Boulden Brothers

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Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

As the weather grows chillier and chilly nights set in, many homeowners are beginning to turn up their furnaces as a means of keeping warm. While furnaces’ reliable heating capabilities can be a lifesaver during cold winters, they also require maintenance and repair to keep them running smoothly—especially if you want your furnace to last longer than one or two seasons! If you notice any of these signs, it could be an indication that your furnace needs some extra attention from a professional. Here are some telltale signs you may soon need some critical repairs on your heating system.

Strange Noises – Unusual noises such as clunks, bangs, and rattles coming from your furnace can signal a need for repair

If you’ve noticed unusual sounds emanating from your furnace, it’s likely time to call in the experts. Clunks, bangs, and rattles are telltale signs that something might be amiss with your heating system, and ignoring them could lead to more significant problems down the line. Whether it’s a worn-out belt, a faulty motor, or something else entirely, a professional heating technician can diagnose the issue and get your furnace back on track in no time. Don’t wait until your house is freezing cold before seeking help – take action at the first sign of strange noises to keep your furnace running smoothly all winter long.

Bad Smells – If you are noticing strong odors coming from your furnace, it could be an indication that your furnace needs repair

If an unpleasant smell is wafting through your home, it can indicate that your furnace needs some attention. Several odors could emanate from your furnace, and each one may tell a different issue. For example, if you detect a musty smell, it could indicate the presence of mold or mildew. On the other hand, if you smell a burning odor, it could suggest that specific components within your furnace are overheating. Whatever the scent, it’s essential to address the issue promptly, as it could potentially lead to health or safety hazards. Therefore, don’t ignore any strong smells coming from your furnace. Contact a qualified professional to accurately diagnose the problem and carry out any necessary repairs.

Rising Energy Bills: A malfunctioning furnace can increase your energy bill significantly due to inefficient operation. This might be time for repair

Rising energy bills can be frustrating, especially when you try your best to reduce your energy consumption. A possible culprit of this issue is a malfunctioning furnace. A furnace that is inefficiently operating could be the reason why you’re paying more than you’re supposed to. When your furnace isn’t functioning correctly, it might take longer to warm up your home, leading to higher energy consumption. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to have your furnace checked and repaired by a professional. By keeping your furnace in good condition, you can reduce your energy bill and, at the same time, ensure that your home is adequately heated during the colder months.

Increased Dust Levels: If you are seeing more dust around your home despite regular cleaning efforts, it could be caused by the furnace not working correctly and needing repair

Dust levels can be a stubborn problem in any home and can often feel overwhelming despite regular cleaning efforts. Unfortunately, when dust levels rise, a different underlying issue could be at play. A common culprit of increased dust levels is a malfunctioning furnace. The cause of the problem can vary, anything from a clogged air filter to leaks in the ductwork, resulting in your HVAC system circulating dust instead of cleaning it. This is not only harmful to your indoor air quality but also puts a strain on your furnace, leading to higher energy costs and the need for repairs. The good news is with a bit of professional help, your furnace can be restored back to full functionality, leaving you with a healthier and cleaner living space.

Lack of Heat: If your furnace is not producing enough heat to keep the entire home warm, it may be time for a repair

A chilly home during the winter can be frustrating to deal with, especially when your furnace seems unable to produce enough heat to keep you and your family warm. This is a common issue that can be quickly resolved through repair. Although it’s important to remember that furnaces have a limited lifespan, and after a certain point, repairs may not be enough to keep them functioning correctly. The sooner you address the lack of heat issue, the better because a faulty furnace can quickly lead to further problems and potential hazards such as poor air quality or even dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. If you’re dealing with a lack of heat, it’s essential to call in a qualified technician for a professional diagnosis and repair solution.

Uneven Heating: If some rooms in the house feel colder than others, this can indicate a problem. Vents need to be checked or adjusted, or your furnace needs to be repaired

If you notice that some rooms in your house are colder than others, this could be a sign of uneven heating. This is a problem that can occur when the airflow distribution in your HVAC system is not properly balanced. In order to fix this issue, it may be necessary to check and adjust certain vents or to have your furnace repaired. Uneven heating can not only lead to discomfort for you and your family, but it can also result in higher energy bills as your HVAC system works harder to compensate for the imbalanced airflow. So, if you’re experiencing uneven heating, it’s important to address the issue sooner rather than later to ensure that your home remains comfortable and energy-efficient.

