'Heating Systems' Category

A furnace is a central unit core to a traditional forced air heating system responsible for the careful regulation of air temperature and pressure throughout your home. By leveraging a series of meters the furnace is able to leverage combustion in a controlled environment called a firebox, which allows for the efficient burn of one of two sources; oil or gas. [...] Read More

Space heaters can supplement a central system or they can be the main heat source in areas that have short, mild winters. It often helps to use a ceiling or box fan to ciculate the air heated by a space heater. Choose space heaters that are economical to operate, not just inexpensive to buy. [...] Read More

There are two types of electric space heater - radiative and convective. Radiative electric heaters are either filled with liquid or have a shiny metal reflector that radiates heat into the room. Convective heaters have a fan that blows out heat. [...] Read More

Gas burners require a properly balanced mix of gas and air to burn efficiently. You can adjust the air intake by moving a plate or sleeve over an opening on the front end of each burner. [...] Read More

If your pilot light goes out and won’t light, the opening may be clogged. Close the as shutoff valve and shut off electrical power to the burner. Remove the access panel. To reach the pilot, you may need to remove the bracket holding it and pull it out a bit. Use a toothpick to clean out the opening. Work carefully so you don’t break the toothpick in the opening. Use a soft brush or a cotton swab to clean the area around the opening. [...] Read More

If a pilot won’t light or won’t stay lit chances are you need to replace the thermocouple. This is a very common repair; a hardware store or home center will have the part you need. Servicemen will usually charge plenty to do it but you can install one yourself for a few dollars if you’re willing to get a little dirty and perhaps twist yourself into awkward positions. [...] Read More

Have an oil burner serviced at the beginning of every heating season by your heating contractor or oil supplier. A thorough annual checkup conducted by a professional should include changing the oil filter, cleaning the fan, replacing the burner nozzle, inspecting the igniter assembly and inspecting vent connections. [...] Read More

A heat pump looks and works much like a central air conditioner. It has a refrigeration system with an outdoor coil and compressor that are connected to a coil indoors. In winter, the outdoor unit extracts heat from air and delivers it to the indoor coil where it is carried throughout the house by a forced air system. [...] Read More

With no moving parts and no visible heat outlets, a radiant system usually had few problems and requires little maintenance. Like a conventional hot-water system however, a hot-water radiant system has a boiler that you should have serviced each year. [...] Read More

Although gas furnaces and boilers are relatively trouble free, always have one checked and serviced once a year along with the system that delivers its heat. [...] Read More