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HVAC Knowledge You Rely On

Every year the summers seem to get a little hotter and last a little longer. Maybe not, but sometimes extreme bouts of heat and hot weather make homeowners feel that way. When the temperatures start to rise, we count on our air conditioners to keep us comfortable in our homes. We obviously want the best possible AC units for our needs. If it’s really hot and you run the air conditioner often, you may start to see an increase in your power bill. This could cause you to ask “how energy efficient are air conditioners?” Many homeowners are interested in energy efficient air conditioners as a result. Some of the most common questions we get are “how do energy efficient air conditioners work?” and “What are the most efficient air conditioners?” It’s normal to question the benefits of one type of air conditioner over another. They’re not cheap, so you want to make the right choice. This is especially true if you’re looking for air conditioning service because your unit is about to die, or if you’re looking to upgrade to something new. The following are some of the benefits of running an energy efficient air conditioner in your home.

Energy Efficient Air Conditioner Benefits

• Environmentally Friendly All energy efficient air conditioners work to decrease your carbon footprint. They use an environmentally friendly refrigerant alternative. It’s such an added benefit that the most efficient units come with an “energy efficient air conditioner tax credit.” So not only will these models of AC unit decrease your power bill, they’ll get your money back from the IRS.

• Higher Performance All energy efficient models of air conditioners are relatively newer in design and performance. Some are geared toward being silent, others have variable speed compressors that change up the power geared toward cooling your home. The more tech manufacturers put into your energy efficient air conditioner, the higher the performance is likely to be.

• Longer Life-Span As air conditioner technology advances, manufacturers are finding new ways to create parts that stand the test of time. Most energy efficient models are loaded with newer parts and equipment. That means they have all of the most advanced components in them, making them more likely to last a long time.
• Lower Energy Bills This is the biggest draw of the energy efficient air conditioner. These units are designed to cool your home by using less power. Less energy means a lower energy cost. Lower power bills eventually lead to getting money back on your air conditioner as a result. If an energy efficient AC does the same cooling job as other units, or does even better, but costs less money to operate, then it is a superior option in the home climate control business.

Which AC is Energy Efficient?

Now you know the benefits of the energy efficient air conditioner. But what constitutes an energy efficient model of an air conditioner, and “which uses more electricity window unit or central air?” The level of energy efficiency of your air conditioner depends on a few different things. One is your AC usage patterns as a homeowner. Certain models will work better depending on how often you go between attempting to cool your home and leaving your AC off. If you’re trying to decide “Which uses more electricity window unit or central air?” this is still a question that relies on you. If you’re looking to cool one room specifically, then a window unit may be the better option. But a properly installed central air unit will keep your entire house cool. So to truly determine the best air conditioner is for you, you’ll need to decide what and how you need your AC to work. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the seasonal energy efficiency ratio, or SEER score, the more energy efficient the air conditioner is.

Energy Efficient Air Conditioner Brands

When the time comes to make the choice for an energy efficient air conditioner, it could be difficult. There are so many model options and manufacturers to choose from. Homeowners may find themselves asking if Carrier air conditioners are the best choice. Some homeowners ask outright “Which brand AC consumes less electricity?” Wanting to know which AC manufacturer offers the most return on your investment isn’t a bad thing. Many HVAC brands offer high-quality, energy efficient air conditioner options. So there are plenty of potential manufacturers to choose from. Homeowners who can’t answer the question “Is it cheaper to run a window air conditioner or central air?” should consider asking the professionals for their opinion. Wanting to know what the most efficient  AC is for your budget is important, so you want an HVAC team that will steer you in the right direction. Whether you’re looking for a quiet window unit or the most energy efficient central air conditioner that money can buy, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for service for an energy efficient air conditioner in the Boise, ID area, contact the professional HVAC contractors of Shanco Heating & Air at (208) 629-3335 for more information today!

Asthma Can Be Triggered By Poor Air Quality.

