What to Be Aware of

There are a number of different ways airflow can be impeded. Before you call a professional, take a look at these possible culprits:

• Filter: When a filter is clogged with dust and other debris, airflow will slow down. Filters with metal frames or plastic parts can be cleaned, whereas paper ones must be replaced when they get dirty.
• Return grill: Removing the dust from your return grill on a regular basis can improve airflow and keep dust from entering your air.
• Vents: If a vent is blocked by furniture, boxes, etc., this not only impedes proper airflow, but it also creates a fire hazard as well. You should remove any obstructions immediately.
• Ductwork: Even the best ductwork can develop holes and tears over time. Joints can also become disconnected. If these issues aren’t fixed, a lot of energy will be wasted, driving up monthly bills.
• Blower motor: Your blower motor may be malfunctioning or it may simply need to be cleaned. A broken or stretched belt may also need replacement.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional

Since your furnace is such an important component influencing your home’s comfort level and overall energy efficiency, it’s important that a bit of expertise be applied to some issues that might crop up. An HVAC technician can ascertain the possible problem and get your furnace’s airflow back to its proper performance level.

For more expert advice on how to improve your furnace’s airflow, or if you have any other questions related to home comfort, be sure to contact the professionals at Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving the HVAC needs of Southeast Michigan, including Bloomfield Township, Lake Orion and all surrounding areas.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Have it professionally maintained. Nothing improves the performance of gas furnaces more than professional maintenance. Having your gas furnace professionally serviced annually will keep it running as efficiently as possible. Your HVAC technician will clean and adjust crucial components, bringing them back to factory standards. The inspection may even turn up small problems that are easier and less costly to fix when found early.

Check the air filter. Forced-air furnaces pull a considerable amount of air through your system, trapping airborne particulates. Over the course of a month, dust may buildup on the filter, slowing down airflow. Reduced airflow translates to higher energy costs, since it will take your furnace longer to heat your home. Ask your HVAC technician about the best kind of filter to use with your system and when to change it.

Keep an eye on the ductwork. Ducts can loosen and tear at any point, even in new homes. If you notice that a room is suddenly cooler for no particular reason, have your ducts inspected. Besides losing the air you’ve paid to heat, a loose or leaking duct can pull dirty air inside your home, along with carbon monoxide from any vented gas appliance you use.

Use a programmable thermostat. If you’re away on a routine basis, install a programmable thermostat to manage indoor temperatures. You can set lower temperatures when you’re not home to reduce wear and tear on your system and lower energy consumption. You can choose from an array of features based on your lifestyle and family characteristics.

The pros at Aladdin Heating & Cooling provide top-notch HVAC services for homeowners in Warren, Troy and Rochester. We can help you get the most efficiency from your gas furnace today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Soot and Grime

The most common cause of rumbling furnace noises is a buildup of soot and grime on the burners. A tremendous amount of gas goes through your furnace during the heating season, and if you don’t have the system professionally cleaned and adjusted each year, grime can start building up. When soot collects on the burners, it can block airflow, resulting in unexpected noises.

A dirty ignition system component may also cause a rumbling noise. Your HVAC technician will clean and examine the pilot light or igniter, cleaning and making adjustments as required.

A more serious reason behind a rumbling or rattling gas furnace could be a cracked heat exchanger. This metal part can crack over time, primarily caused by a buildup of dust. If the crack goes all the way through the exchanger, it can leak carbon monoxide (CO) into your home’s air.

Heat exchanger cracks often require an expensive repair or a complete furnace replacement. If you suspect that this could be the problem, turn your furnace off and call a professional immediately. CO can reach deadly levels in a tightly closed home quickly.

Loose Parts

Rumbling may also be caused by a loose screw, especially if a housing panel vibrates as the furnace runs. A panel inside the furnace may also be loose.

If you’ve been hearing rumbling noises from your gas furnace, call the pros at Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing top-notch HVAC services for Auburn Hills, Clarkston and Rochester Hills homeowners since 1945.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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When replacing their furnace, many people focus on the cost of the unit rather than the cost of operation over time. A new electric furnace may cost less than half of what a high-efficiency gas furnace costs. And another attractive feature is that most electric units are rated at 95 to 100 percent for annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), while gas models have to meet a minimum of 78 percent. While most gas furnaces are far higher than the minimum in efficiency, many people believe they’ll be more expensive to operate.

