A fireplace can make a wonderful addition to your Seattle home, but there are some notable drawbacks to a conventional fireplace that might give you pause. Fireplaces are notoriously wasteful, as most of the heat they generate is lost through the chimney. They can also be cumbersome and expensive to operate, which means that many homeowners don’t end up actually using their fireplaces as often as they had expected. They also require a great deal of maintenance and regular cleaning.

If you want to be able to enjoy the warmth and comfort of a traditional fireplace without any of the associated mess, expense, and inefficiency, you may want to think about a fireplace insert . Fireplace inserts are highly efficient, so they allow you to enjoy the heat they produce. They are easy to operate, and they can also be stylish and aesthetically appealing, making them an especially attractive option for today’s homeowners.

As the world continues shifting toward more sustainable and efficient energy sources, heating and cooling options have expanded to include geothermal heating and cooling. This technology harnesses the earth’s heat energy to keep homes and businesses comfortable all year round. Explore the ins and outs of geothermal heating, the mechanisms behind geothermal heat pumps, their benefits, and other considerations.

What is Geothermal Heating?

Geothermal heating is an energy-efficient climate control method that taps into the constant thermal energy stored beneath the earth’s surface. This form of heating is seen as a green alternative to traditional methods because it substantially reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
While the ground near the surface fluctuates almost as much as the air temperature, the soil below the frost line maintains a steady temperature of 45 to 75 degrees. This heat source remains consistent despite seasonal changes, making it a reliable option for both heating and cooling.

How Do Geothermal Heat Pumps Work?

Are you familiar with air-source heat pumps? These AC-like systems move heat between the indoor and outdoor air for high-efficiency heating and cooling. Geothermal or ground-source heat pumps are similar, but they exchange heat between the earth and the buildings they serve.

A series of underground pipes, known as a ground loop, comprises the heart of geothermal heating and cooling. Ground loop systems come in two forms: open loop and closed loop. Open loop systems utilize well water, a pond, or a lake for direct heat exchange. In this case, the ground loop is filled with water.

Closed loop systems absorb or disperse heat directly to the earth, offering versatility and environmental safety but requiring a larger installation area. In this case, the ground loop contains a mixture of water and antifreeze as the heat-transfer fluid.

In heating mode, the fluid circulating through the pipes absorbs heat from the ground and carries it to the heat pump unit. There, the heat is concentrated and transferred to the air circulating through the building’s ductwork, thus heating the interior.

During the cooling process, the heat pump absorbs heat from the indoor air and transfers it into the ground via the loop system, thereby cooling the building. Transitioning between heating and cooling modes is seamless and can be controlled at the thermostat.

Pros and Cons of Geothermal Heat Pumps

Like all heating and cooling systems, geothermal heat pumps have benefits and challenges. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Pros

• Energy efficiency: Geothermal heat pumps are incredibly efficient. They can deliver three to five units of heat for every unit of electricity they use, making them 300 to 500 percent efficient. This incredible performance is possible because the heat pump transfers heat rather than creating it, a critical difference from conventional heating systems.
• Cost savings: Higher efficiency amounts to significant utility savings over the long term, making geothermal heat pumps a cost-effective investment.
• Environmental benefits: By leveraging renewable energy from the earth, these systems reduce dependence on fossil fuels and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
• Durability and reliability: Geothermal systems have few moving parts, leading to a longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs than conventional systems. The indoor components typically last about 25 years, and the ground loop can last over 50 years.

Cons

• High initial investment: Geothermal heat pumps cost significantly more than traditional HVAC systems, largely due to the ground loop portion. However, federal, state, and local incentives help offset the upfront cost.
• Site-specific considerations: Installation is challenging, sometimes impossible, on smaller properties or areas with difficult ground conditions. A thorough site evaluation is essential before installation.
• Electricity use: While efficient, geothermal systems still run on electricity, so they aren’t carbon neutral unless powered by renewably sourced electricity.
• Professional installation and maintenance required: Due to their complexity, geothermal systems must be professionally installed and maintained. And since geothermal heat pumps are less common, finding a qualified installer may be difficult.