If you have ever taken the drink a coke through a sock during the sock challenge than you will know that one, it is pretty disgusting, and two it can be a bit hard to catch your breath through the dirty sock. This same feeling can be said about your lungs when the indoor air quality is poor. The quality of the air inside your home is responsible for maintaining the health of your family. If you find that some of your family members have fallen ill or are suffering from an extreme case of allergies, this could be a sign of your HVAC system’s air filtration not maintaining the quality of your air correctly. If this is the case, then it is time that you got your air filtration serviced.

What Causes The Indoor Air Quality To Decrease?

The quality of the air inside your home is based on how your indoor environment is reacting to other aspects of your home. There few reasons as to why your indoor air quality can decrease.

HVAC SYSTEM MALFUNCTION

Your HVAC system, (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), is the soul behind keeping the temperature, humidity, ventilation, and air circulation working within your home. If your HVAC unit loses control of any one of these elements, then the whole system could be thrown off causing the air quality within your home to decrease.

This is why it is extremely important to have your HVAC system undergo regular maintenance to avoid any malfunctions that could affect the quality of your air. But we will get back to that in a bit.

Presence of Contaminates

Your home’s air is reliant on more than just the proper functioning of your HVAC system, but it is also dependent on the cleanliness of your home. As your mother probably said, “cleanliness is next to godliness,” which is the gospel truth concerning your air quality. You see, harmful molecules from dust, mold, and bacteria can get swept up into your air by people, or even a breeze, passing by. When this happens, it sticks in the air, contaminating it, and eventually making its way into you and your family’s lungs. Proper maintenance of your home, such as a weekly dusting, vacuuming, cleaning the walls and furniture, ensuring that there is no damage to roofs, windows, or walls that would allow for leaks, can all help avoid this problem.

Proper Cleaning Of Your Home Filtration System Can Keep Your Air Quality Pristine. 

It isn’t just about cleaning though, you need to make sure that you are taking the right safety protocols when cleaning your home. Chemicals, such as Clorox, do a fantastic job at fighting off dirt but can also harm your body. In order to avoid contaminating your air with these chemicals or the threat of directly breathing them in, it is important that you always make sure that the area that you are cleaning is properly ventilated to ensure that the chemicals have a place to escape instead of becoming wrapped around you. This will help you avoid any negative health effects that can come from breathing them in, such as nausea or dizziness.

Also, no matter how strong your HVAC unit it, it cannot completely control the quality of air in your home when it faced with a serious problem such as a gas or sewage leak. These types of problems are a real cause for concern, as they can put your whole family in danger of becoming ill or causing some major damage to your home and property. If you notice a gas leak or a problem with your sewage line, it is extremely important to get these taken care of right away.

What Are Common Indoor Air Pollutants?

Besides the ones listed earlier, three of the more serious air pollutants are radon, mold, and volatile organic compounds. Here is just a quick rundown of these pollutants.

Radon

Radon is a type of radioactive gas that in high doses can lead to major health concerns such as lung cancer. Radon is naturally in the air we breathe when we go outside, and a small amount will not hurt you. But as the saying goes, too much of anything can be harmful. Radon becomes deadly when it gets trapped within your home and the level of it begins to spike. It can get into your home by seeping in through the natural pores in your floor or through cracks in your windows or walls. When this happens, your HVAC system can usually knock it out, but if that is malfunctioning, then it no longer has the power to help filter out the radon, leaving your home in danger.

Mold (Mold Spores)

When mold grows in your home because of a leak in the roof or perhaps a faulty pipe, then the spores can become detached and drift in your air. Small amounts are harmless but if the problem is not taken care of, it can have a huge negative impact on those who have asthma or allergies. It can make people with a weakened immune system sick, and in general, just isn’t good for anyone to be breathing in. This can be handled by ensuring that your roof is properly taken care for and that you do inspections on windows and walls to make sure there are no cracks. Any broken pipes should be taken care of as soon as they are noticed to avoid future problems.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile Organic Compounds are harmful substances that can be found off of paint and certain chemicals. As mentioned before, it is important to make sure that whenever you are doing anything in your home that involves chemicals or paint, that there is proper ventilation to avoid breathing the chemicals in.

How Is Your Health Affected By Poor Indoor Air Quality?

There are a few common signs that could point to poor air quality within your home.

