[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":37},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$f4IJcHZi_YqlLl26O0jgXLZ2h113kMTrxDYyjwkM0FUQ":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":14},{"category":5,"date":6,"html":7,"image":8,"readingMinutes":9,"slug":10,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":12,"title":13},"Heating","2018-11-30","\u003Cp>It’s the holidays, and that means it’s time to cozy up with a cup of cocoa and a good book! The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the company of loved ones, and warm home is essential for that enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>This is the time of year when it’s important to keep your home warm and inviting—not just for yourself but for your loved ones as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>But what if you can’t afford to heat your home? How can you make sure everyone in your family is warm and cozy this holiday season? \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>This article is going to walk you through everything you need to know about how to keep home warm in winter. We’ll cover everything from keeping your thermostat at a reasonable temperature all the way up to what kind of \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Ffurnace-maintenance\">heating system\u003C\u002Fa> might work best for your home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Whether you want a simple solution that will keep your home warm without costing too much money or something more complex that can easily handle extreme weather conditions, there are options out there for everyone—and we’ll cover them all!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>What to Prepare for this Holiday?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>As the winter season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll be keeping warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>While most of us think about the fireplace or a space heater, there are other ways to keep your house cozy and comfy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Here are some tips on how to keep home warm without heating!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Insulate windows and doors.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>A lot of heat escapes through your windows and doors. To prevent that, consider adding insulation to your walls or installing storm windows or curtains. You can also use draft stoppers in the cracks around the doors or windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Use a space heater.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Don’t rely on a whole-house heating system if you’ll be out of the house for long periods. Instead, use space heaters in rooms where you’ll spend most of your time during the day (like the kitchen). It can also be used if you are wondering, “How to keep a mobile home warm in the winter?” If you do decide to use a whole-house heating system, turn down the thermostat when you’re away from home so that it doesn’t run constantly while no one’s there! \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Use draft stoppers.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Draft stoppers are little pieces of plastic that fit into the space between window panes, preventing cold air from blowing through them as it comes in through the frames. Draft stoppers can be purchased at any hardware store, but if you want to save money on this project, consider using an old sock instead! Just cut off the toe end and pull it over the bottom of your door or window frame until it fits snugly against the frame. It will create a tight seal between the outside and inside air, keeping cold drafts and warm air in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Install weatherstripping. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Weatherstripping is a simple and effective way to keep heat inside your home. It’s easy to install and costs less than $10 per foot of a door or window. You can buy it from hardware stores or online retailers like Amazon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Use thermal curtains or heavy drapes. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Thermal curtains are made of material that helps insulate your windows, keeping them warmer for longer periods of time throughout the day. Heavy drapes also help insulate windows by reducing the amount of light coming through them. The more light that comes in through your windows, the more heat you lose through them—so if you want to save some money on heating costs this winter, consider replacing old curtains with new ones made from heavier fabrics like cotton canvas or wool fabric (which will be more expensive than polyester-based fabrics).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Reverse ceiling fans.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Reverse ceiling fans are designed to push air down instead of pushing air up. In the summer, they’re great at cooling down a room. But in the winter, they can actually help retain heat by creating a pocket of hot air near the ceiling where your body will feel warmer. It’s a win-win!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Upgrade insulation.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Insulation helps keep heat from escaping through your walls, floors, and ceilings. If you don’t have enough insulation in your home (or if your current insulation is outdated), then it’ll be harder for your furnace or other heating system to keep up with this winter’s frigid temperatures. Upgrading your insulation will make sure that doesn’t happen!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Seal cracks and gaps in your walls and floors. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Cracks in walls or gaps around pipes and electrical outlets can let cold air into your home through those spaces, so make sure they’re sealed off with caulk or weatherstripping tape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Keep the thermostat consistent.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Set your home’s thermostat to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (or higher if you live in an area with really high heating costs), and leave it there! This will help keep your home warm without having to adjust the temperature throughout the day or week.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Let the sunlight in.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>The warmth of the sun is a great way to keep your house warm during the day. The more sunlight you let in, the more heat will be generated. Keep curtains open when possible, and take advantage of windows to let in as much natural light as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Make use of blankets and throws.