Heating is often measured in British thermal units (BTUs), while electricity usage is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). To heat an average home in a moderate climate, it takes roughly 100 million BTUs per year and 1 kWh to generate 3,412 BTUs of heat, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. With the average price of electricity in Michigan reaching 14.13 cents/kWh, that would mean it would cost roughly $4,100 per year to heat using electricity. When compared to gas prices, which tend to be much lower, the initial savings on an electric unit can quickly be spent on operation.

Are you thinking of purchasing a new furnace for your home? Aladdin Heating & Cooling has been serving the Southeast Michigan area since 1945. Let us help you choose the best furnace for your home comfort and budget needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Here are some troubleshooting tips, which can get your furnace working again.

The Pilot Doesn’t Stay Lit

The pilot can go out when the thermocouple closes the gas valve because it’s not producing enough heat to burn all the gas coming in the burner. This prevents the gas from entering your house and causing a fire. If this happens, you should first reignite your furnace.

If that doesn’t solve the problem, then your thermocouple may need to be inspected. You can call a professional in Royal Oak to inspect and replace your thermocouple. After replacing it, your furnace should work like brand new again.

Irregular Flame

Normally, your flame should be very steady and blue, but sometimes you might notice a yellow tingle. If this occurs, adjust the flame using the screw on the pilot by following the instructions on your manual.

Flickering Flame and Spitting Motion

Flickering flames can be caused by air drafts. Establish where the draft is coming from, and then seal it to protect your furnace. Spitting motion is caused by dirt in furnace tubes. Cleaning these tubes should solve the problem. Additionally, dirt can accumulate on the tip of your pilot, leading to a gas blockage. Make it a regular maintenance practice to remove debris using a small nail.

For more expert advice on troubleshooting pilot lights and other home-related issues, please contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling. We’ve been serving the area of Southeast Michigan for over 70 years.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about troubleshooting pilot lights and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Unfortunately, gaps can create air leaks, reducing the efficiency of your furnace. To achieve optimum operating efficiency from your furnace, you’ll need to seal all furnace gaps. Almost anyone with some do-it-yourself experience can easily accomplish this task.

Regular silicone caulk can be used to seal smaller gaps in your furnace. You can run a bead along the gap, and use your finger to make it smooth. If the gap you’re sealing is located around the heat exchanger, you’ll need to use high temperature silicone caulk that won’t melt, while the furnace is running.

Larger gaps, especially ones around the filter air boxes, can be sealed with a foam type sealant. You can get this spray from any hardware store. Once the foam is sprayed into the gap, it expands and dries, sealing larger gaps that can’t be sealed by silicone caulk. Once the foam is nicely dried, you can use sandpaper and a knife to shape the foam sealant. You can even paint it to match your furnace color.

Aluminum foil duct tape can be used to seal all gaps. This tape has a strong adhesive, which is specially made to stick to sheet metal. Begin by removing all dust around the area with a damp rag. Then, wait until the area is completely dry. Apply the aluminum foil duct tape over the gap and press it firmly into place. The tape can be easily flexed, so it can even seal 90° gaps.

For more expert advice on how to seal furnace gaps to increase efficiency, please feel free to contact Aladdin Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving Southeast Michigan, and the Detroit Metro area since 1945.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about sealing furnace gaps and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Strange Noises

Popping, rattling and banging sounds from your furnace are clues your equipment is having trouble. The noises could be caused by a loose belt, an ignition problem or a component about to fail. Don’t wait until the problem causes complete system failure. Instead, call a technician to perform furnace repair without delay.

Yellow Flame

Check the burner flame while the furnace is running and make sure it’s a steady blue color. If the flame flickers or appears yellow, this is a sign that excess carbon monoxide is being generated by your furnace, some of which may be entering your home and endangering your family. Take this warning sign seriously and seek immediate furnace repair.

Comfort Problems

If some rooms are cold while others are hot, your furnace could have a circulation problem. Constant drafts indicate your furnace is no longer able to heat your entire home effectively. Overly dry or humid air is another comfort problem you might experience. Watch for high instances of static shock or condensation on windows to pinpoint humidity problems.

High Heating Bills

Compare your bills to ones you’ve received in the past two years. While gas bills are expected to rise in the winter, if costs are significantly higher this year, your furnace may require a repair.

Unexplained Health Problems

Poor air quality is another sign your furnace needs attention. A cracked heat exchanger could release carbon monoxide into your indoor air. Unexplained health problems, such as frequent headaches, nausea, disorientation and flu-like symptoms, are signs of prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide. Before calling a technician, open windows and doors and vacate the premises. If you have a cracked heat exchanger, you may need to replace the entire furnace.