• Irritation or dryness of the eyes
• A sore throat
• Runny or itchy nose
• Dry skin
• Development of rashes
• A headache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Hypersensitivity
• Irritation of allergies
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Coughing
• Sneezing

Any of these signs, if ignored, could turn into even worse health concerns such as lung cancer. If you suspect that your home’s indoor air quality may be in jeopardy, then don’t hesitate, but act. A professional team of HVAC specialists, such as Shanco Heating & Air can help you determine whether you have a problem with your air quality by performing an air quality test. 

How Is An Indoor Air Quality Test Performed?

An indoor air quality test is performed typically by an HVAC Specialist, though it is possible to get a kit to try and do it on your home. (Though this is not recommended). With a special too, The HVAC specialist can measure your air and see what is in its contents. That tool will tell the specialist exactly what is making up your air and whether or not it is clean or dirty. If your air is dirty, your HVAC specialist can help you do an inspection, to try and pinpoint where the problem is. Once the problem is found, it can easily be resolved. Your family will be having a breath of fresh air in no time.

How Can I Improve My Indoor Air Quality?

Keep Your System Running Strong And Clean.

The biggest step that you can take to improve your indoor air quality is to regularly maintain your home air filtration system within your HVAC unit. Make sure that the filter is regularly cleaned and replaced when needed. Also, make sure that you invest time and energy into the maintenance of your HVAC system itself, it will ensure that it running smoothly, keeping your home at the right temperature, and helping secure the health of your and your family.

Keeping your home clean and following proper maintenance procedures will also ensure the superior quality of your air. This includes regular inspections of your roof, windows, and siding of your home, as well as keeping an eye out for gas or water leaks.

Indoor Air Quality And HVAC Systems

If you are feeling like you need to have your HVAC system serviced or fear that you air may already be contaminated in Boise, ID then call the team with a plethora of experience. At Shanco Heating & Air, your health and safety matter more to us than anything. We will work hard with you to help improve your indoor air quality and have you breathing easy. If you would like a free consultation, then call us at (208) 629-3335.  

Regular Gas Furnace Repair Should Ensure Your Unit Lasts for Its Expected Lifetime.

How many pieces of machinery can you think of that run almost constantly every day, and still last for decades? Not many! Yet your heating and cooling systems continue to work each day, ensuring that your home is kept cozy for your pleasure. Even the newest, most energy efficient heater installation however, still needs consistent care to last for its full lifetime.

Your gas furnace is no exception. Heavy, extended use combined with other challenges can prevent your appliance from reaching its full potential. Today, we’ll be talking about hazards that can cause malfunctions in your heating system, then we’ll outline a couple basic steps homeowners can utilize in gas furnace repair! These will help you diagnose problems faster, and let you know when it’s time to call your local HVAC technician.

What Causes a Gas Furnace to Stop Working?

First, you need to understand that your furnace has several built in safety mechanisms to shut itself off in the event of a malfunction. Without these features, your house could burn down or be filled with lethal carbon monoxide. If your heater can turn on but shuts off too soon, it’s likely that a safety mechanism is being activated. You just need to know which one.

Common Furnace Problems Include

• Obstructed Exhaust Vents
• Clogged Air Filters
• Faulty or Poorly Placed Thermostats
• Malfunctioning Flame Sensors
• Settings Error (Power, Gas Supply)
• Tripped Circuit and Motor Switches

One of the most frequently encountered problems is an overheated furnace caused by a clogged air filter. You know how your car starts to shut down when the engine overheats? Your furnace reacts to excess heat the same way. A sensor detects the heat and turns off the system. Changing out your furnace’s air filter on a regular basis not only helps you keep your system working, it also allows for maximum efficiency.

Blockage can affect other parts of your heating system too, such as duct work and exhaust vents. If your ducts become congested, it can cause a strain on your hardware and restrict the even flow of heat to certain rooms. Obstructed exhaust vents (either in the chimney or on the roof) while direct hot exhaust back down to the furnace, where the excess heat will cause a shutdown.

Keeping Vents Clean and Unobstructed Prevents Overheating and Power Loss.

