Author: Amanda Triolo

Boilers and furnaces are the most common home heating systems. These terms are often used interchangeably but do not mean the same thing. A furnace heats the air and distributes it to rooms via ductwork and vents, while a boiler produces hot water or steam that’s distributed to radiator units, baseboard radiators, or radiant flooring systems. Since a boiler is an HVAC component, a heating contractor can service it, but make sure the technician is experienced with your type of equipment.

What Does a Boiler Technician Do?

A boiler does not use forced air to provide heat and does not have an air filter that must be changed regularly. It has different maintenance and service requirements than a furnace. Therefore, a local boiler technician should handle the following tasks:

• Emergency Repairs: Boilers are reliable but can develop problems and break down during the winter. Low water pressure can mean a boiler is overheating. A unit can have issues such as a burnt-out heating element or broken circulator pump. Leaks, corrosion, tank sediment, and noise can also be problematic. A technician knows how to replace corroded, worn-out, or faulty parts unique to a boiler. They can also address issues with the pilot system.
• Replace or Upgrade Your Boiler: A well-maintained boiler can last around 15 years. Like many large appliances, it can become less reliable and efficient over time. Running an old boiler can increase energy costs, but replacing the unit or performing an upgrade can save you in the long run. Your local boiler service contractor can discuss the latest high-efficiency options if it’s time to replace your boiler.
• Keep Your Warranty Valid: Most manufacturer warranties require service by a certified boiler contractor. If you neglect to service the unit, try to fix it yourself, or have an unlicensed person repair it, you might void the warranty. Working with a qualified boiler service provider ensures you’ll maintain warranty coverage. Therefore, knowing who to call can help you avoid paying out-of-pocket for repairs.

When Should I Schedule Boiler Service?

Your heater should be serviced once a year to make sure it’s functioning properly. When you schedule maintenance is important. We recommend having your boiler serviced after the end of the heating season when wear and tear can be addressed promptly. The spring or early summer is a good time for service because heating contractors are less busy and your boiler will be in optimal condition the following winter.

Annual service prevents major repairs and expensive breakdowns and improves energy efficiency. Boiler service is not a DIY task. An experienced heating contractor is needed to open the unit, clean the heat exchanger, and test the boiler’s safety devices. They will inspect the pipes, venting system, and other components as well.

Condensing boilers require a check of the condensate disposal system. Since the condensate is slightly acidic, a technician will clean and refill the condensate neutralizer and check the condensate trap. These extra service steps help protect your plumbing system and avoid emergency service calls.

Request an Appointment with a Heating Contractor

Whether you have a boiler, furnace, or heat pump, Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can provide the service you need. Our technicians are trained to provide high-quality installation, repair, and maintenance in Clifton Park, NY, and surrounding communities. We’re also available 24/7 for emergency service. To request help from a licensed heating contractor, call 518-240-9889 today.

A combination boiler (or combi boiler) incorporates space heating and hot water in one appliance. It is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to having a conventional furnace and water heater. You may be used to these being two different appliances. But combining both functions has many advantages.

How Does a Combi Boiler Work?

The appliance directs incoming water through a heat exchanger when a hot water tap is opened. It heats the water to the temperature you set on the unit. You can switch the boiler to provide space heating. When prompted to do so, a diverter valve in the combi boiler will direct heated water through a series of tubes in your home. The hot water flow then transfers this heat to the ambient air.

On the other hand, traditional boilers circulate water through radiators or hydronic heating elements to provide heat. Some units provide domestic hot water as well. However, water must be directed through a water heating appliance before it reaches a sink faucet or shower.

Why Switch to a Combi Boiler?

If you’re looking for an upgrade, some of the greatest benefits of a combi boiler include:

