Not all HVAC systems are created equal. When deciding which HVAC system is right for you, home comfort, reliability and efficiency of your heating and air conditioning systems make all the difference.

Below are some factors to consider when comparing different systems and ultimately making the decision to purchase. 

Energy Efficiency: Without a doubt, the more energy efficient you HVAC system is, the more money you will save. Heating and cooling efficiency is the most effective way to lower your overall energy consumption and utility bills. The best way to evaluate your system efficiency is to locate your system Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). which is typically located on the outside of your unit. A higher number indicates higher energy efficiency. Upgrading to an air conditioner with a high SEER can help you to reduce your energy bills by up to 40%. To learn more go to: SEER rating.

The Expense: Obviously cost is an important factor when considering which system to choose.  When budgeting for this large expense, be sure to consider the long-term costs associated with your system’s energy efficiency and durability. Saving a few hundred dollars now, may not be a wise choice if it costs you much more down the road.

Sound Rating: Most systems run about as loud as your refrigerator which is typically 25-55 decibels. To find the rating of your current system, look on the attached label. If you have sensitive, bionic hearing or you live in a smaller home where the sound can be more distinct from outside, look for a quieter sound rating.

The Best Warranty: Warranties for HVAC systems can vary from manufacturer to manufacture. But most manufacturers warranties usually last 5 to 10 years. The standard warranty covers replacement for faulty parts during the term, but the warranty doesn’t always cover additional labor costs. As you are shopping for a new system, be clear on your warranty details. You may also want to consider purchasing an extended warranty.

Check Customer Reviews: Manufacture websites often list buyer reviews as well as sites like Angie’s List and Yelp. You can also checkout reviews on retailer sites such as Lowes and Home Depot. Just remember that the most helpful reviews will come from people that have similar needs to you.

You don’t need an expert to shop for an HVAC system, but you should know your needs so you can find the best system fit. Here at Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical we are always here to help, and your ‘comfort’ is always our CENTRAL concern! Call 406-756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.

***We service Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside, Somers or anywhere in the surrounding Flathead.

Hosting a Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family can be exciting, but also stressful. From cleaning, shopping and food prep to decorating your home. All these things take a lot of time and preparation so that everything comes together correctly.

Below are five CENTRAL pro tips that will help your Thanksgiving Day run smoothly.

Tip #1: Dusting is your Friend

Dusting is one of the simplest ways to prepare your home’s HVAC system for the holidays. When dust is left to sit and gather, the dust particles travel through the ductwork and then spread throughout your home. When dusting, make sure to also run a damp towel or use a vacuum attachment over the fan blades of any ceiling fan and special attention to vets and air returns in your home.

Tips #2: Change Your Air Filter

Changing air filters in your system is one of the most overlooked maintenance items there is, and it is a simple fix for the homeowner. When replacing, bring your old filter with you so you purchase right size. You may also want to stock up on a few extras, so they are at your disposal when needed. If you don’t want to do this alone, contact the pros at CENTRAL and we can definitely help!

Tips #3: Take Advantage of the Warmth of the Oven

Thanksgiving is the biggest cooking day of the year, and your oven will be up and running for extended periods of times and even possibly for days before the Thanksgiving festivities begin. Not only will your home smell delicious, but the heat from the oven will also warm your home. This means that you can turn your furnace down a few degrees as the oven makes up for the extra heat needed as you enjoy your holiday celebrations.

Tips #4: Clogged Sinks are NO FUN

It can be hard to resist spilling a little grease down the sink when you are in the midst of juggling the cooking and baking of various dishes. Although it may save you a few seconds here or there, when it hardens it can cause the drains to clog and be harmful to your pipes. So, think twice before you pour bacon grease down the drain…otherwise you may be spending your Thanksgiving snaking the sink to clear a clog that could have easily be prevented.

Tips #5: Outlet Overload…Don’t do it!

It’s easy to overload outlets without thinking. Extra visitors with cell phones, or other electronics, and those strings of Christmas lights can easily add up. Too many devices in one outlet can create a fire hazard, and this is especially risky at the holidays. So, before you plug in, make sure to use surge protectors and keep your plug ins to a minimum.