Unusually high energy bills: if you’re paying more for heating than usual, it’s a sign that your furnace may need repair

If you’ve noticed that your energy bills seem to be higher than usual, it’s essential to take notice. While there can be a variety of factors that contribute to higher energy usage, an unusually high energy bill during the winter months can be a sign that your furnace may need repair. This is especially important to address, as a malfunctioning furnace not only leads to increased energy costs but can also pose a safety risk to you and your family. If you’re concerned about your furnace’s performance and the impact it’s having on your energy bills, it’s always best to consult with a professional heating and cooling technician who can diagnose any problems and recommend the best course of action for repair and maintenance.

Age or Rust: The age and condition of a furnace can be an indication that it needs to be serviced or repaired if it is old or rusted

When it comes to furnaces, age and condition are essential factors to consider. An old furnace may not function as efficiently as it once did and may be in need of some routine maintenance or repairs. Additionally, if a furnace is showing signs of rust, this could indicate a need for professional attention. Rust can weaken a furnace, making it less reliable and potentially less safe to operate. If you are experiencing any issues with your home’s furnace, it is best to consult with a technician who can assess the problem and make the necessary repairs or recommendations. By addressing age and rust concerns early on, you can help ensure that your furnace continues to operate effectively and safely for years to come.

Thermostat problems: if your thermostat isn’t keeping up with the temperature in your home, it’s likely time to get your furnace repaired

Maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home is vital for your overall well-being. However, if you notice that your thermostat isn’t keeping up with the temperature, it could be a sign that your furnace needs repair. A malfunctioning thermostat can cause uneven heating throughout your home and may even result in higher energy bills. Don’t wait until the problem becomes even more severe; take action now to get your furnace repaired. A professional HVAC technician can diagnose the issue and provide the necessary repairs to ensure that your home is warm and cozy all winter long.

Insufficient Airflow: If you feel there is inadequate airflow coming out of your vents, it may be because your furnace might need repair

When it comes to feeling comfortable in your own home, proper airflow is essential. If you’ve noticed that you’re not getting sufficient airflow from your vents lately, your furnace may need some repairs. This could be caused by a variety of factors, including clogged air filters, ductwork issues, or problems with the blower motor itself. Whatever the cause may be, it’s important to address it as soon as possible to ensure that your home stays comfortable and energy-efficient. By investing in furnace repairs, you can not only improve the airflow in your home but also reduce the risk of future breakdowns and additional repairs. So, if you’re noticing issues with your furnace’s airflow, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help.

Why Choose Boulden Brothers for Your Furnace Repair?

Why Call Boulden Brothers For Furnace Repair?

Boulden Brothers furnace repair saves you money in the long run:

  • Our trained furnace repair techs have years of experience diagnosing and repairing furnaces efficiently; we arrive when promised, get right to work, and clean up when done as if we were never there.
  • Boulden Brothers techs use state-of-the-art tools and equipment specifically designed for use on furnaces; ensuring that all necessary safety precautions are taken while performing repairs
  • Because of our ongoing training, Boulden Brothers techs are knowledgeable about different types and brands of furnaces, allowing them to give customized advice tailored towards fixing issues with specific systems.

Taking care of minor issues quickly is critical to keep your furnace operating at its best. It saves you time and money and ensures that your family stays warm all winter. Our highly experienced technicians can also install or maintain heating systems. Air conditioner repair, furnace replacement and furnace maintenance services are offered as well. Nobody wants a furnace breakdown. If you suspect an issue with your furnace, contact Boulden Brothers now.

Filed Under: Blog

Seven Tips to Ensure Your Furnace is Ready for Winter

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[et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”]No one wants to experience problems with their home’s HVAC system when it’s needed most. That’s why heating and air conditioning professionals, as well as consumer advocates, routinely recommend home heating systems be inspected and serviced before the cold weather arrives with a vengeance. 

There are seven things a homeowner can do now to be better prepared for anything Mother Nature throws their way. Take the time now to make sure you’re ready for the weather.

1. Replace the Furnace Filter

Furnace filters are all too easy to ignore, and dirty filters mean a furnace must work much harder to keep a home warm. Some filters are designed to be cleaned and reinstalled, but most are meant to be discarded once they’re dirty.

