Blog :: Furnaces

Forgot to Schedule Annual Service for Your Furnace? Do It Now

by Greg Leisgang on April 2, 2013

Annual service for your furnace is of prime importance in your home. Keeping your system working in peak form minimizes costly repairs, saves money in operating costs and gives you the peace of mind that your system is operating safely. The cost may even be offset by the energy savings.… read more »

A Cracked Heat Exchanger Compromises Indoor Safety

by Greg Leisgang on March 26, 2013

The heat exchanger is the heart of your heating system. It moves the warm air from the furnace inside while venting the exhaust outside. A cracked heat exchanger can be a serious problem. Carbon monoxide detectors are very important and should always be kept in working order.… read more »

Change the Furnace Filter—It's Not Too Late

by Greg Leisgang on February 28, 2013

One of the easiest ways to lower your heating bill is to change the furnace filter on a regular basis. The filter traps airborne particulates and, over time, dust collects on and inside it, slowing the airflow through your blower. Less air going through the furnace slows the heating process, drives your energy bills up and contributes to premature wear and tear on the furnace.… read more »

Safety When Running a Gas Furnace Is a Must

by Greg Leisgang on January 29, 2013

A gas furnace is a safe and cost-effective way to heat your Cincinnati area home, but as with any appliance that involves combustion inside the home, certain safety precautions should be taken to protect your home and family during the heating season. Follow these tips to ensure safety when running a gas furnace.… read more »

Condensing Furnaces Promote Better Use Of Energy

by Greg Leisgang on January 22, 2013

If you're looking for an energy-efficient furnace for your greater Cincinnati home, look no further than a high-efficiency condensing furnace.… read more »

Learn All About Furnace Filters

by Greg Leisgang on January 17, 2013

In addition to an annual tune-up by a qualified HVAC professional, attending to your furnace filter every month will keep your heating system humming efficiently and safely throughout the Cincinnati winter.… read more »

New Furnace Efficiency Standards Lead To Several Benefits

by Greg Leisgang on December 26, 2012

In October of 2011, the Department of Energy (DOE) released new minimum furnace efficiency standards for the U.S., effective May 1, 2013. At that time, the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) for newly installed, non-weatherized (indoor) residential gas furnaces will increase from 78 to 90 percent for the 30 states in the northern region of the U.S., which includes Ohio. For all other states, the new standard will increase from 78 to 80 percent.… read more »

Furnace Smells: Don't Ignore These Potentially Dangerous Signs

by Greg Leisgang on December 18, 2012

Most homeowners are aware that having fully operational carbon monoxide detectors is imperative for their well-being, since this dangerous gas has no odor. Mechanical problems requiring immediate professional attention can often be detected by unusual furnace smells, none of which should be ignored. Here are some of the odors that should have you reaching for the telephone as quickly as possible.… read more »

Why Furnace Preventive Maintenance Is A Must In Greater Cincinnati

by Greg Leisgang on November 27, 2012

Winter is just around the corner. Are you confident that your furnace is in tip-top shape to keep you warm all season long? If you've had your annual preventive maintenance done, you probably are confident that your furnace will keep you warm and cozy. If you haven't scheduled your preventive maintenance, now is the time. That simple but crucial measure will help you catch small problems before they become big issues -- and big repair bills -- and help keep your furnace running at optimal efficiency throughout the heating season.… read more »

Regular Furnace Maintenance Ensures These 5 Benefits

by Greg Leisgang on November 13, 2012

The one thing you need to keep your heating bills lower and your family safer is regular furnace maintenance. Most of the heating systems in our region use combustible fuels, and all need periodic cleaning and adjusting. When you have your system professionally serviced annually, you reap these five benefits.… read more »

With These 3 Furnace Features, You'll Maximize Your Investment

by Greg Leisgang on November 6, 2012

If it is time to replace your furnace, it may be a comfort to you to know about the new furnace features that are available that will help you save money and ensure a good return on your investment. Not only do these features reduce the energy used in your home, but they also provide a more comfortable environment within your home.… read more »

