furnace repair

4 Ways You Can Tell if Your Furnace is Energy Efficient

February 8, 2023 by Dan Horsch

In 2023, energy efficiency is something everyone tries to be conscious of. Reducing energy consumption has proven not only to save homeowners money but maintain the efficiency of your HVAC systems, is an important step to reducing harmful emissions into the environment. When it comes to your furnace, there are several indicators that homeowners should look out for to determine the efficiency of their heating system. At Morrison Plumbing in Caseyville, IL, we are proud to offer reliable furnace maintenance and repair services to ensure the maximum energy efficiency for your home. We’ve included the top 4 ways homeowners can tell if their furnace is – or is not – running efficiently.

Fluctuations in Your Monthly Bill

When it comes to your monthly energy bill, fluctuations in price throughout the seasons are common. The longer you own your home, the more you can begin to predict just how much energy your HVAC systems are using year-round. When you notice odd increases in your heating bill, the first thing our technicians suggest is having your furnace inspected. Oftentimes, a lack of maintenance or a cleaning of your air ducts is the cause of an expensive heating bill. Luckily, these efficiency issues can be fixed by our team at Morrison Plumbing in Caseyville, IL. If you suspect that your high energy bills are caused by your furnace, give us a call right away.

Get An AFUE Rating

An AFUE, or Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency, rating is one of the most precise and accurate ways you can determine if your furnace is lacking energy efficiency. This scale is governed by the U.S. Department of Energy and can calculate the exact percentage of efficiency that your heating system runs on. At Morrison Plumbing, we have the technology and skill to provide AFUE ratings for your gas or electric furnace. This rating will let our team know just how much energy is being wasted converting your fuel into heat and what can be done to fix the problem. Oftentimes, these solutions include simple repairs or complete replacement of the unit. To get an AFUE rating on your furnace, schedule a service from our team in Caseyville, IL.

Consider the Age of Your Furnace

Even if your AFUE rating is fairly good, the age of your furnace can significantly impact the overall functionality of your heating system. Many furnaces, both gas or electric, are able to last anywhere from 15-20 years with consistent maintenance., If you haven’t had the filter replaced in over a year and haven’t paid much attention to the internal system for over a decade, the energy efficiency of your system will inevitably decline. When you call Morrison Plumbing in Caseyville, IL, be sure to educate our HVAC technician on the age of your furnace so that we can properly restore your heating system.

Conduct An Airtight Test

Airtight tests locate any possible drafts in your home coming from windows, doors, or vent openings that could be contributing to the efficiency of your HVAC systems. These simple tests are essential in determining whether the issues stem from your furnace or the construction of your home, both of which can be easily fixed. One of the easiest ways to locate drafts in your home is by standing close to your doors and windows and noticing any slight breeze or temperature difference.

Unfortunately, many times sealing issues with your windows and doors can only be found using a blower door device. This powerful fan blows air out of your home to create a pressure difference that can detect even the smallest of seal leaks. If you’ve conducted an airtight test and have still noticed a lack of efficiency with your furnace, give Morrison Plumbing a call at (618) 408-1446 for an immediate inspection.

The Most Common Furnace Issues Reported By Homeowners

February 8, 2023 by Dan Horsch

Furnaces are the number one used heating resource for homes throughout the United States. These systems have been around for hundreds of years and continue to provide families with comfortable temperatures in the winter months. At Morrison Plumbing, our HVAC technicians have responded to hundreds of service calls that require immediate repair for homes throughout Caseyville, IL. Fortunately, many of these issues are common and can be restored with the right tools and knowledge from our team. Here are some of the most common furnace issues that have been reported by homeowners, and how we can fix them.

Dirty Airducts

When you have a central furnace, there are vents that are connected through air ducts that feeds heat directly into your home. When air is pushed through your vents, oftentimes small dust particles and allergens can bundle together, creating large piles of debris that can force your furnace to work harder than it needs to. Once your furnace is overworked, it begins to wear internal parts that then need to be replaced by a professional technician. If this is the case, Morrison Plumbing offers expert furnace repair and air duct cleaning services to keep your warm home all winter long. Our team uses high end cleaning equipment and techniques to remove any debris in your air ducts so that your furnace can continue keeping you and your family comfortable.

Clogged Filters

Changing your furnace’s air filters is one of the easiest – and most important – forms of maintenance you can provide to your heating system. Did you know that most furnaces should have their filters replaced at least once every 1-3 months? Before you start panicking, this is an easy fix for both homeowners and HVAC technicians, and only costs a few bucks to replace. At Morrison Plumbing, clogged air filters are one of the most common issues that lead to furnace repairs in Caseyville, IL. Clean filters help minimize dust and debris that find their way into your heating unit and keep your air free of allergens. If you’ve changed your air filter and still notice a furnace issue, give us a call right away at (618) 408-1446.

Failed Starting Mechanism

Each furnace has a starting mechanism that kickstarts a heating cycle once your thermostat is set. Without a working starting mechanism, your furnace will not be able to turn on or heat your home without be replaced. At Morrison Plumbing, we have seen many faulty starting mechanisms on residential furnaces and, luckily, have spare parts on hand to provide immediate restoration services. Don’t wait until your furnace is beyond repair, get in touch with our technicians to inspect and repair your heating system this winter in Caseyville, IL.

