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Now is the Time for a New, High-Efficiency Furnace
If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s probably only 60-70% efficient, which means that 30-40% of every dollar you spend on fuel disappears out the exhaust pipe or through the ductwork.
Installing a new, high-efficiency furnace will cut waste down to 5%, reducing your gas bill and providing you with a reliable heating source for years to come.
A high-efficiency furnace, not only reduces your gas bill in the long run, it can also earn you a tax credit up to $1,500. The federal government is currently offering an energy tax credit of 30% of the cost of installing a new, high-efficiency furnace in your principal residence.
A tax credit is even better than a deduction for the tax payer. A deduction only reduces the income you have to claim, whereas a tax credit is subtracted directly from the amount of taxes you owe.
But you have to act soon, because this tax credit expires on December 31, 2010.
Email Welter Heating, located in Minneapolis, MN. Or call now at 612-825-6867 for a quote on installing a new, high-efficiency furnace before December 31, 2010.
Furnace Humidifiers: A Minnesotan’s Key to Winter Comfort
It’s December in the Twin Cities and it’s freezing outside. Keeping your furnace running is a must around here, but a forced-air furnace that pushes dry air around a house has its drawbacks: chapped lips, dry hands, and static everywhere. Long-term exposure to dry air can also have detrimental effects on your home; causing wood and plaster to crack or wood floors and trim to separate.
A whole-home furnace humidifier can quickly fix those problems.
By attaching directly to the flow-through mechanism of a furnace, a humidifier adds moisture directly to the entire house. No more itchy skin or unexpected shocks – just clean, comfortable air in every room.
Aprilaire whole home humidifiers installed by Welter Heating and Air Conditioning are worry-free – you only have to enter the humidity level you want. The furnace humidifier continually monitors home air and makes adjustments so that the humidity level in the house stays constant. There’s no standing water involved, so there’s no need to disinfect water trays or hoses.
Your house is warm because of your furnace. Is it time to make it comfortable, too? Our experienced advisors will help you determine the furnace humidifier that best meets the needs of your Minnesota home. Contact Welter Heating and Air Conditioning online or at 612-825-6867.
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Minnesotan Home Heating Costs Can Ease With Energy Audits
Minneapolis-based comedian Scott Hansen used to joke about the Minnesotan obsession with home heating costs. At one point, he goes as far as to say a visit to the Taj Mahal would only prompt the question – and I paraphrase – ‘how much does it cost to heat this place?’
With energy and home heating costs on the rise, Hansen’s joke could never be more apt. Luckily, from energy-efficient furnaces to do-it-yourself furnace maintenance, Minnesotans have several options at their disposal to ensure lower heating costs this winter.
The best first step to saving on energy costs, and making your home more affordably comfortable, is a home energy audit. You can actually conduct a basic home energy audit yourself—all you need is your utility bill information for the last 12 months.
Simply visit the government’s Energy Star website, enter the basics about your home (zip code, number of inhabitants, square footage, fuel types used), enter your monthly or annual bill and usage totals, and then compare your home’s energy use to similar homes across the country. The site also gives you energy-saving suggestions and home improvement recommendations.
If your home is underperforming, you may want to have a professional home energy audit. This would involve a home energy professional visiting your home to find specific places where energy is lost due to drafts, locating sites of air infiltration or missing insulation, and more. Your auditor will also make recommendations to correct any problems they find.
If you feel you need a home energy audit, or have more concerns about your home heating costs, we welcome you to call the Minneapolis-based heating professionals at Welter Heating & Air Conditioning.
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Furnace Filters: How Often Should Minnesotans Check & Change?
For Minnesota residents, the furnace filter is a silent guardian preventing the irritable particles present in the indoor air in which we live from penetrating the indoor air in which we breathe.
Over time, this guardian can become clogged after holding back the dirt, dust, mold spores, pet dander, bacteria, virus-carrying particles, soot and other allergens present in the air. This build-up compromises the filter’s ability to protect the air you breathe, and can result in everything from decreased furnace efficiency to increased energy costs.
