One of the most important parts of maintaining a furnace is changing your air filter regularly. The right air filter not only protects your heat pump or other furnace parts, but it can also improve your indoor air quality. Regular filter changing can also reduce your need for furnace service in Seattle .

Watch this video for advice on picking the right filter for your furnace. After you find the size of the filter you need, look for one that has a pleated surface area that traps the maximum amount of dust and other contaminants. The best filters have both pleated surfaces and a small, grate-like covering over the pleats that contains an electro-magnetic charge to attract more contaminants. As a general rule, if you can see through a filter, don’t buy it, because it won’t effectively protect your air or your furnace.

Is your fireplace sitting unused because the idea of dealing with the hassle of buying firewood, starting a fire, and cleaning up is just too overwhelming? Fortunately, you can get the best of both worlds with fireplace inserts. Fireplace inserts let you enjoy the cozy charm of your fireplace and maybe even run your furnace less. Give your heat pump a break and cut your heating bills by enjoying your fireplace with one of these fireplace insert options in Seattle .

Gas Inserts

Gas fireplace inserts help you retain the charm of your fireplace without the mess. To have a gas fireplace insert, you will need natural gas or propane in your yard that is attached to the fireplace insert. Specially designed ceramic logs sit inside the fire chamber to mimic the appearance of natural logs, and gas-powered flames rise up between the logs, creating a realistic-looking fire. The strength of the fire can be controlled with a remote control, and it can be turned on and off with a light switch. This allows you to easily control how much heating it provides and to adjust it as needed. There are both direct-vent and vent-free options. Direct-vent gas fireplaces use your chimney for venting, while vent-free units are self-contained. Your heating and cooling expert can help you select the right one for you.

Electric Inserts

Electric fireplace inserts are essentially heaters that also have the appearance of flames. They are even available with wood crackling sound effects for a more authentic experience. They don’t require a chimney or any venting, so they are ideal if your chimney isn’t operational or if you don’t want to deal with chimney maintenance. As with gas fireplace insets, they can be controlled by remotes so that you can easily adjust the heat given off. Many people find electric inserts work especially well in fireplaces that are in smaller rooms, such as bedrooms or offices, that can get chilly but may not need the stronger heating power of a gas-powered system.

Home furnaces are essential for keeping your home cozy and protecting it from damage caused by cold temperatures. With minimal furnace service, including regularly scheduled maintenance and furnace repair in Seattle , your unit can last for years without the need for replacement.

When most people think about their home furnaces, they think about the warmth they provide on cold, damp days and the comfort of coming home to a cozy house after being out in the elements. Although these benefits are certainly good, furnaces have a more practical appeal as well. As they are warming your home, they are also warming your pipes, so that they are less likely to freeze and burst, causing expensive water damage.

If you haven’t had your furnace serviced recently, consider scheduling an appointment for maintenance to ensure it is in top condition as winter approaches. Your furnace service tech can also offer advice on maintaining your furnace between appointments, such as changing your air filter regularly.

A boiler can provide your home with efficient heating throughout the coldest days of the year. If your home has been relying on the same boiler for more than 20 years, it may be time to contact a company that specializes in HVAC near Seattle. Once a boiler or furnace reaches a certain age, it is important to weigh the relative benefits of repairing or replacing your unit.

There are several signs that your boiler is ready for replacement. When you notice that the external metal housing of the boiler is showing signs of rust and corrosion, this is a sure sign that your unit needs to be replaced immediately. If you are spending significant amounts of money on the costs of boiler repair, you may be ready to install a brand new system. To determine whether your home is ready for a brand new boiler installation, be sure to get in touch with your heating contractors.