil-like elements that generate electric heat. When air from your system fan blows over the heat strips, that heat is distributed into your home.

(Note that heat strips do not apply to gas furnaces, as these rely on natural gas or propane and do not need supplemental heat.)

How do I know if I have a heat pump system with heat strips?

Here in Georgia, many homes operate with electric heat pumps, but not all.

Some homes use gas furnaces. Others use dual fuel systems: a combination of furnace and heat pump.

With gas furnaces and dual fuel systems, you won’t have heat strips since there’s no need for supplemental emergency heating as natural gas or propane is involved.

A heat pump system on its own, however, requires supplemental heating and will include a heat strip component.

If you’re unsure of your system, here are some indicators that can help:

You likely have an electric heat pump with heat strips…

  • If your thermostat displays ‘AUX’ or ‘EMERGENCY’ heat.
  • If most everything in your home is electric, e.g., electric stove, dryer, etc.

You likely have a gas furnace…

  • If you have a gas stove or water heater.

Another way to tell, is by looking at your breaker panel for your indoor unit. If you have a Single-Pole breaker for your indoor unit, this indicates you have a gas-powered furnace. If you have a Double-Pole breaker for your indoor unit, this means you have a heat pump.

What is the purpose of heat strips?

Heat strips are designed to help supply supplemental heating to your heat pump system. Your heat pump draws heat from the outside to pump into your home.

However, when outdoor temperatures drop there may not be enough heat in the outside air for the heat pump to single-handedly do its job. If it can’t pump enough heat into your home, that’s when this secondary heating source – the heat strips – will kick into operation.

Usually, heat strips will turn on and off on their own, as needed, to help balance the temperature.

However, the heat strips are also designed to act as an emergency or auxiliary heat source should your heat pump system fail altogether.  

What are the downsides to heat strips?

Whilst heat strips are essential in climates where temperatures reach freezing, they are inefficient and extremely expensive to run. So, you’ll want to minimize how often your emergency heating kicks in.

And you’ll certainly want to avoid turning the emergency heating system on unless it is truly necessary, as in, your heating stops working and you need heat while waiting for repair.

What can I do to reduce the usage of my heat strips?

When the weather is colder, keep your thermostat as low as you can stand it, optimally at 68°F. This will reduce the work your heat pump has to do, and minimize the heat strips kicking in as often.

Also, if you’ve lowered your home’s temperature and want to raise it back up, do not raise the thermostat more than two degrees at a time. Doing so can also initiate the heat strips.

What should I do if my heat stops working?

We recommend a few quick checks before you switch into emergency heating mode:

Step 1: Check the breaker panel to make sure everything is on and working and that nothing has tripped.

Step 2: We recommend flipping your breaker for both your indoor and outdoor units, as this can restart your system.

Step 3: If you still have no heating, place your thermostat in ‘emergency heating mode’ and call Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing!

Remember, only use emergency heating mode as a short-term solution until repairs can be made to your system.

The goal is to keep that electricity bill down as much as possible, as well as limit the amount of stress placed on your heat pump.

If you suspect heating issues, we’re only a phone call away.

If you have questions or need help, call our office: 770-253-2665.

Call our office at: 770-253-2665 Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


How to prevent water pipes from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do.

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of ta container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

  • Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
  • Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
  • Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to Protect Pipes From Freezing

Before the onset of cold weather, protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:

  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
  • Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
  • Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
  • Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
  • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape”, “heat cable”, or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even 1/4″ of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
  • Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
  • Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

As always, we’re here if you need us! Call our office at 770-253-2665

Credit: Redcross.org

Photo Credit: Nadiia Ganzhyi on Unsplash

Call our office at: 770-253-2665 Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


What About Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas which at high levels can cause serious illness and death. CO alarms are widely available and should be considered a back-up to BUT NOT A REPLACEMENT for proper installation, use, and maintenance of fuel-burning appliances. CO alarms are designed to warn you of any unusual build-up of CO in your home. These higher levels of CO may occur from improperly maintained, installed or used fuel-burning appliances, backdrafting appliances or fireplaces, or idling cars in garages. If a CO alarm is to be installed:

  1. Make sure the device is certified to the most current Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standard 2034 or the International Approval Services (IAS) 6-96 standard.
  2. Install a CO alarm in the hallway near every separate sleeping area.
  3. Be aware of all instructions and warnings associated with the CO alarm.

CPSC Recommends Carbon Monoxide Alarm for Every Home (January 18, 2001 CPSC Release # 01-069)

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that every home should have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. CPSC also urges consumers to have a professional inspection of all fuel- burning appliances — including furnaces, stoves, fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters, and space heaters — to detect deadly carbon monoxide leaks.  CPSC recommends that every home should have at least one CO alarm that meets the requirements of the most recent Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2034 standard or International Approval Services 6-96 standard.  