Broken Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger in your furnace is made dup of a coil with heated tubes that push air through your system and into your home. When this part stops working, you’ll notice cool air blowing through your vents or no heat coming from your furnace at all, forcing you to require professional HVAC repair. One of the only ways to prevent your heat exchanger from failing is by continuing good maintenance on your system and scheduling immediate repairs when you notice a lack of heating efficiency. At Morrison Plumbing, our trucks are stocked with heater exchangers for all furnace makes and models in Caseyville, IL. We offer immediate furnace repair so that you can avoid buying a new furnace, and we can help keep your heating system safe for years to come.

Choosing the Right Heating Contractor for Your Furnace

October 7, 2022 by Dan Horsch

Morrison Plumbing is the leading expert in heating and HVAC services in the Caseyville, IL area. With decades of industry experience, we are confident in our expertise to share the top things a homeowner should look for when choosing a heating contractor. There are several things to be considered from free estimates to previous customer testimonials, either way, we’re here to help make your decision that much easier. Keep reading below to learn more, and call Morrison Plumbing if you want us for your heating repair or maintenance services.

Ask for Heating Contractor Referrals

If there aren’t many reviews on Google or social media, don’t give up just yet on your prospective heating contractor. Ask those you trust most for a personal referral! Chances are if you’re looking at a local contractor to repair your furnace, someone you know has heard good – or not so good – things about the contractor you’re looking to hire. These referrals are usually from those that have worked directly with the contractor and know just how well they conduct business. Morrison Plumbing is Caseyville, IL’s number one heating contractor – just ask around!

Ask for HVAC Contractor’s Certifications

Your HVAC systems are the most important pieces of technology in your home. They control the comfortability of your family and heavily impact your monthly utility bills. When searching for a heating contractor, it’s important to invest in a company that has your best interest at heart. At Morrison Plumbing, we make sure we’re the best choice for your home by requiring our team to have up-to-date certifications and training on common repairs for all system makes and models. Contact our Caseyville, IL team to see proof of our certifications before completing any repair jobs.

Get an Estimate

Estimates are the first things customers ask for when looking for an HVAC contractor. Let’s face it, price has everything to do with whether or not you choose a company for your repair or maintenance service. At Morrison Plumbing, we are very transparent on our prices and offer free estimates to each one of our clients, so they know exactly what they’re getting and for how much before we service their home. We recommend reaching out to multiple companies for estimates on the same service before making a final decision to see which price is best for your budget,

Ask for a Home Evaluation

Before you settle on a heating contractor, it’s important to make sure the company you hire sends a technician to inspect your property first. Without a proper home evaluation, it’s impossible to tell just how serious a repair is without a thorough examination from a certified HVAC technician. At Morrison Plumbing, we specialize in heating repair, maintenance, and installation services when your furnace stops working properly. We always give our clients a complementary home evaluation to make sure we discover the cause of your heating inefficiency. Schedule a service by calling out team at (618) 247-5979.

4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Furnace

September 28, 2022 by Dan Horsch

Are you experiencing efficiency issues with your furnace? Has your electric bill skyrocketed, and you’re unsure why? Morrison Plumbing is here to help our residential clients understand what is going on with their furnaces and how their energy issues can be resolved. When your furnace is approaching over a decade old or you begin to notice odd sounds coming from your unit, chances are a replacement and installation service is necessary. Keep reading our blog to know which 4 signs you need to look out for to see if it’s time to replace your furnace in Caseyville, IL.

How Old Is Your Furnace?

The first question we ask our customers is: how old is your furnace? When our HVAC team hears that you have a furnace well over 10-15 years old, chances are it will be more expensive to provide temporary repairs than to replace the entire system. Morrison Plumbing is the leading expert in HVAC services throughout the Metro East and offers reliable furnace installation, replacement, and home removal services when your heater needs replacing. We know how stressful it can be to invest in a new electric or gas furnace unit for your home; that’s why we offer the best prices in the area to our customers for total peace of mind.

Frequent Repairs & Poor Performance

While furnace systems are meant to last years without needing assistance, a lack of monthly maintenance can make it easy for you to experience frequent repairs and poor performance. If this happens enough, it’s likely that within a decade, your furnace will need to be replaced entirely. At Morrison Plumbing in Caseyville, IL, our HVAC technicians know just what to look for when your furnace isn’t operating properly. After a thorough inspection, we will determine the best route of action to work within your budget and needs. If you notice cold spots in your home, dust coming through your vents, or cold air blowing from your furnace, give us a call and we’ll help you find a new unit that will better suit your needs.

Increased Energy Bills

As energy rates rise, the last thing you need is higher monthly furnace bills due to an inefficient system. When you have an older heating unit or have not provided necessary maintenance for several years, your pockets can begin to suffer. Morrison Plumbing in Caseyville, IL offers furnace replacement and installation services when you start to notice high energy bills due to an old system. When gas and electric furnaces age, dirty air filters or broken parts often make it impossible for your home to stay well heated in the winter months. When this happens, your furnace becomes overworked until it stops working altogether. Give Morrison Plumbing a call today at (618) 248-4453 to schedule an inspection and replacement of your furnace.