Degraded sensors can also be an active obstacle for your furnace. The flame sensor for instance, which protects your home against carbon monoxide poisoning, can become rusted and take faulty readings. As a result, it doesn’t detect the flame which consumes the natural gas to heat your home. So it shuts everything down.

Other common issues that we see at Shanco Heating & Air are tripped circuits. Sometimes the breaker is tripped during operation and simply needs to be turned back on. There’s also the push-in switch next to the blower motor that deactivates the system when the cover panel is opened. Make sure that switch is fully depressed. Finally, make sure that the power and gas to your furnace is been turned back on each time you examine the interior.

Gas Furnace Troubleshooting

Below, we’ll break down a couple of the most common questions we get about furnace operation. We’ll be focusing on information that we haven’t covered yet. If you have any additional questions about gas furnace repair that aren’t mentioned here, feel free to give us a call at (208) 629-3335.

Why is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?

There are three typically reasons for this. The first and simplest possibility is that your fan is set to “ON” instead of “AUTO” meaning that it continues to blow air even when your furnace isn’t heating that air.

The second potential explanation is a blown out pilot light. This is something you can easily check and confirm. If the pilot light is out, try cleaning out the area around it and make sure the gas valve is open. Try relighting the pilot light. If it won’t stay lit, call a professional.

Finally, we mentioned earlier that the furnace turns off when it overheats. Your fan continues to blow while the furnace cools back down, meaning it may circulate some cold air in the meantime. Check out your filter, exhaust vent, and ducts for potential blockage.

How Do You Reset a Furnace Blower?

Start by deactivating the furnace’s power at your circuit breaker. Next, open the compartment which houses the blower motor, paying special care not to burn your fingers. The compartment may be hot from frequent use. There should be a yellow or red reset button located on the side or back of the motor. Press the button, replace the cover to the compartment and restore the power.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Gas Furnace Last?

Furnaces will typically last from 20 to 25 years. That number assumes proper maintenance and occasional gas furnace repair. Without this basic care, your system will likely not last that long. With exceptional attention, your heating system could last years longer.

How Long Does a Furnace Heat Exchanger Last?

Dirt Around Your Pilot Light Can Prevent It Functioning Correctly. Try Dusting the Area With a Soft Brush.

The heat exchanger is one of the most integral and expensive parts of the furnace. Because replacing it is so costly, many homeowners choose to replace the entire unit rather than just the exchanger. Steel exchangers last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, while cast iron versions may last as long as 40 years.

Where Can I Find Gas Furnace Repair Parts?

Some HVAC contractors will supply parts. A good number of them however, only supply the parts as part of an installation service. Your best bet is to contact your furnace manufacturer’s nearest heating equipment supply stores.

Schedule Your Gas Furnace Repair!

If you’d like to learn more about caring for your furnace, or if you’d like to schedule a service visit for your home, call the Shanco Heating & Air team at (208) 629-3335 today! We provide lasting solutions for all your Boise, ID gas furnace repair needs.

Within your home’s air are many potentially harmful contaminants that can contribute to current health conditions as well as triggering new problems. These contaminants can include carbon monoxide, lead, bacteria, mold, and more and can lead to breathing problems as well as allergy and asthma flare-ups. However, there are many simple steps you can take in your home to help eliminate the spread of harmful toxins and contaminants. Additions like whole house air purification systems can help eliminate issues easily and effectively.

Your Family Deserves Air That’s Free of Contaminants. We Can Help.

How Can I Prevent Contaminants?

While there are many ways to prevent contaminants in your home’s air, the most effective method is whole-home air purification. This system uses multiple filters to trap contaminants as the air passes through your HVAC system. This prevents the contaminants from ever getting into your home’s air. Other household systems can affect your home’s air quality and should be maintained regularly for maximum defense.

