Installing a Furnace in Pittsburgh – When Installing a Furnace Remember that Sizing Matters

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Before installing a furnace in your home, make sure the furnace has been properly sized for its space. Finding an appropriately sized furnace for your home or property can be challenging. Individual furnaces come in a wide range of sizes and can be either too small or too large for a particular space.

The home’s size is the first determining factor of what size furnace will be needed. However, it’s not the only factor to consider. The “heat load” of the space to be heated must also be taken into consideration. This means knowing the required amount of heat needed for a desirable comfort level. Things that factor in here are whether or not the home is an open space with a few large rooms or a closed space with many small rooms.

Another consideration is the home’s build and construction. If the home is brick, it will be more insulated more than a home with siding. The home’s orientation must also be considered – for example, if the home faces south it will generally get more heat from the sun in winter months. A townhome nestled between neighboring properties with little space between each house will be better protected from winter winds.

Properly sizing your furnace will make a substantial difference in how effectively it works. Balance is needed.

If Your Furnace is Too Small…
Obviously, if a furnace is undersized, it won’t properly heat the space. Certain rooms will be colder than others since an inadequate level of heat is being supplied. To reach the chosen thermostat setting, the furnace will practically have to run constantly, which doesn’t necessarily make an undersized furnace cost-effective.

If Your Furnace is Too Large…
Going big isn’t the solution to everything. While it may be preposterous to think you could have “too much” heat, a furnace that is too large will elevate the interior temperature so rapidly that the unit will shut down before it completes a full heating cycle. This is known as short cycling. A furnace that short cycles is overstressed and will generally have a much shorter lifespan, incur more repairs, and raise electric bills since it will drain more power seeing as furnaces use the most energy when they first kick-on.

Why You Need a Pittsburgh HVAC Company…

Avoiding this Goldilocks dilemma is easy when you work with a reputable Pittsburgh HVAC company with professional installers that will size your furnace utilizing a procedure known as a heat load calculation. Through this method, the HVAC technician will determine your home’s heat load and match it to an appropriately sized furnace. They’ll then swiftly and effectively complete the furnace installation while you relax.

Let TopNotch Heating and Cooling be your dependable heating service provider in Pittsburgh, PA. Pittsburgh-area residents have trusted Bill Reilly and his team of HVAC professionals for over 20 years and we have an A+ rating on Angie’s List. Contact us at 412-381-0598 or 724-693-0598 today.

Furnace Air Filters Pittsburgh – Start Breathing Better By Improving Indoor Air Quality

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We can’t see it, but it’s all around us. It’s a critical component to our day-to-day lives, yet it’s all too easy to never think of it or completely take it for granted. We’re talking about the air we breathe – both outside and indoors.

The air we breathe impacts both our health and overall quality of life. We feel better and healthier when we’re breathing in air that is pure and clean. Nobody gets any relief when they step outside for a breath of fresh air only to be smacked in the face by emissions from a passing truck, bus, or a nearby factory. Yuck.

Nobody knows this more than life-long Pittsburgh residents who still remember a time when today’s “Most Livable City” had the dubious distinction of being known as the “Smoky City.” And, if you’re new here, or too young to understand, all it takes is one look at an old black-and-white photo of a downtown Pittsburgh street so smoky that its street lights are on in the middle of daylight. Need further proof? Look at the still soot-stained old buildings in downtown Pittsburgh for further evidence.

But air quality isn’t something that only affects us when we step outside. It’s also something we have to consider when we’re at home or our workplace. Newer buildings today are airtight because they’re built to be energy efficient. This means fresh air outside can’t get in and bad air indoors stays inside. This is why it’s important to consider the quality of our indoor air, too. There are a number of air filters and cleaners available that significantly reduce pollutants and improve indoor air quality.

Limiting indoor pollutants is especially important if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory ailments, allergies, or similar illnesses that complicate breathing. Make sure any air conditioning or furnace unit has good filters. There are even UV lights that can be installed that purify indoor air, improving indoor air quality tremendously.

Call TopNotch Heating and Cooling at 412-381-0598 or 724-693-0598 if you’d like to hear about our solutions for improving indoor air quality.

When Is It Time to Replace Air Conditioning Ducts

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When Is It Time to Replace Air Conditioning Ducts?

It’s likely the largest appliance in your home. But aside from changing a filter every so often, adjusting the thermostat, and taking refuge in that cool house of yours on a hot humid summer’s day, most people don’t think very much about their air conditioning system. Until the moment it stops working.

Quite often, we’ll get a call from someone irritated that certain rooms of their home are hotter or colder than others. When we stop by their home, and conclude that nothing is wrong with the air conditioning unit itself, we’ll ask if their ductwork has ever been inspected or tested for leaks. More than a few homeowners have absolutely no idea.

