Many homeowners don’t realize something is wrong with their home’s furnace until there are obvious signs and symptoms present. Since a cracked heat exchanger is one of the most serious problems your natural gas furnace can have, it’s important to know what to look for. The heating professionals at Grove Heating & Cooling explain the signs of a cracked heat exchanger so you know when to call for help regarding this important furnace issue.
A furnace heat exchanger is an important part of a furnace. It helps to transfer heat from the furnace to the air in your home. Heat generated by combusting fuel is normally contained within the furnace’s heat exchanger as heat energy is transferred to the home’s air, and these byproducts of combustion eventually exit the system and the home through the flue.
The combustion process produces many byproducts, one of which is carbon monoxide. A cracked heat exchanger can be dangerous because it can allow carbon monoxide to mix with the home’s air supply. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause serious health problems, even death.
There are a handful of distinct and common signs of a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace. The signs and symptoms all homeowners need to be mindful of include:
The first sign of a problem with your heating system is the color of the furnace flame. You can easily decipher whether you need to call for repair or not by just looking at the flame color. If it is a normal blue, then there’s nothing wrong and no need to panic, but if its flame is yellow, then there’s a problem in your furnace.
A yellow flame is one of the signs of a cracked or damaged heat exchanger, but it can also indicate dirty burners. If the furnace produces a flickering yellow flame, it’s likely that the problem within your furnace is on the serious side and needs immediate professional attention.
Carbon builds up inside the furnace system, often as a result of incomplete fuel combustion, creating more soot than normal within the unit. Faulty burners in your HVAC system can cause an excess of soot in the furnace, most commonly due to inadequate maintenance or pilot light issues. However, cracked heat exchangers can also result in increased soot levels.
If you notice an unpleasant smell coming from your heating system, it could be one of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger. These fumes typically smell similar to formaldehyde. The fumes are highly toxic and can be very dangerous if inhaled.
Your furnace works hard to keep your home comfortable all winter long. But like any machine, it will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear. If you notice external components beginning to degrade, it’s likely that the internal components are also starting to experience some wear and tear. This damage is often one of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger.
Stress cracks are generated by the cyclical expansion and contraction of the components as their metals heat up and cool down. Corrosion can impact various components when they are exposed to chloride fumes or moisture in the system.
If you’re noticing any of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger, it’s important to call a professional right away. A cracked heat exchanger can be dangerous, and can quickly lead to furnace failure.
At Grove Heating & Cooling, we offer furnace repair and replacement services in Maryland. We can help you inspect your furnace for signs of a cracked heat exchanger and provide the best course of action for repairing or replacing your furnace. If you notice any of the signs of a cracked heat exchanger in your furnace, call us today to schedule an appointment for furnace repairs.
Your thermostat and air conditioning system work together to keep your Maryland home comfortable all summer long. If your thermostat isn’t working right, chances are you’re going to experience some discomfort this season. Grove Heating & Cooling explains the bad thermostat symptoms you need to watch out for, as well as your options to resolve thermostat problems.
If you notice cooling problems in the home, you may also notice one or more of these thermostat issues:
The primary purpose a thermostat serves is to communicate to your cooling equipment. In the summer, it relays messages to the air conditioner or heat pump to reduce the temperature inside the home. If your cooling unit isn’t responding to temperature signals from the thermostat, it’s likely that your thermostat is having an issue.
Short cycling is among the most common reasons thermostats are replaced. Short cycling can occur when the thermostat shuts off the cooling system before it should, and fails to complete a full cooling cycle.
The wiring in your thermostat may be damaged, disrupting the connection between the cooling unit and its controls. Call an expert to identify if wiring problems are the issue at fault and make repairs if possible. The thermostat may need to be replaced if it is no longer communicating with the home’s HVAC equipment.
A properly calibrated thermostat will make sure that your indoor spaces do not get too cold or hot. Improper temperature readings are one of the faulty thermostat symptoms you need to be aware of.
To determine if the temperature is accurate, test the reading of the thermostat using an indoor thermometer. If the readings on your thermostat are not correct, the thermostat’s sensor may be failing. The cause could be due to age, the need for calibration, or other defects.
