Furnace Repair Ballwin MO

Furnace Repair

Advantage Air LLC repairs and services all heating system equipment in St. Louis, MO area. We service all major brands like Bryant, Payne, Carrier, Trane, Rheem, Ruud, Lennox, Goodman, Heil, York, and more! Choosing Advantage Air LLC assures you that your St. Louis furnace repair will be done in a timely, professional, and honest manner. Our technicians go through a thorough training process to ensure that they will provide only the best service.

Emergency Furnace Repair for St. Louis Residents

Furnace repair is a very serious matter and not something that we take lightly. That means no matter when a repair is needed, or even the weather conditions we will get it fixed for you. If you don’t have a working furnace in the very cold or even freezing temperatures, more than your comfort could be in trouble. If your furnace goes down, that leaves a chance that your pipes may freeze leaving you with no clean, running water. Or even worse, your pipes may burst which will require you to then replace them. More importantly, very low temperatures and extremely dangerous to you and your family. Pneumonia, hypothermia and certain cardiovascular diseases can start as just a common cold. All of which require immediate medical attention.

If your Furnace or HVAC is not working, follow these steps:

Make sure the thermostat is connected properly and batteries are good
Check to make sure that your furnace is lit and on
If still not working, call us immediately at 636-230-5572

Why You Should Schedule a Furnace Repair Service in Ballwin, MO

Stay warm throughout the year with a fully restored and maintained furnace. Whether you think you have a damaged furnace or are looking for ways to maintain your HVAC system, find out how you can benefit from furnace repair Ballwin MO. Turn to a trusted team in your area for prompt inspections and reliable repairs.

Signs You Need Your HVAC System Inspected

Consider having your furnace inspected at least once a year to ensure it’s still running properly and doesn’t have any maintenance tasks that need to be performed. Beyond a yearly inspection, here are some key signs that you may need to schedule an inspection or repair service:

• You hear unusual noises
• Your home isn’t warming up
• The furnace blower won’t start or stop

Unusual noises could be grinding, squealing, clanking or other issues. Some are caused by a lack of lubricant, while others are caused by corrosion. You may even have debris in your furnace that’s preventing the blower from operating safely.

No heat is a serious issue. If the blower is turning on but you don’t feel warm air coming from the vents, then it’s time to call a professional. Wait a few minutes before you make the call, because it can take a few minutes as the blower sends air from the vents throughout your home.

Turn your thermostat on and wait for the blower to kick on. If it doesn’t start, there may be a serious issue. It’s also an issue if the blower won’t stop. A particularly cold day may make it take longer than normal for your HVAC system to fully warm up your home, but a blower shouldn’t be running around the clock.

These are just the most common signs that you need to make a repair call. There are other situations where a professional should come and check out your furnace, so use your best judgment if you notice an unusual sight, sound, smell or performance features of your HVAC system.

Of course, you don’t have to wait until you notice an issue. Consider scheduling an inspection every year or every six months to check out your furnace and other components. Routine inspections include cleaning services and preventative maintenance that can extend the lifetime and/or warranty length of your system.

The Furnace Repair Process

Once you determine there’s an issue with your furnace, it’s time to call a local professional. A certified HVAC technician is going to thoroughly inspect your furnace, thermostat, ductwork and other HVAC components to diagnose any issue. Here are some common areas they will inspect:

1. Thermostat: A thermostat issue can prevent your furnace from firing up and warming your home. One of the most basic issues is a thermostat set at the wrong temperature, but the wiring could also be at fault.
2. Gas valves and lines: A stuck gas valve or leaking line are both serious issues. Keep your home safe by having a professional periodically inspect these lines.
3. Heat exchanger: This key component prevents fumes from the combustion chamber to circulate around your home, but instead allows heat to transfer to clean, filtered air. A damaged heat exchanger may cause carbon monoxide to build up in your home.
4. Blower motor: This powerful motor needs to be regularly lubricated and inspected to continue to blow warm air.
5. Cold air return: A clogged cold air return can prevent your furnace from working properly.
6. Ductwork and air vents: Just like a cold air return, the rest of the ductwork needs to be maintained and clear of blockage. Cleaning out these vents can be a difficult job on your own, so reach out to a technician for assistance.
7. Flue pipe: Another cause of carbon monoxide buildup, a clogged flue pipe is a serious issue that needs to be promptly addressed.
8. Electrical wiring and breaker: Your furnace blower and thermostat are powered by electricity. A tripped breaker, damaged wire or other electrical issues can prevent your furnace from operating.
9. Air filter: One of the most basic maintenance tasks on an HVAC system is replacing the air filter. A new filter every 30 to 90 days improves your indoor air quality and extends the lifetime of your furnace system.

These are the most common components to be inspected, but there are more issues that a qualified technician may uncover. Replacing your air filter is a maintenance task you can take on as a homeowner, but other tasks should be performed by a licensed professional.

Types of Heating Systems

These components and maintenance steps are for central furnaces fueled by gas. They’re the most common type of heating system, but there are many other styles you may have in your home. Consider which of these heating systems you have in your home:

• Hot water boiler
• Steam boiler
• Heat pump
• Space heater
• Woodstove

Boilers use radiators and/or baseboard heaters to heat your home. As boiling water or steam is directed through pipes, it heats up radiators and baseboard coils to transfer heat to different rooms in your home.

A heat pump draws heat from the air or from geothermal lines and forces it into your home using a blower. The process works exactly like an air conditioner, only in reverse, so heat pumps are commonly paired with air conditioners.

Space heaters are some of the least efficient heat sources, particularly if you use electricity. They can also be dangerous if improperly installed. They’re best used to temporarily heat a small area of a room or home.

Wood stoves and fireplaces use firewood or wood pellets to burn and heat your home. Burning wood to heat your home creates more air pollution around your home than other types of heating, and they can affect your indoor air quality as well.

There are many different styles of these basic types, so discuss your current and future heating decisions with a licensed professional. You may be better off upgrading to a different style of heating rather than continuing to use inefficient technology.

How To Size Your System

Furnaces, water boilers and heat pumps are specially sized for your home. Sizing a system doesn’t just take your home’s square footage into account, but also considers the amount of insulation and layout. A licensed HVAC technician can assist you in determining the optimal furnace and see if you need one larger or smaller than the existing unit.

A small furnace won’t promptly heat your entire home. It may take too much time to get up to temperature and overwork the blower. A furnace that’s too large has its own problems. Oversized units heat up too quickly, causing them to short cycle. Short cycling occurs when a heater turns on and off frequently, which can also cause it to wear out quicker than its estimated lifetime.

How a Heating System Can Become Damaged

A properly installed furnace should last 15 to 20 years or more. While there may be minor repair needs before this amount of time, you can typically rely on a maintained heating system to last at least this long.

What happens after 20 years? Heat exchangers, blowers, gas valves, ignitors and other critical parts can become corroded or worn out with use. Some internal electrical wires, baffles, motor belts and seals are difficult and costly to repair, particularly after heavy use.

At this point, it may be better to invest in a new system rather than continue to repair an outdated one. Discuss the pros and cons of replacing vs. repairing your furnace before making your decision.

Dangers of a Damaged Furnace

Most heating systems are designed with enough failsafe devices to prevent any serious damage. There can, however, be a number of hazards if you attempt to use a damaged furnace. Here are some hazards you may face with a damaged heating system:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• House fire
• Freezing temperatures
• Electrocution
• Poor air quality

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if there is a clog in the ventilation system, leak in a gas line or crack in the heat exchanger. A house fire is a devastating incident that can be caused by a damaged wire, leaking gas line, debris in the furnace or other issues.

Freezing temperatures may not directly affect your heater, but if your home drops below freezing you could experience frozen water lines. These lines can burst and cause excessive water damage to your property.

Frayed wires can spark and start a house fire. They can also cause serious injury or death if an individual comes in contact with exposed wiring. Modern wiring and breaker panels are designed to minimize this risk, but it remains a risk with improperly maintained systems. This is particularly true of outdated furnaces.

Benefits of a Modern Furnace

While you could continue to maintain your furnace, there are some key benefits of updating your heating system. Consider investing in a new system to enjoy these benefits in your home:

• Improved air quality: HEPA filtration and other technologies have made heating systems more effective at reducing airborne contaminants.
• Increased airflow consistency: Set up zones in your home, install additional vents or use a variable-speed motor to alter the airflow of your heating system. All of these features aim at reducing cold spots throughout your home.
• Reduced energy bills: Variable-speed motors and new ductwork designs also reduce the amount of fuel and electricity required to heat your home.
• Improved safety: A new furnace won’t have the same corrosion and contamination as your old system may have. Years of use can create issues throughout a furnace you may not even be aware of, so a newer unit is less likely to cause a fire, gas leak or other hazards.

