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Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning - AC Repair & Replacement St. Louis

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Enhance the Performance of Your Gas Furnace

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If your existing furnace is in good working condition, learn how to enhance its performance.

gas furnace

The energy efficiency ratings of most modern furnaces is over 90 percent, which results in a considerable reduction in heating expenses and enhanced system performance. It is a good idea to look for the most cost-effective model whenever you need to replace an old gas furnace. If your existing gas furnace is not giving any major indications of being worn out, think twice before replacing it. It may be advisable to set aside some funds to enhance the performance of a furnace that is still in good working condition.

Regular HVAC Maintenance

Have the furnace checked by a St. Louis HVAC company annually, if possible, prior to the start of winter. Thoroughly inspecting the furnace ensures the safety of your home and that the HVAC components are in good working condition. All of the components, including the filtration and air distributions systems, along with the gas burners should be cleaned and fine-tuned by a HVAC technician to ensure optimal performance. Homeowners should also refer to the operating manual to check the kind of filter used in the furnace and when it should be replaced.

Upgrade the Thermostat

Replace a manually-adjustable thermostat with a programmable one. Programmable thermostats ensure that the equipment only operates whenever necessary and turns off automatically when it is not required. A number of programmable thermostats are available in the market. Look for a model that is simple to install and program. If your already have a programmable thermostat on your furnace, check the device regularly and make sure it is programmed according to the schedule of your family.

Plug Any Holes

Energy Star revealed that standard HVAC systems normally lose around 20 percent of air through leaks. Seal all leaks in the ductwork of the furnace, from the air handler up to the outlet registers. Duct tape may not be sufficient to seal these leaks. Duct sealing mastic or special adhesive foil tape should be used in its place. Duct mastic is a sticky material that can be purchased in tubs and can be applied on nearly all surfaces that can be reached using a paintbrush.

Use Insulation

Old HVAC systems may not have any insulation, which may cause heat loss despite having well-sealed ductwork. Since ductwork normally travels through crawl spaces and the attic, the heat loss will affect the comfort level in the house. Adding insulation in the ductwork will ensure the home is comfortable to live in and will reduce heating expenses. Insulation for the ductwork can be achieved using wrap-on rolls, blankets, and tubes.

For all your HVAC maintenance needs, call Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC at (314) 471-7625 today!

Detecting Problems In Your Homes Ductwork

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Your homes ductwork system is a long series of pipes that run throughout your house, hiding behind its walls, ceilings, and floors.

Some will even snake their way into your attic or garage. Since the system is mainly hidden from sight, homeowners do not give much thought to their condition. Over time, air duct connections can loosen or be damaged. If you suspect that your air duct system is no longer working as before, ask your HVAC technician to examine it. One small break in the air flow can be costing you hundreds of dollars each year.

A faulty air duct system can cause a homeowner to lose up to 30% of heated or cooled air. Undetected problems directly influence how your cooling and heating systems operate and should always be repaired by a professional HVAC company.

Hot or Cold Spots

The first sign of trouble may be a consistently hot or cold spot in your home. This is an indication that air may be escaping from a duct hidden behind a wall. When you call your HVAC company make sure to alert them to these spots. You may also notice one of your vents is not pushing out a significant amount of air. This too is indicative of an issue.

Improper Insulation

Improper insulation is a major factor in poor air production in a duct system. Ducts that travel through an area of your home that is not heated or cooled, such as an attic or garage, need to be wrapped in insulation. If not they will lose valuable energy to a process called conduction, where the air moving through the ducts succumbs to the temperature of the air inside the space. An HVAC technician can wrap the ducts in insulation, minimizing the loss.

Initial Installation Problems

Poor initial installation may lead to damaged ducts in the future. Connections may come loose or completely pull apart from each other. Sealing a duct is an option, but if the break is severe, parts may need to be replaced entirely. Since your air ducts are mostly located in hard to get areas of your home, it is important that a qualified HVAC company be hired to do the job. Inexperience may lead to the same problem occurring in the near future.

The most complicated problem that could be affecting your systems duct work are its returns. These are the ducts that carry air back to your heating or cooling system. If there is not enough return air flow, your system will not function in the way it was intended. An unproportionate amount of return air grilles to supply air grilles can cause inefficiency in your heating and cooling systems. The return-air ducts are also prone to leakage which may be problematic. A quick count of the number of intake grilles to outtake grilles should be enough for an HVAC technician to determine if that is indeed the problem.

At any time, if you feel that your home is not being heated or cooled to the same effectiveness as the previous season, Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC will be able to help you determine what the root of the problem is, and resolve it.  Contact us today at (314) 471-7625.

Staying Warm This Winter

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The holidays are right around the corner, and so is cold Missouri winter.

One of the most miserable ways to start a winter day is to wake up and find that your furnace has stopped working and your home is almost as cold inside as the freezing temperatures outside. The most likely culprit is a blown out pilot light. If this is a continuing problem with your homes furnace, you will need to call a reliable HVAC technician out to your home. You don’t want to be caught without heat in the midst of a blizzard.

house in the winter

Fixing a Pilot Light

The easiest cause to an extinguished pilot light to deal with is a draft. The cover over the furnace should protect it, but sometimes a breeze entering the space from a different direction will put it out. An HVAC technician will first relight the pilot and then work to determine the source of the draft. If none is found than it would be determined that another issue caused it to blow out.

A Faulty Thermocouple

A faulty thermocouple may be causing your pilot light to go out. This device is located next to the pilot light and controls the flow of gas to it. It is a safety feature designed to prevent the leakage of gas into your own if the pilot light is not lit. A malfunctioning pilot light will stop that flow unnecessarily. If this is the case with your furnace, you will have to call your local HVAC company to come out and replace it. This is not the type of repair a homeowner can do themselves.

Regular Furnace Maintenance

A well maintained and cleaned furnace will help keep your pilot light burning. Soot and corrosion can interfere with its functionality and cause it to burn out. The apparatus surrounding the pilot light is sensitive and should be cleaned by an HVAC professional. Establishing a regular maintenance schedule with him will help avoid future problems.  In the event that your furnace uses electricity to ignite the gas, there will be no pilot light. In that case you will have to call your HVAC company immediately.

Even the most do it yourself enthusiasts should stay away from trying to fix a house’s furnace on their own. Some outside trouble shooting is acceptable, such as checking the thermostat settings and filters, but leave opening the furnace to professionals. These are complex machines connected to either gas or electrical lines. If not handled correctly they can put you and your home in grave danger. If you have a newer furnace than there is a good chance that it is still under manufacturer warranty as well as installation warranty. If you start tinkering with the many moving parts you could cause more damage and void your warranties.

Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating LLC have experienced HVAC technicians who are qualified to determine the root cause of your furnace’s problem. A furnace is outfitted with many sensitive parts that require specialized training to understand. Call us today at (314) 471-7625.

Photo credit:  Brandon Morse