A failing thermostat can thwart all efforts to lower household cooling costs. An unexpectedly high electric bill may be the first sign you have of a failing thermostat. If the thermostat isn’t properly measuring the temperature, it is likely to result in your cooling unit working too hard. The more frequently the system runs per hour, the greater its power consumption.
A defective thermostat is typically unable to maintain the temperature settings you input. It can change temperature settings with no prior warning or misread temperatures, causing the cooling system to produce temperatures higher or lower than you like.
You can lower the thermostat setting to test it and observe the results. If the same issue occurs, contact a technician to investigate. There could be a loose connection, or the thermostat may be in need of replacement.
Once you have adjusted temperatures, the thermostat should immediately react to the changes and send appropriate signals to instruct your cooling system. In most cases, you’ll hear a clicking noise when you adjust the settings, and your HVAC system starts almost immediately. If the HVAC system isn’t turning on when you change the thermostat settings, chances are it requires replacement.
Some thermostat issues have easy fixes and a simple repair can restore the thermostat’s function. Severe thermostat problems may require that a new unit be installed.
Homeowners have many options to choose from when selecting a new thermostat:
Smart thermostats can be programmed but they don’t require it. When you use them, these thermostats will learn your preferred temperatures and household schedule. The thermostat automatically switches between settings that are energy efficient and in line with your preferences. You can also control a smart thermostat remotely, which is an incredibly handy feature to have.
Programmable thermostats are programmable and automatically adjust cooling system operation to achieve the desired temperature over the course of the day. Program desired temperature setpoints based on your preferences and when the home will be occupied.
If you notice any bad thermostat symptoms this summer, don’t waste time calling Grove Heating & Cooling. Our team will inspect your thermostat, perform repairs if possible, or install a new thermostat that provides precision control over your cooling system.
The summer heat can be oppressive, but with the right cooling equipment, you can keep your home or office cool and comfortable. In this post, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common types of cooling equipment we install to help Maryland homeowners stay cool in summer.
Grove Heating & Cooling installs several different types of cooling systems. Your cooling system options include central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, and ductless mini split systems. Keep reading to learn more about each type of HVAC unit.
A central air conditioner is a split HVAC system, meaning it has indoor and outdoor equipment. The indoor equipment is the air handler or furnace, while the outdoor equipment is called the condensing unit.
An air conditioning unit doesn’t actually chill the air by adding some sort of coolness to help you stay cool in summer. Instead, it removes heat from the air and transfers it outside. The cold air is then circulated back into your home’s living areas via ducts.
Air source heat pumps are a type of central cooling split system. They typically include an indoor air handler and outdoor heat pump unit, connected by refrigerant lines.
How do they work? Air source heat pumps cool in the same manner as central air conditioners. The main difference between central air conditioners and heat pumps is that a heat pump also has the ability to heat the home, while air conditioners only cool it.
Geothermal systems use a type of heat pump that transfers heat between the indoor air and the ground or a water source. The components include the geothermal heat pump (usually installed inside the home), the ground loop, and a distribution system consisting of either ducts or radiant water pipes. The ground loop is a special component composed of fluid-filled pipes placed below ground on the property.
Geothermal heat pumps can extract heat from the ground and use it to help you stay cool in summer. This can be a more efficient option than traditional air conditioning systems and other cooling options, and it can also save you money on your energy bills. Geothermal systems can also be used for home heating.
Ductless cooling systems, also called ductless mini splits, use a different setup than most other cooling systems. One outdoor unit connects to multiple indoor units. The air conditioner or heat pump sits outside and connects to air handlers installed throughout the home. This setup allows for individual control of cooling in various areas of the home, making them very energy efficient.
Summertime is hot, and no one wants to be uncomfortable in their own home. Luckily, there are a variety of HVAC systems to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. If you’re looking for ways to stay cool in summer, contact Grove Heating & Cooling to discuss your options and find the perfect cooling solution for you! A Grove HVAC technician will be happy to assist you.