Credit: EPA.gov

Call our office at: 770-253-2665 Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


Wondering Why Your Ac is Running but not Cooling?

7/20/2022

Reasons Why Your AC is Constantly Running but Not Cooling

There are several reasons why your air conditioner might not be blowing cold air, and identifying the underlying cause is a core part of repairing the problem. 

Some of the most common reasons why your air conditioning system is running but not producing cool air include:

Air Duct Leaks: If there happens to be a leak in your air duct, then none of the cool air that your AC is producing will flow into the different rooms in your home.

Low Refrigerant: The refrigerant is what makes the air coming from the air conditioner cool, so if it’s low then you won’t have enough cool air.

Dirty Filter: The air filter is what traps particles floating in the air, so they can get incredibly dirty. They need to be cleaned and changed pretty frequently or they can stifle the airflow.

Dirty Condenser: The job of the condenser is to collect or remove heat in the air conditioner. If the condenser becomes dirty, it won’t be able to get rid of the heat, which will make your home hot.

If you are experiencing any of these problems, the best thing you can do is call an HVAC technician for air conditioning repair to make sure your unit can cool your home efficiently again.

Why Do Air Conditioners Stop Working?

We depend a lot on our air conditioners when it starts to get hot outside. They effectively cool down our homes and keep us comfortable and safe from incredibly hot temperatures. However, there will be many times when your air conditioning system just stops working. To ensure your AC unit is always working, it’s important to invest in air conditioning maintenance in order to avoid air conditioning repair service. Sometimes maintenance can fall by the wayside due to busy schedules and life in general, but that doesn’t stop an air conditioner from developing issues. Some of the most common issues for why an air conditioner stops working is that the condenser coil is dirty, the evaporator coil is frozen, there is low refrigerant, the air filter is dirty, there is a clog in the drain line, or there are problems with the thermostat. To prevent these problems from happening, you can call an HVAC technician for AC maintenance. With maintenance, a technician can clean or change air filters, clean coils, drain lines, and make the necessary air conditioning repair when needed.

How Do I Know If My AC Is Broken?

If you are asking yourself the question, “Why is my AC running constantly?” or some other question about why your AC is acting out of the ordinary, it might be because your AC is breaking down or broken. In order to avoid a complete air conditioner breakdown or even air conditioning repair, it’s important to know what signs to look for when you need air conditioning repair service. Some of the most common signs that you need air conditioning repair is when your AC is blowing hot air, your AC isn’t blowing cool air, there are weird noises coming from the air conditioning, strange smells are coming from the air conditioner, there is weak airflow, or your cooling bills are higher than usual.

Should I Repair or Replace My AC?

Many homeowners who are having problems with their air conditioner might be struggling to decide if they need air conditioning repair or a replacement. Fortunately, an HVAC technician will be able to make that call, but it’s still good to know when a repair or replacement is needed so you can prepare yourself. As a rule of thumb, when an air conditioning unit is over 15 years old, it will need to be replaced. Other times that air conditioning replacement service will be needed over air conditioner repair is if it’s not as efficient as it used to be, air conditioning repair would be too costly, or your energy bills just keep increasing to no avail. If your air conditioner is just having a bit of trouble, then repairs will be better than a complete replacement.

Benefits of Regular Air Conditioning Repair and Maintenance

If your air conditioner is acting up, the best thing you can do is call an HVAC company for air conditioning repair for the home. A lot of people ask about air conditioning repair costs, but it will really depend on what part of the air conditioner is not working, how extensive the damage is, as well as labor costs. 

Remember,

We are able to offer air conditioning service that is affordable and effective. We recommend that homeowners get AC maintenance in order to keep their air conditioners in good shape and running as they should. Make an appointment with us today by calling our office at 770-253-2665.

Call our office at: 770-253-2665

Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


How to make your HVAC more efficient in your favorite place to be: Home Sweet Home.

7/20/22

How can I improve my HVAC efficiency?

That’s a question that our technicians hear time and time again, and for good reason. While electronics and other appliances claim a growing portion of our daily energy usage, the US Department of Energy states that almost half of our energy consumption still comes from heating and cooling.

So what happens if we improve our home HVAC energy efficiency? 

We get huge savings on our utility bills! Today, we’ll talk about how to reduce heating and cooling costs each day. By the end of our discussion, you should be able to craft your own winning energy strategy! Let’s get started.

