Comfort First Heating and Cooling, Inc. Blog

It’s the kind of morning that makes you pull the blankets up higher. Freezing cold, dark outside, and not the kind of day when you want to get up for work. But of course, you’ve got to do what you got to do. Upon heading downstairs to turn on the heat, you hear your furnace click, but nothing happens. No warm air, no comforting hum, just silence. You try again. Silence. You try one more time, just in case. Silence. Then it settles in. Your gas furnace won’t ignite, and you have no idea why.

This scenario plays out in homes across America more often than you’d think, leaving families shivering and searching for answers. Thankfully, there are some fairly common — albeit frustrating — reasons why this happens. And if you want solutions, they start with knowing why you’re having problems in the first place!

Continue Reading

Posted in Heating | Comments Off on My Furnace Isn’t Turning On! Top 5 Reasons it Won’t Ignite

Want to know what the best heating system is? The answer is that there is none — each home and those that live there is different, meaning that the right type of heater can vary greatly based on circumstances and personal preferences. If you’re planning on upgrading your home’s heating system and aren’t sure where to start, here are five things that you should keep in mind during your search.

Available Fuel Sources

When choosing the best heating system for your home, you should first consider the available fuel sources in your area. For example, homes with a natural gas line might find a gas furnace to be a good choice.

In rural areas, you might need to look at alternative fuel sources such as liquid propane, wood stoves, or even hybrid heating systems that combine natural gas with electric heating systems or source heat pumps. Active solar heating systems are also an option in regions with abundant sunlight.

Size of Your Home

How big your home is can determine which heating system is best for you. Larger homes may benefit from a boiler system or a forced air system, both of which distribute heated air evenly across large spaces. In-floor radiant heating can also be a good choice for bigger homes, offering steady warmth without cold air drafts. 

For smaller homes, heat pumps are versatile and can double as both a heating system and a cooling system, which saves space and reduces energy bills. Compact homes might also consider baseboard heaters or radiant heating, which don’t require large ductwork for heat distribution.

Low Sound

For homeowners who work remotely, are sensitive to noise, or care a lot about peace and quiet, the sound level of your heating equipment is another factor to weigh. Heat pumps, especially ductless mini-split heat pump systems, run quietly compared to forced air furnaces or older boiler systems.

Radiant heating or in-floor radiant heating provides virtually silent operation, as do electric heating systems like baseboard heaters. A hybrid heating system can also lower the noise from your home heating system, particularly when paired with an energy-efficient central air conditioner for cooling.

Your Budget

The budget you have to work with will naturally shape your heating system options. Energy efficient systems, such as heat pump systems or hybrid systems, often come with higher upfront costs but can pay for themselves through lower energy bills over time.

For tighter budgets, forced air furnaces powered by natural gas may be a more affordable initial option. Active solar heating can be a great choice if you can make the investment, as it greatly reduces reliance on traditional fuel sources.

Existing Space

The amount of available space in your home may limit what types of heating systems you can install. For example, if you have limited room for ductwork, a forced air system might not be feasible. A ductless heat pump system can work well in these cases, providing both heating and cooling without needing extensive ducting.

If you’re already using a boiler system to heat water, you could explore radiant heating or heated air options. Space-saving systems like heat pumps or hybrid systems also offer flexibility in homes with less room for heating equipment.

Give Us a Call to Install a New Heating System in Your Home 

Whether you want to install a furnace, boiler, ductless system, or other type of heating system in Joliet, we’ve got you covered. Comfort First Heating and Cooling helps homeowners achieve greater energy efficiency, safety, and comfort by providing them with the HVAC services they and their families deserve. Get in touch with our team to schedule an installation and to install the most efficient heating system for your home!

Continue Reading

Posted in Heating | Comments Off on How to Choose the Best Heating System for Your Home

Getting ready for winter weather involves more than just taking your warm clothing out of the back of your closet and stocking up on warm soup and hot chocolate. If you really want to prepare yourself for Jack Frost’s arrival, then prepping your home’s heating system is a must. Let’s take a look at five different ways that you can help your furnace, boiler, or other heating system prepare for low temperatures.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Getting your heating system ready for the winter season starts with a thermostat adjustment. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a comfortable temperature for colder weather so that your heating system can run efficiently when you need it most. 