Many homeowners don’t know what air conditioner short cycling is, but they may see the signs of it during summer days. Short cycling signals a problem with your cooling equipment, which leads to higher energy bills, unreliable comfort control, and even equipment damage. Grove Heating & Cooling explains what air conditioner short cycling can do to your home, what causes it, and how to fix these system issues.
Air conditioner short cycling can cause many problems inside your home and with your cooling system. If you experience short cycling, you’ll probably notice symptoms such as:
Many system issues can be behind air conditioner short cycling. Take a look at the most common causes of this HVAC system problem and what needs to be done to correct these malfunctions or flaws.
When air filters become dirty, they make it harder for your HVAC system to circulate cool air throughout the air conditioning unit as well as the home. A dirty air filter can cause the compressor and fan motor to overheat prematurely, which will force the air conditioner to shut down its cooling cycle early for safety.
If you experience air conditioner short cycling, the filter is a good starting point in your search for solutions. Check the air filter to see if it has become filled with contaminants – replace it if it is no longer in usable condition. With a new filter in place, see how your air conditioner runs – if the short cycling doesn’t stop, move on to troubleshoot other possible problems.
If the evaporator coil is covered in ice, it is unable to extract heat from air circulating through the air conditioner. The frozen coil will cause the system to work harder and use more energy to accomplish its task, ultimately leading to overheating and air conditioner short cycling.
Remove the access panel on your indoor cooling equipment to inspect the coils. If you see ice on the coils, shut down your air conditioner and allow the coils to thaw. You may choose to set the system fan to ON in order to keep warm air flowing over the icy coils, which can help them thaw faster. A dirty or clogged air filter can cause coils to freeze, so also check the filter while the coils thaw and replace it if needed. Once coils are thawed, turn the air conditioner back on – if it continues to short cycle, call your HVAC company for repairs.
Your air conditioner requires a certain refrigerant charge to operate correctly. If refrigerant escapes the system through a leak, the cooling unit will consume more energy and overwork. This causes the system to overheat and shut down prematurely.
Refrigerant leaks causing air conditioner short cycling must be handled by an HVAC professional. If you suspect your system has a refrigerant leak, call for repairs.
A system that isn’t properly sized for the home is another common cause of air conditioner short cycling. When air conditioners are too large for the space, they cool the home too fast. This results in the cooling cycle ending before the appropriate length of time, causing more starts and stops which wear out parts of the unit.
The only solution for this cause of AC unit short cycling is to replace your cooling unit. Make sure you get the right size by working with a qualified HVAC professional to replace your air conditioner.
If you experience air conditioner short cycling this summer, don’t allow this problem to continue without attention or you will pay the price. Call Grove Heating & Cooling to schedule air conditioner repairs today.
In the summer months, many homeowners in the Bowie, MD area experience excessive indoor humidity. This is more than just an annoyance; it can affect your furniture, your allergies, and your comfort. High levels of humidity can also lead to mold growth, cause your air conditioner to use more energy, and more. Grove Heating & Cooling explains why humidity is higher this time of year and how to decrease humidity for better comfort this season.
Unfortunately, increased humidity is just a natural consequence of warmer temperatures over the summer months. When air is warm, it is able to hold more moisture particles than it can when it is cold, causing higher humidity levels this time of year.
When the air is humid outside, you also feel it inside. Air leaks throughout the home, open windows and doors, and other factors cause humid outdoor air to make its way inside. As humid outdoor air mixes with indoor air, the indoor relative humidity level will also rise and your living areas will feel muggier. Excess moisture buildup can also lead to mold growth which can damage your home and cause health issues.
Air conditioners help some with decreasing indoor humidity levels during the summer, as the cooling process naturally causes some moisture to condense and leave the circulating air supply. If your home’s air conditioner is too large for the area, you may notice that your living areas feel even more humid than they should this time of year. When air conditioners are too big, they start up and shut down again quickly, running a shortened cooling cycle – this is an issue known as short cycling. Because the air conditioner doesn’t run for the proper length of time, you don’t receive the dehumidification benefits you would normally receive from air conditioner use.
If you’re struggling with high indoor humidity this summer, you don’t have to put up with the discomfort all season long. Read our tips below so you can keep relative humidity levels balanced and make your living areas more comfortable.