Tailor your furnace and thermostat to match your situation. Not only can you enjoy a properly sized furnace, but you can upgrade your thermostat to include programmable features. A smart thermostat helps you take charge of your HVAC system and look for warning signs right from your smartphone.

How To Compare Local HVAC Companies

When it’s time to schedule an inspection, how do you know which company will provide the best services at the best cost? Don’t schedule the first company you happen to see, but take your time and compare HVAC teams in your area. Here are some key aspects of a leading HVAC company:

• Great customer reviews
• Years of service
• Around-the-clock support
• Affordable price
• Warranty or other guarantees of service
• Financing options

Just like any other business or service, a number of great customer reviews is key to finding the right HVAC team in Missouri. You can’t believe every review you see online, but you should expect a company to have a consistent number of high ratings and positive reviews.

Ask to hear from local homeowners or see who your neighbors have hired to inspect and repair their furnaces. A new technician may know a lot about furnaces, but you’ll probably enjoy more peace of mind when you choose a technician with a track record of reliable service.

A furnace can fail at any point, so don’t wait until the office is open to call a technician. Reliable companies offer 24/7 support for emergency service calls. These may cost more than scheduled maintenance visits, but both should be competitively priced.

Look for a company that offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee or other commitment. Whether it’s a specific warranty or a promise of quality work, be sure you’re choosing a company that will stand by its work.

You can’t always prepare for a sudden furnace issue, so you may not have the available funds to pay for a full furnace replacement. Don’t let this stop you from investing in the system you deserve. A reliable HVAC company should offer financing for major or minor repairs.

Schedule a Comprehensive Inspection in Ballwin, MO

From a full furnace replacement to a routine maintenance call, Advantage Air is a leading HVAC company in st. Louis, MO. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance visit or emergency service call. Keep your home warm and comfortable throughout the year with a quality system serviced by a team of local experts.

Make Us Your Furnace Repair Ballwin MO Contractor of Choice

Has your furnace been sounding, smelling or acting weird? If so, you may be in need of furnace repair Ballwin MO services. Here at Advantage Air, we frequently troubleshoot common heating and air conditioning problems so you can have confidence in the ability of your system to keep you comfortable year-round.

Our Furnace Repair Ballwin MO Services

Unfortunately, not all furnaces heat homes and buildings with the same degree of efficiency. In particular, old furnaces tend to perform less proficiently than their newer, more energy-efficient counterparts. If you are trying to lower your utility bills or if your current system has stopped working properly, here are some of the services we can offer you:

• Furnace inspection
• Furnace maintenance
• Furnace repairs
• Furnace replacement

We will do whatever we can to help you avoid the cost of replacing your furnace. But in some cases, a replacement can actually save you money in the long run (especially if you’re frequently repairing your old furnace or if your energy bills are through the roof).

Additional Services We Offer

In addition to repairing your heating system as needed, we also offer these additional services:

• Cooling system repair
• AC replacement
• Air filtration services
• Air sealing services
• Attic insulation installation

If you live in Ballwin, the greater St. Louis area, or any of the surrounding areas, we’d love to provide you with any of these services as needed. Our goal is to help you remain safe and comfortable in your home throughout all seasons.

Schedule Your Estimate Today

Are you ready to improve the efficiency of your furnace and keep your home warm this coming winter? To schedule your free estimate for furnace repair Ballwin MO services, contact Advantage Air today. If you’re experiencing an emergency furnace situation, take advantage of our same-day service option. Otherwise, fill out our online form, call us, or visit us in person and we’ll help you schedule your furnace repair service as soon as possible.

Your Complete Guide To Furnace Repair

When winter weather is in full swing, the last thing you want is a broken furnace. Whether the temperature already dropped outside or it will be soon, the best time to prepare your HVAC unit for the cold is now. Use these tips to help you perform do-it-yourself maintenance or repairs, to learn when it’s best to call a professional for furnace repair Ballwin MO, and to decide when it’s time to replace the unit with something newer and more energy-efficient. This way, your family will be warm and toasty when you need them to be.

5 DIY Repairs You Can Do for Your Furnace

There are a number of reasons that your furnace’s air heating may not be working correctly. Many of those reasons are actually simple fixes that you can do if you have a little bit of do-it-yourself experience.

1. Check Your Thermostat

It might seem silly, but things get bumped sometimes. The first thing you should do is check your thermostat to ensure it’s set to the “heat” function and that it is at least five degrees higher than the current temperature in your home. There are a couple of other things to check on the thermostat as well. If your thermostat needs batteries, be sure to change them at least once a year. Additionally, open the thermostat panel to blow out any dust that may be clogging the sensors. If your thermostat runs on a timer, be sure the date and time are correct. Finally, check the breaker, turning it on and off if necessary.

2. Clean Your Air Filter

If you notice your furnace is struggling to create heat, it may be because it doesn’t have a clean air filter. Ideally, you should change your HVAC system’s air filter every 30-60 days. At a minimum, you should change it twice per year. To ensure your filter is in working order, you’ll first need to locate it. It may be in the intake, which will look like a grate in the ceiling, wall, or floor. Some types of furnaces house the filter within themselves. Once you locate it, you’ll want to check it by holding it up to the light. If you can’t see through the filter, it’s time to clean or replace it.

3. Declutter the Area Around Your Furnace

It might seem like a given, but you’d be surprised how many people have clutter all around their furnaces. It’s easy to let things pile up in an area you don’t use often, but clutter prevents your furnace from operating efficiently, not to mention safely. Remove any clutter that could be blocking the vents of your furnace and ensure any flammable substances are stored far away from the unit. Once you declutter, vacuum away excess dust and debris to ensure it’s working as well as possible.

4. Oil the Furnace Blower

Your furnace’s inner workings need to operate smoothly to provide heat to your home as well as you need it to. This means you need to oil its blower at least once per year. This makes it easier for your furnace to send heat through the blower and into your home. First, turn off the circuit breaker on the main electrical panel. Then remove the access panel on the furnace (you’ll probably need a screwdriver for this). Find the blower motor at the base of the furnace and remove the bolts. Unscrew the motor and pull it from the housing, then find the oil ports on the motor and shaft. Squeeze 2-3 drops of oil into each section, replace everything, and turn the breaker back on. The furnace should run better now.

5. Inspect the Burner Flames

Start by removing the door of the combustion chamber. Once you’re inside, check out the flames. Your furnace should have strong blue flames that burn evenly (keeping in mind not to breathe on them, which can turn them yellow). If you aren’t breathing on the flames but they still look yellow, it’s an indicator that the burners are dirty. If you are comfortable shutting off the gas and vacuuming them yourself, you can use a traditional hose vacuum anywhere you see dust. If you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, your HVAC technician can help you with it.

6 Signs That You Need Professional Furnace Repair

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to fix every furnace issue by yourself. Fortunately, you can hire a professional heating and AC repair in St. Louis, MO, to help you stay warm this winter and cool during the summer. The key is to understand the signs that your furnace needs professional help.

1. Air Flow Is Weak

If you’ve done everything on the do-it-yourself repair list and your furnace’s airflow is still weak, there is a larger issue at hand. Typically, this occurs because there is a blockage in the ducts or because the fan isn’t working properly. An HVAC technician can get to the root of the issue and fix it.

2. You Smell Something Burning

If you smell something burning and you’ve already tried changing the filter to combat it, turn the unit off. The chances are that your heating system may have an issue with its inner workings, which can lead to a fire if you allow them to keep operating inefficiently. Have someone look at your HVAC system as soon as possible to find the problem and fix it.

3. The Furnace Cycles On and Off Frequently

If you’ve already checked the thermostat and still have issues with your furnace turning itself off and on very frequently, the problem may be in the ductwork or somewhere else that you can’t reach yourself. Ask a professional HVAC technician for help.

4. Your Furnace Isn’t Heating Your Home Well

Sometimes, your heater will look and sound like it’s working, but your home won’t actually get any warmer. There are many reasons this could occur, but a couple of the most common include a clogged burner or an issue within the ductwork that runs through your home. An HVAC technician can find the specific issue and get it fixed.

5. You Haven’t Maintained It in Years

Like any other part of your home, your furnace and its outside HVAC unit components should receive professional maintenance at least once per year. If you haven’t had yours maintained by a professional in the last few years, doing so now could save you big bucks on major repairs down the line. A professional can ensure everything is clean, well-oiled, and safe for operation.

6. Your Carbon Monoxide Alarm Goes Off

First, if you don’t already have a carbon monoxide alarm installed near your furnace, do so now. It could mean the difference between a safe, happy home and a tragedy. If your home already has a carbon monoxide alarm, pay attention to it. If it starts chirping, turn off your furnace right away and call 911. The problem could be a cracked heat exchanger, which can leak carbon monoxide gas and cause your family to fall ill or worse. Once the danger is cleared, you’ll need to call a reputable HVAC technician to determine if a cracked heat exchanger is indeed the problem and then to repair it before you can use your heat again.