If you’re unsure where your furnace filter is located, now is the time to find it. As a rule, the filter will be in the furnace itself, but many homes now have filters at a central cold air return vent. Clean or replace the filter as needed, and expect to replace or clean your home’s furnace filters at least once per month.

2. Inspect and Clean the Furnace Heat Exchanger

This step is best if left to a professional. If you wish to inspect the heat exchanger yourself, follow these steps. If your home’s furnace filter is in the unit itself, look at the heat exchanger when you replace the filter. As a rule, there will be an inspection cover that’s easy to move to get a look at the exchanger. 

The idea is to spot any cracks in the exchanger, as cracks are likely to leak dangerous carbon monoxide gasses. The carbon monoxide will then be moved through the ducts to all areas of the home. Use a small mirror on a long handle to get a better look at those hard-to-see areas of the heat exchanger. If you spot anything suspicious, contact a heating expert from Boulden Brothers for advice immediately. 

Use a wet or dry vacuum to clean the area around the heat exchanger. Keeping everything clean minimizes the amount of dust that circulates when the furnace is in use.

3. Clean and Lubricate the Blower Motor and Fan Assembly

The blower motor and fan should also be cleaned now. Again, it’s important to remove all dust and other contaminants that could spread through the home’s ductwork.

Many newer furnace motors are sealed and don’t require lubrication, but older systems and certain newer models do. Check your owner’s manual for any fan and blower lubrication requirements.

4. Check the Thermostat

Newark, Delaware Furnace Repair experts recommend the thermostat be checked to make sure it responds properly to commands and activates the heating system correctly. In many instances, homeowners find older thermostats don’t start and shut off the home’s heating system properly. If there is any question about a thermostat’s performance, now is the time to contact an HVAC expert for help.

Remember that modern thermostats can now be linked with smart home systems to enable owners to monitor the home’s temperature and change settings remotely. That makes it easier to control heating costs while ensuring a home will be at a comfortable temperature when the family settles in at night.

5. Clear the Areas Surrounding the Furnace and Vents

Remove anything flammable that’s been stored around the furnace. Heating appliances can become quite hot, which means anything that’s too close to the unit could ignite. Never store anything close to the unit, especially any chemicals that are flammable. 

At the same time, go through the home and make sure there is nothing blocking the system’s air supply and return vents. Furniture and drapes are common culprits here, so take the time to move those items and anything else blocking the free movement of air through supply and return vents.

6. Clean and Cover the AC Condenser

If your HVAC system includes an exterior AC condenser, that unit should be cleaned and covered every fall. Again, a wet or dry vacuum or specialized cleaning tools can be used to remove dirt and leaves from the unit before it’s covered for the winter. 

7. Check or Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Every winter, homeowners and their families die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Take a few minutes now to check your home’s carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re functioning properly. If you don’t have carbon monoxide detectors, purchase and install them before the heating season starts.

Once you’ve completed those seven steps, test the furnace to make sure everything appears to be working properly. Furnace Maintenance is important for your health and safety so set up a regular inspection routine. If you notice or suspect any problem with your heating system, contact the heating and cooling professionals from Boulden Brothers for help.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column]
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Filed Under: Blog

Types of Water Heaters

A water heater is a water heater, is a water heater, or is it? Water heater technologies continue to evolve giving us more choices, so we’re visiting with Sam McMullan from Boulden Brothers to find out which types of water heaters are best for you.

Transcript:

Hey Charlie.

So we understand the typical water heater, that’s the big tank that heats water in our house.

Yep, that’s correct. That’s the most popular, that’s what most people are used to and the way that, that works is it’s a tank that holds a certain amount of water and then there is a temperature monitor there that maintains a certain temperature for the water, so that when you turn your facet on the hot side it’ll supply water for a determined amount of gallons and a determined amount of time.

So I’m going to get hot water as long as there’s hot water in that tank?

That is correct.

So is that why I’m running a shower for too long then the water gets cold it’s because the water heater can’t keep up with what I’m using?

That’s exactly right, Charlie. There’s only a certain amount that it can produce and it’s called recovery time, and the smaller the water heater, the quicker the recovery time, so for a larger family you’ll have a big water heater but it also won’t allow you to recover in time to take multiple showers in a row, sometimes you can’t even get through the first one.

