How To Light The Pilot Light on Your Hot Water Heater

February 10, 2020

Your pilot light is a crucial component of your water heater. This device provides the flame that ignites the natural gas that then heats your water. If it goes out, you will quickly run out of hot water until you’re able to re-light it. However, you can bring the heat back if you follow this three-step procedure. 1. Safety First Before you do anything, make sure you can complete the lighting process safely. To do this, you need to turn off the gas supply to your water heater. Excess gas present in the ignition chamber could explode when you introduce a lighter into the space. Therefore, it’s crucial that you turn off the gas and then give the gas ample time to dissipate before continuing. 2. Locate the Light After the gas has dissipated, you’ll need to locate the pilot light. This is especially crucial if you have to ignite the pilot light using a lighter instead of an ignition switch. Once you are sure of the pilot light’s location, carefully turn the gas shutoff knob to the “pilot” setting. In most models, you’ll have to press and hold the knob to allow gas to flow to the pilot light....

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How To Install An Air Filter In a Furnace

February 5, 2020

A furnace’s air filter plays a key role in preventing you from breathing in dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Therefore, it is important that you understand which type of air filter your furnace needs and how to install it correctly. What Type of Filter Does My Furnace Need? An air filter will come with either a cardboard or plastic border, and it will vary in thickness from 1 to 5 inches. If the filter has a plastic border, it can likely be reused after you clean it. Typically, a furnace is built to take filters that are 1 to 2 inches thick on the sides. Generally speaking, the thicker the filter, the better it does at removing debris from the air. You can consult the owner’s manual to determine the best choice for your product. Put the Filter in the Right Way Once you have a filter that is right for your furnace, the next step is to install it. There should be an arrow that tells you which way it is supposed to be installed. It may be a good idea to trace that mark in permanent ink so that you will always know which direction is the right...

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Why Hiring a Professional Electrician is Important

January 20, 2020

Choosing to hire a professional electrician is important and also offers numerous benefits. Trying to repair electrical work on your own isn’t always safe, so it’s a much better option to leave this task to a professional. Here are three reasons why hiring a professional electrician is a good idea. 1. Professional Expertise One of the main benefits of using a licensed electrician is that you gain access to professional expertise. Many of these electricians have years of experience in the industry. They can quickly identify the source of the problem with your electrical system and help to solve any issues without sacrificing safety or quality. 2. Reduces Safety Hazards Safety is always a top priority whether you’re in the workplace or performing a DIY project at home. Working on electrical equipment is a dangerous task that can cause fire or electric shocks if you make a mistake. However, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your house is in good hands by using a professional electrician at in Kirkland, Washington, who has undergone the latest safety training in the industry. 3. Saves You Money Many people believe that doing a project on their own can save you a lot...

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Symptoms of a Dirty Coil

January 14, 2020

We often tell our customers that cleanliness equals longevity when it comes to remaining energy efficient during the cooling season. In addition to cleaning and changing the air filter, the evaporator coil is another critical component that must be regularly cleaned. The following signs suggest the need to have your evaporator coil professionally cleaned. Your Home Remains Warm When Running the AC An air conditioner that blows out warm air is likely to be the first sign you notice if you have a dirty coil. When dirt collects on the coil, your air conditioner’s ability to remove heat from the air can be substantially limited. To avoid buildup collecting on your evaporator coil, we recommend: Evaporator coil cleaning Air filter cleaning/replacement Duct cleaning Your Evaporator Coil Freezes A frozen coil is the direct result of dust and debris accumulating over time. When a dust-covered evaporator coil is no longer effective at drawing heat from the air, condensation may accumulate on the coil. If the condensation freezes, you should immediately turn your air conditioner off and contact a licensed HVAC technician in Kirkland. Your System Is Working Harder Than Usual Because a dirty coil can’t effectively remove heat from the air,...

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How to Measure Indoor Air Pollution

January 7, 2020

Substances containing volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and fumes from gas appliances can reduce indoor air quality. Airborne irritants could bother your respiratory system and eyes, cause headaches and result in fatigue. Because no single thing is always the source of indoor air pollution, you need multiple devices to measure indoor air pollution. Types of Indoor Air Pollution Sensors VOC Sensor Carbon Dioxide Meter Carbon Monoxide Meter Mold Detector Radon Detector The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that people place one sensor for every 10,000 square feet. Sources of Indoor Air Pollution Gas-burning appliances, new carpeting and flooring, chemical cleaning products and excessive moisture are some of the most common sources of indoor air pollution. A professional air quality test provides you with a wide-ranging analysis of what might be affecting your indoor air. After identifying pollutants, you can take steps to remove sources of pollution and cleanse the air. Air Quality Solutions You can take steps to improve air quality by removing chemicals containing volatile organic compounds. Moving chemical products to a shed or garage will shift their pollutants out of your living quarters. Improving ventilation might solve problems related to moisture buildup that triggers mold growth. If radon gas...

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What Does It Mean If a Furnace is Blowing Cold Air?