Trust Olson Energy Service for Your Geothermal Needs

With nearly a century of service in the Seattle area, Olson Energy Service takes pride in delivering energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions to our customers. Our mission has always been centered on serving the community with integrity and expertise. We’ll work hard to provide a system that meets your unique needs, enhances comfort, and contributes to a healthier planet. If you’re considering the switch to a geothermal heat pump or need other HVAC services in Seattle, WA, please contact us online or call us at 206.782.5522 to speak with a friendly representative today.

If you want to enhance the value of your Seattle home before you sell it, one of the smartest things you can do is to add a fireplace insert . Fireplace inserts have many advantages over traditional fireplaces that can make them irresistible for home buyers. Unlike fireplaces, fireplace inserts are energy-efficient and won’t contribute to heat loss through the chimney. Fireplace inserts are simple and easy to use, and you can switch them on and off whenever you feel like enjoying the warmth of a fire. They are also stylish and trendy, making them a terrific choice if you want to give your home a more up-to-date look and feel. When you want the benefits of a fireplace without any of the drawbacks, a fireplace insert is an excellent investment. Once you’ve converted your old-fashioned fireplace into a setting for your fireplace insert, you may be surprised how much more appealing your home looks to potential buyers.

Steps to Get Your AC Unit Ready for Winter

As winter’s chill fades away and a new season emerges, it’s time to put your air conditioner back into action. Be prepared to give your HVAC system some attention this spring to ensure smooth operation all summer long. After all, air conditioning unit cost is a substantial investment, and maintaining it properly increases its lifespan and efficiency. Here are 10 steps to get your AC unit ready for spring and summer.

1. Remove the AC Cover if You Used One

Start by removing any covers or plywood boards you installed last fall to protect the outdoor AC unit from harsh winter weather. These keep snow and ice out, but turning the system on while covered could cause irreversible damage, so don’t forget this step.

2. Restore Power to Your Air Conditioner

If you turned off the power to prevent accidentally running your AC during the winter, it’s safe to restore power now that you have removed the cover. Depending on how you shut it off last winter, you’ll need to flip the wall switch near the condensing unit or restore power to the circuit breaker at the main electrical panel.

3. Clear the Area Around the Condensing Unit

The outdoor condensing unit releases the heat absorbed from your home’s interior, making it a fundamental part of the air conditioning process. To work efficiently, the condensing unit needs room to “breathe.” So clear the area around it of dead leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have collected over the winter months. Also, assess the surrounding vegetation now and throughout the summer, trimming it regularly to keep it at least 12 to 24 inches away from the unit.

4. Check for Damage

Condensing units are robust, but harsh winter weather may take its toll. Look for rust, dents, or other physical damage to the unit. Then, check the insulation wrapped around the copper piping leading from the unit through the wall. If it appears damaged, replace it before the cooling season starts in earnest.

5. Clean the Condensing Unit

On a relatively warm day, spray down the unit with your garden hose to wash away cobwebs, dirt, and other debris stuck to the metal fins. While you’re at it, straighten any bent fins with a fin comb or a butter knife. These fins facilitate heat transfer, so clearing away debris and making sure they’re straight boosts performance and lowers your energy costs.

6. Replace the Air Filter

Step back inside your home now and locate the HVAC air filter, which should be near the indoor AC unit and blower motor. When the filter becomes clogged, your air conditioner must work harder to push air through. A simple yet effective way to maintain your unit’s efficiency is to replace the filter at the onset of spring and every one to three months throughout the rest of the year.

7. Clean the Air Vents

Dust and debris on your return and supply registers can enter your HVAC system, restricting airflow and affecting indoor air quality. Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to dust the grilles and louvers. Then, ensure all your vents are open and unobstructed for the best airflow and system balance.