Well, somebody has to move along faster I think.

That’s what it sounds like to me.

All right. From an energy efficiency point of view, this water is being held in stasis hot whether I’m using it or not.

Yep, that’s correct. That’s the big knock on a tanked water heater is you could not use a shower or hot water for maybe days if you were on vacation possibly, but that tank still continues to produce heat and maintain a temperature on that water.

It’s insulated and all, I mean it’s not like it’s just a can of water.

That’s true, but it still is using energy even when you’re not using that water.

So that brings us to tankless water heaters, I guess or they call them on demand water heaters.

Yeah, tankless water heaters are a great new option for home owners. It allows multiple installations, gas, electric, neither natural or propane on the gas side but the best thing about a tankless water heater is it gives you endless hot water for multiple showers, multiple loads of laundry, dishwasher, whatever you’re in need of hot water for that tankless will supply that.

So a tank water heater, I’m going back to the old technology, that heated up a big old bucket of water that we were drawing off of as we used it, right?

That’s correct.

So how on earth does something that doesn’t have that tank give me an endless supply of hot water?

The great thing about it is it uses a variable speed gas valve, so with that gas valve it determines the amount of BTU’s based on water flow you need to heat the water to a certain temperature. That’s how it gives you your endless hot water because as the water continues to flow it’ll continue to heat it up and continue to supply you with the hot water you want.

So it is literally heating the water as it goes through.

That’s correct.

That way when I’m on vacation, I’m not using it that thing is just sitting back taking a break.

That is true.

Now we also know there are solar water heaters.

The great thing about solar water heaters is it has a look of the old storage tank water heaters, but it uses solar panels on your roof to heat that water, so a small very low draw motor pushes water through those solar panels and as it goes through solar panels it collects the heat from the sun and puts them back in the storage tanks, so you’re using the energy from the sun to do your hot water.

How does that compare energy wise to that low draw motor to the gas water heater?

It’s not even close Charlie, it’s such a small electric amp draw it really keeps your power bill very low and it’s great for the environment.

The thing I’m skeptical about is what happens when you have a series of really cloudy days? How can that thing heat water?

There’s actually heating element there, so if there are too many days where you don’t get a good amount of sun to heat that water, there is a backup in reserve that would be used in the event that, that would happen.

And in the winter time when it’s cold outside is the sun still going to heat that water?

Yep, doesn’t make a difference. As long as the sun’s shining it’s heating the water, temperature has no effect on it.

So our choices are a tank water heater, the traditional kind of water heater, right? Which is a tank heating the water continually, whether you’re using it or not and will only supply hot water for as long as it has hot water in that tank. The second choice is a tankless one, which will heat the water on demand as you use it and based on your usage it should be able to keep up and give you an endless supply of hot water.

That’s true.

And then the solar water heater uses the sun and a small motor to pump water through an array on your roof that heats the water so you can get hot water without paying for the gas or electric it takes to run a traditional tank water heater, is that pretty much sum it up?

You sound like the expert Charlie.

I’ve been listening to you. So of those three choices Sam, which is the best?

Certainly if you have the exposure to do it, the solar water heater is the way to go. Second would absolutely would be tankless, I happen to have one in my house and I love it.

I wanted to say one thing about those tankless water heaters, when they say on demand it doesn’t mean that the hot water’s going to come out of the tap immediately hot though, right?

That’s interesting, that’s one of the comments we get most often is they expected it’s instant hot water but it’s endless hot water. Still has travel time.

Is there a way to circulate the water so that when I hit the tap I immediately get hot water?

That’s becoming more and more popular it’s called a recirculating loop and what it’ll do is at a particular point that you want, you can hook a loop to the tankless water heater so that you would have on demand hot water at that point also through your tankless.

So when you’re ready to get in shower, you hit the button, bam, you’ve got hot water right then and there.

Right there.

And it only works with the tankless or can I use that with tank or solar ones as well?

You can use it with any of three that we talked about.

All right, so there are your options. It sounds like the choice is up to you, whether it’s a tank, tankless, solar and if you want instant hot water, you want a recirculating pump and whichever one it is, you know they can take care of you with it at Boulden Brothers. Sam, thanks so much for helping us out today.