While proper maintenance of a furnace filter is one of the most important ways to ensure the air quality inside your home, it is also – fortunately – one of the easiest. Regular maintenance of a furnace filter seldom goes much further than visual inspection and adherence to a timeline.
For energy-efficient furnaces, built with filters designed to pull smaller electrostatically particles from the air, the most effective maintenance method is to visually inspect your filter each month. If it is visibly dark or debris covered, simply replace the filter. Most manufacturers recommend high-efficiency filters be changed every three months or seasonally.
Older furnace filters block fewer particles, meaning less build-up, and less frequent need for replacement. While a monthly visual check is still recommended, it is unlikely you will need to replace this filter more than once per year.
Of course, if you are unsure how to check your furnace filter – or are seeing frequent or unusually heavy build-ups – don’t hesitate to contact a Minnesota-based home heating professional.
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Troubleshooting Central Air Conditioner Problems
From the State Fair, to one of the remaining Twins (or St. Paul Saints) home stands, Minnesotans are busy soaking in the final sultry days and nights of summer.
And, after a long day at work or play, returning home to a cool, dry house is a refreshing as a dip in the lake. Conversely, coming home to a noisy – or worse, completely silent – air conditioner is as frustrating as the ‘Closed’ sign staked outside my favorite beach at Nokomis.
Luckily, you can quickly troubleshoot – and yes, even repair – many of these problems yourself. (And if not – you will at least be in a prime position to receive an accurate quote from a Minnesota-based central air conditioning repair professional.)
Below, find 5 common central air conditioner problems followed by proven troubleshooting tips:
- The air conditioner has stopped working completely
Take a deep breath and remember that oftentimes the simplest explanation is also the most plausible explanation. If your air conditioner has stopped working, it is likely because it either has no power supporting it or something told it to stop working. Therefore, start by looking for any tripped fuses or see if someone has sneakily turned the unit off. - The air conditioner compressor switches itself off
Another reason your air conditioner may shut-off is due to high pressure. On an extremely hot day, the high-pressure switch of your air conditioner may trip, shutting off the compressor. You may be able to fix this problem by flipping the circuit breaker off, cooling the air conditioner compressor with water from a hose, and the switching the breaker back on.(Also, keep in mind that this year Xcel Energy launched its ‘Saver’s Switch’ program. This program, designed to save energy, will automatically and briefly shut down air conditioners during peak demand times. If you are one of 330,000 who signed up for this program, you may have come home during an ‘off’ cycl
- Your air conditioner is making a lot of noise
Dirty or obstructed fan blades are oftentimes the culprit of noisy air conditioning units. See if this is the case by turning off your unit completely and checking the unit blades to ensure they are clean and unobstructed. If you do see dirt or an obstruction, follow a tip from our Spring Air Conditioner Checklist and brush away any accumulated dirt or clean the unit with light water pressure from a garden hose. - The evaporator coils have frost build-up
Frost can build up on an air conditioner if you allow it to operate when the external temperature runs below 60 degrees. Switch your air conditioner off, and leave it off, until the frost completely melts away and the external temperature rises above 60 degrees. Keep a close eye on your unit for the next several days for a recurrence of this problem. - Refrigerant is leaking from your air conditioner
Low air pressure followed by the release of unpleasantly warm air will oftentimes be an indication of a refrigerant leak. If you suspect a leak, the best advice we can offer is to call a professional immediately, as the leak could be anywhere in your line or unit coils. Luckily, the repair will oftentimes be as simple as soldering a leak in your line or replacing a coil, meaning you will be back up and running in no time.
If you are experiencing any problems with your central air conditioner that we have not covered, or your problems recur after troubleshooting, contact Welter Heating and Air Conditioning or leave a comment below.
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Three Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips Ensuring Twin Cities’ Summer Survival
Summer heat and humidity is no longer set to arrive in the Twin Cities, it’s officially here. And with summer heat and humidity, a properly working central air conditioning system is a necessity to keep your home cool, dry, and comfortable.