5 Signs That It’s Time To Replace Your Furnace

Sometimes, no amount of repairs will get the job done. Your furnace does have a shelf life, and once it’s past, it will be time to replace it. Consider these signs when determining if it’s time to replace your old furnace.

1. Your Furnace Makes a Lot of Noise

If your furnace makes a little bit of noise, it could be that it needs a new belt, which is usually an easy part to replace. However, if you find that your furnace makes a lot of noise even after replacing belts, it could be that there’s a deeper issue. The motor may no longer be secure, other parts may need to be replaced, or if the unit isn’t salvageable, your HVAC technician may suggest replacing the entire unit.

2. Your Utility Bills Are Too High

The older a furnace is, the less energy-efficient it will be. If you notice your electric or natural gas bill is higher every winter, it could be because your furnace is no longer working as well as it used to. In addition, consider whether all of the rooms in your home are staying the same temperature. If some rooms are colder than others even though the vents are open, it may be because your furnace no longer has the ability to distribute the warm air the way it should, therefore warranting a replacement.

3. You Are Spending Too Much on Repairs

How often are you calling in someone to help you with furnace repair? If you’re doing it every year, or worse, more than once per year, you’re spending much more money on HVAC repairs than you should be. Consider how expensive your last few repairs were. If they are more than the cost of replacing the unit, just replace it the next time it breaks down. Your wallet will thank you.

4. Your Furnace Is Old 

Old is a relative term. Most furnaces last 18-20 years if you’ve had them professionally maintained the way you should. However, furnaces that are older than about 10 years old aren’t as energy-efficient as new models. If you aren’t sure how efficient your unit is, or if you don’t know if it is old enough to need replaced, allow an HVAC professional to help you determine what the best course of action will be.

5. There Are Visible Signs of Wear and Tear

Take a good, long look at your unit. Chances are it has some dust or dirt on it, but if you’ve noticed it seems to gather dust, soot, or dirt more quickly, even when you keep up with maintenance, it could be because it’s old. Consider rust as well. If your furnace has any ruse buildup on any part of it, it’s a good indication that it’s time to install a new system. Other signs it’s time for a new furnace include visible cracks in or around the system. Be sure to check the outdoor portion of the unit in addition to the furnace inside your home.

How To Choose the Right HVAC Technician

When it’s time to hire an HVAC technician, it’s important to find the right one to meet your needs. Start by asking family and friends for recommendations or searching the internet for companies near you. Before you contact anyone, especially one you find on the internet, read reviews and testimonials on their website and on review websites first. If a company has too many poor reviews, it’s best to move on to the next. However, do remember that no company can please every customer, so if it only has one or two poor reviews, the business may still be worth looking into.

Once you narrow it down to two or three options, contact the ones who have piqued your interest. Describe your situation and ask what they may the technician thinks the problem might be and whether he has an offhand estimate. Additionally, find out if the company provides on-site free estimates to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your money.

When you decide on a company, ask for license and insurance information. If the business doesn’t seem to want to provide it, keep looking. Never cut corners by having someone who isn’t licensed work on your home. If something were to go wrong, you could be on the hook financially or even legally.

Above all else, go with your gut when hiring an HVAC technician. You want someone who is friendly but professional, willing to answer your questions, and who provides you with plenty of information as well as a detailed estimate before starting work.

Hire a Professional HVAC System Technician Today

Don’t let the cold catch you unprepared. When you need heating and cooling repair in St. Louis, MO, you need the professionals at Advantage Air. Contact us today to learn how we can help you ensure your family’s home is always at just the right temperature.

Proactively Address Heating and Cooling Emergencies With Unit Maintenance

It’s easy to take the heat or air conditioning for granted, only taking notice when the house isn’t as comfortable as you would like. The winters in St Louis MO can be brutal, and you don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night wondering if there is a furnace repair Ballwin MO company that makes emergency calls. Summer air conditioning emergencies can be just as stressful. Fortunately, Advantage Air is there to handle all your heating and cooling needs, but you can also proactively prevent energy emergencies.

Be Proactive With HVAC and Furnace Maintenance

Both the cold of winter and the suffocating heat of summer can make living in your home unbearable if you don’t have an efficient heating and cooling system. The more costly approach to a comfortable living environment is to fix problems when they occur, whereas you could be proactive in ensuring your air or heating system is running well through seasonal maintenance. In addition to preserving the life of your equipment, routine maintenance will have a positive impact on your energy costs, potentially reducing the bill by up to 20%. Failing to maintain these units can increase a bill because inefficiency drives up usage between 30% to 60%.

When every dollar in the budget matters, you can’t afford to ignore the savings that come from being proactive with your heating and cooling units. Older units will be more costly to operate, as new technologies have created more energy efficiency in operations. Advantage Air is proud to offer expert installation services to residents in the St Louis area, giving you access to the latest air conditioning systems or furnaces. Even if you prefer to stick with your unit for a while longer, taking care of its maintenance needs can help keep things running smoothly.

Know the Basics of Maintenance and Repair

If you are going to keep up with the maintenance needs for your heating system or air conditioner, you will need to understand the basics of these units and common threats to efficiency and longevity. Your best option is to work with Advantage Air, the leading company in St Louis for HVAC system and furnace services, to provide routine inspections from our qualified technicians. However, a general understanding of the different pieces of equipment can help you troubleshoot your units when talking to our technicians or when making the maintenance rounds periodically. Many of the tasks needing to be done occur seasonally, giving you a schedule for proactive maintenance.

Understand the Safety Implications

Failing to be proactive in the care of your unit can present a serious safety risk to your family and home. Maintenance does more than improve efficiency; it creates a safety net for those in the home. A tiny crack in a furnace could allow the odorless carbon monoxide to flood throughout the home undetected. Without the installation of carbon monoxide detectors, the consequences of this leak could be deadly. Electrical components that are loose or improperly maintained could short-circuit and pose a fire hazard. These factors and more can be prevented when proper maintenance is done on a heating and cooling unit.

While there are things that homeowners can do to protect and service their heat pumps, air conditioners and other equipment, there is a danger in taking these responsibilities too far. Some repair and maintenance needs are not appropriate for a do-it-yourself approach and can cause injury if attempted. For these more serious concerns, let the technicians from Advantage Air provide expert services for your heating or AC repair and maintenance.

Start With the Basics of Maintenance

Even though they provide different levels of comfort, there are some of basic maintenance needs that are applicable to both a heating and cooling system. Some of these can be handled personally, while others should be left to the Advantage Air professionals.

Air Filters

It is recommended that air filters be changed out as needed, though many homes experience this need every one to three months. Even though it is one of the easiest maintenance tasks to complete, it is generally the most overlooked and forgotten. Not only do air filters have an impact on the air quality of the home, but they also directly impact how efficiently your unit is able to run. A forced-air system pulls air through the air filter in order to create cleaner, breathable air for those in the home. Clogged or worn filters can leave too much dust and debris in the air and tax a unit.

When the air isn’t able to move quickly or smoothly through the filter, the unit must pull harder and longer to sustain operations. These inefficiencies drive up energy costs for the homeowner and hasten the death of a central air conditioning unit or furnace. Not only do homeowners have to deal with potential health concerns from poor air quality, but the risk for financial consequences from broken or inefficiently operating units also becomes a concern. Replacing an air filter takes just minutes and is completely affordable when compared to the probable expenses that come from failure to maintain a unit.

Air Registers and Return Vents

In addition to continually checking your air filters, you should also periodically check the supply return vents and air registers around the home. Supply vents could be in the floor or the ceiling in the different rooms around your home, and supply return vents are the larger vents connected to the return vents. Supply vents blow the heated or cooled air into the indoor spaces, while returns pull the air from the indoor space to be processed by the heating or cooling system. Supply vents are smaller and tend to have slats or louvers which provide the ability to direct where the air flows. Returns vents don’t have louvers and are quite large.

Your unit needs to maintain a balanced supply or air during operations, which means any restrictions or blockages with the air pressure could create problems with the heating and cooling system. If there are pieces of furniture, heavy drapes or clutter blocking the return vents, there won’t be enough air pulled into the equipment. If there are supply vents that are closed or blocked in particular rooms, it can create an air pressure buildup that is unsupported by the ductwork. This can lead to leaks in the ductwork, sabotaging both comfort and efficiency. Nothing should be blocking either the supply or return vents.

Thermostat

The thermostat is the most important control you have with your furnace or HVAC system, as it has a direct impact on how often and how long your unit runs. A properly calibrated thermostat will most accurately operate your system, but calibration should be done by a professional for it to be effective. Manual thermostats are typically inexpensive and can be replaced easily but upgrading to a programmable thermostat could save more money in the long run. These thermostats make it easy for homeowners to establish a schedule to help control energy costs.