No problem Charlie, thank you.

You can learn all about water heaters right here at bouldenbrothers.com.

Filed Under: Blog, Podcast

Mini-Split Ductless AC Systems

When you think of AC, you think of an outside unit next to your house and ducts and another one inside distributing cool around your home. Now ductless technology gives you amazing flexibility and to learn more about it we’re visiting with Sam McMullan from Bolden Brothers.

Transcript:

Hey, Charlie.

So what’s the difference between the traditional AC system like I just described and these new ductless ones?

Yeah, the new ductless systems, it’s not a new technology. It’s been used in Europe and Asia for a very long period of time. The United States is catching up on it though with its use. It’s a very, very versatile system and very, very energy efficient.

How does it work?

Basically it’s a duct work system inside of a box on your wall. There’s an outdoor unit that comes on and passes the refrigerant through tubes to what we call a head unit inside the house. It can be mounted on the wall, can be mounted in the ceiling, can be mounted on the floor, and then there’s a fan in a coil within that small unit to push cool air into the home.

So the what the thing in the attic or basement, wherever it is in your home, the evaporator is actually sitting right there on the wall.

That’s correct.

And the condenser is in the box outside.

And it’s very small about the size of a large suitcase.

And there’s, my understanding is between them, there’s just a one simple umbilical that runs between them.

Yep. It runs, it carries the refrigerant and the electric all in one little small package.

So this means that, if I understand what you’re saying is we can take a ductless unit and deliver cooling very tactically, like to one room or one area of a house.

Yep, there’s a couple of benefits. You’ll have control of the temperature in a particular room. The efficiencies, some of the base efficiencies on ductless are some of the high end efficiencies on a conventional ducted system.

Is that because they’re not losing the efficiency through the duct system?

That’s correct, Charlie. There’s no duct work to have air losses and leakage and infiltrations so having just those two units makes it much more efficient.

ow, that’s great if I want a cool one room, but what if I want to cool three or four rooms.

That’s what’s great about the new ductless systems, Charlie, some of them have the ability to handle four and five heads now and more with branch boxes.

So we take one condenser unit outside and then you have these different basically evaporator heads and you put one in each room that you want to cool and they all tie to that same unit.

Yep. That’s great. So it does provide a whole house solution without, you having to run duct work. It’s great for older homes. Great for the add ons. Great for the room above the garage.

And I’m just struggling with how can this be more efficient to have all these heads as opposed to having one central unit.

SAM: Yeah. It goes back to the not having duct work where you have leakage and infiltrations of outside air or something not sized correctly. So the efficiencies all recognized because the refrigerant goes from point A to point B in one straight line.

Is it possible, are there systems that enable us to take these ductless systems and meld them with our existing central air units?

Yes. That’s a great new technology that’s coming out now that has the ability to take your conventional ducted system and pull a ductless head for that room above the garage we spoke about earlier or that sunroom that you’ve decided to close in and make a four season room.

You can have a head just in that room cooling just that room off your existing system.

That is correct.

Wow. The technology of ductless is really changing air conditioning and the people at the leading edge of that are right there at Bolden Brothers and Sam and his team can explain to you if a ductless solution is right for you. Sam, thanks a lot.

Thank you, Charlie.

Whether it’s air conditioning or plumbing, electrical or propane, you know, you can depend on Bolden Brothers.

Filed Under: Blog, Podcast

Why Furnaces Are Red-Tagged, and What to Do about It

If a furnace is red-tagged, that means it’s unsafe to operate. A qualified professional (like one of our technicians or someone from the utility company) will apply the tag if they encounter unsafe operating conditions. Aside from applying the red tag, the technician will turn off the furnace and have the homeowner sign a document saying that they are aware it’s unsafe to operate.

Here are some common reasons why a furnace might be red-tagged:

Carbon Monoxide:

The most common reason why a furnace would be red tagged is due to a crack in the heat exchanger, which is the component that forces the flue gas out of the chimney or side wall. The heat exchanger becomes hot so that air blowing across it will warm up and flow into your home. If it cracks, there is the potential for carbon monoxide to enter the home.

Fire Hazards:

The second most common reason for a red tag would be due to problems with the burner tubes or gas valve. This is an unsafe condition relating to the flame on the furnace, which could pose a fire hazard.