8. Adjust the Thermostat Settings

Switch your thermostat from heating to cooling mode and set the temperature to a comfortable level for the season. The Department of Energy (DOE) recommends setting the temperature to 78 degrees while you’re home and 85 to 88 degrees when you’re away for more than eight hours. If you have a programmable thermostat, this is a good time to revisit your settings, adapting them to your spring schedule for maximum energy savings and comfort.

9. Test the AC While the Weather is Still Mild

It’s wise to test your air conditioner before winter’s chill fades completely. This way, you have time to identify and fix any issues before you start relying heavily on your AC for indoor comfort.

10. Schedule Annual Maintenance

The final step is to schedule professional air conditioning maintenance. A trained technician will perform comprehensive checks, performing tasks beyond what a homeowner can do, such as measuring the refrigerant charge, testing for and fixing leaks, cleaning the indoor evaporator coil, and running a safety test. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, extends the life of your air conditioning unit, and boosts efficiency.

As one of Seattle’s most trusted HVAC contractors, Olson Energy Service is here to serve you. Our family-owned and operated business dates back to 1926, a testament to our legacy and commitment to customer service. During your AC maintenance visit, we’ll check all system components, diagnose underlying issues, and answer any questions you have, ensuring your air conditioner is ready to deliver comfortable, cool air all spring and summer long. To schedule your next visit with us, please call 206.782.5522 or contact us online today.

If you’re like most Seattle residents, winter makes you turn up the thermostat, dress in warm clothes, and reach for that extra blanket. But there’s one effect of winter that you may not have considered before—its impact on your indoor air quality . You might be surprised to learn that the cold season affects your household’s air at all, but it does. These are some of the ways in which winter weather influences the quality of your air:

More insulation means more contaminants

Most of us are more likely to notice drafts when it’s cold out, which means we’re more likely to have professional insulation installed. What you may not realize is that making it harder for warm air to escape your home also means that contaminants such as mold and bacteria are trapped inside. As a result, your indoor air quality can decrease drastically after you have your house reinsulated.

A dirty furnace can contribute to poor air quality

When you use your furnace frequently, dust, dirt, and other pollutants can get clogged in the vents. One of the best ways to ensure that your furnace continues to work efficiently—and that your air stays clean—is to change out your air filters once every 90 days or so. If you use your furnace constantly, you may want to change the filter even more frequently.

Pre-winter furnace inspections are a must

It’s important to remember that simply changing your air filters won’t keep your entire furnace clean. Having your HVAC system inspected by a professional before the start of the winter season is a good way to guarantee that your furnace is clean and that all its components are fully functional. A pre-winter furnace inspection will provide you with the assurance that you won’t have to deal with poor indoor air—not to mention a malfunctioning furnace—when the weather is cold.

The Seattle weather’s turning cold and you know what that means—it’s time to call for your annual pre-winter furnace inspection . Having your furnace checked and cleaned every year by an HVAC professional is a must if you want to guard against any midwinter breakdowns. You may be wondering, however, just what a furnace inspection entails. How essential is it? These are some of the tasks that happen during a typical furnace inspection:

Check the Wiring

If your furnace’s wiring needs to be replaced, it’s better to know that before the winter, when you’ll probably be running it regularly. An inspector can check all the wiring in your furnace and replace any of it that has become corroded or worn-out. This isn’t just important to keep your furnace running—it can also help to prevent fires.

Inspect the Vents

Without clear vents, your furnace won’t be able to keep your home comfortable when the temperature falls. In addition to making sure that there are no blocks or leaks inside your vents, an inspector can clean them out to help ensure that your indoor air stays clean and fresh. Your grills and louvers will also be checked during the inspection.

Check the Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is perhaps the single most important component of your heating system—after all, it’s where the air that circulates through your furnace is heated. An inspector will examine your heat exchanger to make sure that it is still in good condition, and that it hasn’t become rusted or corroded over time.

Inspect the Drainage System

Your furnace also needs a working drainage system to continue to provide you with great service. When an HVAC professional looks at your drainage system, he or she will check all the hoses, clean out the condensate drain, and replace the water in the trap.

