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Furnaces

5 Things to Look for in a New Furnace

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Minnesota winters can be unforgiving. For this reason, you should have a furnace that is up to the task of keeping you and your family safe and comfortable throughout the season. However, if you have a relatively old furnace, you may experience problems such as poor efficiency, subpar heating, and frequent need for repairs.

If you are considering getting a new heating system for your home, there are a few essential things you should look into. In this article, we will give you some of the key points when choosing a new furnace.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your prime HVAC company in Maple Grove MN. We offer an array of energy-efficient furnaces from one of the best names in the industry: Lennox.

Proper Sizing

Getting the top-of-the-line furnace packed with high-tech features doesn’t necessarily mean you’re buying the right unit for your home. When it comes to furnaces, bigger isn’t always better, and smaller isn’t always inexpensive.

When a furnace is oversized, it heats the home too quickly but uses a lot of energy. It tends to short cycle, which occurs when the unit shuts itself off before the thermostat even reads the right temperature. Too much short cycling isn’t good for the furnace as it causes the unit to fail prematurely.

An undersized furnace also presents problems as it is not powerful enough to properly heat your home, causing extended operation in an attempt to reach your desired temperature. Not only does an undersized furnace use more energy, but it also causes the unit to overheat. When ignored, such a system will inevitably fail much sooner than when the right sized system was installed.

Energy Efficiency

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) measures a gas furnace’s efficiency in converting fuel to heat. For example, a heating system with an EFUE rating of 85 percent can turn 85 percent of its energy to heat. The other 15 percent is consumed during the heating process.

The minimum efficiency rating for new furnaces is 80 AFUE. A good furnace has an AFUE of 80-85 (mid-efficiency), and an excellent unit is rated at 90-98 AFUE (high-efficiency). As expected, a furnace with a higher energy efficiency rating costs more than one with a lower AFUE.

Please note, the Department of Energy demands manufacturers to display the AFUE ratings of every furnace to allow consumers to compare different models’ efficiency ratings.

Pricing

As mentioned earlier, furnaces with higher AFUE ratings cost more, and buying a heating system for your home is a significant investment. In addition to the unit’s actual price, you should also consider other costs, such as installation, additional tools, etc. Since your brand-new furnace will be serving you for a long time, consider the costs of getting a new unit as a stake in the long-term. With that in mind, you should carefully inspect all of your options and see what works best for you.

HVAC Zoning

Zoning offers greater control and gives you a thermostat in each room to effectively set the temperature. A properly installed zoning system lowers your utility bills because you are not wasting heated air on unoccupied rooms. 

Also, zoning gives you an individual temperature setting for each zoned area, allowing every family member to set the temperature according to their preferences and enjoy improved comfort throughout the day.

Warranty

Manufacturers offer different warranty coverages on their furnaces. In the event of a premature equipment breakdown, keeping your unit under warranty helps you save money because the manufacturer will cover the costs. Therefore, it is essential to sign up for a planned maintenance agreement. Understand that most warranties only remain in effect as long as an authorized HVAC contractor regularly maintains your system.

Furthermore, scheduled annual check-ups help you avoid the unnecessary stresses associated with untimely breakdowns. They also pay for themselves by detecting problems early, allowing you to prevent premature system deterioration and keeping your unit energy-efficient.

Ask the Heating Pros

To ensure excellent installation, be sure to work only with a legitimate HVAC contractor like Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are an authorized dealer and installer of Lennox furnaces, some of the world’s best heating systems. As your dependable Plymouth furnace installation company, we guarantee outstanding quality and optimum equipment performance.

When to Consider Replacing Your Furnace

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The best time to evaluate your heating system is before it fails, not when it’s already malfunctioning. This time of year, your furnace is easily the most important appliance in your home as it is responsible for creating a comfortable living space for you and your family.

Having said that, if you’re dealing with an inefficient furnace, you might be putting everyone in your home at risk. To help you identify your need for a new system, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are your reliable heating company in Brooklyn Park MN that has the knowledge and experience to help you make the right decision.

Here are a few things to observe when deciding to replace your heating system.