Whether you have a programmable or manual thermostat, a technician needs to look at the different connections and electrical components that affect how the thermostat is able to communicate with the heating and air unit. The wiring or other elements are not things the average homeowner can understand or safely manipulate, which is why this maintenance task should be left to the technicians at Advantage Air.

Condensate Drain

As your furnace or air conditioner runs, it creates condensation. Without proper drainage, this condensation can pool up and create water damage around the home. Your unit is outfitted with a condensate drain to carry the water away, but this drain can get stopped up with a buildup of grime or sludge. This can cause overflow and the potential for damage and mold growth. Though you may be able to look at the drain and see a problem, it is best to let a technician professionally clean it out and look for reasons why it may not be working properly.

Moving Parts

There are many different parts that must work together in harmony if your AC or heating unit is going to work efficiently. Both small and large parts may need to be lubricated in order to prevent grinding or sticking, and a professional knows both where and how to apply proper lubricant to the unit. If humming noises start coming from your unit, it could mean that there isn’t enough oil in the AC compressor. Hot weather can cause problems with grease, making inspection prior to the cooling season a priority for avoiding complications. However, any part that requires more effort to move or control creates a draw on efficiency.

Blowers

Though you may be able to change out the air filters, you will need to call on one of our Advantage Air technicians to come clean out the blower and make adjustments for efficiency. Dust and debris stuck on the blades will cause extra wear and tear on the blower motor. It will require more energy to turn a fan that is heavier or restricted, therefore increasing an electric bill and reducing the longevity of the unit.

Conduct Seasonal Maintenance Duties

There are several tasks that should be completed according to the seasonal use of a heating or cooling unit. The changing temperatures and demands on a system when going between heating or cooling require homeowners to check the exterior elements for maximum efficiency.

Personal Unit Cleanup

Even though the main component of the HVAC system sits outside, there are some things that can impact functionality. It is built to withstand impact from rain and weather, but it can be affected by twigs, leaves or other debris that build up in piles around the unit. These materials can obstruct the airflow around the unit, causing it to work harder than necessary to keep up with the demand. Debris can also create an excessive buildup of moisture, potentially leading to rust or mildew near the unit that can damage both the equipment and the homeowner’s health. As the seasons change, clean out the space around the unit and keep it free from obstructions.

As you are cleaning out from around the unit, take a few minutes to look at the surrounding bushes or tree branches. Nothing should be within 18 inches of the unit or handing directly above the area. Winds or weather can cause debris to come down in and around the unit, impacting the efficiency of the unit’s operation. Heavy limbs or other items could fall and damage the unit. After everything has been cleared away, take a garden hose and spray down the unit to remove any build-up of grime or dirt.

Professional Unit Cleanup

As the weather warms and it is time to engage your air conditioner, the condenser coils and evaporator needs to be free from the grime that has accumulated throughout the winter. Any buildup keeps the unit from being able to run efficiently, requiring the unit to run longer in order to keep the home at the desired temperature. By cleaning the coils, you can reduce the demand on the unit and lower your cooling costs. Have a technician from Advantage Air clean these elements, as they can be easily damaged.

A technician should also check the refrigerant level in the unit before you prepare for summer use. Refrigerant is a strong chemical that can cause safety hazards to an individual and the environment when not handled properly. There are laws governing the handling and disposal of this chemical, and our Advantage Air technicians are trained and certified in handling refrigerants with care and in accordance with state and federal laws.

Partner With the Best Heating and Air Company in St Louis

To give your heating and air system the best maintenance possible, work with the expert technicians of Advantage Air. Our team does a great job on your equipment, whether you need an inspection, have a service issue or want a replacement unit installed. Trust our team for a range of HVAC and furnace services and experience the advantages of working with the best.

Best Practices for Using a Programmable Thermostat

In your quest to heat your home more efficiently, you decided to invest in a programmable thermostat. Perhaps a recent furnace repair in Ballwin MO prompted the upgrade, or maybe you want to save as much money as possible during the colder months of the year. Either way, get the most out of your investment in a programmable thermostat with these tips.

Choose Carefully

Just like with choosing the right heating system, think about your home and needs to narrow your thermostat options. With 5-2 models, you have access to separate programs for weekdays and weekends. Seven-day models let you customize settings for every day of the week.

Use Caution When Setting Your Thermostat Back

While it makes sense to set your thermostat back at night and when your house sits empty, try not to overdo it. Aim for adjusting the temperate by five degrees to allow your thermostat to do a great job of not working more than necessary to keep you and your family comfortable.

Change the Temperature When No One’s Home

You need not worry about keeping your house comfortable when no one’s home. Program your thermostat to lower the temperature 30 minutes before everyone leaves the house for the day and to raise the temperature 30 minutes before everyone comes back. That way, you and your family always enjoy the ideal temperature without wasting energy and money.

Use the “Hold” Setting

Get the most out of your HVAC system and programmable thermostat by using your thermostat’s “hold” setting. This is an ideal feature for when you take a vacation or are otherwise out of the house for an extended period. To get the most savings from the feature, set the temperature at about 55 degrees.

A programmable thermostat could become one of the best investments you make for your home. For more information on them and other heating and cooling services, contact an Advantage Air representative.

HVAC Repair in Ballwin, MO

It’s well known that the winters in the St. Louis, MO, area can be brutally cold and the summers can be swelteringly hot. Be ready for whatever mother nature delivers by keeping your furnace and air conditioning in tip-top shape.

For the best furnace repair Ballwin MO, you can count on Advantage Air. Our technicians are experienced with all varieties of heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps, boilers, and furnaces. Their skill and expertise can help your home stay comfortable, no matter the weather.

We can service your air conditioner, too. As one of the top cooling companies in the region, we understand the impact a humid Missouri summer can have on your central air. Let Advantage Air take care of your heating and cooling systems so you can focus on other important things.

How Your Forced-Air Furnace Works

It can be helpful to understand a few furnace basics. Then when something goes amiss with your system, you have a few ideas about what may be wrong. Of course, you should always consult with a technician and not attempt repairs yourself.

The basic heat cycle of a furnace is as follows:

1. The thermostat sends a signal to the furnace that heat is needed. Propane or natural gas ignite in the burner.
2. Cold air enters the furnace and is warmed in the heat exchanger by the burning gas.
3. Exhaust from this process exits your home through an exhaust pipe.
4. The blower fan sends the warm air into the rooms of your house.
5. As the air in the rooms warms, the cold air sinks and is directed to the furnace through return ducts.
6. The thermostat recognizes the desired temperature has been reached and turns off the gas valve.

There are several important components to your furnace that make it run smoothly. They include:

• Control Board: This is a small circuit board that receives, sends, and interprets electrical signals. For example, it tells the gas valve to open and the burners to turn on when the thermostat sends a signal.
• Burners: Located inside the furnace, these small openings are where the gas is ignited into controlled flames.
• Igniter: This device lights the gas emitting from the burners. It can either be a spark-ignition or a hot surface that ignites the gas as it passes over the surface. 
• Blower Fan: Per the demands of the house, this small fan directs warm air to the various locations.
• Heat Exchanger: These thin-walled metal tubes are heated by the combustion process. Cold air from the home flows over it and is warmed for distribution to the home.
• Plenum: Air-supply plenums send warm air to the ducts. Return-air plenums bring cold air to the furnace.
• Gas Valve: This device regulates the gas pressure coming to the furnace from either a natural gas supply line or a tank.

As you can see, there are a lot of moving parts to a heating system. And while it generally does a great job heating your home, regular maintenance and checkups are recommended for peak operating efficiency.

How Your Central Air Conditioning Works

An air conditioner works similarly to your refrigerator. Its primary job is to transfer heat from your home to the outside. Whenever it’s running, your air conditioner goes through this basic cooling cycle:

1. When the temperature rises in your home, the thermostat sends a signal to the furnace’s circuit board.
2. The blower motor in the furnace turns on as does the condenser, which is outside your house.
3. Warm air is pulled into the ductwork and is cooled when it passes over the refrigerant-filled evaporator coil, located above your furnace.
4. The cooled air enters your rooms through the return air vents.
5. The refrigerant in the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the air that passes over.
6. The now-warm refrigerant is pumped to the condenser that sits outside your home.
7. The condenser moves the outside air across the coils with the refrigerant, cooling it back down.
8. The cooler refrigerant travels back into your home to start the cycle over again.