One of the most important steps you can take to keep your HVAC system running smoothly is to have your furnace checked before the weather starts to get cold. A pre-winter furnace tune-up can help to ensure that your Seattle home stays warm and comfortable even when the temperature outside plummets. You may be wondering, though, whether this yearly investment is strictly necessary. Here are some of the advantages of having a pre-winter maintenance check for your home heating system:

You’ll need fewer repairs.

Getting a tune-up greatly reduces the chances that you’ll need to call for emergency repair for your furnace during the long winter months. Maintenance means that you’ll be able to identify and fix small issues before they have a chance to develop into larger problems. Nobody wants to end up paying for a repair that could have been avoided with a simple tune-up, so schedule the tune-up and you can avoid this issue.

You’ll avoid potential hazards.

A furnace with a problem won’t just make your home uncomfortable—it can also be dangerous. If there is a gas leak, it could put everybody in your household in jeopardy. Having your heating system checked over by a professional before the season of heavy use will help to ensure that you can use it safely.

You’ll extend the life of your furnace.

The more frequently you have your furnace checked for small problems, the less likely it is that these problems will add up to a breakdown. Annual system tune-ups help to extend the life of your furnace, sparing you the expense of a replacement.

You’ll keep your heating costs down.

The less efficiently your furnace is working, the more energy you’ll have to expend in order to keep your house warm. Investing in yearly maintenance will help to keep every component of your furnace working at top capacity, allowing you to stay comfortable without breaking your budget.

Having a fireplace insert allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of a traditional fireplace without the expense, inefficiency, and hassle associated with them. If you don’t find yourself making much use of your fireplace—whether because of its condition or because it wastes too much energy—then a fireplace insert may be ideal for your home. You may be wondering, however, how easy it will be to use a fireplace insert regularly. The good news is that fireplace inserts are easy and intuitive to use. All you need to do is switch the insert on in order to have a fire in your fireplace whenever you want one.

If you want to be able to use your fireplace insert safely, it’s essential to make sure that it is installed correctly. Professional fireplace insert installation will allow you to enjoy your insert as often as you want in your Seattle home.

Even homeowners who appreciate the good qualities of fireplaces may balk at the expense of purchasing firewood and the chore of maintenance. If you want to be able to enjoy a fireplace in your Seattle home without any of the drawbacks, consider having a fireplace insert installed. When you have your insert installed by a seasoned professional, you can count on all the advantages of having a fireplace without any of the problems. Here are the answers to questions that homeowners often have about fireplace inserts.

Will an insert fit in my fireplace?

This is actually the first question you should ask before making the decision to purchase an insert. It’s important to make sure that your fireplace is actually the appropriate size for an insert. Do thorough measurements of your fireplace’s height and width—including both at the front and back of the fireplace—to ensure that you don’t inadvertently buy an insert you can’t use.

What kind of fireplace insert should I buy?

You can choose between an insert that runs on wood, gas, or pellets. The type of insert you pick depends on your budget and on how you intend to use it. A wood insert is the best option if you want to replicate the look and feel of a traditional fireplace. Gas inserts can be used in tandem with your current furnace system to help curb your heating expenses. Pellets are an inexpensive option but do require a good deal of maintenance.

What kind of venting do I need for a fireplace insert?

This depends on what type of fireplace insert you have invested in. Wood and pellet inserts generally have the same type of venting as traditional fireplaces. Some types of gas inserts don’t require any venting, while others use chimney venting similar to the kind used by wood and pellet inserts. If you’re using an electrical insert, you will not need to worry about venting it at all.

Are you concerned that your central air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it could be? If your utility bills are high or if you need to run your AC for long hours to keep your Seattle home at a comfortable temperature, there are some steps you can take to make your system more efficient. You might begin by buying a programmable thermostat, which keeps your bills lower by ensuring that you aren’t cooling your home when you’re asleep or when nobody is home. You should also change out your air filters regularly—at least once a month during periods of heavy AC use. Don’t forget to have your system serviced from time to time by an HVAC professional. For more tips, check out this video.