Your Furnace’s Age

A properly maintained furnace usually lasts up to 15 years or so. If your unit is past its 15-year mark and beginning to show a decline in performance, there is a high likelihood of it needing a replacement soon. Even if the system still works, it no longer operates at maximum efficiency, which causes it to use more fuel.

Here’s a fact: the older the furnace, the more maintenance it needs. When a furnace is approaching the end of its life, it breaks down repeatedly, causing you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in repair costs — not to mention the level of stress it brings to your family.

Old furnaces tend to work harder in an attempt to provide your family’s heating needs. This extra burden on the unit translates to higher energy bills and more frequent repairs. Depending on the rate of occurrence of repairs, these costs, when added up, can be almost as much as the cost of a new system.

If you notice a steady increase in your utility bills without a parallel increase in use, consider getting a new furnace. The amount of money you save in the long run can be equivalent to a new, more efficient heating system.

Inconsistent Heating

Hot and cold spots are the result of an inefficient furnace. If you have to constantly adjust the thermostat because you feel that some rooms are warmer than others, you may be dealing with a furnace that’s incapable of properly heating your entire home. Older, inefficient furnaces are unable to properly distribute the heated air throughout the home.

Illness in the Family

As a furnaces ages, cracks can develop in the heat exchanger, which can cause the release of carbon monoxide into your home undetected. This colorless, odorless, fatal, gas can cause certain health issues and symptoms such as a headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. For your family’s safety, it’s best to contact an HVAC professional to determine whether your existing furnace is safe to use or it needs a replacement.

Poor Indoor Air Quality


A poorly performing furnace results in an unclean, unsafe indoor air. If you have someone in your household who suffers from allergies caused by airborne dust, pollen, mold or viruses, operating an inefficient furnace puts them at risk of aggravating their condition. Old furnaces are unable to properly humidify and clean the air in your home, which not only triggers allergies but also affects other body organs such as the throat, nose and even the lungs. Poor indoor air can also cause too much dryness, damaging the walls, wood flooring, furniture, and plants in your home. In addition, if you notice plants starting to wilt, or family members who are suffering from dry eyes and itchy throats or headaches, it may be time to get a new furnace. These are clear indicators your furnace is unable to keep your family healthy and comfortable.

Too Much Noise

If your furnace has been working with unusual sounds, it could mean that it’s starting to break down. While you can assume that it may only need a simple repair, but you cannot negate the possibility that it’s nearing the end of its life. A qualified technician can give you expert advice on whether a repair or a replacement is what your furnace needs.

Schedule an In-Home Consultation with a Professional If you suspect that your furnace is no longer up for the job of maintaining a comfortable home, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are your leading Maple Grove furnace installation contractor serving you since 1974.

Simple Furnace Maintenance Tips for Winter

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It is quite easy for homeowners to forget about their furnace during the warm months. However, during the cold season, your heating system becomes the first priority since you badly need it. Having a properly working furnace in the midst of a cold environment is an essential comfort every family should have. But what does your furnace need in order to stay efficient and safe during the heating season?

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a trusted heating company in Plymouth MN that can help you properly maintain your furnace, guaranteeing it works as effectively as possible.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your heating system remains in tip-top shape this winter.

Manage Your Filters

The simplest thing you can do without the help of a professional is to change your furnace filter when it gets dirty. The filter is responsible for keeping dirt from entering your system. A clogged filter can cause many issues, one of which is overheating, which is caused by the lack of airflow in the system. If you fail to address this minor issue, it could lead to more serious problems such as heat exchanger damage, which could cost you hundreds of dollars.

HVAC professionals recommend replacing the filter at least once per month, depending on usage. Filters are easy to replace and available in most home improvement stores and HVAC dealers.

Keep in mind that filters may need to be regularly checked if your system is always in use, is subject to dusty situations, or you have household pets.

Check Your Batteries

Most thermostats, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors run on batteries. Now is the right time to replace the batteries to ensure they work properly throughout the winter. Check your thermostat to make sure the clock is set correctly and that it’s reading the correct temperatures. Keep your thermostat away from heat sources like direct sunlight and heat-generating appliances.

