Holiday Special!

We are offering $200 off mid efficiency furnace
or
$500 off high efficiency 95% furnace. 

Good through the month of December 2016

Give us a call to set up an appointment at a time convenient for you!
1-888-998-4328

Why is my A/C Blowing Hot Air?

Common Reasons:

Thermostat is Set Incorrectly

Check if your thermostat is set to: system - “cool”. Remember that your fan settings and system settings are different and have separate functions. Your fan is responsible for circulating air while the system determines whether the A/C or Furnace is working.

The ideal A/C settings are Fan: Auto or On and System: Cool. If your thermostat is set to these settings and your A/C is still not working correctly, then the air blowing over the indoor coil could be coming out “hot”, making the home hotter.  

Solution: Turn your A/C unit off and call your technician.  

Airflow Restriction

Dirty or clogged air filters or coils can impede the process of cooling down the air.

Solution: Make sure to change your filters often. Call your technician for a yearly maintenance to clean the coils.

Outside Unit is Not Getting Power

Two components, an indoor and an outdoor unit, comprise your A/C system. If your indoor unit is blowing air throughout your home, but your outdoor unit (which supplies the Freon) isn’t getting power, your home will not cool.

Solution: Call your technician.

Other Reasons:

·         A/C unit needs maintenance

·         Low on Freon (Refrigerant)  

Two common reasons:

1) Freon levels are low or leaking! 
Freon is what collects the heat within your home and moves it outside. When Freon levels are low or leaking, the coils get too cold and then freeze as the humid air moves through the system.

2) Not enough air flow!
Not enough air flow causes the Freon to build up in the coils. When humidity hits the coils, the low temperature mixed with the moisture, causes the coils to freeze. This is usually caused by dirty filters or coils and clogged or damaged duct-work.

We have exciting posts on the way! 

What's a Good Contractor Worth?

Carbon Monixide and Home Heating 3 of 3

Hopefully, you are now more aware of Carbon Monoxide and the effects it can have on you and your family.  Being CO aware is very important.  We have already went over what CO is and how it can be prevented.  Now on our final post, we will go over how it can be detected.

"Can CO be detected?

Yes, CO can be detected with CO detectors that meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2034.

Since the toxic effect of CO is dependent upon both CO concentration and length of exposure, long-term exposure to a low concentration can produce effects similar to short term exposure to a high concentration.

Detectors should measure both high CO concentrations over short periods of time and low CO concentrations over long periods of time - the effects of CO can be cumulative over time.  The detectors also sound an alarm before the level of CO in a person's blood would become crippling.  CO detectors that meet the UL 2034 standard currently cost between $35 - $80.

Where should the detectors be installed?
CO gases distribute evenly and fairly quickly throughout the house; therefore, a CO detector should be installed on the wall or ceiling in sleeping area/s but outside individual bedrooms to alert occupants who are sleeping.

Aren't there safety devices already on some appliances? And if so, why is a CO detector needed?

Vent safety shutoff systems have been required on furnaces and vented heaters since the late 1980s.  They protect against blocked or disconnected vents or chimneys.  Oxygen depletion sensors (ODS) have also been installed on unvented gas space heaters since the 1980s.  ODS protect against the production of CO caused by insufficient oxygen for proper combustion.  These devises (ODS and vent safety shutoff systems) are not a substitute for regular professional servicing, and many older, potentially CO-producing appliances may not have such devices.  Therefore, a CO detector is still important in any home as another line of defense.

Are there other CO detectors that are less expensive?

There are inexpensive cardboard or plastic detectors that change color and do not sound an alarm and have a limited useful life.  They require the occupant to look at the devise to determine if CO is present.  CO concentrations can build up rapidly while occupants are asleep, and these devices would not sound an alarm to wake them." © Inspections by Jesse

Remember there is nothing more important them you family and friends.  You want to protect them in any and every way possible.  Be sure to be safe and protect them with the best detectors out there.  

Have a safe and happy New Years!!
Northwest Comfort Systems

Carbon Monixide and Home Heating 2 of 3

If you haven't read part 1, I really encourage you to do so in order to understand what Carbon Monoxide is and what the symptoms are. 

The second part of this informative piece is in regards to how to prevent production dangerous levels of carbon monoxide by proper appliance maintenance, installation and use.

"Maintenance:

• A qualified service technician should check your home's central and room heating appliances (including water heaters and dryers) annually.  The technician should look a the electrical and mechanical components of appliances, such as thermostat controls & automatic safety devices.
• Chimneys and flues should be checked for blockages, corrosion, and loose connections
• Individual appliances should be serviced regularly.  Kerosene and gas space heaters (vented and unvented) should be cleaned and inspected to insure proper operation.
• CPSC recommends finding a reputable service company in the phone book or asking your utility company to suggest a qualified service technician. "  We also suggest that you check bbb.org and angie's list because they run background checks and you can see specific reviews from past customers.

"Installation:

• Proper installation is critical to the safe operation of combustion appliances.  All new appliances have installation instructions that should be followed exactly.  Local building codes should be followed as well.
• Vented appliances should be vented properly, according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Adequate combustion air should be provided to assure complete combustion.
• All combustion appliances should be installed by professionals."  Once again we highly suggest that you go to bbb.org and angie's list to find an installer to insure that you and your family are getting the quality installation you deserve.

"Appliance Use:
         Follow manufacturer's directions for safe operation.

• Make sure the room where an unvented gas or kerosene space heater is used is well ventilated; doors leading to another room should be open to insure proper ventilation.

Never use an unvented combustion heater overnight or in a room where you are sleeping.
Are there signs that might indicate improper appliance operation?
        Yes, these are:

• Decreasing hot water supply
• Furnace unable to heat house or runs constantly
• Sooting, especially, on appliances
• Unfamiliar or burning odor
• Increased condensation inside windows

Are there visible signs that might indicate a CO problem?
         Yes, these are:

• Improper connections on vents and chimneys
• Visible rust or stains on vents and chimneys
• An appliance that makes unusual sounds or emits an unusual smell
• An appliance that keeps shutting off (Many new appliances have safety components attached that prevent operation if an unsafe condition exists.  If an appliance stops operating, it may be because a safety device is preventing a dangerous condition.  Therefore, don't try to operate an appliance that keeps shutting off; call a service professional instead.

Are there ways to prevent CO poisoning?
        Yes, these are:

• Never use a range or oven to heat the living area of the home
• Never use charcoal grill or hibachi in the home
• Never keep a car running in an attached garage"

Remember that there are many things around your home that can cause CO2 poisoning but there are many things you can do to prevent them.  It is very important to keep all your gas appliances checked and maintained annually to ensure a safe environment for you and your family.