A properly calibrated thermostat can reduce heating bills and prevent wasted heat during the cold season. By adjusting your thermostat settings ahead of time, you’ll also save energy while keeping warm air circulating through your home. It’s one of the simplest ways to prepare for the upcoming heating season and will give your HVAC system a head start!

Clean or Replace the Filter

Changing or cleaning your air filter is an important step that nobody should forget. Dirty filters block airflow and make your heating unit work harder, which reduces energy efficiency. By keeping air filters clean, you can help the blower motor to operate at maximum efficiency.

Also, a dirty filter can also lead to poor indoor air quality, contributing to cold spots in your home and making the heat pump less effective. Regular maintenance of your air filter prevents these issues and improves your HVAC unit’s performance throughout the winter.

Declutter the Space Around Your Heater

Decluttering the space around your heating unit is equally important. Objects too close to the heating unit can block airflow, trap cold air around the system, and hinder its energy-efficient operation.

By doing a simple cleanup, you can prevent overheating of components like the blower motor and heat exchanger. Keeping your duct system free of obstructions also helps improve energy savings and reduces the chance of costly repairs during the winter season. Further, clear space around your heater will also allow for better-heated air distribution.

Test Out Your Heating System

Testing out your heating system before colder weather hits will ensure that it’s ready when you need it most. Turning on your HVAC unit early on can help you catch any problems before the cold season begins. Whether you have a furnace or heat pump, testing it ahead of time allows you to check for any cold air leaks or insufficient warm air.

Running a test also helps you identify issues like a malfunctioning heat exchanger or a faulty blower motor, which can impact your energy efficiency. Solving these problems early on will give you peace of mind and help prevent costly repairs later.

Schedule Maintenance

It’s a good idea to schedule routine maintenance with an HVAC technician before the colder weather sets in. During a thorough cleaning, the technician will inspect everything from your HVAC unit’s duct system to its heat exchanger, air filter, and blower motor. 

They’ll check for duct leaks, replace the oil filter, and ensure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors are working properly. Regular maintenance will maximize your HVAC system’s efficiency and performance, prevent dirty air from circulating, and keep your home safe during the winter season. Also, be sure to schedule your appointment sooner rather than later — some technicians might get busier as more and more homeowners call them for maintenance.

Give Us a Call to Get Your Heating System Ready for Winter Weather!

Anyone in need of furnace, heat pump, or boiler repair in the Joliet region is only a phone call away from Comfort First Heating and Cooling. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll help your HVAC systems get in good shape for cold winter temperatures!

Continue Reading

Posted in Heating | Comments Off on How to Prepare Your Heating System for Winter

Is your heating system no longer providing you with the warmth you need to stay comfortable? There are a variety of problems that could be preventing your heating system from functioning correctly. If there’s no heat in your home, here’s a quick look at five possible causes.

It’s Just Off

Let’s start with the most straightforward problem — if your heater isn’t producing any heat, it might just be off. This can happen when a circuit breaker trips, as the electrical panel may have cut the power to prevent damage to the HVAC system. Or, you may have just switched it off at some point and forgotten.

Thermostat Problems

It should go without saying, but thermostat problems can prevent your heating system from functioning properly. A malfunctioning thermostat might fail to signal the furnaces or heat pumps to start a heating cycle — if a heat pump is set to a lower temperature than desired, the system may not activate.

In some cases, improper blower fan settings can also lead to issues, causing the system to circulate cold air instead of heated air. As such, ensuring that your thermostat is correctly calibrated and in working condition can prevent these common problems.

Dirty Filters

Clogged air filters are a common cause of reduced efficiency and performance in heating systems. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the furnace or air handler to overheat and shut down. This can also lead to dirty air circulating throughout your home, making the air you breathe full of contaminants.

In gas furnaces, clogged filters can disrupt the heating cycle by causing the system to work harder than necessary. Therefore, regularly replacing dirty furnace filters is vital to maintaining optimal airflow and preventing unnecessary strain on your heating equipment.

Ductwork Issue

Issues with ductwork can also impact the efficiency of your heating system. Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can cause heated air to escape and prevent heat from reaching certain areas of your home.

