Most Common Questions Asked About Heating Services
As we start to experience colder weather in Salem, OR, it’s important to maintain a reliable heating system. However, questions usually come up about how to optimize your system’s performance, reduce energy costs, and ensure longevity. Let’s explore some of the most frequently asked questions about heating services.
How Can I Improve My Heating System’s Efficiency?
An energy-efficient heating system can reduce utility bills and environmental impact. Key steps to improving efficiency include:
Choosing the Right System Size: A unit that’s too big or too small can lead to energy waste and inefficiency. A professional can assess your home to recommend the right system.
Using Programmable or Smart Thermostats: These devices help regulate heating based on your schedule as well as minimize energy waste.
Why Are There Hot and Cold Spots in My Home?
Hot and cold spots in your home are usually caused by poor insulation, air leaks, or uneven heating system design. Factors such as solar gain, drafts, and closeness to heat sources also contribute to this issue. Solutions include:
Zoning Systems: These allow you to control temperatures in different areas of your home independently.
Sealing and Insulating: Ensure windows, doors, and ductwork are properly sealed and insulated to maintain even temperatures.
Professional Evaluation: A heating technician can assess your system and make recommendations to balance airflow and improve comfort.
What Do Efficiency Ratings Mean?
Heating systems are rated by their energy efficiency to help homeowners choose the best unit for their needs. These ratings include:
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): This measures the percentage of fuel that’s converted into usable heat.
Energy Star Certification: Look for systems with this certification to ensure you’re choosing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option.
What Maintenance Can I Handle Myself?
While some heating tasks require a professional, there are steps you can take to maintain your system on your own:
Replace Air Filters: Change filters every 1-3 months during peak heating season to improve airflow and efficiency.
Clean Around the Unit: Keep a 2-3 foot clearance around the main unit and remove dust from baseboards, radiators, and ductwork.
Monitor for Unusual Sounds or Smells: If something seems off, call a professional before the issue becomes worse.
Should I Repair or Replace My Heating System?
The decision to repair or replace your heating system depends on its age and condition. Most systems last around 15 years. After that, repairs may become frequent and costly, and efficiency may drop by a lot. A professional evaluation can help determine if repair is feasible or if upgrading to a newer and more efficient model is the better option.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning for Heating Services in Salem, OR!
At Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re dedicated to keeping your home warm and comfortable this winter. Whether you need routine maintenance, repairs, or a new heating system, our experienced team is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment and ensure your heating system is ready to tackle the winter months!
A properly-installed and well-maintained furnace should be able to last many years before failing, usually around 15-20. However, accidents can happen, and even reliable furnaces can have a sudden breakdown. If this happens in the winter, it’s important to know what to do, because a house without heating can become dangerous.
The first thing you should do is call for a heating furnace repair service, and hope they can get there as soon as possible. Here are some tips for dealing with broken heat in the winter.
Keeping Warm When Your Heat Goes Out
1 – Block cold air flow
If your heat goes out, try to preserve what heat is in the house. Close the blinds, and if possible, drape blankets over the windows and doors to add insulation. If you have drafty spots, such as the bottoms of doors, push towels into the cracks to prevent cold air from getting in.
2 – Use alternative heaters
If you have space heaters, or a fireplace, you’ll be in decent shape. These can keep you warm in a pinch, at least warm enough that there’s no health danger. However, be aware that space heaters can use a lot of power. Be careful not to overload your outlets or circuit breaker. The last thing you want is the power going out alongside the furnace outage.
If you don’t have those, heating pads or heated blankets can also be valuable sources of warmth.
3 – Run hot appliances
This is a stopgap and wastes a lot of energy, appliances such as your oven or clothes washer can generate quite a bit of heat. Spending a day with your family huddled around the oven or stove isn’t much fun, but it’s better than being freezing cold.
One warning: do not do this with a gas-powered oven. This can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide getting into your home. The same is true of any other gas-powered appliances, such as grills. However, it’s safe with electric or wood-fired appliances.
4 – Protect your pipes
People often forget about the possibility of pipes freezing when the heat goes out, but it’s a serious concern. If the pipes freeze, they could burst, and only add to your problems.
So while you wait for the heating furnace repair crew to arrive, open up all the cabinets and other doors leading to exposed pipes, such as under the sink. If you have a space space heater, keep it running near vulnerable pipes. Also, turn on all the faucets so that they’re dripping just a little. The flowing water is harder to freeze.
If your heat goes out in the winter, it can be dangerous, so don’t wait to call for furnace repair. Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning provides excellent affordable furnace repair and replacement services across the Salem, OR area. Whenever you need help with your heating, just give us a call and we’ll be there ASAP.
Maximizing Heating and Cooling Efficiency with Mini-Split Heat Pumps
As energy efficiency becomes increasingly important in home design and renovation, mini-split heat pumps are emerging as a top solution. These systems offer both heating and cooling while minimizing energy consumption.
Here, our specialists at Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning explain how mini-split heat pumps work and why they’re an excellent choice for homeowners looking to optimize their heating and cooling efficiency.
What Are Mini-Split Heat Pumps?
Mini-split heat pumps are air-source systems that can both heat and cool your home. They work by extracting heat from the outdoor air and moving it indoors during winter. In summer, they remove heat from your home to cool the indoor space. You get the advantage of year-round comfort with a single system.
Energy Efficiency: The Mini-Split Advantage
One of the key benefits of mini-split systems is their superior energy efficiency. When shopping for a mini-split heat pump, look for models with a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 10.5 or higher and a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) in the mid to high 20s which indicates top-tier efficiency.
Variable Speed Technology
Mini-splits owe much of their efficiency to variable speed operation. They can adjust their output based on the current needs of your home, different from older, basic heating and cooling systems. This results in more stable indoor temperatures and better energy efficiency.
Sizing Matters: The Importance of Proper Installation
An undersized system may struggle to meet your heating and cooling needs, while an oversized system can lead to poor operation and increased wear and tear. Work with a qualified HVAC professional who uses industry-standard sizing protocols to ensure your system is perfectly matched to your home’s requirements.
Climate Considerations
Mini-split heat pumps can be effective in various climates, but it’s important to choose a system suited to your specific region. For cold climates, select a cold climate-rated heat pump that can operate efficiently at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. For warm climates, high SEER mini-splits offer the best cooling efficiency and quieter operation compared to standard air conditioners.
Types of Mini-Split Systems
There are several types of mini-split systems that offer flexibility in how they distribute air throughout your home, including:
Ductless Systems
These systems are ideal for smaller homes or open floor plans as they use wall-mounted or ceiling-recessed indoor units.
Multi-Zone Systems
Multi-zone systems are perfect for larger homes as they allow multiple indoor units to be connected to a single outdoor unit.
Ducted Systems
Some mini-splits can be integrated with small duct systems for those who prefer a more traditional look.
Contact Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning for Heating and Cooling Services!
Are you ready to upgrade your home’s heating and cooling system with an efficient mini-split heat pump? Melton’s Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. Our team of experts can assess your home’s needs, recommend the perfect system, and ensure proper installation for maximum efficiency.