For more tips or to schedule a furnace repair, please contact Aladdin Heating and Cooling. We’ve been serving Troy and Utica area residents since 1945.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace repairs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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No Heat!

The worst case during heating season is a cold gas furnace. Look for these issues you may be able to solve:

• Your thermostat is set too low and is therefore not calling for heat—turn it up.
• Your thermostat is not working—try fresh batteries or resetting it;  turn it up to force a call for heat.
• The circuit breaker or fuse for the gas furnace is tripped or has blown—reset or replace.
• Pilot light is out—relight if you feel comfortable doing so.

These issues require professional servicing:

• Your remedies do not work
• Hot surface ignition problem
• Intermittent pilot electronic ignition problem

Not Enough Heat

Your Madison Heights home’s furnace should deliver plenty of soothing heat, but if you have noticed a decline, look at these gas furnace troubleshooting tips:

• Replace or clean the air filter to improve air circulation
• Airflow to combustion chamber is obstructed
• Clean or adjust the gas burners—though you may wish to get a professional HVAC technician to tackle this

Call for trained service help if you suspect a cracked heat exchanger. This condition, which can reduce heat production, can cause fatal carbon monoxide exposure.

Short-Cycling

Short-cycling refers to a gas furnace that comes on and turns off frequently. The gas furnace never gets up to peak efficiency, and your house never gets quite comfortable. Look to these gas furnace troubleshooting tips to remedy short-cycling:

• Dirty air filter—clean or replace
• Faulty blower motor or motor belt—have a service technician inspect, oil the blower motor’s lubrication ports, and check belt for proper tension and integrity
• Thermostat—the unit’s heat anticipator could be faulty

For more tips on getting the most from your West Bloomfield or Madison Heights home’s gas furnace, contact us at Aladdin Heating and Cooling.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about gas furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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• Short Cycling. Over-sized furnaces tend to run in shorter cycles, meaning that they come on and go off more often than an appropriate sized furnace would. Short cycling heats the air quickly, but it doesn’t heat it evenly, so some areas of your home will be warmer than others. In some cases, people find that they have to run their furnaces nearly 24 hours a day to keep their home warm.
• Higher Heating Bills.  The short cycling tends to keep over-sized furnaces running in the warm-up phase most of the time. This means that by the time the house reaches the set temperature, the furnace turns off and then has to turn back on again once the thermostat drops. This leads to an increase in your energy costs.
• Wear and Tear.  Since over-sized furnaces run a lot, extra strain is added to ductwork, which can lead to cracks and leaks. These leaks may diminish the air quality in your home. And,unfortunately, all the extra work your furnace does in order to keep your home warm will reduce the lifespan of your furnace. You may be replacing the furnace far sooner than you’d like.
• Noise.  An over-sized heating system runs more often and may be noisier than a properly-sized furnace. If your furnace is designed and installed right, you will hear very little noise while it’s running.

When choosing a furnace for your home, have a professional HVAC technician conduct the load calculation so that you get the right-sized heating system for you and your family.

If you have any questions an over-sized furnace, load calculation or any other heating or air conditioning problems, contact the helpful professionals at Aladdin Heating & Cooling for assistance.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about over-sized furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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No one wants to face the prospect of having their furnace replaced. However, once it appears that you can’t get more out of your existing furnace, installing a new furnace becomes inevitable. After all, with the kinds winters we’ve been having in the Troy area, no one wants to be stuck without heat once the temperatures drop.

But where does the average homeowner start when it comes to furnace installation? Here are tips to keep in mind while navigating the prospect of new furnace installation:

• It’s a good idea to consult with an HVAC expert, to figure out the best type of furnace for your home prior to making a purchase. An expect will be able to assess your ideal heating method (such as gas or electric), the correct capacity for your home, the most efficient models, etc. This will ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your heating buck.
• When figuring the cost of furnace installation, keep in mind the cost of labor as well. It can be easy to forget while you’re busy comparing prices of different models, and could prove surprising once the final bill is tallied.
• Keep in mind that a new furnace will almost certainly perform more efficiently than your older model and can help cut your heating costs, thus saving you money over time. When looked at in this light, the upfront cost of new furnace installation becomes easier to swallow.

Aladdin Heating and Cooling has been keeping homes in Detroit and surrounding areas like Grosse Pointe Park and Clarkston comfortable for more than 65 years – and we’d love to serve you, too. Contact us for help with all of your heating and cooling needs.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Warren, Michigan about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about furnace installation and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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