From all of us here at Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical we wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Your ‘COMFORT’ and SAFETY is always our CENTRAL concern! We are here for   you 24/7! For all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs. Call us today at: 406-756-6656.

***We service Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside, Somers or anywhere in the surrounding Flathead.

 

As the aspens, larch, and cottonwoods of Fall become a splendid gold, it reminds us that the cold is just around the corner and it’s time to prepare your system for the winter heating season.

Below are a few helpful Fall HVAC Tips:

Furnace Filter Check-up and Replacement – This simple task is the easiest preventative maintenance item to do, and it will improve and prevent the following:

• Improve system efficiency
• Prevent system failure
• Prevent expensive “avoidable” emergency repairs
• Lower monthly energy bills

Thermostat Check - If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, we can help with that, this gives you the ability to have pre-set temperature depending on the time of day. If you do have one, make sure that it is programed for maximum efficiency during the times the house is empty, and no one is home.

Protect Against Possible HVAC Fire – A crowded furnace can cause your HVAC system to catch on fire…or worse! Inspect around your furnace for items such as boxes, crates, papers, cleaning supplies or any other flammable materials that can pose a fire risk to your home. If you have a heat pump with an outdoor unit, remove - grass clippings, leaves, trash or any other debris around it. There should be at least 3-feet of cleared space around the unit to avoid a fire hazard.

Tune-Up Time - A Fall tune-up is the easiest way to identify and avoid potential problems with your system and ensure it is running a peak efficiency. When the pros at CENTRAL provide a tune-up, they will check for reliable, efficient and safe operation of all HVAC equipment. When your heating system is clean and well-adjusted, it will save you money on fuel and prolong your furnace’s life.

Time for a New System? – If your HVAC system is 10-15 years old, it may be time to consider replacing your current unit. Newer high-efficiency units can improve the overall performance of your system and save up to 20% on heating costs.

 It’s important to hire a properly licensed and well-trained professional to keep your furnace in tiptop shape. Trust the pros at CENTRAL to get your system prepared for the winter ahead

At Central Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical your ‘COMFORT’ and SAFETY is always our CENTRAL concern! We are here for you 24/7! For all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs. Call us today at: 406-756-6656.

***We service Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Lakeside, Somers or anywhere in the surrounding Flathead.

 

 

 

Are you interested in saving money this year? Checking off the list can do just that for you — with very little effort. 

Your energy costs may be driving you into the poor house. The average American family spends, in some cases, hundreds to thousands of dollars in extra energy costs in their homes every year. 

It is relatively simple to cut these unnecessary costs by making smart, energy-efficient choices. Just don’t wait until the last minute or it can be costly, especially in the times we saw this past summer and winter. When temperatures are extreme, so are the prices. 

Here are some energy-saving tips: 

• To increase your heating and cooling system efficiency — replace your filters and clean your heating and cooling system twice a year. Best to have a professional company take care of this for you.

• Do not block registers and return vents with furniture or drapes.

• Unplug your devices. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average household spends about $100 per year to keep power immediately available. Multiply this by all households nationally — billions of energy is being wasted!

• Keep the tank clean. About 20 percent of the energy used by the average home is used to heat water for showers, baths, washing machines and dishwashers. Depending on the quality of your water, drain off the sediment in the bottom of your hot water heater — at a minimum of every other year. If you have that white sediment on your faucet where the water flows, think about what the inside of your water heater looks like.

• Check thermostat temperature. Set your thermostat to 68-70 degrees during the day in the winter and 65-68 degrees at night to keep your home comfortable and save on heating costs. Turning down your thermostat too low at night can actually cost more to bring the temperature up during the day. You can invest in a programmable thermostat that will automatically do this daily for you.

• Limit your use of portable heaters. They’re great for “spot” heating but running a 1,500-watt heater 24/7 can be expensive. Have a recessed wall heater installed that has its own thermostat that can be set to the temperature of your liking, whether you are home or not.