Gas Leaks:

The gas company could red-tag a unit if it there is a leak in the gas pipe. In this case, they would turn off the gas to the home and require that a licensed plumber or HVAC company go to fix the gas leak.

What To Do

If the furnace in your home has been red-tagged, the first thing we recommend is that you obtain a second opinion. If Boulden Brothers has been the first to diagnose the issue, we will offer an internal second opinion so we can get another set of eyes on the situation. If you want to get a firsthand view, we have cameras that are designed to be operated in the heat exchanger. This technology allows us to see directly inside the furnace, which is something that many other service companies can’t provide. Homeowners can stand behind our technicians and see the small monitor that shows exactly what is going on.

We always make sure to put the homeowner’s best interest first, which means taking the time to perform a complete safety check of the system so we know they’re protected. If we do find a crack, there are two options: The heat exchanger can be replaced if it is under warranty. If the unit is out of warranty, that means that the components are all reasonably old. After one component has failed due to age, other components will probably start to fail as well. In this case, it’s usually a better option to replace the unit. It’s more likely for an older heat exchanger to experience a failure. It’s not a matter of if, but when—as the metal heats and cools, it will expand and contract, eventually leading to a breakdown.

If a homeowner would ever continue to operate a furnace after it has been red-tagged, they would put themselves and their entire family in danger. Cracks or out-of-whack components won’t fix themselves, so homeowners should take action by getting the issue addressed by a professional.

If your furnace has been red-tagged, get a hold of Boulden Brothers today by giving us a call or contact us online.

Filed Under: Blog

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas formed as a byproduct of combustion. Things like cars, trucks, small engines, gas ranges, furnaces, grills, or gas/wood fireplaces all put out varying amounts of carbon monoxide. Unlike natural gas or propane, which has an added odorant to make it noticeable, there’s no immediate sign that carbon monoxide is around you. (There’s no way to add an odorant to it because it’s produced from burning other fuels.) Propane is actually visible in high concentrations, but carbon monoxide is invisible regardless of how concentrated it is.

There are regular stories in the news about a person or family who was killed by carbon monoxide poisoning. People who are poisoned by carbon monoxide usually have no idea that it was even present in their environment. Early on, they exhibit flulike symptoms including headache, weakness, upset stomach, dizziness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. After breathing in enough of the gas, they will eventually pass out (or even die if exposed to high enough concentrations).

How to Keep Safe from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

The most important thing you can do to keep safe is make sure that any appliance in your home that burns gas (furnace, water heater, gas stove, gas fireplace/logs, etc.) is operating properly, according to the specifications it had when it left the factory. Many people have carbon monoxide detectors in the home, which have to encounter a certain level of carbon monoxide for a period of time before it will go off. We are big proponents of carbon monoxide monitors, which immediately give an alert when the concentration of carbon monoxide in the home has increased.

Homeowners often decide to install carbon monoxide monitors in multiple locations throughout the house. We now have devices that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide, which can communicate wirelessly with one another thanks to relatively recent improvements in wireless technology. If a certain level of carbon monoxide is detected in the basement, for instance, all of the detectors throughout the house will sound an alarm.

It’s incredibly important that homeowners take precautions against carbon monoxide exposure. If it sneaks up on someone who’s caught unprepared, they will have absolutely no warning. To install multiple potentially lifesaving smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, get a hold of Boulden Brothers today by giving us a call or contact us online.

Filed Under: Blog

The Benefits of Air Cleaners

Our air cleaners remove contaminants and particles from the air at a much higher efficiency than an air filter because they are active instead of passive (mechanical). Our filters have to be hooked up to electricity in order to generate a slight electrostatic charge, which attracts particles as they flow across the filter. In most cases, the air cleaner will fit right in the filter rack on your system, so it’s the same size as a traditional filter but much more efficient. Unlike freestanding room units that only pull air from a close proximity, air cleaners filter the air going through every room of the house. (The air changes in your home multiple times a day as it’s pulled through the return system.)

Outdoor vs. Indoor Air

Most people don’t realize that indoor air is on average five times worse for you than outside air. The main reason is because ozone and the sun’s radiation act as the earth’s natural disinfectants, killing both germs and odors. If you’ve ever noticed a distinct smell after an electrical storm, that’s the elevated level of ozone that was generated from the lightning. You’ll also smell it in hospitals because they use ozone as a disinfectant. At the residential level, we have the opportunity to use ozone to kill organic material and remove cooking, smoking, and pet odors from your home. If you have new carpet or furniture giving off gas/odors, it can help with that as well.