Loud Noises While In Use

Loud noises are never a good thing when it comes to your furnaces; it can be unsafe to operate your heating system if you notice anything from rattling and banging to consistent popping noises from within the unit. Morrison Plumbing offers furnace installation and replacement services when your electric or gas system is working properly. Our experts will thoroughly examine what is causing the loud noises and whether or not it can be repaired before helping you find a new system. Generally, noise issues indicate that your furnace is on its last legs due to a malfunctioning gas valve or a cracked belt. When worst comes to worst, put your trust in our team for reliable and affordable furnace installation services for your home in Caseyville, IL.

Is My Heater Energy-Efficient?

April 15, 2022 by Dan Horsch

Your heating bill can make up a significant portion of your expenses each year. Winters can get cold in Columbia, IL each year, so it’s important to keep your home warm as efficiently as possible. Morrison Plumbing performs heater maintenance and furnace installation so that you’re getting the most out of your HVAC system when it counts. If you’re looking for ways to save on your utility bills, we can help you out.

How Energy Efficient is My Heater?

Several factors contribute to energy efficiency for HVAC systems. The first is the AFUE rating on your furnace. This number tells you how much of the energy put into the system gets sent throughout your home in the form of heat. Some older homes in Columbia, IL have heating systems with an AFUE rating of 50 or lower. This means that less than half of the energy input in these systems is generated as heat for your home.

You can check the rating by looking at your furnace or searching the model. Morrison Plumbing recommends having a heater with an efficiency rating above 80. Sometimes when you have an older unit, considering a new furnace installation could be more cost-effective than regular heater maintenance. This is because the money you save each year on your heating bills can pay for the new unit.

Air Ducts and Piping

Your plumbing and air duct system have an impact on the energy efficiency of your furnace because a lot of heat is lost inside of your ducts or pipes before it reaches the areas of your home that you’re trying to heat. Poorly maintained duct systems can absorb heat and it’s a good idea to have plumbers inspect your piping on a routine basis.

Are Energy Efficient Furnaces Worth the Price?

Heaters carrying high-efficiency ratings indeed come with a higher price tag, but we recommend a new heater installation when your current unit is costing you more to maintain than it’s worth. Heating bills for people living in Columbia, IL can be in the thousands each year and this is primarily because they’re using older HVAC systems that waste a lot of energy. It’s definitely worth it to have your unit replaced if it’s going to reduce your monthly gas bill because, over the life of the new unit, you’re going to recoup this investment.

Morrison Plumbing, Heating and Air Has You Covered

Whether you’re looking for quick heater maintenance or a new, energy-efficient furnace, we’ve got you covered any day of the week. We’ve served the Columbia, IL area for over 30 years and consider each of our customers part of the family. Call us today at (618) 703-5700 to schedule an appointment.

Is a Burning Smell Normal When I Turn on the Heat?

February 21, 2022 by Dan Horsch

If you’ve just turned on the heat for the first time this season and noticed a burning smell, you might be concerned that something is wrong with your furnace. Before you call a furnace repair service, such as Morrison Plumbing in Belleville, IL, you should note that there are several types of burning smells that can occur when you turn on the heat, and that not all of them are harmful.

Burning Dust

It is normal for heaters to smell like burning dust when you turn them on for the first time in several months. While the system is not in use, dust builds up on the vents and on other parts, leading to a bad smell when it burns off when you turn on the heat in winter.

This kind of smell should quickly dissipate. It is usually only present the first time you turn on the heat after a long period of not using your furnace. If the smell persists or gets stronger, you should seek advice from a furnace maintenance service.

You can reduce the strength of the early season dust-burning smell by cleaning your HVAC system before you turn on the heat for the first time. Clean vents, furnace, and any other accessible parts of the system, or contact a furnace maintenance service for a clean and tune-up before winter begins.

Other Burning Smells

Other types of burning smells, such as a smell of burning plastic or an electrical burning smell, should be investigated by a furnace repair company. Furnaces that are in regular use should not produce bad smells of any kind. In particular, electrical burning smells need to be investigated right away to prevent any risk of a fire breaking out in your home.

Troubleshooting Burning Smells

One troubleshooting tip that you can follow to investigate burning smells is to check the ducts to see if there are any objects stuck inside them. Small plastic objects, such as toys, can get stuck in vents and go unnoticed until you turn on the heat and they start to melt. If you find the object that is causing the problem, you can turn off the heat, wait for it to cool down, and then remove it.

If you cannot find the source of the burning smell that your heating system is producing, then it is time to contact a furnace repair service. Morrison Plumbing provides timely and reliable furnace repair all year around to ensure that you can heat your Belleville, IL home safely and efficiently.

Get in touch with Morrison Plumbing on (618) 703-5700 to get help with burning smells. We take calls seven days a week, so don’t delay – give us a call today!