The main components of your central air system include the following:

• Compressor: Located in the unit outside your home, the compressor’s primary job is to compress the warm refrigerant to make it denser before it travels through the condenser coil.
• Condenser Coil: This is also in the outside unit. A condenser fan moves air through the coil. The airflow causes the refrigerant to expel heat and cool down, changing the refrigerant from a high-pressure vapor to a liquid.
• Expansion Valve: When the liquid refrigerant passes through the narrow opening of the valve, the pressure drops significantly. This rapid change further cools the refrigerant and converts it to mist, sending it back to the inside unit.
• Evaporator Coil: This component is inside your home. Its primary job is to remove the heat from the air that passes over these coils and send that air throughout the ductwork in your home.

A working air conditioner is so essential to a comfortable summer in the St. Louis area. It’s important to hire a reputable HVAC company in St. Louis for any repairs or maintenance.

How To Tell if Your Furnace Needs Attention

You know how those Missouri winters can be. The middle of a February ice storm is not the time to be worried about your furnace. As soon as the leaves begin to change in the fall, call Advantage Air. We’ll send out our expert team to check over all your heating equipment and ensure that it’s ready for the season ahead. We can spot potential problems and nip them in the bud.

Unfortunately, furnace parts do wear out over time and the machinery can break down. If you notice any of the following symptoms, no matter the time of year, give us a call immediately:

1. The furnace is cycling on and off repeatedly. Something in the system is preventing your furnace from completing a full cycle. There can be many causes for this, from a dirty heat sensor to a failing fan motor.
2. The burner flame is yellow. It should be blue. A yellow flame means the gas isn’t burning completely and is often an indicator of a dirty burner. 
3. The flue is rusty. The flue vents dangerous carbon monoxide outside your home. A rusted flue can cause a CO leak.
4. Condensation is collecting inside your home on ceilings, walls, or windows. This could be a sign that your home lacks sufficient airflow. There may be problems with your furnace or your vents.
5. Your utility bills are sharply higher without a corresponding drop in outside temperature. You expect bills to rise when there’s a severe cold spell. But if temperatures are normal and your bill still went up dramatically, you could have a number of problems from a dirty filter to failing components.
6. There are puddles of water around your furnace. When a gas furnace is at work, water is a natural byproduct. However, it shouldn’t be pooling under the furnace. It’s time to call the pros.
7. You see signs of animal activity. If you suspect squirrels, mice, or rats have been in the area where your furnace is located, get your system inspected for damaged wires and clogged vents.
8. The thermostat needs constant adjustment. If you find yourself tweaking the thermostat throughout the day, it may be faulty. You should be able to set it and forget it.
9. Your home has cold spots that can’t be explained by the architecture. Sliding glass doors to the outside, for example, are a natural cold spot in many homes. If you find cold spots in the middle of rooms that are properly insulated, your furnace is struggling to heat your home.
10. Your furnace makes unusual noises followed by silence. A certain amount of mechanical humming is normal. Knocking, banging, and rattling is not. If the sounds stop abruptly, that is a clear warning sign that it’s time to call the pros.

Last, but not least, be aware of the age of your furnace. Most furnaces have a normal life span of about 20 years. You can sometimes eke out a few more years, especially if it has been well maintained. But every furnace will eventually be too old and worn to repair. 

If you know your furnace is approaching the end of its life, be proactive and replace it when the weather is warm. The experts at Advantage Air can schedule a furnace replacement when it least inconveniences you.

How To Tell if Your Central Air Needs Attention

Don’t get us wrong, we love Missouri, but the summers are so hot and humid they can drive a person insane. As soon as the trees begin to bud in the spring, call for a service appointment for your air conditioning unit. You’ll enjoy summer so much more if the air in your home is cool and less humid.

Throughout the year, be on the lookout for any of the following signs. Be sure to call your repair person if you notice them.

1. There is warm air coming out of the vents. This could be anything from a refrigerant leak to a broken compressor.
2. The cooling is delayed. It takes several minutes for the unit to turn on after adjusting the thermostat.
3. The airflow seems thin or scanty compared to previous times. The airflow should be ample and unchanging.
4. You notice large pools of water under or around the unit. A small amount of water could be condensation. Larger pools, especially if the water is discolored, demand professional attention.
5. There are unusual odors coming from the unit or the vents. You may have a deceased rodent somewhere in the system or have mold and mildew issues.
6. Your unit has needed frequent repairs in the past two years. This doesn’t include regular maintenance calls, which are a good thing. This refers to breakdowns that necessitate replacing parts. Constantly repairing an air conditioning unit generally means it’s time for a new one.
7. Your home has high humidity levels. Your air conditioner should be reducing humidity in addition to the temperature. If it’s not, it’s time to call. 
8. The unit shuts on and off frequently. 
9. Your energy bills suddenly shoot higher without a corresponding rise in outdoor temperatures. Be sure to check for this if you are relying on auto-draft to pay your bills. You can also compare your bills with the same time period a year prior. This will help you determine what is typical for that time of year.

As with furnaces, your central air unit has a natural lifespan. It’s a little shorter than your furnace, aging out at 10 to 15 years. A well-made and well-maintained unit can last 17 years. But that’s really stretching it. If your central air unit is older than 15 years, it’s time to plan for its replacement. 

By scheduling the installation of a new central air unit in the spring or fall, you can ensure that you’ll have the cool air you want when the hot season arrives. The experts at Advantage Air LLC can help you determine when would be the best time for your installation.

How To Maintain Your HVAC System

Preventive maintenance is the single most important thing you can do for your furnace and your air conditioning. Regardless of what type of heating and cooling you have, giving it a little love and attention twice a year will make all the difference. 

Preventive maintenance will alert you to issues that need to be addressed before they become bigger, more expensive problems. It also helps your system to run at peak efficiency, saving you money in the long run. It even improves indoor air quality because the air filters on your unit are kept clean and up-to-date.

Advantage Air LLC makes regular maintenance appointments. We offer different options to meet a variety of home needs. We recommend biannual checkups but can adjust to your schedule and preference. At each visit, we will inspect the equipment, remove dust and debris, and fix or replace any faulty parts. Reach out to us today to get on the schedule. 

A Quick Guide To Home Furnaces

Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s only a matter of time before you start using your furnace for the season. Before you kick yours on, it’s important to understand what kind of furnace you have and how you can maintain it so that you don’t need furnace repair Ballwin MO multiple times this year. Check out which types of furnaces are most common, how to maintain them, and more in this quick guide.

Types of Home Furnaces

Whether you’re purchasing a new furnace this season or keeping the one you already have, it’s important to know about common furnace types for homes.

Natural Gas

Natural gas furnaces are the most common type in homes. Although they can be an expensive upfront cost, they are often more affordable in the long run. Their operation is straightforward. They use a natural gas flame to heat the exchanger, which transfers the heat to the incoming air and then blows out the warm air through your home’s ducts.

Electric Furnace

Another popular option is the electric furnace. These are a bit more affordable but tend to cost more to operate over the long term. Electric options work similarly to gas furnaces. They pull the surrounding air into the system, use electricity for their heating elements, and warm the incoming air. Then, warm air comes out of your ducts.

Propane Furnace

Propane furnaces work very much like natural gas furnaces but are less expensive than them. Propane furnaces turn liquid propane into a gas, which uses the heat exchanger to heat the air around it. From there, the hot air exits through your home’s vents.

Oil Furnace

Oil is an excellent alternative to gas or electric furnaces, although it’s important to keep in mind that they are often more expensive to install, operate, and maintain. Oil furnaces use burn chambers to create heat. A fuel pump brings the oil to the chamber, which turns the oil into a mist. The mist then sprays onto the burner, which heats incoming air and distributes the warm air through the ductwork.

Wood Furnaces

Wood furnaces use wood to create heat for your home. Old models typically warmed only one or two rooms but newer models have blowers that can distribute warm air through your ducts. Dual-source furnaces are also available as a backup heating source when needed. While they are often affordable, it’s important to note they are less efficient.

The Best Type of Furnace For Your Home

The best type of furnace for your home depends on what you want to accomplish. If you want an energy-efficient heating source, stick to a gas or electric furnace. They provide efficiency and heat your home quickly.

People who need to stick to a budget should choose a wood or electric furnace. Wood tends to be the most affordable upfront, but is only feasible if your home is near a low-cost wood source. Electric furnaces are the next most affordable heating source, especially if you also have solar panels. You’ll likely also need less furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, with these options.

If you have a small home, seek out an electric or gas furnace. Electric systems are especially easy to install and can heat small homes up relatively quickly. Baseboard heating with a propane furnace is also a good idea if you own a smaller home. Larger homes should stick to gas furnaces. They heat faster than other types of furnaces.

Fall Maintenance Tips For Your Furnace

Here are a few maintenance tasks that you can perform yourself to make sure your furnace is up to date and not immediately in need of furnace repair.

Replace the Filter

One of the easiest and best things you can do for your furnace is to replace the filter. The cost-effective maintenance task can save you up to 15% on your energy bills each winter.