Is an Air Cleaner Worth the Cost?

When determining whether the overall cost of an air filter is worth it for your home, think about how it will affect your health and the longevity of your HVAC system. The long-term costs associated with owning an air cleaner include regular replacement of the filter in the filtration system. Although you might think the filter needs to be replaced more often because it removes so much more from the air, that’s not the case—the replacement schedule is similar to a traditional hardware store filter. The light bulbs in the UV systems that generate ozone last about two years, so they also have to be changed on a regular basis.

Air cleaners make your home’s air as clean and safe as possible. If you don’t have a filter that removes particles from the air, your lungs will have to pick up the slack. To learn more about the best options for your home, get a hold of Boulden Brothers today by giving us a call or contact us online.

Filed Under: Blog

How To Care For Your HVAC System’s Filtration

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Most people tend to underestimate the importance of filtration in their HVAC systems. A neglected unit with a filter that has been in place for too long will eventually begin to resemble a large dust bunny. The efficiency of the filter has increased to the point that air can no longer flow through it at all, which is extremely damaging to your heating and cooling system. It would be equivalent to the difference between breathing through your shirt and breathing through a thick pillow. Don’t let it get to the point where your system is starving for air. It’s extremely easy and fast to replace the filter on a regular basis, as long as you’re adequately prepared. Here’s what you need to know in order to properly care for your HVAC system’s filtration.

Sizing

First, you’ll have to make sure you know the size of the air filter for your unit. The grille/grate in most homes in our area (Delaware) contain a slide-in filter and are located right next to the unit. This isn’t the case 100% of the time, so you might need to find out exactly where your filter is located. Once you’ve found it, simply pull out the filter that’s in your system and look on the side. If the size isn’t marked there, just use a tape measure.

Price

Once you know the correct size, the more difficult decision comes from how much you want to pay and what efficiency you’re looking for. Filters range in price from a few dollars up to $20 or more. The ones that cost a few dollars are like throwing a handful of pebbles at a chain-link fence—it will knock some of the larger debris away, but most of the smaller particles will get through. Those small particles will end up on either the blower motor or on the air conditioner coil, impacting the efficiency and longevity of the system.

On the opposite end of the price spectrum, there are HEPA grade filters similar to those that are used in a hospital. You have to be very careful when selecting these, though, because they require the assistance of a professional. These filters are likely to restrict airflow, negatively impact performance, and shorten the life of the unit. Fortunately, these HEPA filters aren’t found in the filter rack at the hardware store due to their specialty application. (HEPA filters usually pull air directly from/through the ductwork itself.)

Replacement

Once you select a suitable filter for your HVAC system, the best thing to do is adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations about how often it needs to be changed. Then buy a 6 or 12 month supply so that you’ll be prepared once it’s time to change out the filter. (Boulden Brothers sends out email reminders to let you know when it’s time.) If you already have the filter on hand and ready to go, a replacement will only take a couple of minutes to perform. Just make sure that the filter is slid all the way in so that no air can flow around it. Some filters have an arrow indicating the direction that air should flow, so make sure it’s housed facing the proper orientation. Close the filter door, throw away the old filter, and you’re ready to go.

High-efficiency filtration can have health benefits for the family, especially if people suffer from asthma or allergies. If you have any questions about what’s best for your HVAC system’s filtration, give us a call or contact us online. We have electrostatic filters, for example, that generate a small electric charge. They are highly efficient and don’t have a large negative impact on airflow. Our technicians are always happy to talk to homeowners about the ways that they can increase the life and efficiency of their system.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Filed Under: Blog

When To Call an HVAC Technician

There are some common situations when it’s a good idea to call an HVAC technician. Here are a few to consider:

Routine Maintenance

You should call an HVAC technician to perform maintenance on a regular basis. If you look in the owner’s manual for the heating equipment installed in your home, you’ll see that the manufacturer suggests routine maintenance, especially if the system is under warranty. Just like with the oil changes for a car, an HVAC manufacturer will void the warranty if maintenance isn’t performed. Routine maintenance is important for the longevity of the system, to make sure it is operating efficiently, and so the manufacturer can’t void any warranty claims.