How to Reduce HVAC Power Consumption

Thanks to modern advancements in HVAC energy efficiency, you’re almost guaranteed to find a heating or cooling system that offers improvements over your current model. While that obviously represents a significant investment, the energy savings are usually worth the cost (especially if you already need a replacement). However, you will need to make sure that your new system’s output matches the demands of your home or business.

Does HVAC Maintenance Save Energy?

While upgrading to a newer, more efficient HVAC model is nice, not every homeowner has the budget or need to replace their system. In fact, there are numerous ways to save that don’t require making a large purchase. Maintenance and usage habits make a greater impact on your energy consumption than you realize!

Is it More Efficient to Leave Air Conditioning On?

While some would try to complicate the issue, the answer comes down to simple math. More run time, even in the most advanced air conditioning systems, equals more time where energy is consumed. Air conditioning systems may reach peak efficiency at maximum output, but that doesn’t mean you should always keep your system turned on.

Find Your Energy-Saving Options!

Want more information about enhancing your home’s utility savings? Our team at Progressive HVAC & Plumbing would love to talk with you about HVAC energy efficiency in your home. -Make an appointment with one of our friendly, knowledgeable HVAC technicians at 770-253-2665.

Call our office at: 770-253-2665

Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


What Does a Carbon Monoxide Detector Do and How Does it Work?

7/19/2022

It might seem like a time-saver to run your car in the garage before a long commute, especially on a cold winter’s morning. But the emissions from your vehicle can fill your garage with carbon monoxide (CO)—a dangerous, silent threat—even if the garage door is open.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas that claims over 430 lives a year.

It’s a byproduct of burning carbon fuel like the natural gas in your stove and the gasoline in your car. Even small doses of carbon monoxide can cause permanent damage or death.

What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide gas is a simple molecule: one part carbon and one part oxygen. Carbon monoxide comes when carbon fuel—like wood, gasoline, coal, propane, natural gas, and heating oil—fails to burn completely (incomplete combustion).

These energy sources aren’t dangerous when you burn them in an open area with plenty of ventilation. But carbon monoxide is hazardous in confined spaces—like basements, kitchens, garages, or campers.

Carbon monoxide is hard to detect without a sensor, which is one of the reasons it’s so dangerous.

How do you detect carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm when they sense a certain amount of carbon monoxide over time. Different sensors set off different types of alerts:

  • Biomimetic sensor: a gel changes color when it absorbs carbon monoxide, and this color change triggers the alarm.
  • Metal oxide semiconductor: when the silica chip’s circuitry detects carbon monoxide, it lowers the electrical resistance, and this change triggers the alarm.
  • Electrochemical sensor: electrodes in a chemical solution sense changes in electrical currents when they come into contact with carbon monoxide, and this change triggers the alarm.

Once the carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds, it must be in a carbon monoxide-free environment to silence the siren.

Sensor maintenance

No matter what type of carbon monoxide detection you have, you should conduct regular maintenance:

  • Test it frequently using the button on the front (once a month).
  • Replace the batteries as often as the instructions recommend.
  • If you have a wired sensor with a battery back-up, make sure both power sources are working.
  • Replace the sensor every few years according to manufacturer guidelines. (These sensors don’t last forever.) Many models intentionally sound an alarm when they expire; read the manual so you know what to expect

Schedule your appointment with us online and save 10% – or call our office at 770-253-2665

Call our office at: 770-253-2665

Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


Does Home Insurance Cover Air Conditioning?

7/15/2022

Many homeowners understand that home insurance is a type of property insurance that covers damages and losses to one’s home. However, what many homeowners don’t know and ask themselves is: does home insurance cover air conditioning in your home? Let’s say your air conditioner got damaged, needs maintenance or it got old and needs replacement. Who covers that? Well, the first thing you need to know is, home insurance doesn’t cover an AC that needs maintenance or is old. That could be covered by a home warranty instead. Home insurance may however cover an AC under certain scenarios, which you’ll learn about below.

So, When Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Central Air Units?
Below are the circumstances under which home insurance covers AC unit replacement or repair:

1 . When your AC is damaged by weather-related causes
In the event where your AC is damaged by bad weather such as lightning, hail or winds, your AC may be covered by your home insurance depending on your policy limits. Also, home insurance may cover your unit if a tree fell on it and damaged it. An important point to note however is that earthquakes and floods are usually excluded from most homeowners insurance policies.

2 . When your AC is damaged by fire or water
Your home insurance may also cover your AC in the event that your AC gets damaged by fire, or there’s a pipe burst that would force your unit to be repaired or replaced. However, your home insurance may not cover your unit if water damage to your AC is due to flooding.