Although it’s hidden throughout your home, it’s critical that your ductwork is in good condition. Leaky ducts can lead to air that is either too dry in winter months or too humid in the summertime.

Duct work that is in poor condition can also be a health hazard, particularly for anyone with allergies or asthma, since particles pulled from the attic will lead to the presence of excessive dust throughout your home.

If you’re wondering if now is the time to replace air conditioning ducts, please call TopNotch Heating and Cooling at 412-381-0598 or 724-693-0598 to have your ductwork’s condition inspected and tested.

Start Breathing Better By Improving Indoor Air Quality

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Start Breathing Better By Improving Indoor Air Quality

We can’t see it, but it’s all around us. It’s a critical component to our day-to-day lives, yet it’s all too easy to never think of it or completely take it for granted. We’re talking about the air we breathe – both outside and indoors.

The air we breathe impacts both our health and overall quality of life. We feel better and healthier when we’re breathing in air that is pure and clean. Nobody gets any relief when they step outside for a breath of fresh air only to be smacked in the face by emissions from a passing truck, bus, or a nearby factory. Yuck.

Nobody knows this more than life-long Pittsburgh residents who still remember a time when today’s “Most Livable City” had the dubious distinction of being known as the “Smoky City.” And, if you’re new here, or too young to understand, all it takes is one look at an old black-and-white photo of a downtown Pittsburgh street so smoky that its street lights are on in the middle of daylight. Need further proof? Look at the still soot-stained old buildings in downtown Pittsburgh for further evidence.

But air quality isn’t something that only affects us when we step outside. It’s also something we have to consider when we’re at home or our workplace. Newer buildings today are airtight because they’re built to be energy efficient. This means fresh air outside can’t get in and bad air indoors stays inside. This is why it’s important to consider the quality of our indoor air, too. There are a number of air filters and cleaners available that significantly reduce pollutants and improve indoor air quality.

Limiting indoor pollutants is especially important if anyone in your home suffers from respiratory ailments, allergies, or similar illnesses that complicate breathing. Make sure any air conditioning or furnace unit has good filters. There are even UV lights that can be installed that purify indoor air, improving indoor air quality tremendously.

Call TopNotch Heating and Cooling at 412-381-0598 or 724-693-0598 if you’d like to hear about our solutions for improving indoor air quality.

6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Winter Season

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6 Simple Steps to Prepare Your HVAC System for the Winter Season

heating-feature

During the winter season, Pittsburgh is a winter wonderland. Just last month, we were gripped with sub-zero temperatures and the cold weather conditions continue. With temperatures still on the low, many of us find our utility bills going way up. This is mostly because of heating costs. But if you were able to prepare your HVAC system early on and maintained it properly, you can bring down your energy usage plus make your HVAC system last longer.

The winter season may  be almost over (we dearly hope that it won’t extend even for a day) but winter comes every year. If you were not able to prepare your HVAC system this year, here are some tips on how you can prepare it for the next winter season.

How to Prepare Your HVAC Unit for the Colder Months

Perform Checks on Your HVAC System

Many HVAC systems can last for as long as 2 decades before needing replacement. You should closely examine your HVAC unit to see if it is still efficient and properly functioning. If you find that it is no longer functioning as it should, give a Pittsburgh HVAC company a call and have it replaced with an HVAC unit that suits your home’s needs. For sure this will seem like a large cost initially but in the long run, an HVAC unit that is functioning properly and efficiently will save you money plus it will make your home warmer and safer.

And Get the Checks Done Ahead of the Winter Season

See to it that you give your HVAC system a check ahead of the winter season. You would want to avoid finding out that you need a new unit during the winter season. Remember that the winter season is the busiest for most Pittsburgh HVAC companies. You can end up waiting for days in your home trying to bear the freezing temperatures before you get someone to install a new HVAC unit in your home.

Remember to Clean Or Change Your Filter When Needed

Cleaning the filter every month will help keep your HVAC unit functioning at optimum level. Your HVAC unit will at one point need a new filter. Sometimes all your HVAC unit needs to start working properly again is a new filter. You might want to consider getting a reusable filter as with just a good rinse you can use it again just like new.

Say Goodbye to Your Old Thermostat

Older thermostat models that use mercury can give inaccurate readings. You may think that you have set your home temperature to what you think is warm enough but with a mercury thermostat it usually means that the heat is more than the temperature you were aiming for. This means that you are using unnecessary electricity which in money language translates to higher bills. A digital thermostat is more ideal since it reads temperature levels accurately. You can also program it so the heating is turned on before you get back home and turned off automatically when you leave your  home.