Although manufacturers may not state an exact timeframe, we recommend that you perform maintenance on the heating and cooling system once a year. We could do it in two visits, separately in spring and fall, or we can do both the heating and cooling system at the same visit to save you from having to take more time off work (which many of our clients prefer). This routine maintenance is covered in our club membership.

Proactive Component Replacement

Sometimes a minor component failure can lead to a major component failure later on. Because many components in an HVAC system (like contractors or ignitors) are susceptible to failure, we can check them out and make sure that they are operating within specified levels. By proactively replacing these items, your system will be more reliable, have a longer life, and be much safer to operate.

Strange Noises

One way to determine that a component is operating incorrectly is if it’s making a strange noise. It helps to pay attention to the regular sounds that your HVAC system will make during the course of a day during heating or cooling season. If the system is making an abnormal sound, it could be a red flag indicating that something is wrong and repair is needed. Remember, HVAC systems won’t fix themselves over time. Getting us out quickly can save you money from having to spend more on a larger ac repair.

Energy Bill Fluctuations

If you have a heat pump that isn’t operating correctly, the electric resistance heat will kick on immediately. Even though it’s 100% efficient, it is very expensive to operate, so you will notice a drastic increase in energy usage. Air conditioners usually experience a very gradual decrease in efficiency, so it will be much more difficult to see its impact in the energy bill.

Thermostat Alerts

Thanks to improved technology, newer thermostats now allow homeowners to be alerted that something is starting to operate outside of specifications. Pay attention to what these thermostats are saying, and call an HVAC technician if anything is out of the ordinary.

What To Do Before Calling a Technician

Regular filter replacement is critical to the proper operation of an HVAC system. Restricted airflow will damage the system and drastically reduce its efficiency. Make sure you are replacing the filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Before calling a technician, you might want to make sure that a breaker hasn’t been tripped in the basement and that the batteries in the thermostat are still in good condition. According to code, all houses must have an emergency switch. For most homes in our area the switch is located at the top of the basement stairs. Make sure that nobody has hit that emergency switch because it will shut off power to your system.

If you’re facing one of these common situations and you need the assistance of a professional, give us a call or contact us online.

Filed Under: Blog

Boulden Brothers Proudly Give Back to Our Supportive Community

Giving back to the community has been an important part of our company philosophy since our business was founded in 1946. We gain the trust of so many people simply because they turn to us when they have a problem. We like to give back by providing the highest level of service, but we also give back to the community in other ways.

Along with sponsoring little league and pee wee football over the years, we’ve just recently begun to support Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to children of fallen and wounded service men and women. Over the last two years, we’ve worked together with our technicians and vendors to be able to send over $18,000 to Folds of Honor. That’s more than three scholarships for the children of people who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We have many veterans on staff, so it’s been an easy organization for us to get behind.

Over the last two Christmases, we’ve adopted 8 families and 11 children. Because Boulden Brothers got involved, an entire family was able to celebrate Christmas with gifts and a holiday meal. We don’t actually give any money, but instead, we give items from a list of toys and clothes. People on our team go out and do the shopping, and we even provide the wrapping paper and boxes. The entire family has an opportunity to engage and take part in wrapping the gifts themselves. We show up prior to Christmas to make sure that Christmas morning is a very special day for these wonderful families.

Last year, we sponsored a well being dug in Ghana. It has been one of the most moving things we have done because it’s possible to change the lives of generations of people by providing them with fresh water. It’s a one-time gift that may keep giving for a long, long time. Some of the other events we take part in include the Cecil County Fair, Townsend Fair, the Ovarian Cancer Walk, and Breast Cancer Walk. We’ve been either contributors, supporters, or participants in many events like these over the years.

We will be giving back as much or more than last year as we move forward in 2018. That’s because it’s just such an integral part of who we are. As long as Boulden Brothers are around, we’ll be proud to support the community that’s given so much to us every single year. To learn more about our efforts, or to turn to us in case of a problem, give us a call or contact us online.

Filed Under: Blog

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Boulden Brothers in Newark DE

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107 Sandy Drive, Bldg 700
Newark, DE 19713, US

Phone: (302) 368-3848

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