Also, if you can manage to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat, do so. These devices enable you to save money by having the temperature setting set automatically.

Set the thermostat to a temperature that is warmer than outside, and wait for the furnace to kick in. Understand that it usually takes about one minute for the fan to turn on and the heat to start. To check if your thermostat is working properly, leave the furnace running to see if it reaches the set temperature.

Clean the Blower

While most homeowners are aware of the importance of cleaning or replacing their filters regularly, only a few actually know that their blowers also need to be cleaned. When a furnace is running, some of the dirt and debris get away from the filter and makes it through the system’s blower. When the debris builds up, the furnace may become inefficient and may experience performance issues.

To clean out the blower, remove the cover and wipe down the fan as well as all the pulleys with a damp cloth. If the blower hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, there’s a possibility that it has already accumulated a considerable amount of dirt and grime that can cause problems if neglected.

Have Your Furnace Professionally Maintained

If you want to ensure that your furnace is working in its best condition, there’s no better way to do it than having anHVAC professional perform a routine maintenance inspection.

A qualified technician will know what to look for, can determine potential problems, and thoroughly clean your furnace. This will ensure your furnace will function according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

In addition, heating systems have the potential to let out carbon monoxide, an odorless, fatal gas that can create flu-like symptoms. You need to make sure that your heating system is free from any leaks that can cause the emission of carbon monoxide. The technician will also make sure that your ducts and vents are in great shape.

Call the Heating Pros Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your reliable Minnetonka furnace maintenance contractor. We offer an extensive furnace tune-up and inspection to ensure your heating system works efficiently and safely. Give us a call to schedule a visit from one of our qualified technicians.

Why Your Furnace Blows Cold Air

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There are a lot of heating options available out there, but the furnace remains the most popular. A furnace has the ability to condition and filter the air effectively, giving you the comfort and safety you need during a cold night. But not every time your system will run perfectly fine. There are times when it can blow cold air instead of warm.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading heating company in Champlin MN that offers professional furnace repair services. We can help you identify the problem, fix it, and restore your heat in no time.

Some of the most common reasons for an underperforming furnace may include:

Overheating

When a furnace overheats, it turns itself on and off frequently. This issue is called “short cycling”, which is a primary cause of high fuel consumption and furnace failure. A dirty filter can cause your furnace to restrict the airflow within the heat exchanger, causing it to work harder than it should. Checking and replacing the furnace filter periodically can help avoid this problem. This is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your furnace running smoothly. Do not ignore this problem as repeated overheating can damage the heat exchanger, which is a costly part to repair or replace.

Closed registers can also cause your system to overheat by increasing the pressure in your air ducts. This slows down your furnace blowers and decreases the airflow within the system.

In addition, a clogged evaporator coil, a dirty blower wheel, or a broken gas valve can also contribute to the overheating of your furnace.

The best step to take is to have your furnace checked by a qualified professional, who can identify the cause of the problem and rectify it to avoid having more serious problems.

Thermostat Issues

Besides overheating, a key reason for a furnace to blow cold air is a problem with the thermostat. This device controls your heating system that determines when and how much heat will be produced by the furnace. Ruling out the possibility of the thermostat being set to ON instead of AUTO, there are still a couple of reasons for it to malfunction.

If your thermostat has old or faulty wiring, accumulation of dust, extreme temperature changes and similar issues, it can cause your furnace to not work properly.

Simple steps like changing the battery can fix the problem. Weak or dead batteries are the main cause of thermostat malfunction. Also, loose electrical connections, faulty, or aging wiring can result in thermostat issues, leaving you in the cold.

Ductwork Leakage

Identifying the problem with ductwork can be a challenging task. Having said that, when a furnace is blowing cold air, it could mean that there is either a leak or other problems within the ducts. If there are cracks or even small openings in your ducts, they may take in cool air that mixes with heated air. If there is a major damage to the ductwork, you may lose heated air altogether.

Though oftentimes neglected, your ducts are an important part of your HVAC system. You should keep them working properly by regular professional maintenance.