Seal Air Leaks

Looking for and sealing air leaks with additional insulation can save as much as 10% on your utility bills. It’s also important to look for drafty windows and doors. Adding weather stripping to these areas helps to keep warm air inside your home where it belongs.

Verify Air Vents Aren’t Obstructed

Sometimes, it may seem like your heat isn’t working when the reality is that the vents are obstructed. Before turning on your furnace for the winter, check each room to be sure there are no furniture, toys, or other items obstructing the vents from releasing warm air.

Clean Your Heating Ducts

Dirty air ducts make it hard for warm air to pass through to your vents and make the air that does come through feel dusty or dry. They also decrease overall energy efficiency. That means it’s important to check your air ducts for punctures, dents, and debris. It is a good idea to hire a professional heating and cooling specialist to perform this task.

Check Your Thermostat

Your thermostat likely works on batteries, so it’s a good idea to put a net set in before using your furnace for the winter. To determine if they work, set the temperature a couple of degrees warmer than the current temperature and see if your heat kicks in. You might also consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat, which can increase energy efficiency and save money on your utility bills.

Signs That Your Furnace Needs To Be Repaired

Sometimes maintenance isn’t enough. There are signs that you should look for to determine if you need furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, especially if your furnace is an older model.

An Increase in Energy Bills

One sign that a furnace needs to be repaired is one that people often miss. If you notice that your energy bills are increasing, it may be because your furnace is not as energy-efficient as it used to be. Fixing some of the things mentioned above could help to increase energy efficiency, but it’s also a good idea to have a professional HVAC technician check out your furnace.

A Yellow Pilot Light

If you have a gas furnace, its pilot light should be bright blue. If you notice it’s yellow, it could be a carbon monoxide leak. This is extremely dangerous, so if you find this, leave the house right away and call an HVAC company for help.

Strange Noises

The first time you turn your furnace on for the winter, you’ll probably notice some creaks and squeaks. This is normal for the first time it kicks on each winter. However, if the sounds persist, it could be due to a belt or another piece of the furnace being worn out or out of place. A trained professional can find and fix the problem.

Cycling On and Off Frequently

A furnace is supposed to turn on when it senses that the air in your home is too cold. If your furnace is coming on more often than it should, it could be that it’s overheating. Another culprit is a malfunction in the thermostat. It could also mean that your furnace is too large for your home. An ongoing problem indicates that you need to ask for help from a professional HVAC company.

The Furnace Won’t Turn On

A furnace that won’t turn on at all is a definite problem that requires a heating and cooling professional. If the thermostat is set to heat as it should be, then the problem could be a broken furnace fan, a malfunctioning gas supply, or a pilot light that has blown out.

Heating the House Takes Longer Than It Should

If the furnace is taking too long to heat your house, it could mean that it’s not large enough for your home or that something is broken and causing it to work harder than it is supposed to.

The Furnace Hasn’t Been Inspected in a Long Time

Problems with your furnace could be because a professional HVAC technician hasn’t inspected it for a few years. It is important to call someone to perform furnace maintenance. He or she will tune up the machine, troubleshoot any problems, and can even perform emergency repairs in many cases.

How To Choose the Right HVAC Professional

The most important part of finding the right people for furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, is to research two or three companies that you may be interested in doing business with. You can begin by asking your friends and family members who they’ve used as well as by searching for local results on Google. Read any reviews that you can find and when you begin contacting the companies, don’t be afraid to ask for references and follow up with them.

Next, check for their licenses, insurance, and work permits. A professional HVAC company should be able to provide copies of state licenses, workers’ compensation coverage, and insurance at a minimum. If the company you’re interested in working with fails to provide any of this information or seems to skirt around the issue, it’s a good idea to continue your search.

After you verify licenses and insurance, meet with the contractors face to face. Ask them to provide you with a full estimate of the repairs or replacement services they’ll be providing and compare the costs of each estimate. Remember, the cheapest one is not always the best one but the most expensive one isn’t necessarily the best one either.

Finally, choose a professional that has experience with the type of job that you need to be done. Don’t be afraid to go with your gut feeling. Often, your intuition will help to lead you to the right professional HVAC specialists.

What To Expect During an HVAC Appointment

When you call an HVAC company to perform a yearly maintenance check, you can expect it to provide several services. First will be the system inspection. Your HVAC technician will check the operating status of your machine, thoroughly inspecting parks like the compressor, evaporator, and condenser. They’ll ensure the refrigerant levels are topped up and check that your drain and condensate tray are working the way that they should. They’ll also ensure that electrical wires, circuits, and other connections are working properly.

Next, the HVAC company in Ballwin, MO, that you hire will clean the system thoroughly. This includes cleaning your furnace’s condenser and evaporator coils, replacing air filters, cleaning any fans, and ensuring the outside of the unit is in good working condition. If necessary, your HVAC technician will also clean your ductwork.

Finally, your technician will many any necessary adjustments to your furnace to ensure it’s working its best. This means tightening screws, replacing worn-out belts, and lubricating the components of your furnace that need it. Finally, they’ll straighten any bent parts and ensure the thermostat is working properly.

How To Know if It’s Time To Replace Your Furnace

The biggest telltale sign that you need a furnace is that it’s old. Most furnaces last 15-20 years. If yours is older than that, it’s likely that repairs won’t help it remain energy-efficient, so it’s better to replace it. There are other signs as well. If your energy bills are on the rise even after routine maintenance and repairs, it may be time for a replacement. An old furnace is also more likely to create excess dust and dirt that makes its way through your vents and into your home, thereby lowering the air quality in your home. Other signs include unevenly heated rooms, problems with humidity in the home, and a furnace that is very loud every time it kicks on.

Schedule Your HVAC Maintenance or Furnace Repair in Ballwin, MO

Are you ready to ensure that your furnace is working well this winter? Now is the time to schedule your maintenance or furnace repair Ballwin MO. Talk to the professionals at Advantage Air to learn more about our maintenance, repair, and replacement services. Our experienced HVAC technicians have years of education and training to ensure we always do the best job possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay warm this winter.

Schedule Furnace Repair Ballwin MO Service if Your Furnace Does This

As a homeowner, it’s important to be able to recognize when your furnace is having issues that should be addressed with furnace repair in Ballwin, MO. If you stay in the same home for enough years, you’ll eventually experience common furnace issues.

The sooner you schedule HVAC service to address those issues, the better. The longer you allow furnace problems to continue unchecked, the more likely you are to end up with major furnace problems that will cost more of your hard-earned money to fix.

How To Know When It’s Time for Furnace Repairs

There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a furnace, from problems with the heat pump to issues with the blower motor. You should schedule furnace repair in Ballwin, MO if your furnace does any of the following:

• Makes banging, squealing or rattling noises when it turns on
• Blows cold air
• Cycles on and off more frequently than it should
• Smells strange
• Has an orange pilot light flame

If you notice the last item on the list, it’s time to call for emergency repairs and leave your house. If possible, head to a family member or neighbor’s house until a professional can check out your furnace. A bright orange pilot light could mean gas is leaking into your home. This could be a potentially deadly scenario for you and anyone else in your home and should be addressed immediately.

Fortunately, we offer same-day emergency service here at Advantage air. Don’t hesitate to call us if you experience any of the above common furnace problems.

Call Us for Your Furnace Repair in Ballwin, MO 

For more than 20 years, Advantage Air has been a preferred provider of furnace repair in Ballwin, MO. We’d love to help you return your furnace to good working order. To schedule your service, give us a call today.

How To Purchase a New Furnace

Winter weather is just around the corner. As the temperatures drop, you want your home to be warm and cozy when you come home from a long day of work. If you find that you’re calling for furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, more often than you used to, it may be time to consider purchasing a new furnace. Use this guide to help you make the best choice for your home and your family this season.

How To Determine if It’s Time For You To Replace Your Furnace

The age of your system is the biggest indicator that you need a new one. If you are spending an increasing amount of money on furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, each year, then it is time to replace your system. Other signs that it may be time to replace your furnace include an unexplained rise in your energy bills, noticing excessive soot and dust in your system, or problems with the humidity in your home. Rooms may also heat unevenly or the furnace may become unusually noisy when it is in operation. Finally, if it is visibly rusted or cracked, it’s time to replace the furnace as soon as possible.

Different Types of Furnaces

There are several types of furnaces that you can choose from, including multi-stage heat, single-stage heat, and two-stage heat.

Multi-Stage Heat

These systems, which are also known as modulating furnaces, are considered the most efficient option. Multi-stage systems keep your home within two degrees of the temperature you program in. The flame increases and decreases at a slow speed to ensure your home is consistently the temperature that you want it to be. These systems typically cost $5,000-$7,500.

Single-Stage Heat

Single-stage heat systems, also known as single-speed systems, are the most common type of furnace. They have a single-size flame that is either on or off. They rev up before the warm air starts to flow. Once the room reaches the temperature that you’ve chosen, the system turns off until it needs to reheat the room. These systems are the most affordable and cost $2,000-$3,500.