•  Replace worn washers in leaking faucets promptly. A faucet that leaks one drop of water every second wastes 200 gallons of water a month. The average cost of a gallon of water in the supermarket is 98 cents to $1.20. You can buy a lot of “latte’s” for this — or better yet, put it in your vacation fund.

• Seal and insulate your air ducts. Have you ever thought about this: Heat loss from leaky, un-insulated ducts, especially those in unheated attics and basements, can reduce the efficiency of your heating system by as much as 30 percent.

• Give your water heater a vacation too. When you leave your home for a weekend or longer, go to your electrical panel and flip off the switch for your water heater. 

• And even more importantly, turn off your main water shut-off valve. If you are not sure where this is located, we can come out and tag this as well as your main gas turn-off valve. One inch of broken pipe can lose 30-60 gallons of water per minute! Do that calculation at 98 cents to $1.20 per gallon.

Thinking ahead and being proactive can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars to spend on items more enjoyable.

Whether you are in Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Columbia Falls or anywhere else in the Flathead Valley. . .As always, your Safety and Comfort is our Central concern. Call 406-756-6656 for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.

How often should I have my home’s heating and cooling system checked?

This question is rather interesting, and I like to compare your home’s heating and cooling system to the maintenance of your vehicle. Your home’s comfort system operates approximately 3300 hours in a year. To put this “run time” in perspective, your vehicle driven for the same 3300 hours at 65 miles per hour would travel 214,500 miles. No one would consider such a journey without arranging for oil changes, lubrication and routine tune-ups along the way to assure the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the vehicle. And how many of you actually keep a car long enough to get 214,000 miles on your odometer? Your heating and cooling system travels this journey every year.

Time and time again we are called to people’s home where they have never changed a filter or had any maintenance done and they are wondering why they are having problems with their heating and cooling system, which can be costly to fix or replaced.

Our heating and cooling systems need to be maintained just like your vehicle. If preventative maintenance is not preformed regularly or done haphazardly, the equipment will eventually require extensive and costly repairs.

We have had another hot summer, and you can guess our number one service call during this time of year is for air conditioning that is not cooling properly. Many people would associate changing filters for your furnace to run properly, however, your filters are just as important to running your air conditioner. Air conditioning equipment is designed to operate with a specific quantity of air passing over its indoor coil surface. When filters are not replaced, they clog and become coated with dirt. Similarly, the coils can get coated with dirt. This dirt reduces the amount of air through the unit below the design limit, leading to equipment failure. Another common challenge is friendly field mice deciding this is a great place to start a new home. A filter is easy enough to change, but the following two need to be done by trained maintenance technician.

For your furnace, low airflow can cause the heat exchanger to overheat. Heat exchangers are designed to operate at temperatures between 120 degrees F to 200 degrees. At higher temperatures, the heat exchanger oxidizes, its life span is reduced, or it cracks and breaks. In either case, it makes far more sense to replace air filters during regular preventative maintenance program, at a minimum, twice a year. Air flow is just one factor, proper refrigerant, lubrication and making sure all the parts are operating properly also is very important.

How old is your home’s heating and cooling system? Multiply the age times 214,000 miles, and then take a look at how often you are having your vehicle taken care. Hmmmmmmmm, I am willing to bet, your heating and cooling system has been neglected. Be ahead of the game, and call today to get your equipment properly cleaned, before our cold weather gets here.

At Central we prefer to do two system checks each year and have created a special program called our Comfort Care Program, this program is designed to take care of your heating and cooling system each year as well as create a relationship with us, which provides you peace of mind. If something happens to your system, or you have plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs our Comfort Care Customer is one of our top priorities for our call center.

As always, your Comfort is our Central concern, call 756-6656, for all your heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical and drain cleaning needs.

My Favorite Hamburger…I have been grilling this burger for over 30 years for my family
1 lb lean hamburger…I am a big fan of Montana grass fed
3 green onions chopped
3 tbls of Worchester sauce ½ tsp ground pepper
Mix all together with your hands…makes 4 patties
Top with favorite cheese and grill Sometimes simple is better…Enjoy