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Blankets are an easy way to add extra warmth to any room. Use them on sofas, chairs, or even over windows to block out cold air (make sure they’re not too heavy, or they’ll restrict airflow). Throws can also add comfort and style by adding color accents to any space. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Insulate your water heater.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Another step to keeping your home warm is insulating your water heater. Water heaters are one of the biggest energy drains in a home, and they can account for a minimum of 40% of the energy used in some homes each year. That’s because they’re always running, even when no one’s in the house! Insulating yours will help keep heat from escaping out of it and into the air around it, so make sure you have enough insulation around its sides and top (or bottom). You can also add insulation inside if necessary by stuffing fiberglass batts into any space without insulation—some models have holes in their tanks that allow for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Upgrade to a programmable thermostat.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>This will allow you to set the temperature on your thermostat lower when you’re gone for the day or early in the morning before anyone gets up and higher when everyone’s awake and active in the house throughout the day. This way, you won’t have to waste energy heating or cooling rooms that aren’t being used at any given time of day. \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Install radiant barrier insulation on your roof or walls. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Most people think of insulation as providing warmth by trapping warm air inside their homes, but radiant barrier insulation works in reverse: it prevents heat loss by reflecting heat into your home from the outside of its walls or roof. This means that even if it’s extremely cold outside, the temperature inside will remain relatively unchanged (or even slightly warmer!).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Consider using a humidifier. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Humidifiers are great because they add moisture to the air and prevent your airways from drying out. They’re also good for your skin—if you have dry skin, try utilizing a humidifier at night when you sleep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Use door snakes. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in a cold climate, you know how important it is to seal your home as tightly as possible during winter. Door snakes are an easy way to do this without having to worry as much about drafts or having a lot of extra blankets around. You can get them at any hardware store or online!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Change your furnace filter.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Make sure to change your furnace filter at least once every three months. This will improve the cleanliness of the air you breathe and keep allergens from collecting in your system. It will also help prevent dust from getting into your heating system, which can cause problems like clogged vents and decreased efficiency over time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Repurpose heat from your oven.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re baking anything, consider using a thermometer to check on its temperature periodically throughout the cooking process, then turn off the oven before it’s finished cooking so that you’re not wasting energy on extra heat that won’t be used anyway. If you have an electric stove top instead (like me!), place an empty pan with water in it on top of one of the burners when you’re done cooking—this will help capture some of the residual heat and keep it circulating throughout your kitchen instead of going straight up into outer space like it would if left alone (or worse yet: wasted).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Maintain your furnace.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Furnaces often break down or malfunction during the coldest months of the year. While it can be tempting to try and save some money by putting off repairs, this can lead to inflated energy bills and even worse problems down the road. If you notice that your furnace isn’t working as well as usual or seems to be making strange noises, have a \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Ffurnace-maintenance\">furnace professional in Santa Fe\u003C\u002Fa> come out and take a look at it as soon as possible—it may just need some maintenance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Get a home energy audit.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re looking for ways to reduce your energy usage without sacrificing comfort, consider getting an audit done on your home. This will allow an expert technician to come in and analyze how much energy different appliances and systems use, giving them an idea of where they can cut back on usage without hurting functionality. Audits also help identify any major issues that might need to be addressed immediately in order to prevent further damage later down the road!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Utilize the fireplace.\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>Fireplaces are a great way to add heat to your home without turning up the thermostat. Fireplaces also make for great ambiance and can help create an inviting atmosphere for entertaining friends and family during the colder months. Don’t forget to properly maintain your fireplace as part of any winter maintenance plan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch3>Close the vents in rooms you don’t use. \u003C\u002Fh3>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in a place where it gets really cold, it might seem like an obvious step—but it’s easy to forget if you have more than one room. Close the vents in any rooms that aren’t being used so they don’t lose heat through them. Closing them will help retain heat in other parts of your home, so it’s best to close them when they’re not in use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Trust James Plumbing & Heating For All Your Furnace Needs in Santa Fe!