January 1, 2020

The furnace in your home should never blow cold air. The purpose of a furnace is to blow hot air throughout your house regardless of the temperature outside. If it is not executing its job correctly, you are encouraged to hire an HVAC professional to take a look at the unit. Here are a few reasons why your furnace might be blowing cold air. Dirty Filter Often, the most common reason a furnace blows cold air instead of hot is a dirty filter. Although a heater may seem like old technology, it is actually quite smart. A furnace whose filter is dirty has to work harder. If the unit senses that it is working overtime, the heat exchanger shuts off. If the heat exchanger was to continue running, the entire unit would overheat and stop operating completely, which would require a total replacement. Thermostat Issues Whether the thermostat of your furnace is old or the settings are off, it could be causing your furnace to blow cold air. It could even turn out to be that the wrong thermostat was installed on the furnace. An HVAC professional in Kirkland can offer you more guidance. Leaks If the furnace is blowing...

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Why Is My Furnace Making a Loud Noise?

December 30, 2019

While furnaces are not designed to operate as entirely silent machines, they shouldn’t produce excessive noise either. Rambling, rattling, and squealing noises indicate that your furnace could be running into a serious problem. According to our experience at , the following are the main causes of loud noises in your furnace. Dirty Burners When your burners accumulate a lot of dirt and soot, they tend to constrain the efficiency of the burning flame. This occurs in the old fashion, flame-operated burners. The semi-clogged burner nozzle may cause a constraint on the flame. This often leads to the accumulation of unburnt gases, which explode with a boom when the burners finally get sparked. Cracked Heat Exchangers In case your heat exchanger is slightly cracked as a result of repetitive usage and poor maintenance, the chances are that it is going to produce some weird crackling noises. The clicking sound, whenever the furnace is running, continues to develop cracks along the heat exchanger’s metal surfaces. Constant usage of the furnace without maintenance is highly likely to cause a significant failure and even accumulation of carbon monoxide in the house. Faulty Blower Motors The blower motor is designed to run a fan on...

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Why Are Some Rooms Colder Than Others?

December 20, 2019

It’s uncomfortable to have some rooms in your home too warm, others just right, and some that are always colder. There can be a few reasons for why this is the case, all of which can be solved. Blocked or Closed Air Vents An air vent with something blocking it, or that has been closed, will cause a room to not receive heat. Someone might have closed it and forgotten about it. Checking air vents in the room to make sure they’re not blocked or closed is a free and easy thing to do. Leaks to the Outside World Air leaks out around exterior doors, through windows, electrical outlets, and so on. These leaks can be dealt with through spray foam, caulk, or other types of insulation. Even a small leak can make a room feel drafty and can increase your utility bill. Clogged or Damaged Ducts Ductwork can get damaged and cause some rooms to be colder than others. Vermin and insects are typically the sources of causing damaged air ducts. Dirt, dust, and other contaminants can block ducts. You should go to your attic and inspect the ducts if some of your rooms are cold. If any of...

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Tips for Maintaining Your Winter Indoor Air Quality

December 10, 2019

The quality of the air that you breathe is important to your well-being. Whether you’re in a residential or commercial building, breathing in contaminated air could cause serious health issues. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a comfortable indoor environment by regulating and optimizing your indoor air quality this winter. Here are some tips for maintaining your winter indoor air quality. Maintain Cleanliness Cleanliness inside your home is highly important for air quality maintenance. Living in a dusty room environment can contaminate the interior air, leading to illnesses, such as flu. Maintaining standard cleanliness practices, such as dusting and vacuuming, prevents contamination from taking place. Optimizing Ventilation A proper air ventilation system in your premises facilitates the exchange of air between the interior and outside your house. This circulation is crucial in maintaining the quality of your indoor air. You may achieve this by taking simple steps, such as opening the windows during the day or even running the air conditioner to get rid of indoor foul air. Paying Attention to the Filters Filters are designed to optimize the indoor air quality by filtering any particulate matter from the air, including dust and smoke. Changing these filters often ensures efficient filtration...

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3 Common Furnace Problems

December 1, 2019

Having efficient heating is essential this winter holiday season. To get a quality indoor experience, you may have to ensure that your furnace is tuned-up for the cold weather. One of the common problems that you may come across is a situation where the furnace is not working properly. This could be as a result of any of the following three main causes. 1. Clogged Air Filters The air filter in your furnace is designed to filter out tiny particulate materials from your indoor air. The air filter may get clogged as a result of not being changed. A clogged filter hinders the flow of air to the furnace. This causes the furnace to overheat and to cause additional problems, such as the melting down of the heater element. Such a problem is highly likely to lead to other related issues, including a dramatic increase in energy consumption and electricity bills. 2. A Malfunctioning Thermostat The thermostat is the only point of regulation of your indoor temperatures. If the thermostat is not functioning properly, it could cause the furnace to either overheat or underheat air. If the thermostat has a positive error, for example, it may cause the furnace to...

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