Other Home Tips for Improved Air Quality

• Keep Your Roof in Good Condition: Roof maintenance is important to the quality of your air, as is roof repair and replacement when needed. According to the roofers of Florida-based Andrew’s Roofing, timely roof repair can prevent mold and mildew which can transfer into your air.
• Utilize Your Home’s Vents and Windows: Use your home’s vents when cooking and showering to prevent excess moisture that can promote mold growth. Also power on fans to circulate your home’s air and let stale air exit.
• Repair Plumbing Leaks to Prevent Mold and Mildew: Plumbing leaks that are allowed to sit unrepaired are breeding grounds for mold, bacteria, and mildew. Ensuring that your plumbing is always in tip-top shape can prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, keeping your family healthier.

Whole House Air Purification Experts

Begin the purification process in your home by calling the Boise, ID area’s air purification experts. We provide the information and options you need to ensure you get the ideal product for your needs. Speak with the Shanco Heating & Air team now by calling (208) 629-3335 to discuss your home air purification options in the Boise, ID area or to learn about other ways to prevent harmful air contaminants in your home.

There Are Many Common Issues That Will Need Air Conditioning Repair Service.

One of the most common air conditioner problems that homeowners tend to have is that their air conditioner isn’t cooling. There are several reasons why your air conditioner is not cooling like it should. A typical reason for non-existent cooling is that the air filter in the AC is dirty. Changing out the filter ought to do the trick. Other things that we see that can cause an air conditioner not to blow cool air are thermostat is on auto, outside AC unit is dirty, damaged compressor, faulty condenser fan, and low refrigerant. Fortunately, all of these things can be fixed by a professional HVAC technician. Just like roof repair is needed to fix a roof, an AC also needs air conditioning repair in order to work. If you are unsure if the problem you are having requires air conditioning repair, below are some common signs the require repair service.

Common Issues That Need Air Conditioning Repair

• AC Is On But Not Cooling the Entire House: Is your air conditioner on and blowing cool air but not in every room in your home? Most of the time this problem is due to a frozen evaporator coil.
• Your Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On: Have you tried turning on your AC only to find that it won’t turn on at all? There are several reasons that this might be an issue. The compressor or your fan motor might be damaged, which will require repairs.
• Strange Noise Comes From Your AC: Your air conditioner can make different noises depending on what kind of issue there is. For example, clanging noise means the motor is damaged. Squealing can indicate there is an issue with the belt.

To get central air conditioning repair in Boise, ID, please call Shanco Heating & Air at (208) 629-3335.

While our air conditioners are amazing they are not without problems. Because we tend to run them all day, every day when it’s hot out, they can run into a few issues. A lot of these issues have a lot to do with lack of maintenance, but can happen due to the age of the unit, as well. Some of the biggest issues that you will see with an air conditioner are that the AC is one but it isn’t blowing cool air, there are fluctuations in the temperature, there are strange noises coming from the air conditioner, or the AC stops working altogether. When you are experiencing air conditioner issues, you need to call a reliable and licensed roofer to take care of the issue.

Why is My Air Conditioner Not Blowing Cold Air?

Air Conditioner Issues Can Include Not Producing Enough Cold Air Or Not Turning On At All.

One of the common air conditioner issues that homeowners deal with is the air conditioner not blowing cold air. We expect our air conditioners to run no matter what, but even reputable HVAC brands will require repairs and services, like York repair. So why exactly is your air conditioner not producing cool air? There are a couple of reasons for this. The biggest reason, however, is a dirty air filter. When the air filter becomes too clogged with debris, it can cause the AC to work harder than it should, which can freeze the evaporator coils. Other common reasons why the air conditioning unit isn’t blowing cool air are

• A damaged fan motor
• A defective thermostat
• Lack of refrigerant
• Broken capacitor.
• A dirty evaporator coil
• A leak in the air duct

When these components in the AC don’t work, it can cause the unit not to provide your home with cool air.

What Causes Your Air Conditioner To Stop Working

A huge inconvenience to all of us with air conditioners is when the AC stops working altogether. This would be one of the biggest air conditioner issues that we have to face. There are so many different aspects that contribute to an air conditioner not working. Some of the most common issues that we see when an air conditioner will not turn on is because a thermostat is broken, the circuit breaker was tripped, you’ve blown a fuse, run or start capacitor is damaged, the condenser or evaporator coil is dirty, or the air filter is too dirty.