Two-Stage Heat

Two-stage heat furnaces are more efficient than single-stage systems but not as efficient as multi-stage ones, making them an excellent compromise on efficiency and cost. These dual-flame systems have a small one that continuously operates. When the weather outside gets colder, the larger flame kicks in to create more heat. These systems run more quietly than single-stage systems do and cost $2,500-$4,000.

Electric vs. Gas. vs. Propane

When choosing your furnace, you’ll need to decide whether you want an electric, gas, or propane system. Electric systems create heat by pulling the air through a heat exchanger and pushing it out the ducts with a blower. They are the best option for people who don’t have access to a natural gas line or who do not want to risk carbon monoxide problems.

Gas furnaces are the most energy-efficient systems and typically the most popular. The natural gas burns the cold air to heat it up, then moves it through the home with a fan.

Finally, there are propane systems. Propane furnaces require an outdoor storage container for propane. It burns the heat exchanger, which then circulates the air through the home. Because propane furnaces tend to be smaller, they work best in homes that have small spaces for furnaces. They are also popular in rural areas that frequently see power outages.

Different Features To Consider in Your New Furnace

Some furnaces come with additional features that you may want to consider when purchasing your new one. If you want to be sure that every room in your house heats evenly, you may want to consider a furnace that has a variable-speed blower. This creates more controlled airflow for both heating and cooling purposes, ensuring your rooms do not have major temperature swings throughout them. Another option to consider is multi-stage operation. This type of system ensures humidity is at a comfortable percentage in the home all year long. Energy savings are also more likely with these two types of systems.

Choosing the Right Size For Your New Furnace

Purchasing the right size furnace is essential for ensuring you’re getting the most warmth as well as the best energy efficiency. If you choose one that is too small, it will need to go into overdrive to ensure that your home stays warm. On the other hand, though, if you choose one that is too large, you’ll be using more energy than you need to heat your home. A contractor can help you decide exactly which size is best for you, but as a general rule, a 1,200-square-foot home should have a furnace that puts out between 36,000 and 72,000 BTUs. A 2,400-square-foot house should have one that emits 72,000 to 144,000 BTUs.

Understanding the Pricing of Your New Furnace

Understanding how new furnaces are priced will help you to learn what you’re paying for, why, and how much you can expect to pay. Typically, about 40% of what you pay is based on the brand name. The rest of the price is based on the furnace’s features and reliability. It is also important to factor in the cost of installation when determining how much you will pay for your new furnace. A poor installation job can make even the best of furnaces work improperly and leave you needing to pay even more money to have the job done right.

Financing Options For Replacing a Furnace

Buying a new furnace is often a large purchase. For this reason, it may be beneficial to look for financing options. One choice is a traditional financing option via your bank or another reputable lender. Typically, these types of loans take anywhere from 1-15 years to pay off via monthly payments. If you prefer not to take out a loan, you can also choose a rent-to-own option. They typically do not require a credit check and usually provide full coverage, which means that you won’t need to worry about repairs for the duration of the rent-to-own terms. Typically, this is 10 years.

Hidden Costs of Installing a New Furnace

When most people think of installing a new furnace, they only imagine the cost of the furnace itself. The truth is there are some “hidden” costs to consider as well. The biggest one is how much you’ll pay for the installation. When you purchase a new furnace, the store may offer to install it for a fee. While this may be a convenient idea, it isn’t always the most affordable. The better idea is to call around to several companies that provide installation and furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, to determine which one might provide you with the best prices.

It is a good idea to put some savings back in case there are unexpected issues as well. This might include needing to update ductwork or vents in your home, for example. If you want your new furnace to be as energy-efficient as possible, it’s a good idea to ask your HVAC technicians to inspect your ductwork for holes or other problems that could prevent proper airflow once the new furnace is installed.

What To Look For in a New Furnace’s Warranty Plan

Getting a warranty with your new furnace is crucial. Most manufacturers provide you with a 10-year warranty for parts. It is also a good idea to get a labor and installation warranty of at least one year from the people who install your furnace. This helps to ensure that if you do need to fall someone for furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, it is at no cost to you. If you decide to rent to own your new furnace, ensure that it has a parts and labor warranty for the duration of the rental term. This way, you won’t need to pay for anything, even if you need a full replacement during the terms of your rent-to-own contract.

How To Choose an HVAC Company To Install Your New Furnace

Finding the right HVAC technicians is essential for insuring a thorough, safe, and correct installation of your new furnace system. The first thing you should look for when finding your HVAC company is licensing and experience. While you don’t necessarily need to find a company with many decades of experience, you want to at least be sure they’ve installed furnace systems in the past and are good at what they do. Licensing is also important, since it is illegal for an HVAC company to operate without one. Ask for the license number and verify it with the state before allowing anyone to work on your home.

Consider whether the company you choose does home evaluations as well. Detailed home evaluations are important for ensuring a fair and accurate estimate when telling you how much it will cost to install your new furnace. Not every system will work with every home, so it is a good idea to have the evaluation done before you even purchase a new system. If you notice hot or cold spots in your home, let your technician know about them so he or she can evaluate the situation and determine the best course of action.

Don’t be afraid to ask for references or referrals, either. A good company will have a strong set of references that lets you know the technicians are good at their jobs. You can also look on consumer review websites; however, do so with caution. Some unscrupulous companies pay people to leave good reviews even if they have never worked with the company.

Finally, consider whether the HVAC company provides any rebates or special offers. Some provide partnerships with certain manufacturer brands while others provide incentives if you install an energy-efficient unit.

Things To Keep in Mind When Choosing Your New Furnace

There are several other things to consider when choosing a new furnace for your home.

Zoning For Your Furnace

Each home heats and cools differently. If you want temperatures to be consistent throughout your home, it may be a good idea to use zoning, which is a recent improvement in home HVAC technology. Zoning allows you to use different thermostats for different areas of your home. It also uses a dampers within your heating ducts which cuts off heat to the rooms you don’t use, thereby saving energy and saving you money in the process.

Programmable Thermostats For Your Furnace

You aren’t always home and therefore, you don’t always need to have your home set to a warmer temperature. If you’d like to save money while you’re at work but still come home to a cozy living room, consider installing a programmable thermostat for your furnace. Programmable thermostats allow you to set certain temperatures for predetermined times. If you’re gone all day, you can set it to 66 degrees. When you’re scheduled to come home, your home will automatically warm itself up to your desired temperature.

Energy-Efficient Options

It is a good idea to choose the most energy-efficient furnace option that you can afford. To determine what works for you, it’s important to understand what the AFUE is. The annual fuel utilization efficiency rating is how efficient your furnace is when it is running. Many states actually have a minimum requirement of 80%. The higher the AFUE is, the better your furnace will heat your home. Your HVAC company can help you determine which AFUE rating will best meet the needs for your home.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

You deserve a warm and comfortable home that you’re excited to come home to during the winter months. If you are considering purchasing a new furnace instead of paying for furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, this winter season, talk to the professionals at Advantage Air. Our experienced, professional, and knowledgeable technicians can come to your home to perform a full consult. We will help you determine whether your ductwork is good, what size furnace you need, and which options will be the most energy-efficient and cost-saving for you. Schedule your consultation with us today.

A Complete Guide To Your Furnace Repair in Ballwin MO

Your furnace is an essential component of your home. Without it, you don’t have the opportunity to come home to a warm, comfortable environment. Whether you need furnace repair Ballwin MO, or you’re interested in buying an entirely new unit for your home, it’s important to understand what your options are, how each one works, and what to do if it isn’t warming your home enough. Use this complete guide to your furnace to help you.

How Do Furnaces Work?

Furnaces work in a wide range of ways, depending on the type you buy. There are a few things you can be sure of, though. For one thing, you are most likely to have a central air system with air ducts in your home. Every furnace also has its own sequence of operations.

First, the thermostat continuously checks the temperature in your home and notices differences between where your thermostat is set and what the actual temperature in the home is. It then calls for your system to begin heating the home again.

When the furnace is called upon, ignition begins. Depending on the type of system you own, you may have a pilot light, an ignition plate, or heating coils. Pilot lights are lit at all times and are most popular on older systems. Modern furnaces tend to have an ignition plate that works in a similar fashion to a spark plug. Electric units use heating coils to start the warming process.

Gas units tend to require a few more steps to dispense the warmth through the air. The burners ignite and run for as long as they need to to provide the heat that you want for your home.  The gas the furnace uses enters a heat exchanger, which separates potentially harmful gases like carbon monoxide from the gas needed to work the furnace. From there, the gas enters the ductwork to heat the specified area. Electric units are a bit different in that the heat transfers more directly from the heating coils to the ductwork without a need for a heat exchanger.

