ServiceMax Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

Troubleshooting an Electric Furnace

Monday, March 4th, 2024
marking-off-items-on-a-checklist-with-a-red-pen

We’d like to make it very clear that an untrained homeowner should never attempt DIY repairs on an electric furnace. There’s immediate risk, like electrocution, that can be fatal. And there’s delayed risk, like leaving the furnace with a wiring problem that creates a fire hazard. Every time actual repairs are required, your electric furnace needs the help of a qualified professional.

Does that mean there’s nothing you can do when you’ve got a heating system issue? No! There are definitely things you can do. The problem might not be one that requires actual repair. A bit of electric furnace troubleshooting could get your issue resolved in just a few minutes.

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Boilers and Furnaces: Is There a Clear Choice for Homes?

Monday, January 22nd, 2024
young-couple-looking-at-information-and-trying-to-make-a-decision

It’s always a relief to know that you’re making the right decision. Especially when it comes to something that’s a big investment, like a heating system. It would be so good to know which one would definitely be the exact right choice.

Is there a correct choice when it comes to boilers and furnaces? Measured side by side, would one of them come out on top? It’s a little more complex than that.

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What You Can Do to Stop Your Boiler From Freezing

Monday, January 8th, 2024
ice-crystals-in-a-feathery-frost-pattern

Winter temperatures in our area are no joke. But it might sound a little bit like a joke when even your heating system might freeze solid! If your home is heated by a boiler, water is running through pipes, and wherever there are water pipes, freezing is a risk. Don’t let that happen! Here’s how.

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Why Your Furnace’s Burners Aren’t Coming On

Monday, December 25th, 2023
blue-flames-on-burners-inside-a-gas-furnace

Ah, the comforting whoosh and hum of a running furnace. It’s a cozy reminder that your heat is working and your home is being kept nice and warm. But it’s also one of those things you don’t pay much attention to. It’s the absence of that sound that you really notice. What could be going wrong?

If your furnace is trying to start but not getting running, a variety of things could be occurring. Here are the most likely culprits if your furnace’s burners aren’t coming on. Chances are, it’s straightforward for a qualified professional to fix.

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The Top Boiler Problems You May Encounter

Monday, December 11th, 2023
a-home-heating-boiler

If you have a boiler to heat your home, congratulations! What a great heating system. They provide particularly even heat, can last up to thirty years, and best of all, they rarely need repairs. But if you’re reading this, chances are, this could be one of those times when boiler repairs are necessary.

Here are the top problems you might be facing. 

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How to Early Detect Gas Furnace Problems

Monday, October 16th, 2023
technician-repairing-a-furnace

Have you started up your furnace yet this fall? If you haven’t, you’ll be doing it soon. And this is the perfect time for a little refresher course in how to keep your gas furnace happy. Annual maintenance is important, of course. But once you have that done, you should also keep an eye (or an ear) out for any problems.

Knowing the signs of common furnace issues can save you considerable time and money and help you steer clear of major inconvenience. Detecting gas furnace problems as promptly as possible helps you keep repairs small and avoid having a total breakdown in cold weather.

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How Long Can You Expect Your Boiler to Last?

Monday, October 2nd, 2023
modern-boiler-for-home-heating

The weather is getting colder, the Halloween decorations are out, and it’s time to prepare for winter, so you’ll be ready to hunker down when the icy winds hit. One of the most important things to think about is how your heating system will fare during another long Chicago winter.

The age of your heating system is the main determining factor in when it’s likely to require replacement. Different heating systems have different life expectancies. Boilers are very long-lasting. But exactly how long do boilers last?

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Is There a Danger My Boiler Might Explode?

Monday, September 4th, 2023
a-modern-boiler-for-home-heating

If you’re new to owning a boiler—perhaps you’ve moved into a home that already has one—the idea of heating your home this way might strike you as odd. You might even worry about whether it’s dangerous. And if the boiler behaves in any way that raises a concern, you might become even more worried. What is going on with that boiler? Is it behaving normally? Does it need to be repaired? Is it going to explode? Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything. 

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Some Specific Repairs an Electric Furnace May Need

Monday, August 21st, 2023
technician-opening-a-furnace-to-perform-repairs

More Americans heat with gas than electricity: 48% as compared to 37%, according to the US Census Bureau, with the rest using other fuels.

But there are many reasons for people to choose an electric furnace. A home may not be near enough to a natural gas line to be connected without considerable expense, or even so far that it cannot be connected at all. A homeowner may be able to generate their own electricity with solar panels or other green options, making electricity the lowest-cost option. They may prioritize safety above all else and simply not wan to have a gas appliance in their home. Or they may just love the idea that an electric furnace will last longer, giving them greater peace of mind and allowing them not to worry about replacing it for two decades or more. 

While there are many benefits to electric furnaces, they may still need repair on occasion. Here are the most common issues that electric furnaces run into.

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How Long Can I Expect My Home’s Boiler to Last?

Monday, July 24th, 2023
a-boiler-system-for-home-heating

It can be a total nightmare when a major appliance unexpectedly needs to be replaced. That’s especially true for heating systems and air conditioners if they break down during the season when you need them the most. The best way to avoid being caught off guard by your boiler needing replacement is to know how long a lifespan to expect. How long do boilers last? 

The general answer is that boilers are quite a long-lasting type of heating system. But in order to give you a clearer estimate of what to expect from yours, we’ll go over some specifics.

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