However, sometimes an air conditioner can be too far gone and will require a complete air conditioner replacement. If your AC has been looked at and repairs are too costly and you need air conditioner replacement in Boise, ID, call Shanco Heating & Air at (208) 629-3335!

Gas Line Repair Should Be Handled By A Professional To Keep You Safe.

Natural gas is a great fuel source for heating systems, stoves, and more within a home. Many property owners swear by it. However, it can also be very dangerous for those occupying the residence if the gas line becomes damaged or an appliance is not working properly. If there is an issue with your gas line, it is important to keep those in the home safe and get repair quickly. Being conscious of the potential issues it can cause and signs of problems with your gas line can let you know its time for service.

Signs of a Gas Leak

• You Smell the Distinct Sulfur or Rotten Egg Smell: Natural gas companies place this smell in gas as an additive to ensure that you can smell it and get to safety. Try to ventilate your property to disperse the smell and get to safety.
• Your Plants Are Not Fairing Well: When leaking, natural gas can travel below the soil and damage your plant. This can become apparent once the plant is dead.
• Your Gas Powered Appliances Are Not Working Correctly: If your stove is not staying lit or the fire is an odd color, a gas leak may be present in the house. Make sure you turn the stove off if you notice these issues.
• You Are Not Feeling Well: Gas leaks can affect not only your appliances and plants but your own health as well! If you have been nauseous, experiencing headaches, dizziness, and other health symptoms, you may have a gas leak.

Remember that the first thing you must do in this situation is to get you and your loved ones to safety. Do you have a gas leak in your home in Boise, ID? Contact Shanco Heating & Air for quality repair service to restore your gas line and keep your family safe. Call (208) 629-3335 today!

The summer can get pretty brutal and it is important to make sure you are keeping your home cool. That being said, you want to keep your home at a cool temperature but, you also don’t want to do it at the high cost of your electricity bill. There are ways to keep yourself cool while avoiding a break in your bank. When that summer heat hits, you may want to stay inside to keep yourself cool and sometimes that is fine, but we also recommend getting outside, running through the sprinklers, or lounging by a pool to keep cool as well. Here are a few easy ways to keep your house cool this summer.

Fans – Fans will be your best friend in the summer. They are an easy way to get cool if you are staying in one spot. If you are watching tv and don’t want to run your air for a bit, consider putting a fan on you and enjoy that cool breeze.

Close The Curtains – If the sun is glaring outside, consider closing your curtains and enjoy the dark for a little bit. By blocking out some of that hot sun in the middle of the day, it can lower the temperature in your home so you are able to enjoy a cooler temp.

You can never go wrong eating a cold popsicle or drinking a glass of ice water as well, but if you do need help with your A/C this summer, give Shanco Heating & Air a call at (208) 629-3335 to get you back into a cold home.

An Older System Will Demand More Energy Than a New HVAC..

A home’s HVAC likely represents one of its most important appliances. In fact, during the heat of summer and cold of winter, it performs almost continual work. To ensure your continued comfort throughout the year, you’ll want to pay attention to your HVAC’s maintenance needs. If you need a new HVAC, you may notice the following signs.

Old Age

Most HVACs will provide valuable service for around 10 years. Once they pass this point, repair needs and performance concerns make them excellent candidates for replacement. Even if your current HVAC seems to work fine, a decade’s worth of improvements in energy efficiency make new systems a worthwhile investment.

Long Cycle Times

If your HVAC never seems to shut off, then it likely has begun to struggle with its workload. If wear or damage to an HVAC forces it to work harder, then its days of service are numbered. When you set your thermostat for a certain temperature, your HVAC operates continually to create this climate. Older HVACs will lose energy efficiency as they age, which means they take more energy than before to complete the same work.

Higher Bills

In reference to the point above, HVACs lose energy efficiency as they age. A demand for more power will not only wear your HVAC down, but also cause your energy bills to rise. If you’ve noticed a steady rise in your bills that has no other apparent cause, you can likely blame your aged HVAC.

At Shanco Heating & Air, we stand as the leading company for a new HVAC in Boise, ID. The next time you need service or an installation, give us a call at (208) 629-3335.