• Hot Water On Demand: Much like a tankless water heater, a combi system provides hot water when you need it, almost instantaneously. You don’t have to set a timer for it to switch from one mode to another. Once you turn on a fixture, the unit starts to provide a steady flow of hot water.
• The Unit Fits In a Small Space: There’s no need for a separate water tank, so combi boilers save space. Most models can fit in a utility room, kitchen cupboard, or under a stairwell. Space savings is a bonus especially if you live in a small home or apartment. You can get more use out of the square footage you have.
• It Is More Energy Efficient: Water is heated only when you need it, instead of all the time. Therefore, significantly less energy is used unless you have a large household that uses a lot more water than the average home.
• You Get Safe, Clean Water: Since the water isn’t stored in a tank, it’s less likely to be contaminated with rust, sediment, sludge, or debris. The water is completely safe for your health and your plumbing system. A combi boiler is more environmentally friendly as well, as it reduces your home’s carbon footprint and you don’t waste water waiting for it to heat up.
• Strong Water Pressure Is Maintained: Water is obtained directly from the main water supply, so is delivered at normal pressure. Meanwhile, traditional heating systems often use gravity to obtain water, which can result in reduced flow or water pooling in curved sections of pipes. This tends to reduce water pressure.
• Combi Boilers Are Easier to Install: In addition to saving on energy, you can also save on installation costs. That’s because installing a combination boiler is less complex than other heating systems. It does not require as much pipework or equipment. Installation typically takes just a few hours.
• Can Be Combined with Smart Technologies: Combination units are modern so can be connected with smart thermostats or smartphone apps. Therefore, you can control the temperature remotely. Some apps can detect appliance issues before you notice any changes, so you can schedule it to be repaired.

Grasshopper Can Meet All Your Heating Needs

At Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, we install, repair, and maintain high-efficiency home heating systems in Clifton Park, NY, and surrounding areas. We provide 24/7 emergency service, free estimates, and service specials. If you have any questions about your home heating system, call 518-216-0051 today.

Heat pumps work hard all year since they provide heating and cooling. Wear and tear may have taken a toll this winter. Letting a strained heat pump continue to run without being serviced is a recipe for a breakdown. Therefore, don’t ignore signs it might need to be repaired. Call a local HVAC company that provides heat pump repairs near you if any of the following signs crop up:

1. The Air Temperature Is Not What You’d Expect

If you have the heat on yet the heat pump is blowing cold air (or not matching the temperature setting), and there’s a good chance it needs to be repaired. While a clogged filter can prevent it from heating, there may be a more serious issue. Possibilities include dirt buildup in the unit’s components, a faulty reversing valve, or low refrigerant. A skilled technician must address these issues to get your heat pump running normally again.

2. The Unit Won’t Turn On

A heat pump should turn on when it needs to. If not, a circuit breaker may have tripped or the thermostat may be set improperly. When none of these check out, there could be a faulty connection with the thermostat. More serious causes can include a damaged starter capacitor or a malfunctioning reversing valve. If the valve isn’t working, the unit may only run in hot or cold mode, but not both.

3. Your Heat Pump Won’t Stop Running

Like a traditional heating or cooling system, a heat pump should turn on and off regularly to maintain the set temperature. It may run constantly if the outside air is unusually cold. However, this can also be a sign of a miscalibrated or damaged thermostat. Another possibility is a failed compressor contactor, in which case the controller won’t receive any power.

4. The Unit Is Extremely Noisy

Heat pumps aren’t silent when they’re on. But you should be used to the sound of your system. If it starts to make loud rattling, grinding, grating, screeching, or other noises, it’s time to seek out heat pump repair near you. Worn fan belts, loose parts, and vibrating panels can cause noise. A professional can fix these and check if there’s a leak in the system, which can also create noise that’s hard to pinpoint the source of.

5. Strange Odors Come from Your Heat Pump

A musty odor coming from the vents can mean mold is growing in the unit, while a rotting smell can originate from a dead animal that previously made its way into the system. If you notice a burning odor, the wiring for your heat pump or one of its electrical components may be faulty, which can increase the risk of a fire. Call a professional if you notice any unusual odors from the unit. They’ll find the source of the problem and provide any necessary repairs.

5. Strange Odors Come from Your Heat Pump

A musty odor coming from the vents can mean mold is growing in the unit, while a rotting smell can originate from a dead animal that previously made its way into the system. If you notice a burning odor, the wiring for your heat pump or one of its electrical components may be faulty, which can increase the risk of a fire. Call a professional if you notice any unusual odors from the unit. They’ll find the source of the problem and provide any necessary repairs.

6. Airflow Isn’t What It Should Be

Weak airflow is a sign the system has a pressure imbalance, which can also be accompanied by whistling noises from some vents. There may also be drafty areas in your home. The underlying problem isn’t preventing the unit from running but won’t go away unless it is properly fixed. Only a trained professional has the skills and tools to restore your heat pump’s airflow.

7. The Coils Are Frozen

If the heat pump’s coils ice over, it’s often a sign of a clogged filter or refrigerant leak. A filter can be easily changed. You shouldn’t need a technician for that. But if there is a leak, a technician can seal it and recharge the unit to prevent additional freezing.