Electrical Problems

Regardless of the type of system you have, it still requires electricity. Simple factors like a tripped circuit breaker inside your electrical panel can cause a number of issues, including a furnace that blows cold air. In fact, a tripped breaker results in a furnace that won’t even turn on at all. It can also affect your pilot light, causing the furnace to not start.

When too many appliances are running at the same time, the system may be overloaded, which can cause your circuit breaker to trip. Moreover, faulty wiring, damage wiring or grounding faults can also contribute to this problem.

For your own safety, if resetting the circuit breaker doesn’t solve the problem, do not try to straighten out the issue on your own, especially if you are not trained. Contact a local HVAC professional who can determine the root cause of the problem and fix it for you.

Heating Problems? Call the Experts

The last thing you’d want is a furnace that blows cold air on a rather chilly night. Call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning to solve your problem and restore the comfort and safety of your home. We are your trusted Blaine furnace repair contractor serving you for more than 40 years.

Furnace Purchase: Does Size Really Matter?

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If you are in the market for a new heating system, you should seriously consider the size of the unit you are targeting. A lot of homeowners tend to think that the bigger the furnace, the better. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Proper furnace sizing is an important aspect of installing the right heating system in your home.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading heating company in Brooklyn Park MN that has the knowledge and experience to help you find the furnace that meets your needs.

Overview

Furnaces aged 10 years or more tend to lose their efficiency and cost more to operate. They also are prone to frequent system failures, causing unnecessary stress and discomfort. When the moment comes that you need to get a replacement, you must correctly determine what size of the system you are going to buy.  In addition to the furnace’s efficiency rating, you also need to look at the type and size of the furnace you want to install in your home.

Furthermore, you must consider operational costs during times when the winter is at its coldest. Heating your home is an essential comfort, but it involves a considerable amount of money.

Many homeowners were caught in the mistake of installing furnaces that were too large for their homes. This meant that optimum efficiency was rarely achieved. The upside was that gas prices were way lower in the past compared to the present.

Higher fuel costs and other factors are the reasons why homeowners across the country are looking for heating professionals who can help them set up cost-effective, high-efficiency heating solutions for their homes.

When a Heating System is Too Large

This scenario enables the furnace to keep the house warm regardless of the outside temperature. Having said that, it also means consuming more fuel while making your home less comfortable. When the system starts, certain areas may warm up too quickly and get uncomfortably warm before the thermostat is even able to read the right temperature. If your home doesn’t have quality insulation, this heat will easily get away, causing the unit to turn itself on and off (a process called short cycling). When this happens, the furnace’s lifespan is greatly diminished.

On the brighter side, certain furnace models have a safety feature that prevents them from overheating. But still, an oversized heating system usually runs hotter than normal, which puts it closer to the temperature at which it will turn itself off. This will most likely take place when the weather outside gets very cold — a time when you would need your furnace to work round the clock.

When a Heating System is Too Small

There are also homeowners who make an error of installing a furnace that is too small for their house, thinking that it’s more economical since smaller furnaces are typically cheaper than the larger ones. If your furnace is undersized, it doesn’t have the power to properly heat your home, so it will need to run longer to increase the temperature to the point of being overloaded. This causes the unit to fail prematurely and increase your utility bills. This will also create an untimely wear and tear as a small furnace tries too hard to keep up with your home’s heating needs.

The obvious danger of putting an incorrectly sized furnace in your home is quite simple — you’ll have to replace it much sooner than if you installed a properly sized system.

Why You Should Call Only the Professionals

There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when buying and installing a new heating system. One main element to take into account is the size of the space that needs to be kept warm. Not only will this determine the size of the system needed, but also the number and frequency of heating ducts to distribute the heated air throughout that space.

Only a professional HVAC technician can determine the right system that can give you optimum comfort without having to spend too much on heating. Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a licensed Maple Grove furnace installation contractor that hires no less than trained and certified HVAC professionals.

3 Things to Consider When Buying a New Furnace

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3 Things to Consider When Buying a New Furnace

A poorly functioning furnace can cause a lot of inconveniences to you and your family. That’s something you wouldn’t want to deal with especially during the coldest of nights. If you have an old, inefficient furnace, chances are, you’re wasting a lot of money on fuel and repair costs. When a furnace is approaching the end of its life, it tends to work harder in order to provide the heating needs of your home.

