MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Heater Repair vs. Replacement: Know the Signs

Monday, December 4th, 2017
Furnace maintenance and heater replacement showing an indoor residential heating system with boiler unit, pipes, and controls.

Yikes! It’s chilly outside and your heating system is showing signs of failure. Perhaps it’s already broken down. This is the worst time for a heater to fail, and you have your fingers crossed for the best. Will you have to replace your heating system? Can it be repaired? If your furnace breaks or malfunctions, it can lead to serious health and safety issues, such as carbon monoxide leaks or fire risks, which can be mitigated through routine inspections and timely repairs.

Furnace maintenance is crucial to keeping your heating unit running efficiently and safely. Safety is the most critical reason for annual furnace maintenance, as it can detect carbon monoxide leaks and other issues that could pose serious health risks to your family. Regular inspections can detect leaks and other problems early, helping to prevent hazards and costly repairs. Consistent maintenance extends the lifespan of your furnace, provides reliable heating for years, and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns. A well-maintained furnace operates more efficiently, which translates to lower energy and utility bills, and annual servicing can save money in the long run by improving system efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Scheduling furnace maintenance at least once a year, preferably right before the cold months, ensures any issues are addressed before the cold weather sets in. You should schedule a comprehensive professional inspection annually before the heating season begins. A typical 2025 furnace tune-up costs between $150 and $400. A typical furnace maintenance appointment lasts around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the system’s condition and complexity. Regular maintenance can significantly reduce repair costs by addressing minor issues before they escalate into major problems, and neglecting furnace maintenance can lead to safety risks such as carbon monoxide leaks, increased energy bills, and may void the manufacturer’s warranty. Always shut down the furnace safely before performing any maintenance. Signs that indicate you need furnace maintenance include unusual noises (so listen for anything out of the ordinary), inconsistent heating, and increased energy bills. Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your system’s condition optimal and maintains system’s efficiency, ensuring your home stays at a comfortable temperature throughout the season.

Of course, this is a question we most likely cannot answer before we take a look at your system. However, we’re here to help you understand more about when a heater needs repair, and when it starts to show signs you need heater replacement.

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Why You Should Schedule Furnace Service Sooner than You Think

Monday, November 6th, 2017

Open-furnace-basement-unitMost people never really think about scheduling service for any particular system in their home until it shows signs of damage. When it comes to your home heating system, we think this is a mistake.

We recommend that all of our customers schedule routine furnace maintenance in the fall. Yes, that means you schedule service for your heater even though you haven’t noticed an issue with the way it operates—but this helps you in so many ways.

A standard furnace tune-up helps prevent a winter catastrophe, protects your home and family, and can even save you money. Learn more from the guide below and call our team for more information.

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Why Does My Gas Furnace Turn On and Off Constantly?

Monday, March 27th, 2017

natural-gas-furnace-burnersYou’ve had enough. Your gas furnace cannot seem to do its job the way you’re used to, and you’re tired of hearing the system turn on and off dozens of times throughout the day. Is there something you can do? Will you have to call in a technician? Will you need a new furnace?

Sometimes, the solution is simple—at least with the help of a qualified heating technician—and the issue can be resolved with little stress. There may even be things you can do on your own to resolve it. But, of course, something troubling may cause you to spend a lot on repairs or furnace replacement. We’re here to detail all of these situations.

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4 Things to Try before Calling for Heating Repairs

Monday, January 30th, 2017

thermostat-heating-repairA broken heating system can be frustrating, but what’s just as frustrating is finding out that you could solve the problem on your own—after you’ve already called in a technician. This happens fairly often. Our professional heating technicians show up to a job, only to have to break it to the homeowner that there was a simple fix they missed.

Most repairs are things that should only be left up to professional heating technicians. However, these are a few of the things you can look at or try before giving us a call.

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How to Tell a Furnace Needs Replacement

Monday, January 2nd, 2017

We know that you might not give your furnace a lot of thought. All that matters for you, for most of the winter, is the temperature on the thermostat. Hopefully, you schedule furnace maintenance every year as well, but that won’t stop a furnace from failing.

Eventually, your furnace will need replacement, but you may not be able to tell when that is. Follow our advice on how to figure out you need furnace replacement, but always consult with a professional first.

How Do You Know When You Need Professional HVAC Service?

A furnace may need replacement when it requires frequent repairs, struggles to heat your home evenly, causes rising energy bills, or is nearing the end of its expected lifespan. Professional HVAC services can evaluate the system’s condition and help determine whether continued repairs or a full replacement is the most cost-effective option.

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How to Protect Your Plumbing and Heating Systems over the Holidays

Tuesday, December 20th, 2016

People love that we offer 24-hour emergency service for customers in the Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Bergen Counties. Still, we understand that nobody really wants to call a plumber or a heating technician during the holidays.

Maintenance is key to preventing system failures over the holidays. Your heating and plumbing systems may get a lot more use this time of year, so learn how to protect them and lower your chances of an emergency plumbing or heating visit in today’s post.

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Furnace Repairs to Watch Out for This Season

Monday, December 12th, 2016

During the winter, you will be using your furnace a lot more often. All of this extra wear and tear makes repairs more likely, and we don’t want you to get caught off guard. Look out for these common furnace repairs, and call a technician as soon as you notice a problem with your home’s heating system.

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Do I Really Need to Service My Boiler This Year?

Wednesday, November 16th, 2016

Many people ask us about how often a boiler really needs to be serviced. Of course, the answer depends on you. You can choose whether or not to schedule annual boiler services—but we strongly recommend you do.

A boiler seems like a sturdy, reliable system. And it is—for the most part. But any system that uses combustion and electrical power, has moving parts, and has the potential to corrode requires routine maintenance. Period.

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Your Guide to Selecting a New Furnace

Monday, November 7th, 2016

You know you need a new heating system, but it’s tough to have any idea of where to start. Hopefully, it’s been several years since you’ve had to replace a home comfort system—if ever—and you may not know just what you’re looking for.

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How a Furnace Tune-Up Keeps Your Home Safe

Monday, October 10th, 2016

The furnace is a fixture in your home you rarely give much thought to. Typically, you care more about the thermostat settings and whether you’re getting the right amount of airflow throughout the home.

But it’s worth it to give some thought to your furnace before it starts to cool off significantly. That gives you more time to enjoy the winter and less time worrying about if and when your furnace will break down. You can save money and your family is safer too!

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