Don’t Forget to Clean and Inspect the Heating Ducts

For your HVAC unit to function efficiently and give your home a fresh, clean air, don’t forget to regularly clean the heating ducts. You should also make sure that you check the ducts for punctures, dents, and disconnected parts. Any damage in the ducts can raise your bills up. You would not like the idea of wasted warm air blowing away most of your hard-earned money. You should also see to it that your heating ducts are properly insulated to avoid air from escaping.

Consult a Pittsburgh HVAC Company or Contractor

If you don’t know how to perform the necessary checks for your HVAC unit or you’re having a  hard time doing these checks on your own, or perhaps you just don’t have the time for it, it is best to consult a Pittsburgh HVAC company or contractor for this job. Aside from performing these maintenance checks, these professionals can also inspect the belts, motors and electrical switches of your HVAC system.  It is best to schedule an appointment with them before the cold winds start blowing as most  companies have busy schedules during the winter season.

Before Pittsburgh becomes a winter wonderland next year, remember to get your HVAC system ready!

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The Most Common Culprits of Costly Heating Repairs

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The Most Common Culprits of Costly Heating Repairs

BWF-Web-Photo

Come winter time, Pittsburgh experiences sub freezing temperatures. But thanks to properly functioning heating systems, many homes and offices are kept warm and toasty. However, here’s one thing to keep in mind – Your heating system is not immortal. Just like any other equipment, it is bound to wear out and stop functioning properly. There are hundreds of reasons as to why a home or office heating system breaks down and most of these reasons are very common to both home and office owners. Good thing is there are professional Pittsburgh heating repair companies or contractors that can fix this problem.

To avoid costly heating repairs and keep your heating system functioning properly preventative maintenance is your best weapon. In addition to this, being able to identify and spot common heating problems, can save you a hefty amount of money in the long run.

Here are some of the more common culprits of heating  problems.

  • Airflow trouble – Improper air flow is caused by bearing, belts, and fan motors that are already worn out. If your furnace is overheating or you are experiencing improper heating controls, this can indicate that your unit has air flow problems,

  • Basic mechanical wear and tear – Your furnace or your heating system relies on numerous mechanical components that are essential for it to function properly. Wear and tear on any of these mechanical components can cause your heating system to perform poorly. Poor airflow, overheating of the furnace, and improper heating controls are telltale signs of this heating repair problem.

  • Dirty or clogged air filters – This is perhaps the culprit that results to more heating problems than any other issue. If you do not clean your filters regularly or haven’t changed them at all, you are bound to run into some heating issues. The irony here is this issue is the cheapest and easiest to fix. Clogged and dirty filters causes your heating system to work harder as it should since airflow is restricted. You end up having to bear the not so toasty temperatures in your home and a higher electricity bill. If you want to avoid this, make it a point to clean your filters at least once a month or have them replaced when needed. It’s a very simple solution that will save you a lot of trouble.

  • Not enough heating – Here’s one thing that all homeowners or office owners must not fail to do. Monitor your heating system from the very first day you use it. If you don’t regularly  monitor your heating system it can cut down your system’s general life expectancy or worse breakdown really early on. Clogged filters, faulty thermostats, and musty odors coming from the system are early signs of neglect that can lead to insufficient heating or worse.

  • Thermostat malfunction – Your thermostat is what controls and determines how much heat is produced by the heating system and when heat is needed. If your thermostat is malfunctioning it can cause intermittent heating, not enough warm air circulating throughout your home or office or worse, no heat at all.

  • No preventative maintenance – As mentioned earlier, you can save yourself a lot of heating problems and hefty costs of heating repairs by doing preventative maintenance. However, not many homeowners give importance to this. Most of us only react when there is already a problem. We can put the blame on our “reactive thinking on many things such as a busy schedule, forgetfulness, or we can even say we are just born this way, programmed to react, but we can change this. You can put reminders on your calendar or your smart phone for preventative maintenance of your heating system. By constantly practicing preventive maintenance you’ll get used to the idea and  it will become a part of your regular routine. If you don’t  have the knowledge, time or you want to make sure that everything is done properly, you can call on a professional Pittsburgh heating repair company or contractor to take care  of the preventative maintenance of your heating unit.

Keep your home or office warm all winter long and avoid costly heating repair bills by ensuring that your heating system is functioning properly. Call on a professional Pittsburgh heating repair company or contractor to fix heating issues before the cold season starts. And don’t forget to schedule a preventative maintenance on your heating system.

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How to Keep Your Home Warm for the Winter

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How to Keep Your Home Warm for the Winter

Pittsburgh HVAC

With our winter season getting colder and colder keeping warm will remain our biggest concern. So how can you make your feel home warmer this cold (and still getting colder) season? The obvious answer is to crank up your heater. But this would also mean your bills climbing up the roof. Here are some winterization tips that would keep your home warm without drilling a hole in your pocket.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm During Winter

1. Cover Door Drafts

Did you know that drafts can actually waste 5% to 30% of your energy use? That is a staggering figure and this figure comes from the U.S. Department of Energy. So imagine cranking up your heater only to lose 5% -30% of the heat. Your drafty doors can be the very reason that you need to keep on turning up your heater in the first place. So how do you do this? Here’s a simple solution that comes from the Great Depression times – the draft snake. Simply roll up some towels and place one under each of your drafty doors.