Your preferred heating company in Champlin MN can help you identify if your existing furnace is due for a replacement. Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning offers expert advice and appropriate recommendations to solve your home’s heating concerns.

Also, if anyone in your family suffers from allergies caused by airborne dust, pollen, mold or viruses, it could mean that you have a poor indoor air quality, possibly caused by an underperforming heating system. Old furnaces are unable to properly humidify and clean the air in your home, which not only triggers allergies but also affects other body organs such as the throat, nose and even the lungs.

Furthermore, older furnaces can develop cracks in the heat exchanger. This results in the discharge of carbon monoxide, a very harmful gas. For this reason, HVAC experts recommend having working carbon monoxide detectors in your home. If there has been a leak of this dangerous gas in your home, you will notice symptoms such as headaches, nausea, irritation of the skin and eyes, and other signs of illness. While opening your windows can help get rid some of the polluted air from your home, but it is critical to call a qualified technician immediately to seal up the leaks and make the necessary repairs.

If you are suffering from any of these issues, consider upgrading to a new, safer heating system. Here are some of the key points to remember before deciding on a brand-new furnace.

Power Source

This is important to identify because you can only purchase a heating system that uses the fuel source your home is prepared for. Some of the available fuel sources for furnaces include:

  • Gas – Gas-fired furnaces use natural gas to heat your home. They are the most energy-efficient type compared to other furnaces.
  • Propane – Furnaces that run on propane oil are way more expensive to operate compared to gas-fired furnaces. Propane oil furnaces are recommended for homes in remote areas with no ready gas connections and limited electrical connections.
  • Electric – Similar to propane oil furnaces, these are also more expensive to operate than gas heating systems. Having said that, since most U.S. homes have electrical connections, they are still a popular type of furnace.

Energy-Efficiency

Since your furnace is easily one of the most important appliances in your home during the heating season, it is also normally your home’s largest energy consumer. If you’re concerned about the operational cost and efficiency of your furnace, be sure you consider its AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This is the standard measurement of your furnace’s combustion efficiency used by the Department of Energy. If you have a furnace with an AFUE of 85 percent, it means that 85 percent of the fuel is converted into heat while the remaining 15 percent escapes through your chimney or elsewhere. The rule of thumb is that the higher the AFUE is, the more savings you get out of your furnace in the long run.

Proper Sizing

In order to efficiently heat your home, your new furnace needs to have the right size and power for your home’s square footage and heating needs. Your home’s materials will be taken into consideration as well. The reason behind this is that when a furnace is too small, it won’t be able to keep up. When it is too big, it will heat your home too quickly and will often turn itself on and off. While both improperly sized systems present different issues, the problem stays the same: higher energy costs and shorter equipment lifespan. To avoid this unnecessary headache, have a qualified HVAC professional properly size your new furnace.

Ask the Furnace Masters

For more information about furnaces, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are your friendly Blaine furnace installation contractor serving you for more than four decades.

Why You Should Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace

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Did you know that if you’re still using one of those older, low-efficiency furnaces, you could be throwing away up to 35 cents of every dollar you spent on your heating bills? That’s because older heating systems have a low-efficiency rating of 65 to 75 percent AFUE, which means they only convert 65 percent to 75 percent of the fuel while the remaining 25 to 35 percent escapes in the air.

If you’re looking to save hundreds of dollars on your annual heating bills, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency heating system. Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning us your reliable heating company in Brooklyn Park MN that offers some of the most efficient furnaces available on the market today.

What is AFUE?

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a measurement of the thermal efficiency of a piece of combustion equipment like a furnace, water heater, or boiler. The U.S. Department of Energy requires that all new furnaces must convert at least 80 percent of their fuel into heat. New high-efficiency heating systems typically have a minimum of 90 percent AFUE and can be as high as 98 AFUE, which use less fuel and lower your carbon footprint. Because of this great difference in fuel efficiency, a new high-efficiency furnace can allow you to get back your investment in only a few years.