Wondering If You Should Repair Or Replace Your Furnace? Get Expert Advice

by Greg Leisgang on October 23, 2012

The decision to repair or replace your furnace is one that certainly takes some consideration. After all, a new investment may seem intimidating because of the initial price tag, but just how long should you hold on to an ailing, outdated system?… read more »

A Variable-Speed Furnace Blower: The Zen Of Home Comfort And Savings

by Greg Leisgang on February 14, 2012

If your Cincinnati household has an older furnace, you've got a one-speed furnace blower and you're probably paying more than necessary on your monthly energy bills. That's a great reason to consider a new unit with a variable-speed furnace blower motor. But there are other reasons as well. Besides saving on utility bills, variable-speed blower motors help delay replacement costs too. New heating systems with variable-speed blowers will last many years longer than single-speed units, since they aren't forced to work more than necessary, as older one-speed systems must do often.… read more »

A Furnace Replacement Checklist To Ensure System-To-Home Synergy

by Greg Leisgang on January 24, 2012

If you suspect that your furnace needs to be replaced, consider the useful furnace replacement checklist below to ensure system-to-home synergy. Ideally, you should look into furnace replacement before operating your furnace becomes dangerous, or costs you more money than necessary. Here are 8 warning signs that generally indicate that you need to shop for a new furnace:… read more »

Change Your Air Filter Regularly Throughout The Winter Season

by Greg Leisgang on January 10, 2012

Dirty air filters can create many problems with your heating and cooling system's efficiency. And the dirtier your filters are, the more money and energy will be wasted. When you change your air filter regularly, you avoid these problems, and save energy and money throughout the year.… read more »

Can You Upgrade Furnace Motor Efficiency? You Bet!

by Greg Leisgang on December 29, 2011

You can improve the overall efficiency of your heating system by upgrading furnace motor efficiency, and see significantly higher savings, as well as comfort. And with colder weather settling in, it's important to take advantage of opportunities to save on heating costs. When upgrading your heating system, consider furnace motor efficiency.… read more »

Use These Furnace Troubleshooting Steps Before You Call An Expert, And Avoid An Unnecessary And Embarrassing Service Call

by Greg Leisgang on December 6, 2011

There are few things more embarrassing than having a professional come to your house to fix a furnace problem, have them flip a switch and then hand you an invoice. You can save yourself a great deal of hassle and money by using some simple furnace troubleshooting steps that help solve some of the more common furnace problems.… read more »

With This Buyer's Guide, You Can Select A Furnace That Is Consistent With The Special Heating Demands Of Your Home

by Greg Leisgang on October 20, 2011

Just like you, your home is unique. It may look like a dozen other homes in the greater Cincinnati area, but it is one-of-a-kind. Therefore, your home should be heated based on its unique needs. Blindly making a new furnace purchase can be a disservice to your wallet and your family.… read more »

Do Lifetime Costs Matter When Purchasing A Heating And Cooling System?

by Greg Leisgang on October 13, 2011

When you are shopping around for a new heating and cooling system, you may be tempted to use the upfront cost of the equipment as a major deciding factor. Because your HVAC systems have such a huge influence on your day-to-day comfort and your energy expenditures for years to come – often as many as 20 years – it's important to realize that upfront costs may not mean as much as you think when compared to the lifetime costs involved.… read more »

Furnace Filter Efficiency: Factors To Evaluate

by Greg Leisgang on October 6, 2011

To properly evaluate the efficiency of your furnace filter, you need to understand the factors that influence how filters are rated and what the ratings mean.… read more »

Maximize Efficiency With Dual-Fuel Systems

by Greg Leisgang on September 13, 2011

Remember those high gas bills in the middle of last winter? Gas can fluctuate but, like anything else, when demand is up, so are prices. Wouldn't it be nice if you could take the edge off when prices (and your bills) are on the rise?… read more »