Should My Furnace Fan Run Constantly?

February 17, 2020 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling furnace fan

Ever go to your air register and feel the air coming out, but it’s not warm? You may wonder if your furnace is malfunctioning, and a repair is required, but this may not be the case. A furnace fan running for extended hours doesn’t necessarily indicate any damage. A little troubleshooting may find the reason behind the constant running and have a simple fix without calling a service technician.

Why is the Furnace Fan Always Running?

The most common reason behind this issue is the settings that you’ve enabled on your thermostat. “Auto” and “On” are the only two modes. The “auto” option means the fan turns on and off automatically as the heat comes on and off. The “On” option switches on the fan, which will run whether the heat is on or not. For most people, turning to the “auto” mode will solve the problem of the fan running continuously.

However, sometimes this issue does occur due to some error in the speed modes and other technical problems. For such mechanical breakdowns, you need to call a professional service provider.

Pros of Keeping the Fan Running

There is no problem with keeping the fan on all the time because these fans were designed to run continuously for long periods. There are some benefits to running a fan all the time. Running the fans ensure proper air circulation within the home, and this is especially desirable in bigger apartments and houses. Further, continuous air circulation improves the air quality in the home, especially in cities where the outdoor air quality can be poor. Good air quality is beneficial for people suffering from allergies or asthma.

Drawbacks of Keeping the Fan Running

The primary issue of a constant running fan is higher electricity bills due to increased energy consumption. Also, if air ducts are exhausting to the outside, warm air may be pushed out by the fan triggering the furnace to come on more often.

If your furnace fan is running constantly, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling and schedule a service appointment. Call 215-947-1166.

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What are the Different Types of Furnaces?

February 3, 2020 By
Good Deals Heating and Cooling furnaces

If you’re wondering how your heating units are providing heat around your house – meet the furnace. A furnace is where the heat is produced and is then circulated in your home via ducts, fans, and blowers that make up the entire HVAC system.

There are many types of furnaces, and they are classified depending on the kind of energy source used. The sort of energy source determines the type of heat transfer. Before you choose a new furnace for your home, make sure that you analyze which type of furnace is appropriate for your home. Though there are many factors to consider, such as efficiency or functionality, it all boils down to your budget and convenience.

Types of Furnaces

Gas Furnaces: As the name suggests — it uses natural gas as its primary energy source. It works by igniting the gas source, which in turn, ignites the burners, producing heat. The generated heat is then transferred to the air and circulated by ducts, fans, and blowers via the heat exchanger. Its efficiency is rated at 98% using the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratio — the ratio of heat produced for every dollar of energy consumed. Gas furnaces are highly economical; however, only modern models can achieve such a high rating. This type of furnace has become the most popular type used in the USA.

Oil Furnaces: This type of furnace is commonly used at places with frigid climates because oil performs more efficiently in freezing temperatures as compared to natural gas. Considering everything ideal, the AFUE ratio of oil furnaces ranges from 80 – 90%. An oil furnace also has a lower upfront cost — usually 25% less than natural gas.

Electric Furnaces: This type of furnace is an excellent alternative if you don’t have access to a natural gas line. Electric furnaces are usually inexpensive to purchase upfront, which is generally 50% less than gas furnaces and is more compact as compared to the other two types, making it easy to install. They typically last up to 10 years. Despite being the cheapest and having an extended lifespan, the higher cost of electricity will incur additional expenses in the long run.

Propane Furnaces: Another great alternative if natural gas and oil are not readily available. Propane tanks fuel this type of furnace. Its downside, however, is that it’s less efficient.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a New Furnace

BTU Number of the Furnace: BTU number refers to the heat output of the furnace. The higher the number, the more heat it can produce. Larger homes need a considerable amount of heat to achieve a thermostat setting hence, requiring a furnace with high BTU numbers. The size of your home, climate, and overall volume of your home must be taken into consideration.

Climate and Region: Your location and climate determine what type of furnace is ideal for your home. A general rule of thumb is: if you’re living in a mild, temperate climate — the natural gas furnace is more efficient. An oil furnace is ideal for cold climates and, if you’re in a place with relatively lower electricity rates, an electric furnace is perfect.

Keep in mind that operation costs vary over time, depending on fuel and utility costs, usage, and situations experienced by each home. There also may be rebates and incentives available depending on state laws and provisions.