Take advantage of your home’s ventilation equipment to expel stale, humid air from your living areas this summer. If you have a whole home ventilation system, use it to bring in fresh air, which lowers humidity by also pushing out highly humid air from inside the home. Run exhaust fans when showering or washing clothes in hot water, and use the kitchen range hood when cooking on the stovetop to expel hot, humid air.
You can add more insulation to decrease the amount of outdoor air that infiltrates your home. Add insulation in areas of the home such as attics and wall gaps to keep in cool air and block out hot, humid outside air. Add weatherstripping around windows and doors to seal up gaps, and use caulk to close cracks and other air leaks throughout the home.
While air conditioning units do provide some level of dehumidification in the summer, it often isn’t enough to keep households comfortable in spite of naturally high humidity levels. Installing a whole house dehumidifier gives your cooling system the power to extract more moisture and keep humidity levels properly balanced indoors. An HVAC professional can help you lower indoor humidity levels by installing a whole house dehumidifier and showing you how to operate your new equipment properly.
Grove Heating & Cooling can help homeowners in Bowie, MD reduce humidity levels by using whole home dehumidifiers. Contact us today to request an estimate for whole house dehumidifier installation or to learn about our other indoor air quality services.
In the average home, the water heater will run for about three hours each day. Total run time can range from one to two hours for new tankless water heaters to five or more hours for older tank style water heaters. If you find your water heater constantly running, Grove Heating & Cooling explains some reasons why this happens and what needs to be done to stop your water heater from wasting energy. As HVAC experts, we help many homeowners with water heater services.
When you have a water heater constantly running, it could be due to one (or more) of the following causes.
Water heater leaks are frequently behind water heaters that run constantly. When a water heater leaks, the leak essentially drains the hot water tank, and the system loses hot water. If you find signs of a leak, call your plumber right away to schedule water heater repairs. Depending on the source of the leak, repairs may be possible or replacing the water heater entirely may be recommended.
Another common reason for a water heater that runs too frequently is that it is losing heat due to a lack of insulation. When the water heater isn’t properly insulated, a great deal of heat can be lost from the stored hot water inside. This forces the system to run more in order to maintain the desired temperature of your hot water.
Solving insulation issues can be done in a number of ways. You can purchase and install an insulation blanket that fits around the unit, which will help it better retain heat. Or, it may be time to upgrade if your hot water heater is an older model. Buying a new water heater can get you a system that has better insulation for increased energy savings.
Sediment buildup may be the reason you have a water heater constantly running. Over time, minerals in your water can settle at the bottom of the tank and form a sludge. This sludge can then block the heating element, preventing the water from heating up to the appropriate temperature. The water heater will run more often because it must work harder to keep water warm despite this blockage.
If you regularly drain the tank for maintenance, this issue can be solved by simply flushing your unit. However, you don’t want to do this task if you have never done so before and your water heater is older. At this point, that sediment may be blocking cracks in the lining, and flushing the tank can create irreversible leaks.
If your water heater is older, it’s likely that its functionality has diminished over time. The age of a water heater is one of the most common reasons for it to constantly run. At this point, repairs are unlikely to correct the issue and it is best to replace the system.
When you notice a water heater constantly running, don’t ignore this plumbing problem. Call Grove Heating & Cooling to schedule service with our licensed plumbing team.
It’s that time of year again – the weather here in Maryland is starting to get a little warmer. Homeowners are starting to wonder when they should turn on their air conditioners. Turning on your cooling system too early can lead to unnecessary energy consumption and spending, but you don’t want your home to feel uncomfortable! The pros of Grove Heating & Cooling share the best time to turn on AC equipment and other alternatives that will keep you cool and help you save money.
There’s no single answer to the best time to turn on an AC system. It depends on the climate, your home’s insulation, and even your daily routine. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to find the right time for your household.
For most homeowners, the ideal time to turn on their air conditioner unit is when the temperature reaches 75 degrees Fahrenheit indoors. If you have particularly good insulation, you may be able to wait until outdoor temperatures are much higher before you need to switch on the cooling system. Keep in mind that turning on your AC will use energy and drive up your utility bills. So only turn it on when it’s really necessary.