Below, we’ve provided three tips to ensure your central air conditioner remains in full-working order throughout the season:
1. Provide good air flow to outdoor equipment. In our spring central air conditioner checklist, we suggested trimming shrubbery to increase accessibility to your unit. During the summer, it’s important to ensure leaves and debris are kept clear of your unit on a regular basis. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides and 5 feet on the top.
2. Shade your indoor windows. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority reports that up to 20% of your air conditioning bill can be attributed to sunlight streaming in through unshaded windows. Keep curtains drawn during the day to block sunlight – particularly east and west-facing windows – and your air conditioner won’t have to work nearly as hard.
3. Reduce moisture levels inside. By reducing moisture levels inside, you can not only increase comfort, but reduce the amount of work required by your air conditioner. Much of the excess moisture inside of your home comes from outside humid air creeping in, so spend some time finding and sealing any sources of air leaks.
Of course, if your home just won’t cool, this may be indicative of a more serious problem with your air conditioner. If this is the case, contact a central air professional for help.
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Save Money & Protect The Environment With Energy-Efficient Furnaces & Air Conditioners
As our long winter of white seems to be safely behind us, Minneapolis/St. Paul residents are undoubtedly pleased to see green in the flowers and leaves all around the Twin Cities.
Along with the green of spring, comes the reminder that summer heat is quickly approaching. And no matter how green it gets, a new winter is seemingly always just around the corner. Should now be the time to install an energy-efficient air conditioner or furnace?
By replacing older air conditioners and furnaces with more energy-efficient models, homeowners across the Twin Cities can lower monthly bills while helping to protect the environment.
As much as half of the energy consumed in a home is dedicated to heating and cooling. Air conditioners that are more than 10 years old, and furnaces that are more than 15 years old, could be producing cold air or heat inefficiently. These same costly units produce far higher levels of emissions than their new energy-efficient counterparts.
By making the switch to energy-efficient models, Minneapolis and St. Paul residents can:
- Reduce Monthly Bills – Energy-efficient air conditioners and furnaces use 5% less electricity than standard models, which can reduce energy costs month-over-month, and year-over-year.
- Save on Installation – Thanks to a combination of tax credits and instant, pre-season company rebates, homeowners can save up to $3,825 by installing a new energy-efficient air conditioner or furnace by May 31st.
- Save the Environment – In addition to using less energy off the grid, energy-efficient appliances help reduce strain on the environment by cutting emissions. According to the National Resources Defense Council, switching to energy-efficient products has helped consumers reduce pollution levels by over 2%.
Contact Minneapolis-based Welter Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more of the benefits you will experience with energy-efficient air conditioners and furnaces.
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5 Tips For Choosing a Whole-House Air Cleaner to Fight Springtime Allergies
For Minneapolis and St. Paul residents, springtime has arrived – and for many, that means the start of allergy season.
As many as one in five Americans suffer from allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Many allergen sufferers have found relief by installing whole-house air cleaners in their homes. Adding a purifier to your allergy prevention plan can help you consistently and constantly maintain clean air in your home by capturing and removing airborne allergens.
Check out the top five ways whole-house air cleaners can ward off allergy symptoms all spring long:
1. Eliminate mold
Tiny mold spores floating in the air of your home can make indoor air quality unbearable for some allergy sufferers.
Whole-house air cleaners can eliminate the threat of mold by removing even the tiniest mold spores from the atmosphere.
2. Remove pet hair and dander
For allergy sufferers, exposure to pet hair and dander can be one of the most irritating allergens. But it’s not just hair and dander than can cause flare-ups, but dried pet saliva as well.
Whole-house air cleaners can take care of all allergy problems caused by beloved family pets by removing the allergens from the air.
3. Destroy virus and bacteria
Airborne microorganisms that cause colds, flus and other viruses can quickly be spread throughout your home because of the confinement of air.
Whole-house air cleaners destroy harmful bacteria and virus, keeping not just allergy sufferers, but all residents safe and healthy all spring long.