This not only wastes energy but also forces your system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. In high-efficiency condensing furnaces, improper ductwork can cause issues with the gas control valve, reducing overall efficiency. Additionally, if there is a problem with the automatic damper system, it can disrupt the flow of heated air, leading to uneven heating. As a result, properly sealed and insulated ducts are essential for the efficient operation of your heater and any HVAC system.

Poor Wiring

Wiring problems in your heating system can cause various issues that prevent your home from warming up. Faulty wiring can prevent the furnace or heat pump from starting, which disrupts the entire heating cycle. For instance, a loose connection or a damaged wire can prevent the ignition of hot surface ignitor elements, leaving the system unable to combust heating fuel like natural gas or liquid propane.

Additionally, poor wiring can affect the operation of the blower motor, causing inadequate air circulation and resulting in cold air being blown into the home. Whatever the case may be, scheduling maintenance for your heating system’s electrical components can help you prevent these issues and ensure you have a source of warmth on a hot evening.

If You Have a Heating System Problem, Give Our Team a Call

Whether you’re dealing with dirty air filters, pilot light problems, cracked heat exchangers, or other electric or gas furnace problems, we’ll know what to do. Comfort First Heating & Cooling specializes in services for furnaces, boilers, ductless systems, and much more so that you can stay comfortable all year round.

Get in touch with our team to schedule one of our heating system services for your home!

Continue Reading

Posted in Heating | Comments Off on No Heat in Your Home? Here Are 5 Potential Culprits

Winter weather can do a lot of damage to our homes — ice dams on the gutters, siding damage, you name it. But the effects of low temperatures aren’t limited to the outside—there are several issues that can arise indoors as well.

If you’re curious about how cold temperatures can impact more than just your comfort, here’s a look at five types of damage that can occur inside your home when the temperature drops.

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are among the most common issues caused by extremely cold indoor temperatures. When pipes freeze and burst, it can lead to serious and costly repairs.

Maintaining a consistent temperature with a reliable heating system helps prevent this from happening. By keeping their homes warm, homeowners can avoid frozen pipes and the potential water damage that comes with it. Proper insulation and air sealing can also improve energy efficiency, which can be a saving grace when outdoor temperatures plummet.

Dying House Plants

Dead house plants can be another consequence of lower temperatures in a cold home. Many houseplants thrive in warmer environments, and prolonged exposure to cold air can cause them to wilt or die.

Additionally, high humidity caused by warm air mixing with cold air can harm plants and other parts of your home by promoting mold and mildew growth. Keeping the heating system on a steady setting can regulate indoor air quality and help your plants survive during the winter.

Cracking Caulk

Cracks in caulking can be caused by rapid temperature drops. Cold homes experience fluctuations that cause caulk around windows, doors, and joints to shrink and crack. This also allows moisture to seep into cracks, which compounds the problem and causes further damage.

As such, keeping your home warm by avoiding air leaks and using more energy to combat colder outdoor temperatures can prevent this issue. The investment in a well-sealed home reduces heating bills while extending the lifespan of caulking and insulation.

Sump Pump Freezing

A frozen sump pump is a hidden danger when lower temperatures inside a cold home freeze the water. If the sump pump is unable to properly discharge water, it may cause flooding. Maintaining a higher indoor air temperature can keep water flowing properly and help prevent major issues in your basement.

HVAC System Damage

HVAC system problems are another concern when a home is too cold. If a heating system is forced to work overtime due to leaks or inefficient insulation, it will consume more energy and could suffer increased wear and tear from overuse.

Additionally, fluctuating temperatures between cold air and warm air can cause strain on the system, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Therefore, properly insulating your space and maintaining warm indoor temperatures are both key strategies for reducing heating bills and protecting your HVAC system during the winter months of the year.

To Schedule Heating Services for Your Home, Give Us a Call Today!

When Comfort First Heating & Cooling is around, you don’t have to suffer with a cold home. We offer professional services for boilers, furnaces, and radiant heating systems so your house stays warm and cozy no matter how cold it is outside. Reach out today to learn more and to schedule a heating service for your home!

 

Continue Reading

Posted in Heating | Comments Off on 5 Potential Problems That Cold Indoor Temperature Can Cause

Having access to a functional heating system can make a major difference on a cold winter evening. However, if your heater breaks and no longer provides you with warmth, its absence will definitely be felt. 

Given how furnaces, boilers, and other types of heaters are complex systems with many intricate components, there are an array of issues that they can encounter. Let’s take a look at seven common heating problems and the reasons why they occur.