There are a few instances when you might want to consider opening a window instead of using your air conditioner. If it’s a mild day and the breeze feels nice, crack a window open and let the fresh air circulate. You can also open windows if your home is particularly stuffy or you have pets inside. In general, opening windows is a great way to save on energy costs and keep your home cool without relying on mechanical cooling systems. If you do need to use the AC, just make sure windows are closed before turning on the system.
So, when is it better to use a fan instead of the air conditioner? The answer depends on the temperature and the humidity. If it’s hot and humid outside, using a fan will only make you feel more uncomfortable. In this case, you should turn on the air conditioner to cool down the room. If it’s cool or dry outside, using a fan can help you save money on your energy bill while keeping your living areas comfortable. Fans should only be used in rooms that are occupied, as their cooling effect is only beneficial when people are present to enjoy it – otherwise, running the fan just wastes energy.
There are pros and cons to using air conditioners, and the same goes for opening windows. The main advantage to using the air conditioner is that it can quickly and efficiently cool down a room. It’s also helpful in dehumidifying the air, which can be useful when it is humid.
AC units can be expensive to operate. Opening windows allows fresh air to circulate in a room, and it’s a free and natural way to cool down your home. However, opening windows does not have as much of an impact on cooling down a space as using an AC unit. Additionally, opening windows can let in pests or noise from outside. A fan is a good compromise between using the AC and opening windows. It’s affordable to operate and doesn’t impact the environment like an air conditioner does. Plus, it can help cool down a room quickly.
Get your air conditioner or heat pump tuned up before the days start to become hot. Typically, you’ll want to schedule this professional service in the spring to make sure your unit is cared for before it’s time to use it again. An air conditioning unit maintenance tune up will help ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently, and will also help prevent any costly repairs down the line.
When it comes to determining the best time to turn on AC units, there’s no one definitive answer. It depends on outdoor temperature, the time of year, and your own personal preferences. However, following these general tips should help you make the most of your AC unit – and help you save money on your energy bills in the process.
Get ready for air conditioning season! Schedule your annual tune up with Grove Heating & Cooling before turning on your HVAC system this year. Contact us today to schedule a service call.
As a homeowner, you want your HVAC system to last as long as possible. After all, they quickly become expensive to replace. So how long do heat pumps typically last, and how you can help your heat pump remain fully functional for as long as possible?
In the latest blog post from Grove Heating and Cooling in Bowie, MD, we’ll discuss these questions and more to help homeowners learn what to expect out of their heat pump system.
Able to provide homes with both heating and cooling, you might think that heat pumps have a heat pump’s longevity is shorter than other HVAC systems, as a heat pumps work all year long. However, If your home in Bowie, MD, or beyond utilizes a heat pump, you can typically expect it to last for 10-20 years. This is very similar to the life expectancy of other HVAC equipment, such as furnaces and central air conditioners.
Heat pumps are known for their efficiency and are often able to provide homeowners with much lower heating and cooling costs than traditional HVAC systems are able to. Reach out to a professional to learn more about heat pumps and to determine if they’re right for your home’s needs.
Just like many other appliances, heat pumps require regular maintenance in order to fix any minor issues that occur with normal usage. While other HVAC systems require a tune-up once per year, heat pumps benefit from two appointments per year, as they’re used year-long for both heating and cooling.
By providing your system with regular maintenance, you’ll keep any minor issues from growing and becoming more serious. Any issues that are left unaddressed and unresolved can lead to a complete system breakdown, causing you to replace the system altogether. Ensure that your system is able to last for as long as possible by providing it with the bi-annual proper maintenance service that it needs. If you maintain regular maintenance, you might even extend the heat pump’s lifespan so you can buy yourself some more time before needing to purchase a new cooling system.
It’s a smart idea to know your heat pump’s age, and pay close attention to your heat pump as it nears the end of the heat pump’s life expectancy. Is it heating your home as effectively as it once was? Is it making any strange noises? Anything out of the ordinary should indicate that it’s time to contact a professional to come and inspect your system.