8. Your Electric Bill Goes Up

A sharp jump in your monthly electric bill is a sign of a malfunctioning heat pump. A mechanical or electrical issue can cause it to run less efficiently. There may be no other symptoms—yet. But the increased energy consumption will show on your electric bill, so call for help before you need more expensive repairs.

Call for Heat Pump Repairs Near You

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling provides professional heat pump repair in Clifton Park, NY, and surrounding areas. Our technicians are trained experts who can find the cause of a problem quickly and repair it permanently. If you notice any of the signs above, you can reach us 24/7 at 518-216-0051.

Space heaters are effective at warming up small spaces. You can stay warm and cozy by running one in a bedroom or living room. But when you look at the cost per running one or more units, can you save compared to operating a central HVAC system? It’s not unreasonable for some people to ponder this question. To help answer it, we’ll look at whether using space heaters instead of central heat can be a cost-saving decision.

The Cost of Running a Space Heater

According to CNET, a space heater can cost from $20 to $300 depending on its size.1 Some models are powerful enough to heat large rooms. The Environmental Protection Agency doesn’t evaluate space heaters as part of its Energy Star program. Therefore, you’ll have to trust manufacturers’ claims regarding any given product’s efficiency rating.

That being said, your local electricity rates will determine how much it costs to run a space heater per hour. An average space heater costs 20 cents per hour to operate (assuming a 1,500-watt model used in a standard room). If used for eight hours per day, the unit will cost about $50 per month to run.

Comparative Heating Costs 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration projected average heating costs in the U.S. for the 2023-2023 winter season. For central HVAC systems using the most common fuel types, the predictions were as follows:

• Natural Gas: $1,096 per household, averaging out to $6.05 per day and $0.25 per hour.
• Electricity: $1,482 per household, averaging out to $8.16 per day and $0.34 per hour.
• Propane: $2,157, averaging out to $11.90 per day and $0.50 per hour.
• Heating Oil: $2,605, averaging out to $14.39 per day and $0.60 per hour.

The estimated cost of running a space heater may look appealing. But it does not fully substitute a whole-home heating system. You might find opportunities to save by using a space heater in the bedroom at night when the rest of your home doesn’t need to be heated. However, that depends on the size of your household and where all its occupants sleep (if that involves multiple rooms, your central heater will still be needed, so a space heater will just add to your home’s energy demand).

How Space Heaters Really Compare

If you look at the costs to heat large apartments, freestanding homes, and properties in colder climates, a space heater may look cheaper to run on paper. Heating is more expensive in colder areas like the Northeast, Upper Midwest, or northern Great Plains. But to understand if using a space heater instead of central heat can help you save, think about its settings as well.

Most space heaters can be run on low, medium, or high. The lowest setting can cut energy consumption in half but the unit’s heating ability will be significantly limited. You can set the unit to high to provide additional heat and run it on low to maintain warmth. Still, most models aren’t nearly as effective as central heating systems at maintaining indoor temperatures.

What Types of Space Heaters Can I Save With the Most?

Space heaters are available in convection models that use heating coils to heat the air; a built-in fan pushes heated air into the room. Meanwhile, radiant heaters emit infrared radiation to heat an area. They’re fast and focused, but convection space heaters win when it comes to even heating. Convection models are more efficient when used over time, while radiant heaters are more efficient in small bursts.

Is a Space Heater the Most Effective Option?

If you have a gas furnace, turning on a space heater will increase energy consumption in most cases. Installing a secondary heat source usually isn’t practical or necessary. To save energy, you can:

• Add floor, attic, basement, or crawlspace insulation
  
• Turn the thermostat down a few degrees
• Seal gaps around windows and doors
• Install weatherstripping
• Close the flue when the fireplace isn’t in use.

Or, you can opt to update your home with a heat pump, which can be switched between heating and cooling and use renewable energy resources.

Using Space Heaters Instead of Central Heat May Not Be the Best Deal

Grasshopper Heating & Cooling can provide you with additional advice if you’re still looking for ways to save. Our NATE-certified technicians deliver top-quality heating services in Clifton Park, NY. Specializing in heat pump and ductless HVAC installation and repair, they can help explore ways to improve energy efficiency. For more information or to schedule service, contact us online or call 518-241-4399 today.