Benefits of High-Efficiency Furnaces

The ENERGY STAR® Factor

Most high-efficiency furnaces have the ENERGY STAR® seal of approval. ENERGY STAR products are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR label, furnaces must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants; and you get the features and quality you expect.

Tax Credits

The United States government particularly offers a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent, or up to $1500 if you purchase and have a high-efficiency furnace installed in your home.

While it is true that lower efficiency furnaces are less expensive, this tax credit can make up for the price difference, should you decide to upgrade to a high-efficiency heating system.

High-Class Airflow

Compared to standard heating systems, high-efficiency furnaces are able to better circulate the air throughout the home. These new furnaces produce more consistent heating and are able to maintain a sustained temperature. This improved airflow can effectively remove impurities from the air and prevent the accumulation of mold. These factors can greatly refine the indoor environment of your home, which results in easier, healthier breathing. This alone can be the most important reason why you should invest in a high-efficiency furnace.

Better Warranty Program

As much as you’d hate it, depending on your usage, your furnace could break at some point. This is when the warranty will help you cover the cost of repair and replacement of broken parts. Though the warranty on your furnace will vary depending on the manufacturer and dealer, selecting a high-efficiency unit will give you a more extensive warranty period compared to a cheaper model. With a condensing furnace, it is especially important to have a long-term warranty on the heat exchangers.

Some manufacturers include their furnaces with a 5-year warranty on covered parts, 10-years if the product is registered online, and a lifetime warranty on the heat exchanger.

Low Operational Noise

In addition to the health and energy advantages of a new furnace, new high-efficiency systems produce much less operating noise than an older model. New energy efficient models make use of state-of-the-art materials that lessen sound, which is important in maintaining a peaceful, quiet indoor environment.

Call the Heating Experts

If you want more information and expert advice concerning high-efficiency furnaces, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are a proud Lennox Premier Dealer that is recognized by Lennox Industries because of our excellence in workmanship and customer service. For over 40 years, we have been the preferred Maple Grove furnace installation contractor that delivers nothing less than the best HVAC solutions for every home.

When is the Best Time to Schedule Furnace Maintenance?

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The days and nights are slowly becoming cooler, and before you know it, it’s the heating season already! While most homeowners call their local HVAC company in Champlin MN only when their furnace breaks down, the best way to keep your unit running efficiently and rid yourself of dealing with a malfunctioning heating system is to have it professionally checked at least once a year. Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning has competent, knowledgeable HVAC technicians who can help you get your furnace in great shape.

Just as you would have your car serviced regularly to ensure a smooth ride, regular maintenance of your furnace will see to it that your unit achieves ideal operating efficiency. This also helps keep your utility bills down as the system wouldn’t have to work as hard to meet your heating needs. Since your furnace works effortlessly, your repair costs will be kept to a minimum.

Why Furnace Maintenance is Needed

Failure to properly maintain your furnace puts your family at a great risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that kills 200 Americans every year and sends another 10,000 to the hospital, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

A dirty, inefficient furnace leaks carbon monoxide throughout your home, especially if you have a central air system. Even small leaks in your furnace can expose you to a fatal amount of carbon dioxide. Too much carbon dioxide in your blood is deadly. While proper ventilation can help reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide present in your indoor air, unless your heating system is properly working, you will still inhale this lethal gas. The side effects that can result from this low-level exposure include permanent brain and organ damage. If you have children or elderly living with you, they are more susceptible to carbon monoxide poisoning than healthy adults.What makes carbon monoxide poisoning more dangerous is that its symptoms can be easily mistaken for those of the common cold, influenza, or exhaustion.

The Best Time to Schedule Furnace Maintenance

HVAC professionals say that the best time to service a heating system is a month before you will use it regularly. So, when the temperature starts to decrease in the fall, be sure to have your furnace serviced by a qualified technician.

However, if you can manage more than one inspection in a year, do so. Properly maintaining your heating furnace will ensure optimal performance throughout the winter months. As a result, your energy bills will drop and your system’s lifespan will rise.

