Jeff Stienstra runs Stienstra Heating and Cooling in Hudsonville, Michigan, the local answer to all your home comfort needs. If you are interested in quality installation, repair or upkeep for your home’s heating and cooling systems, you’ve come to the right place. Here, Stienstra answers all your questions with the expertise that comes from experience.
Efficient Home Heating Systems
What is the most efficient way to heat your home? Well, a variety of choices are available. Solar energy and radiant floor heating are just a few; some people even choose wind turbines or geothermal heating systems.
Replacing An Old Heating System
Take advantage of currency government tax rebates while they last and replace your old furnace with an energy-efficient one. The method of doing this is a lot easier than you might think, as this article points out.
Benefits of a Gas Furnace
Gas furnaces are widely available, and they also give off a more comfortable heat than electric furnaces. They last longer and are also a lot cheaper. Finally, in areas where natural gas is unavailable, they can be converted to propane.
Drawbacks of a Natural Gas Furnace
Radiant heat may be the more comfortable choice for your home — if you have a choice. In some areas, natural gas is not even readily available. Shop around before deciding what is best for you.
What is a Direct Vent Furnace?
Direct vent furnaces are high-efficiency furnaces, which means that if you install one, you may qualify for the government tax rebate. As they can be directly vented into a wall, they can be installed anywhere in your home, which makes them a convenient choice for many people.
What is An Oil-Fired Furnace?
In rural or mountainous areas where natural gas can be hard to obtain, an oil-fired furnace might be your best bet. The comfort level of such a furnace, however, is comparable to natural gas or propane, although the ignition system is a bit different.
Extending the Life of Your Furnace
Furnaces can be expensive, which is why it is always important to do preventative maintenance as well as regular upkeep on your furnace annually. Get in a professional to make sure everything is done up to standard.
How to Qualify for Furnace Rebates
If you want to install a high-efficiency furnace in your home, now’s the time. Take advantage of government rebates and you will not only help save the environment, but also a wad of cash.
What is a Split System Heat Pump?
Split system heat pumps are definitely gaining in popularity, but they depend on certain weather conditions to work. Air source pumps and geothermal pumps are two other types of pumps, and the latter won’t ever depend on the weather to function well.
What is a Packaged HVAC System?
A packaged HVAC system is often something used for commercial businesses such as an office or store. They are connected to the structure with ductwork, and the upkeep is similar to that of a residential system.
Air Conditioning Tips
It’s important to regularly maintain your air conditioner to keep it functioning well. Keep it free from debris, hose down the outside unit and change the air filters regularly to keep everything working smoothly. You don’t want to be caught without it in the heat of summer.
How Air Conditioners Work
Air conditioners are magic. They act like sponges, absorbing the hot air in your home and releasing cold air. Installing an air conditioning system is not magic, however, as it requires the services of a licensed professional to do it right.
Air Conditioning Troubleshooting
Don’t waste time – and money – by calling out the air conditioning guy when the fault can be easily discovered and fixed. Follow these troubleshooting tips to see if the problem is easily solvable.
Drawbacks of Portable Air Conditioners
Investing in a portable air conditioner may be appealing as they are cheaper and can be moved from room to room. But compared to window air conditioners, they do not last as long, nor do they cool rooms evenly.
What Are Combination Boilers?
With a combination boiler, you do not need a separate water heater for your home heating and hot water needs. They are small and efficient, and can provide you with hot water at the drop of a hat. They are so small, in fact, that you can even hang one from the wall in your kitchen!
Boiler Maintenance Tips
Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of many things in your home, and your boiler is no exception. You might think that calling in a professional for annual maintenance is expensive. But in the long run, it will save you money – and is a lot safer.
What is a UL Label?
It stands for Underwriters Laboratories, and it is a symbol which makes customers confident that their product has lived up to rigorous testing as far as safety is concerned. Always look for a UL rating before you buy a furnace.