3 . Vandalism and theft of the unit
Theft of an AC unit is quite rare, however if your unit got damaged due to vandalism, it may be covered by your home insurance. If your unit is stolen or vandalized, your may need to file a police report first before you file an insurance claim.

What you need to know when filing a homeowners insurance claim for your Unit
Now that you’ve learnt how homeowners insurance covers HVAC, how do you file the claims? Before you file any claims, it’s vital that you first read and understand the content of your homeowners insurance policy.

If you’ve read and confirmed that the damage to your AC is covered by your insurance provider, keep the following in mind when filing the claim:

Take a clear picture of the damaged AC.
Ensure you have a copy of the police report in the event of vandalism or theft of your unit.
Note down the model of your AC and its serial number.
Contact your home insurance provider via phone or file the claim online.
Talk to your insurance adjuster.
For every repair done, keep the receipt.
Give the receipts to your insurance provider for reimbursement.


It’s vital to note that insurance providers are not the same, they differ. That means that the insurance claiming process may differ depending on your homeowners insurance policies. It’s important that you speak to your homeowners insurance agent in case of any additional requirements that may be needed. For any other HVAC-related questions, feel free to contact our office today: 770-253-2665. We would love to assist you!

Call our office at: 770-253-2665

Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


Advantages of installing a new HVAC system

AC units are a vital part of many peoples day to day lives. Because of their huge impact on our lives, usually we think that we know when the system may be struggling and is needing to be replaced. But did you know that your HVAC unit can not only be running up your electric bill but could be causing other issues? Let’s discuss the advantages of installing a new HVAC system.

1. Improved Health

Older HVAC systems do not have the capabilities of filtering out nasty contaminates such as fungi, bacteria, dust/mold. Maintaining proper heating, cooling, and overall circulation in your home can help ensure fantastic air quality in your home.

2. Safety

Older units are usually comprised of outdated parts dealing with aged electrical wiring and power sources. Most of these systems use a type of Freon called R-22 that is no longer used and very difficult to find. That can result in repairs being more expensive than necessary. When dealing with older parts this usually can lead to issues occurring undetected and lead to fire hazards which is a major safety concern. Our technicians work hard when installing a new unit that everything is working properly and done correctly to ensure the utmost safety.

3. Saving money

One of the top benefits in installing a new system in your home is the much appreciated advantage of saving on your electric bill. Newer systems are energy efficient which in the long run can save you money as well as ensuring your unit is running at optimal efficiency.

4. Less noise

Most people think of home as being a quiet place to relax and unwind. But one thing that can break the ambiance of a peaceful day at home is a loud HVAC unit. Older units are prone to being louder which can lead into annoyance on a daily basis. Installing a newer unit can help reduce noise and restore your home back into the peaceful sanctuary that it is.

Call our office at: 770-253-2665

Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.


5 tips to minimize the strain on your HVAC system this summer

Summertime is just around the corner which means temperatures will soon be rising. Higher temperatures mean your HVAC system will be kicking into high gear. In order to make sure you stay cool all summer long, HVAC maintenance is very important to keep everything running smoothly and to prevent strain on your system. Here are five tips to help prepare you for the summer months.

1. Clean filters

Dirty air filters not only cause restricted airflow but can also use more energy to keep you cool. Replacing your air filters every month can help reduce the strain on your system this summer and help prevent wear and tear.

2. Regular HVAC maintenance

Regular maintenance and upkeep of your units is an essential step in maintaining the longevity of your system. The best way to ensure everything is running smoothly is to contact a Professional to come and do regular maintenance checks. At Progressive Heating and Air we are here to help ensure you are prepared year around. We have certified Technicians to help maintenance your systems and make sure they are running properly.

3. Keeping windows/doors shut

Keeping your windows and doors shut during the hot summer months can greatly decrease strain on your HVAC systems. Not allowing the cold air to escape will keep your house or business better insulated resulting in colder temperatures and less work for your unit!

4. Enhancing shade

Implementing more shade can drastically improve your systems airflow. Increasing shade around your HVAC unit can help increase its efficiency and lower cooling costs during hot summer months. This will help reduce any extra strain your system may be feeling from extended use.

5. Installing smart/programable systems

Investing in a smart or programable thermostat can play a major role in keeping your system in optimal working condition. In order to get great results from anything we need to invest. And investing in one of these systems can help for years to come. It is an easy way to help remain cost efficient and keep your system running efficiently.

Conclusion

We hope these five simple tips will help you keep your HVAC system running smoothly this summer. If you need any help with your heating and air system call please feel free to call us at 770-253-2665.

Call our office at: 770-253-2665

Visit www.progressiveac.com for more information.