No matter which type of unit you have, your furnace will use a blower fan that pushes the heat through your home’s ductwork. From there, return air ducts bring air back into the furnace, replenishing its supply to continue the heating cycle. Each furnace also has a filter that catches debris in the air and ensures clean air is what re-enters the heating cycle. When your home gets to the proper temperature, it’s relayed to the thermostat, which signals the system to stop until it is needed again.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Specific Furnace Types?

There is a wide variety of types of furnaces, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Natural gas furnaces are the most common type in the United States. On the plus side, they are typically cheap to operate, provide a range of options, and are more efficient overall. The downside is that they may require a gas line to be added to a home that doesn’t already have one and there are more parts, which means you are more likely to need furnace repair in Ballwin, MO.

The second most common option in the United States is the electric furnace. Electric furnaces are more efficient, environmentally friendly, and have fewer internal parts than gas furnaces. However, they cost more to operate and aren’t cost-efficient in colder areas unless they have a high-efficiency heat pump.

Oil and propane furnaces are the third option that people tend to go for. They are a cheaper option for people who live in colder climates, but the cost to operate them can have large fluctuations. Additionally, operating these types of furnaces require more careful upkeep to ensure they remain safe and efficient

How To Choose the Right Size For Your Furnace

The size of your furnace is not necessarily about its physical size but instead refers to its heating capacity. You don’t want to purchase a furnace that is too small because it won’t be as energy-efficient and won’t heat your home properly. On the other hand, you don’t want to choose one too large because it will run even when it’s not needed and cause your heating bills to skyrocket.

To determine what size furnace you need for your home, you’ll need to hire a heating and cooling specialist. They use something known as the Manual J Load Calculation. The HVAC contractor measures the number and size of your windows, and your home’s square footage determines the condition of the windows, checks the insulation, and measures the height of your ceilings. All of this information helps them to determine what size furnace you need.

All of this information is used to find the tonnage. Tonnage is measured in BTUs, which stands for British Thermal Units. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs. Typically, residential furnaces range from 1-5 tons. However, houses that have more than 5,000 square feet may need more than one furnace to remain warm.

Common Problems in Furnaces

There is a wide range of problems that can come with a furnace. Luckily, you’ll be able to easily find furnace repair in Ballwin, MO. Even so, it’s a good idea to understand your furnace and the symptoms that show it needs to be repaired.

Dirty filters are one of the most common problems in furnaces. When a filter gets too dirty, the air becomes dirtier, too. This means more issues with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. It also makes your furnace system blocked, causing it to work harder and even shaves years off of its lifespan. Luckily, checking the furnace once a month and replacing its air filter will help to alleviate the problem and is something that you can do on your own.

Wear and tear on the system is also common of course. The older it gets, the more likely you are to need furnace repair in Ballwin, MO. They’ll need to work on the blower motor, the ductwork, and the heat exchanger from time to time. However, you can slow down the wear and tear on your furnace by having professional maintenance done on the machine at least once a year.

How Important Is Furnace Maintenance?

Maintaining your furnace is the single most important thing you can do for it. While there are DIY guides, it’s always a good idea to hire a professional for your maintenance needs. This can mean the difference between getting 12 years out of your furnace or using the same one for up to 20 years. Your HVAC maintenance technician will check a variety of things.

• Carbon monoxide levels
• Condition of the blower motor
• Condition of the filter
• Condition of the flame sensor
• Condition of the gas lines
• Condition of the heat exchanger
• Flue venting
• Safety shut-off equipment
• Temperature rise 

What Are the Signs That You Need Furnace Repair?

There are a variety of signs that may appear when you need furnace repair in Ballwin, MO. One of the most common signs is a change in your airflow. This means that some rooms may feel cooler than normal or not receive any airflow at all.

Short cycling is another sign. If the furnace kicks on more often than it used to, you may need furnace repair. This is occurring because the system isn’t properly reading the temperature. Over time, the constant cycling can do more damage to your furnace and shorten its lifespan.

You might notice abnormal smells or sounds in your furnace when it is in need of repair. While it’s normal to smell a bit of “heat” when you kick it on for the first time in the winter, it isn’t normal for it to constantly smell that way. Additionally, too many creaking or rattling noises may indicate a problem as well.

What Is the Cost of Furnace Installation?

Eventually, furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, will not be enough and you’ll need to replace your unit to ensure your home remains as warm as you need it to be. There are some things you should understand about the cost of furnace replacement. In fact, there are two important price points. First, the price quoted in an estimate should always include the cost of the furnace as well as the labor costs. Keep in mind that the cost of labor can be as much as 50% of the total cost of installation.

Second, the price should include any permit or inspection fees. They are a legal requirement in most states, so be sure to ask your heating and cooling specialist about them if you don’t see them on the estimate. Finally, keep in mind that ductwork or any other major modifications that are necessary will not be included in the price of the installation. Typically, you can expect to pay $3,000 to $7,600 for installation, depending on whether your system is single-stage, two-stage, or variable speed as well as whether it is a high-efficiency unit.

 What Affects the Cost of a New Furnace?

When you’re installing a new furnace, there are several cost factors to consider. One of the biggest ones is the size of your home. The larger it is, the bigger the furnace you’ll need and the more you will need to spend. The quality of your windows is another determining factor. If they aren’t well insulated, they’ll cause you to spend more on your furnace needs. Insulation quality also factors into this. Some other things to consider include how many stages the equipment has, whether you get add-ons, and the type of furnace that you’ll be installing.

How To Choose the Best Furnace For Your Home

There are several things to consider when choosing the best furnace for your home. First, consider how warm or cold your home is during the winter. If temperatures are frequently at or below freezing, electric furnaces can be more costly than gas options. Consider your budget as well. Are you more interested in saving money in the short term or do you want to save money on your utility bills in the future?

How long will you be in your home? If you’re planning to sell within 5 or so years, then you don’t necessarily need a high-end system (unless you want it to raise the value of your home). If you’re planning to stay in your home for at least 10-15 years, an energy-efficient option is the better choice for lower utility bills.

How To Choose the Right HVAC Technician

Choosing the right HVAC technician is essential for ensuring that your furnace is safe and operating the way that it should. When seeking someone to perform furnace repair in Ballwin, MO, always look for a reputable HVAC company that charges fair repair costs. Start by asking friends and family who they use. Typically, you’ll find some good recommendations this way.

If friends or family happen not to have suggestions, you can go to Google to search for heating and cooling professionals in your area. Be sure to read reviews on Google and other websites. Keep in mind that one or two bad reviews are common, especially for larger companies. On the other hand, if a company has no reviews or a lot of bad ones, it’s a good idea to steer clear.

Once you have 2-3 HVAC companies that you may want to hire, call them. Ask them if they are licensed and insured and if they’ll provide you with proof of that. Then, start talking about specifics regarding your needs. Does the company provide free estimates? What are the costs like? Keep in mind that you get what you pay for while you’re making your decision.

Contact Advantage Air Today For Your Furnace Repair in Ballwin, MO

Are you in need of electric or gas furnace repair in Ballwin, MO? Advantage Air is ready to help. Our professionals can fix anything from the heat exchanger to the flame sensor and everything in between. We offer fair pricing, detailed estimated, and a vast amount of on-the-job knowledge. Let us help you keep your home warm this winter.

Come to Us for Your Furnace Repair Ballwin MO Needs

When there’s something wrong with your furnace, it’s nice to know trusted experts are standing by ready to troubleshoot the problem. Here at Advantage Air, we have built a reputation on our ability to provide outstanding furnace repair Ballwin MO service. Whether you’re experiencing common furnace problems or something a little more unusual, we won’t stop until we identify the problem and recommend at least one solution.

Our HVAC System Services

Whether your furnace blower motor has gone out or you’re experiencing problems with your heat pump, we know how to offer the right types of repairs for your specific needs. We’ll carefully inspect your HVAC system to make sure we fix the source of the problem and return your furnace to excellent working order if at all possible.

In some cases, furnace repair Ballwin MO service may not be sufficient. If your furnace is very old and is unlikely to last long after we make our repairs, we’ll let you know. That way you can decide whether you want to spend the money on repairs or if you’d rather purchase a whole new HVAC system.

In addition to repairing your heating system, we can also provide you with the following services:

• HVAC installation
• HVAC maintenance
• Air filtration services
• Air sealing services
• Attic insulation installation

We’d love for you to call us anytime during regular business hours to discuss the various services we can offer you. We have more than 20 years of experience serving residents in Ballwin MO and surrounding areas, and we’re confident we’ll soon become your heating and cooling company of choice.

Contact Us for Your Furnace Repair Ballwin MO Needs

Most homeowners eventually have to deal with a malfunctioning furnace. When this happens to you, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ll come out to provide furnace repair Ballwin MO services as soon as possible.