\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>At \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Ffurnace-maintenance\">James Plumbing & Heating\u003C\u002Fa>, we know you have a lot on your plate. You don’t have time to worry about whether or not your furnace is working properly—or if it’s even going to last another season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>We’re here to help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>We have been providing Santa Fe residents with top-of-the-line furnace services for over 30 years. We offer a wide range of services, including:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Furnace installation\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Furnace repair and replacement\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Furnace maintenance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Air conditioning repair and maintenance\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Heating system repair and replacement\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Ffurnace-maintenance\">furnace technicians\u003C\u002Fa> have years of experience in the industry and have worked on all kinds of furnaces. They also have access to state-of-the-art tools and technology that help them diagnose problems quickly so they can get your system fixed as soon as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>We also know that sometimes things happen unexpectedly, which is why we have emergency services available. But don’t worry—if there’s no emergency in your area when you call us up (or if we’re already on our way), we’ll still come out to see what’s going on with your equipment and give you an estimate on any repairs or replacements needed!\u003Cbr>So, if you are looking for a local plumbing company for \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Ffurnace-maintenance\">Plumbing Solutions and Services During the Holidays in Santa Fe\u003C\u002Fa>, call us at 505-473-7148!\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-warm-your-home-this-holidays.webp",9,"how-to-warm-your-home-this-holidays","","It’s the holidays, and that means it’s time to cozy up with a cup of cocoa and a good book! The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the company of loved ones, and warm home is essential for that enjoyment.","How To Warm Your Home This Holidays",[15,23,30],{"category":5,"date":16,"html":17,"image":18,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":20,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":21,"title":22},"2023-03-03","\u003Cp>You may not think the ice and snow outside impacts your HVAC system inside. The truth is ice is problematic for the HVAC components outside of your home. This isn’t even a winter-specific issue. There are times when the buildup of ice caused by an overworking AC unit can block the exhaust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>At James Plumbing & Heating, we’re well-versed in HVAC ice buildup and how to deal with it. As a leading HVAC service provider in the Santa Fe area, we’ve just about seen it all. Here, we’ll talk a bit more about how ice and snow affect your HVAC system and what you can do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>There’s more than one problem stemming from a frozen exterior \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC unit\u003C\u002Fa>. When snow and ice block the exhaust, it could:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Shut the HVAC system down: Working hard despite the buildup, your HVAC system may overheat and shut itself down. The system will need to be cleared and restarted to begin running efficiently again.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Damage your home’s ductwork and pipes: No HVAC means no proper heating or cooling in your home. This leaves your pipes especially vulnerable to the elements. When pipes freeze, there’s always a chance they could crack. This leads to leaks and additional repair costs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Release carbon monoxide or other gases into your ductwork: Everything’s connected from your furnace and AC to every room within your HVAC system. If the external HVAC component backs up and dangerous gases are filtered into your home, the ductwork will carry the gas to every room in your home.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Render your outdoor unit inoperable: There comes a point where some HVAC units just give out. Working hard to fight the blockages caused by ice and snow caused the unit to overheat and break.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Increases power bills: When ice forms on your HVAC unit, it needs to work harder to distribute heat or cold air into your home. You may notice a spike in energy bills because of these spikes in power levels.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Along with the exhaust blocking, there’s a chance that the water in ice and snow will leak inside your system. If this happens, there’s a chance of electrical damage and, eventually, corrosion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>By proactively managing and maintaining ice and snow blockages around your HVAC system, you can avoid a costly HVAC replacement or repair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Keeping HVAC Units Clear\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>There are a few ways to manage your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC system\u003C\u002Fa> in the winter or overworked summer months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>Regular maintenance: Your HVAC systems should be inspected by a professional once every year. Twice if you feel concerned about the unit at all.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Clear the outdoor unit: If it snows, head outside and clear the unit as soon as you can do so safely. Like clearing your walkway before it freezes over, this will prevent ice buildup and eventual melting of ice into the unit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Clean coils: The evaporator and condenser coils are important aspects of your HVAC unit. If they’re caked in debris and dust, airflow is scarce. Wipe them down every three months. More in the winter if they get coated in snow.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Change filters: Many components of the HVAC system have filters. This is to keep dirt and debris out of your air system and ductwork. Cleaning or changing filters in your furnace and AC ensures these machines run smoothly for longer.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Avoid clutter: Clutter near the air intake register is a no-no. Whether it’s garden tools, outdoor lawn furniture, or a pile of kids’ toys. Clear the objects near the return air intake.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\n\u003Cp>Air conditioners are very telling when there’s a problem. If you notice ice on the HVAC, it could be either an airflow problem or a refrigerant problem. The airflow problem can be rectified by the above steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>When refrigerant gets too low, it stops being able to move heat from inside to outside. Air still blows over the AC coils, but instead of cold air, it blows warm. Alternatively, the coil could get too cold because it’s unable to regulate temperature. Condensation then ices over, creating frost on the coils and AC unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>For HVAC Ice Help, Give Us a Call\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you’re experiencing ice or snow issues relating to your \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Femergency-service\">HVAC system\u003C\u002Fa>, James Plumbing & Heating can help. We work with home and business owners in and around Santa Fe on problems just like these.