After your thorough inspection is complete, your heating and air conditioning technician should help you decide the next steps. Whether the system needs repairs or a replacement, be sure to have the necessary service performed in order to stay safe and comfortable within your home.
Grove Heating and Cooling has many years of experience in providing residents of Crofton, Bowie, Annapolis, and the surrounding areas with high-quality heat pump services. Whenever your system requires maintenance, repairs, or a complete replacement, count on the experienced and dedicated professionals at Grove Heating and Cooling. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
The hottest days of the year require a high-quality air conditioning system that your home can depend on. Keeping your family safe and comfortable is of the utmost importance, and installing a reliable air conditioner is a great step to take.
Trane is a brand known for quality, and you’ll notice many benefits when you make the switch to a Trane air conditioning system. The team at Grove Heating and Cooling have the Trane Comfort Specialist certification and we’ll discuss some of the many benefits that come with installing Trane air conditioners in your home.
The older that an air conditioner becomes, the less effective it will become. By replacing your old, outdated air conditioning unit with one of the brand new Trane AC units on the market today, you’ll immediately notice more efficient and effective temperatures.
The Trane system’s increased effectiveness will also allow for greater temperature control. If some areas of your home are the perfect temperature, while others are much warmer or cooler, installing a new Trane air conditioner can provide the right solution.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your air conditioner is the right size for your home. When you install a new Trane air conditioner, you can talk with your HVAC technician to ensure you’re receiving the Trane systems that are right for your home.
Trane air conditioning systems feature an innovative design that provides the system with excellent efficiency. These systems from Trane meet the standards required by Energy Star, signaling high efficiency which leads to a low overall impact on the environment. Additionally, the efficiency of these systems leads to lower overall energy savings than you might find from other systems.
Old air conditioners often struggle to reach a home’s set temperature in a timely manner. The longer that an air conditioner takes to meet your set temperature, the more energy your system will use. Replacing your current air conditioner with a more energy-efficient model from Trane will help to lower your air cooling costs.
When you choose Trane for your new air conditioning system, you have plenty of options available. Trane offers central air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductless systems to ensure that your needs are fully met.
These units are the most common type of air conditioning system. Trane offers a variety of different central air conditioner models, so speak to a professional that is experienced with Trane systems to find the best unit for your home.
Contrary to the name, heat pumps provide homes with both heating and cooling. These Trane systems are used all year long and provide excellent efficiency and low energy costs.
With a ductless system, you won’t need any ductwork in place to complete the installation process. Instead, multiple ductless systems can be installed in different rooms around the home to provide optimal temperature control.
Trane is know for producing high-quality HVAC equipment. For Trane AC unit installation in Bowie, Crofton, Annapolis and beyond, get in touch with Grove Heating and Cooling today.
The thermostat is a critical component of any heating and cooling system, as it communicates the HVAC equipment’s operating instructions to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. While there’s a seemingly infinite number of device models on the market, there are only a few types of thermostats. The HVAC professionals of Grove Heating & Cooling explain the different types of thermostats and how they function so homeowners can easily understand the available options for controlling heating and cooling equipment in your Maryland home.
Differentiating the types of thermostats is done by looking at the way they operate. From there, thermostats are further categorized by the various functions and features they provide.
There are two different types of thermostats: line-voltage thermostats and low-voltage thermostats. Each of these thermostat types works with certain types of heating systems and they differ based on the voltage they use to operate.
The line-voltage thermostat gets its name from the fact that it runs on the same electrical circuit as the heating unit and uses the same circuit voltage, either 120 volts or 240 volts. This type of thermostat essentially acts as a switch that supplies the heater with power, as electrical current flows through the unit.
Amongst the different kinds of thermostats, more specific equipment categories exist. These thermostat categories offer different features and functions, providing users with options for varied control over temperature settings and convenience features. Categories of the different types of thermostats are:
With so many thermostat makes and models available, it can be difficult to determine the best choice for your home and heating or cooling system. When it’s time to upgrade your thermostat, work with Grove Heating & Cooling to explore your options. Contact us today to receive an estimate for thermostat installation in Maryland.
2142 Priest Bridge Ct. Suite 6, Crofton, MD 21114