Inconsistent Heating

Uneven heating in your home can arise from several issues within the HVAC system. One common culprit is a dirty air filter, which restricts airflow and prevents the furnace or heat pump from distributing warm air evenly. Additionally, duct leaks can cause heated air to escape before it reaches its intended destination, leading to inconsistent temperatures across different rooms. 

A malfunctioning thermostat can also cause inconsistency by inaccurately reading the room temperature and failing to signal the heating system properly. Whatever the case may be, ensuring all components, from the air ducts to the thermostat, are functioning correctly is key to maintaining even heating throughout your home.

Frequent Short-Cycling

Short-cycling is when a heating system or other HVAC unit turns on and off rapidly. This problem leads to increased wear and tear on your HVAC system and often stems from a dirty air filter. Dirty filters can cause the system to overheat and trigger the limit switch to shut it off prematurely. 

Additionally, an oversized heating unit can heat the space too quickly, causing the system to cycle off before completing a full heating cycle. Faulty thermostats can also send incorrect signals, which cause improper blower fan settings. Addressing these issues will help extend the lifespan of your heating equipment and lower energy bills.

Clogged Filters

When air filters become clogged with dirt and debris, they restrict airflow, which makes the furnace or air handler work harder to circulate air. This can lead to a range of problems, including overheating, increased energy consumption, and short cycling, as mentioned previously.

Dirty air filters can also allow dirty air to bypass the filter, resulting in poor indoor air quality and potential damage to the heat exchanger. As such, regularly replacing or cleaning air filters is essential to maintain an efficient heating system.

Pilot Light Problems

A pilot light issue can prevent gas heaters from igniting properly, leaving your home cold. Weak or flickering pilot lights can indicate issues such as a dirty or clogged pilot orifice, which obstructs the flow of natural gas.

Additionally, a faulty thermocouple — which senses the pilot flame — can shut the gas valve if it detects no flame and prevents the system from lighting. Improper ignition systems or drafts in the area can also extinguish the pilot light, causing frequent relighting needs. By scheduling regular maintenance with a professional HVAC technician, you can identify and resolve pilot light issues before they have a chance to escalate.

Diminished Airflow

Reduced airflow in your heating system can result from several factors, including dirty air filters, blocked air ducts, or a malfunctioning blower motor. When air filters become clogged, they restrict the passage of air and reduce the system’s efficiency — causing the blower fan to work harder than necessary.

Similarly, obstructions or leaks in the duct system can impede the flow of warm air, making it difficult for the heating system to maintain desired temperatures. Making sure that the blower motor, air ducts, and other components are clean and free of obstructions is vital for optimal airflow and heating performance.

Thermostat Issues

Thermostat problems can have a big impact on the performance of your heating system. A faulty thermostat might inaccurately read the room temperature, causing the system to turn on and off at incorrect times. 

Additionally, improper calibration or settings can cause the system to blow cold air instead of heated air. In some cases, the thermostat’s placement in a drafty or overly warm area can lead to inaccurate readings and inefficient operation. Ensuring your thermostat functions correctly and is positioned appropriately will help you maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Higher Energy Bills

Rising utility bills can sometimes be traced back to inefficiencies within the heating system. Because dirty or clogged filters force the system to work harder, they consume more energy to circulate air. Similarly, a cracked heat exchanger or duct leaks can cause heat loss — making the system run longer to maintain desired temperatures. 

Constant short cycling due to oversized units or faulty thermostats also increases energy consumption. In cold climates, a malfunctioning or outdated heat pump may struggle to extract warmth efficiently, leading to higher energy usage. As a result, scheduling regular maintenance and timely replacement of faulty components can help you improve the efficiency of your heating system and lower energy costs in the long run.

If You Experience Heating Problems, Call Us Today

Is your heating system blowing cold air? Then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our repair technicians! At Comfort First Heating & Cooling, we work with many different kinds of heating systems to ensure our clients have the warmth they need to stave off freezing Illinois winters. Whether you need boiler repairs or furnace repairs, know that we’ve got you covered. Reach out to our team today to learn more and to schedule an HVAC service for your home or business.

Continue Reading

Posted in Heating | Comments Off on 7 of the Most Common Heating Problems