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Waiting until HVAC icing issues expand into bigger problems could mean an irreparable unit or expensive repairs. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Give us a call today\u003C\u002Fa>, and we’ll diagnose and remedy your HVAC ice problem.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-snow-and-ice-affect-hvac-systems.webp",4,"how-snow-and-ice-affect-hvac-systems","You may not think the ice and snow outside impacts your HVAC system inside. The truth is ice is problematic for the HVAC components outside of your home. This isn’t even a winter-specific issue. There are…","How Snow and Ice Affect HVAC Systems",{"category":5,"date":24,"html":25,"image":26,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":27,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":28,"title":29},"2023-02-03","\u003Cp>Water dripping from a hot water heater is a bad sign. Hot water heaters work in our homes all day without a second thought. Sometimes a leak can go on without even being noticed. As soon as you recognize puddles or dripping water around the tank, it’s time to take action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>So, why does your water heater leak, and what do you do when it does? At James Plumbing & Heating we have a lot of experience in this area. We help families in Santa Fe deal with water heater issues regularly. Here, we’ll shed some light on the situation and help you determine the next course of action following a leak discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Why is my Water Heater Leaking?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>This is likely the first question you’ll ask after noticing a leak. Why is the tank leaking? Did something happen to it? The most common reasons for a leak are:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>Relief Valve Pressure Problems: The relief valve on the water heater is meant to allow hot air to escape when pressure mounts inside. If the water heater is used too often, the relief valve isn’t given a chance to relax and reset. Instead, the excessive heat and pressure damage the valve.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Age: All appliances in our homes age, and they all have shelf lives. Water heaters have an approximate 10-year lifespan. Once a decade, you should replace the heater. If yours is nearing that 10-year mark (or has surpassed it), it’s simply a matter of age. Parts wear out over time, making the heater less effective.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Drain Valve Issues: Like the relief valve, the drain valve has taken a beating over the years. Anything trapped in the heater, including sediment, gets caught in the drain valve, ensuring it doesn’t flow into your water system. This valve lets the heater be cleaned, and you may notice some water dripping near this area. A little is normal, but a lot isn’t.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\n\u003Cli>Inlets and Outlets: Where hot and cold outlets appear on the tank, there are weak spots. The inlets and outlets weaken faster than other heater components. It’s one of the first places to check if the tank begins leaking.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\n\u003Cp>Sometimes there are small signs that the heater is ready to give out. Things like a slight change in the color and quality of water, physical changes to the heater (rust, missing pieces, a crack, etc.), strange noises coming from the heater, and of course, water where it shouldn’t be (outside the heater instead of inside the heater).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice any of these signs, or there seems to be obvious trouble with the above-mentioned issues, your heater’s in trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>First Steps to Tackling a Leaky Heater\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The first step to fixing anything in your home is diagnosing the problem. Where is the leak coming from exactly? And which of the heater components is closest to the leak? This might help you determine where and why it’s leaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Before acting on any DIY repair attempts, be sure to turn off the power to the tank and drain it. Do this by switching the breaker on your circuit breaker box associated with the heater. Be careful because leaving the power running on a leaky water heater is extremely dangerous, especially if you plan on touching the tank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If the water heater is gas-powered, there should be a switch to turn it off. Gas or electric, always turn off the power before starting any DIY process.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Next, turn off the cold water and then the hot water valve (main water valve). Once power and water have stopped running to the tank, and it’s properly drained, you can begin to address the issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Fixing the Leak\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>There are a few areas you can check out by yourself, including the inlets and outlets. It could be something as simple as a loose connection. A wrench can be used to tighten hardware and stop a leak caused by loose inlets and outlets without help.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>A broken valve is another common culprit. If you have experience changing a valve, you could tackle this project on your own. Most homeowners need a professional for this. There are a few reasons calling a professional is best.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>1. A professional knows which new valve is needed\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>2. Improper assembly could cause bigger problems with the heater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If the reason the tank is leaking stems from a crack or hole, it’s probably game over. Not you, nor a professional will be able to remedy a hole or crack. Most heaters will need to be replaced entirely in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call an Expert\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If the time has come to call a professional in Santa Fe, James Plumbing & Heating can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:+15054737148\">Give us a call\u003C\u002Fa> for ongoing maintenance or repair. We’re always happy to lend a hand.