4. Eliminate pollen
Pollen is a common springtime allergen that can easily be tracked indoors by your family members, you pets or even a gust of wind.
High-quality, high-efficiency air cleaners can be used to rid the air pollen, one of the smallest particulates of matter that exists in indoor air.
5. Rid homes of dust
Dust is one of the most common household irritants – particularly irritating for those with allergies. Keeping a clean home can help, but allergy sufferers know that’s not always enough. Dusting materials can even make it worse by stirring the dust up.
Whole-house air cleaners can remove the dust from the air so that it can’t be breathed in by allergy sufferers.
Are you ready to start combating the wrath of allergens? Contact Minneapolis, MN heating and central air specialist Welter Heating for information on installing an air cleaning system in your home.
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Central Air Conditioner Spring Checklist
A central air conditioner, in good working order, is one of the best ways to beat the heat and humidity that accompany Minnesota summers.
And while Minneapolis and St. Paul residents may be thinking more “spring fever” than “heat wave,” there is no better time than spring to ensure your AC is up to the ensuing challenge. Remember, AC specialists are busiest in the summer.
This spring, think summer, by completing this quick central air conditioner maintenance checklist. If unsure how to complete any of the items below, contact a central AC professional for help.
- Run the AC the first time it hits 70 degrees to ensure it is working properly
- Cut power to the AC before conducting any maintenance
- Make your air conditioner accessible by trimming any shrubs
- Brush away any dirt accumulated on the evaporator unit by using a garden hose with light pressure
- Replace furnace filters even though the heat portion won’t be used
Each step above will help bring your central air conditioner out of hibernation. Once these steps are complete, check the drain pipes for any clogs by the furnace from your indoor coil to a drain or condensate pump.
And again — when in doubt — contact a central AC professional for help.
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5 Must-Read Gas Furnace Maintenance Tips
The last thing Minneapolis and St. Paul residents want during the frosty Minnesota winter is to find themselves without heat.
An annual inspection by a professional can help ensure your furnace is in good working order during the winter months. A home heating expert can provide gas furnace maintenance and service on the filter, blower motor, vents, pilot light, burner, breakers, wiring and more.
You can also help ensure your family is safe and sound – and warm – by following these 5 gas furnace maintenance tips:
1. Replace your air filter each month it is in use
Failing to regularly change the filter can result in the filter getting clogged over time, causing furnace parts to work overtime and eventually break down.
Keep in mind that filters should be changed more often if you have pets, and during holidays or high-traffic times when doors are constantly opened and closed.
2. Regularly check the pilot light
Put simply, if the pilot light is not lit, the furnace will not keep you warm. Some furnaces automatically light the pilot light, while others require manual lighting. If your notice your pilot light is unlit, consult your local home heating expert right away, as the pilot light is one of the most crucial elements of the furnace.
3. Maintain your blower motor each season
To ensure heat is properly being forced out of the furnace, the blower motor must be in good working order. Once a season, lubricate the blower motor with 3-in-1 oil or other non-detergent oil.
Before lubricating, vacuum out any dirt or objects around the blower motor. Make sure your vacuum is working properly and not leaking more debris back into the furnace.
4. Make sure vents are clean and working
If vents are clogged, or something obstructs the air flow, furnaces are forced to work harder to keep the home heated.
To ensure vents are clean and working properly:
- Ensure that the flue going from the furnace to the outdoors is free of any dents or holes
- Check duct work to make sure it hasn’t fallen or become tangled
- Vacuum out debris around the vents to improve the air flow from the furnace
If the flue or duct work is damaged, contact a home heating expert to replace.
5. Check breakers and service switch
If you notice the service switch – located on or near the furnace – isn’t on, the furnace will not run. Also check the main breaker box. If the circuit has been tripped, the furnace won’t come on. If the service switch or circuit is not working, they may need to be replaced. A professional can help.
Ensure you and your family stay cozy all winter long. Sign up to receive all the latest furnace maintenance and heating tips from Welter Heating.
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