The Benefits of Professional Furnace Maintenance

Evade Frustrating Emergencies

Regular professional maintenance allows your technician to detect issues on your furnace before they even become problems. If your furnace fails in the middle of the winter, it will need to be fixed right away, and most likely at a premium rate. You wouldn’t want to deal with a broken furnace in the midst of a frosty winter night!

Keep Your Indoor Air Clean

Your furnace isn’t only responsible for providing you with heat, it is also crucial in cleaning the air that flows around your home. Your filter needs to be replaced regularly especially if you have pets, smokers, or if you consistently use household cleaning items. By changing your filters, cleaning your ducts and coils regularly, your furnace will be able to effectively catch dirt, dust, and debris. More importantly, if there is a leak in your system, the technician will seal it to prevent the spread of carbon monoxide throughout your home.

Get Rid of Expensive Repairs

In order for your heating system to operate efficiently, proper airflow is needed. When airflow is compromised, it causes your fan motor to work harder than it should, using more energy. This causes damage to the system and increases your utility bills and repair costs in the process.

Call the HVAC Pros

The benefits of having your furnace regularly maintained by a professional cannot be denied. Before the heating season officially starts, be sure to call Marsh Heating an Air Conditioning. For over 40 years, we have been helping homeowners achieve greater home comfort by providing unparalleled HVAC products and services. We are your trusted Blaine heating and air conditioning that offers the best possible solutions to your comfort problems.

Furnace Maintenance Tips

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Furnaces offer a lot of conveniences during cold weather. They make our homes more comfortable and safe in the midst of unrelenting outdoor conditions. It is important to properly maintain your unit to ensure optimum performance and maximum comfort.

When a furnace is well maintained, it will run more smoothly and economically, giving you peace of mind and helps you save money in the process. In addition, a heating system will operate safely if all components are regularly checked, adjusted, or lubricated. Also, an annual in-depth maintenance on your unit is needed to check all parts and features, particularly those related to safety.

Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is a trusted heating company in Champlin, MN .We can help you maintain your furnace the right way by employing a professional approach in fine-tuning your heating system.

Below are a few simple steps to help ensure your furnace is working in great condition.

Manage Your Filters

Your filter is a good starting point for maintaining your furnace. Daily operation of your unit can allow it to accumulate dirt and dust that can hamper the furnace’s performance. A dusty and dirty filter restricts airflow, which adds pressure to your furnace, causing it to overheat. This should not be neglected as overheating can damage your furnace’s internal parts, particularly the heat exchanger, which is an expensive part to repair or replace. This also shortens the unit’s lifespan as it needs to work harder than normal to keep your home warm.

Make sure that your furnace’s filter is regularly cleaned, enabling it to have an efficient return-air system. If you have disposable filters, replace your filters at least once every two months. If you have a reusable filter, clean it at least once per week, depending on usage. Keep in mind that filters may need to be regularly checked if your system is always in use, is subject to dusty situations, or if you have household pets.

Check Your Thermostat

Your thermostat is a highly sensitive control device that responds even to the slightest changes in temperature. While it may have fewer parts, neglecting it can cause heating issues, even shutting down your furnace completely.

An improperly installed or accidentally bumped thermostat cover can cause your furnace to not start. Also, if the thermostat is not properly leveled, it may have inaccurate temperature readings. Make sure that the cover is properly installed and that the thermostat is correctly level.

Inspect Your Ductwork

Clogged ductwork can cause your home to have inconsistent heating. Since the rooms cannot reach the temperature you have set on the thermostat, your furnace will be working continuously to provide the set temperature. Not only this is inconvenient and expensive, but congestion to your ductwork will also jeopardize your indoor air quality. This can lead to certain health issues, particularly if anyone from your family is suffering from allergies or have preexisting respiratory issues.

Let Your Furnace Breathe

When your furnace is working, it is quite normal for the unit to be a little hot since it has multiple components running simultaneously. One simple tip is to keep the area around your furnace free from any obstruction. Make sure that an area of at least 3 feet around the unit is clear. If highly combustible items are placed too close to the unit, it can cause to start a fire, so keep those chemicals away from the unit to keep your home safe and secure.

Have Your Furnace Maintained by a Professional

There are easy maintenance steps you can do on your own but for the more complicated ones like duct cleaning, it’s best to have a technician do it for you instead.