2. Remember to Clean (or Change) Furnace Filters

Many of us forget about cleaning (or even replacing those that need replacing) furnace filters at least once a month during the winter season. Here’s why cleaning furnace filters is very important. Filters filled with dirt and debris block off airflow therefore restricting the furnace’s heating capability which in turn increases energy demand.  To avoid forgetting about your furnace filters, mark a day in your calendar for cleaning them or set up an alarm on your smartphone.

3. Install Storm Doors and Windows

Storm doors can seal drafts and bring down air flow which brings up energy efficiency to 45%. Another great benefit of storm doors is that they allow light and ventilation to come in your home. When choosing your storm doors, it is best to opt for Energy Star-certified models.

When the cold, cold winds start huffing and puffing, you will be thankful (not to mention all warm)  that you had your storm windows out of your shed or attic and already installed. See to it that each of your storm windows are safely shut as they won’t help that much in keeping your home warm if you left them in their up position.

4. Regular Tune-up of Your Heating System is a Must

To make sure that your heating system is running without a hitch, a regular tune-up is in order. You need to make sure that your furnace is kept clean, well-lubricated and adjusted properly. Not only will a regular tune-up ensure that your home is a warm haven during the colder months, it will also cut down energy use and give you up to 5% savings on heating costs.

Here’s the great news. Most utilities actually offer a free yearly check-ups done by skilled and qualified technicians. The trick is to set up an appointment early on as HVAC crews are in high demand once the colder months start.

Remember these tips so your home stays warm and toasty when the weather gets icy.

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Tips to Stay Warm During the Cold

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Tips to Stay Warm During the Cold

Warm Pittsburgh Living Room

When is this cold weather going to let up? Many of us are wishing for the spring season already. We all could use some warmth. But with temperatures still dipping low, we would have to think of ways to keep ourselves warm.

Here are 9 simple tips on how you can keep warm this cold season.

Nine Tips to Keep Warm This Winter

1. Wear layers of dry clothing. Layers and layers of dry clothing will help keep your body warm. Wearing several thin layers of clothing does a better job in keeping you warm than just having one thick layer as the layers trap in warm air.

2. Wear mittens. Mittens actually provide more protection from the cold than gloves. You can however, wear mittens and then cover them up with a pair of gloves.

3. Go inside if you get wet. Don’t delay going inside and changing into dry clothes when you get wet. By wearing wet clothes, your body temperature will drop (and therefore, make you feel cold). If you anticipate getting wet, or even sweating, we highly recommend carrying extra dry clothes through your day.

4. Cover all body parts when heading outdoors. Before you turn the knob and bolt out the door, make sure that all your body parts are well-covered. Remember that wind chills of 15 – 30 below can get your exposed skin frostbitten in just a matter of minutes (which during this winter, is not far off!). So before you run outside, be sure to cover up as much as possible.

5. Keep moving. Don’t just sit still or lie around in bed. It is rather tempting. But to keep your body warm, try to keep on moving when you are indoors. Avoid sitting still for more than 1 hour. If you are having difficulties walking around your home, doing chair-based exercises is a good idea. The simple act of moving your arms and legs and even getting your toes to wiggle can rev up circulation.

6. Wear warm clothes for bed. With the temperatures continuing to drop, thermal underwear, socks, and a hat can keep you warm as you sleep in. A hat in bed? The cold weather calls for some unconventional yet functional fashion. Did you know that you lose a lot of heat via your head? A hat can keep that heat in. So a hat in bed? With the freezing temperatures continuing to rage, we say “Oh yes”!

7.  Eat well. Make sure that you are eating enough during the cold days of winter. Hot meals and hot drinks should be in order. Soup up and drink up hot drinks to keep warm. Make it a point to have at least one hot meal each day and drink lots of hot drinks throughout the day. Make sure that your meals include a wide range of fruits and vegetables so that your body is receiving essential nutrients.

8. Have a hot drink before putting the night cap on. It will also be a good idea to have a hot drink in  a flask by your bedside. Remember that as you sleep, your body temperature drops and you might wake up feeling cold. So the flask in your bedside with a hot drink can be handy.

9. Keep your home warm. Cover all drafty doors and install storm doors and windows to keep your home all warm and toasty. Make sure that your home heating system is properly running. A regular tune-up can ensure this.

Stay warm in this freezing weather with these simple tips!

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Call 412.381.0598 to get a free, expert estimate today!
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