\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-to-do-when-your-water-heater-leaks.webp","what-to-do-when-your-water-heater-leaks","Water dripping from a hot water heater is a bad sign. Hot water heaters work in our homes all day without a second thought. Sometimes a leak can go on without even being noticed. As soon as you recognize…","What to Do When Your Water Heater Leaks",{"category":5,"date":31,"html":32,"image":33,"readingMinutes":19,"slug":34,"sourceUrl":11,"summary":35,"title":36},"2023-02-01","\u003Cp>Home heating systems are a necessity, especially during the cold seasons. If your furnace stops working, it can be costly to repair it. This is one reason we at James Plumbing & Heating always tell clients in Santa Fe to invest in \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fservices\u002Fac-repair\">annual maintenance\u003C\u002Fa> to avoid any surprises.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Here, we’ll talk about 10 of the ways you can tell it’s time to call for repairs. This is what to watch for.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>1. Water on the Floor\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Water near a heater is never a good sign. It’s less dangerous than gas or oil leaking onto the floor, but it still causes concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Water appears because of condensation. Normally, the condensate lines in your furnace drain and trap condensation safely, keeping it away from the electrical components of your furnace and off the floor. If the water is pooling on the floor, there’s a big issue inside the furnace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If you notice water pooling, call a professional. Left unchecked, this could pose dangers in the home. The condensate line is also not something for a quick DIY fix. It may mean replacing the line, which is a job for the experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>2. Strange Furnace Noises\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Clanks and bangs from the furnace are almost never normal. You might hear a sound like a soft bang when it comes off or on, especially if it’s old. If you hear a loud bang or a scraping sound, be sure to call an expert! Something definitely needs to be repaired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>3. It’s Been a While Since Servicing\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Regular furnace maintenance is a must. If you know it’s been more than a year, it might need a repair. Have a professional come in to clean the furnace and check it for potential problems. The longer your HVAC system goes without regular maintenance, the more likely it will unexpectedly stop working when you need it most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>4. The Smell of Gas\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you smell gas, call for help. Turn off the furnace or gas supply to be safe, take your family out of the home, and call a repair technician. Never light candles or turn on any type of flame in the home if you smell gas or oil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>5. Vents Blow Cold\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If the air coming from your vents isn’t hot, there’s a furnace problem. There are a few reasons it could be blowing cold. Before calling a professional, check to make sure the furnace is switched on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>On older furnaces, you can check for the pilot light inside the sliding door on the side of the furnace. If the light is out, it needs to be relit by an expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>6. The Furnace is Blowing, but Barely\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Weak airflow could be a sign that components inside the furnace have stopped or slowed. Motors, belts, and other working parts make your furnace come to life and heat your home. If something has jammed or stopped, air may blow weakly. Call for repair to handle this issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>7. Higher Than Normal Heating Bill\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Is your heating bill running high? It might be a sign that your furnace needs maintenance. In many cases, a good cleaning will fix this problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Something as simple as a dirty filter can cause your furnace to go into overtime, burning harder in an effort to heat your home when the filter clogs. A blocked filter stops air from flowing freely, which forces the furnace to work harder. The harder it works, the higher the bill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>8. Thermostat is Reading Wrong\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>The thermostat helps you control the heat in your home. If it stops working and you find yourself constantly turning it up to heat the house, there’s probably a disconnect somewhere between the furnace and the thermostat. This is likely a wiring issue. It’s important to call someone as soon as possible to fix this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>Faulty wiring and electrical issues are dangerous, especially when you throw an oil or gas-burning furnace into the mix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>9. Furnace Keeps Cycling\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>When your furnace turns on, it should heat your home as per the thermostat guide. Once heated, the furnace clicks off, and the temperature is maintained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Cp>If your furnace is turning on and off, on and off, to heat your home, there’s a problem. Constant cycling is another sign that the furnace needs a good cleaning. Don’t panic, but do call a professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>10. Age\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>Like any appliance in your home, your furnace has a shelf life. Most last about 15 years. The more regularly you service and clean your furnace, the longer it will last. At one point, the furnace will absolutely need to be replaced. Until then, a repair might do the trick and add a few years back to the lifespan of the device.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\u003Ch2>Call an Expert\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\u003Cp>If you live in Santa Fe and are having trouble with your furnace, we can help. \u003Ca href=\"tel:5054737148\">Call us at James Plumbing & Heating today\u003C\u002Fa> to learn more\u003C\u002Fp>","\u002Fimg\u002Fblog\u002F10-signs-you-need-to-repair-your-home-heating-system.webp","10-signs-you-need-to-repair-your-home-heating-system","Home heating systems are a necessity, especially during the cold seasons. If your furnace stops working, it can be costly to repair it. This is one reason we at James Plumbing & Heating always tell clients in…","10 Signs You Need to Repair Your Home Heating System",1787213982331]