Annual maintenance ensures the efficiency and reliability of your furnace. It also makes your unit work safely by enabling it to operate according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

One of the important inclusions in your annual furnace maintenance schedule is the detection of carbon monoxide, which is a fatal gas when inhaled repeatedly. The technician can make sure your furnace is free from leaks and cracks that can cause it to release carbon monoxide.

How Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning Can Help

At Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning, high-quality workmanship and excellent customer service are the two things we focus on. We strive to give you the best HVAC solutions available. Our technicians are adept at maintaining any furnace brand and model, having knowledge from years and years of on-site experience.

Call us for Blaine furnace repair or any heating and cooling needs you may require.

Tips on Buying a New Furnace

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Tips on Buying a New Furnace

A residential furnace typically lasts for about 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance. So if your unit it somewhere around that age, you might be in the market for a new heating system.

Choosing the right model can be a tough job and it makes sense to ask your preferred heating company in Brooklyn Park, MN about your options for a new furnace. Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning offers some of the best furnace models on the market.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right furnace for your home. You would want a unit that is able to effortlessly provide the heating requirements of your house and is energy efficient to keep its operating costs down.

Here are a few things you need to consider before making that purchase.

AFUE

AFUE means Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.It measures a gas furnace’s ability to convert fuel into energy. A heating system that has a 90 percent AFUE rating can transform 90 percent of the energy it consumes into heat. On the other hand, the remaining 10 percent is consumed during the heating process. Typically, a higher AFUE rating meansgreater savings.

Be aware that as the AFUE rating goes up, so does the price of the unit. While a high-efficiency furnace costs significantly higher than a cheaper model, you can recoup the investment cost with lower monthly heating bills. Also, investing in a high-efficiency furnace usually qualifies for a federal tax credit of 30 percent or up to $1500.

Proper Sizing

When it comes to choosing a furnace, bigger isn’t always the better. Proper sizing plays an important part in your family’s overall comfort. Your home’s size, materials used, positions of your windows, and regional climate must be taken into consideration before buying and installing a new furnace in your home.

An oversized furnace consumes more fuel but can make your home less comfortable. There will be areas that are warm while others are not. If your house is not properly insulated, heated air can easily escape, causing your furnace to turn itself on and off.

Differently, an undersized furnace doesn’t have the capacity to properly heat your home, so it will run longer and harder. This extra burden on your furnace not only increases your heating costs, it also shortens the lifespan of the unit.

Energy-Saving Features

High-efficiency furnaces use a second heat exchanger to catch much of the heat that would normally float up the chimney.

Certain high-efficiency furnaces also reduce electricity consumption by pairing an advanced, programmable thermostat to a variable speed motor. This enables the system to run the blower for longer periods of time at lower speeds. It provides quieter and more even and comfortable heat and doesn’t unnecessarily consume electricity.

Also, the blower compartments on high-efficiency furnaces are usually insulated to preserve heat. Traditional heating systems normally are not insulated.

Safety Features

High-efficiency furnaces use outside air for combustion, not air inside your home. This prevents furnace damage caused by vapors from laundry products, which can corrode furnace components.

Condensing furnaces use an electronic ignition system that has been proven safe and reliable compared to old furnaces that utilize standing pilot light. This ignition system only uses heat when the furnace calls for heat.

Furnaces that have a rating of 90 percent AFUE or more are the safest. Not only do they reduce your heating costs by 30 to 40 percent, their basic designalso significantly reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Warranty

In the event of failure, the furnace’s warranty can help you cover the cost of repair and replacement of broken parts. Though warranty on your furnace will vary according to the manufacturer and dealer, choosing a high-efficiency unit will give you a longer warranty period compared to a cheaper model. With a condensing furnace, it is especially important to have a long-term warranty on the heat exchangers.

Get Professional Advice from Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning

If you need help in choosing the best furnace for your home, call our experts at Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We are a Lennox Premier Dealer that offers a wide variety of furnaces made by one of the world’s best manufacturers.

Call us for your Maple Grove furnace installation or any other heating and cooling needs.

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