For help on selecting the correct furnace for you, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

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Common Furnace Problems and How to Fix Them

April 9, 2018 By

Good Deals Heating and Cooling Furnace heatingWhen your furnace is having problems in the middle of winter, it is an anxiety-elevating problem. Whether it’s a residential or commercial setting, a working heating system is a must. There are different issues that people encounter when it comes to furnace heating. This article will focus on some common problems and how to fix them.

No Heat

Feeling heat coming from the air ducts is one way to know if the furnace is working. If there is no heat, double check the thermostat is set to heat and that the temperature is at a comfortable level. Next check to see if the circuit breaker for the furnace was tripped, if so, reset.

Not Warm Enough

Once again, check the thermostat to see the temperature setting. Check the air filters and if they are dirty, replace them. A dirty filter will make the furnace much less efficient.

Limit Switch

The limit switch turns on the blowers that circulate the air throughout the house. There is a sensor on the limit switch to turn on once the air is warm. Otherwise the blower circulates cold air. A malfunctioning limit switch shortens the lifespan of your furnace blower. To fix it, have a technician replace the limit switch.
faulty pilot control or an electric ignition

A gas furnace heating system can either have an electronic ignition or a pilot control for a constant flame. Clogs or drafts can cause these systems to malfunction. Inspect your furnace after turning it off and follow the direction to reset the pilot or consider calling a technician.

Noisy Furnace

A rattling, rumbling and squawking furnace needs immediate attention. The noise may indicate airflow reduction, mechanical problem or a clogged burner. Several solutions may help reduce noise: insulating the ductwork and cut down the sound, adjust the pilot light or lubricate the blower motor.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

A malfunctioning thermostat in the furnace heating system may cause problems with comfort levels and air circulation. Check to ensure the thermostat is on and that the temperature displayed is accurate. If not, a technician can help.

Continuous Running Blower

A continuous running blower may be as a result of the limit switch, fixing the limit switch will fix the problem.

Safety Switches

The safety switches on the furnace heating door prevent the burner and fan from coming on after removing the access panel. If the burner or fan run when the panel is open, replace the safety switch.

Having your furnace heating system inspected periodically is another way of fixing minor problems before they become major endeavors. Furnace technician and repair professionals are qualified to provide maintenance and repair services.

For more information on furnace heating maintenance and repair contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

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Benefits of Efficient Furnace Heating

February 19, 2018 By

Good Deals Heating and Cooling furnace heatingHigh-efficiency furnaces consume at least 30% less fuel than older model furnaces. These heaters typically have a lower BTU rating for heat output. Some newer models offer an annual fuel utilization efficiency rating of 97%.   Cleaning and repairing a high-efficiency furnace on a regular basis will keep the unit working correctly. This routine maintenance will reduce the furnace’s consumption of fuel and prevent carbon monoxide from entering the home. The home should be adequately insulated to make it as energy efficient as possible before installing a new furnace heating system.

The U.S. Department of Energy says 56% of the energy used in an average home comes from the heating and cooling system, 30% of which is from the heating component. High-efficiency furnaces produce heat more steadily. This HVAC systems are better at controlling the amount of air mixed with gas and vary the blower motor’s speed depending on what the house needs. These variable speed blowers are less noisy and do not drastically change the house’s temperature. Sealed combustion, the process of bringing all the combustion air from outside and mixing with fuel at a controlled rate, maximizes fuel heat.

Look for models that offer features such as a modulating burner that will continuously adjust heating levels in small doses to match the home’s comfort level. Many of these furnaces are tailored to match the home’s regional location. People who live in Philadelphia will have different heating needs versus people who live in Phoenix. Many high-efficiency furnaces are self-monitored, making the furnace’s set up and maintenance faster and easier.

An electrostatic filter can reduce the amount of dust that goes through the furnace. This filtering system can be an enormous relief to people with lung problems, such as asthma. High-efficiency heating systems do not have a pilot light instead they have either intermittent, direct spark ignition or hot surface ignition.

These high-efficiency systems are more expensive upfront than standard HVAC systems. But these units will save the customer’s money, in the long run, thanks to lower fuel costs over the furnace’s lifetime. An energy efficient systems can save the customer $40 for every $100 spent on fuel.  High-efficiency gas and electric furnaces can cost $4,400 to $4,600, and Oil-based ones can cost about $6,000.  Always choose a system that comes with a good warranty.

For more information on high-efficiency furnace heating, contact Good Deals Heating and Cooling at 215-947-1166.

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