heating systems

Differences between a furnace and a heat pump in the Metro East

September 7, 2021

Furnace or Heat Pump – That is the Question

When it comes to our home’s comfort systems, we may just refer to our “heating system” or “heater.” However, there are distinct differences between different types of heating systems. While this may not seem important to the average person, it is quite important, especially if you need major repairs or a system replacement. However, before either of these things can happen, you need to know the difference between furnaces and heat pumps, and you need to know how to figure out what you have, just in case. Read below for more details about how you can tell the difference!

How Does a Furnace Work?

The main difference between these two kinds of equipment has to do with how they create heat. In a traditional furnace, heat is generated by burning oil or natural gas. The combustion creates heat, which is then sent through the ventilation system and throughout your home.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

While a furnace works by creating heat from burning fuel, a heat pump works in a very different way. Heat pumps use heat transfer technology to convert cold air to warm air. Additionally, the name “heat pump” is a little misleading. It can also double as your air conditioner in the summertime and uses the same principles to convert warm air into cold air.

Which one do I need?

When it comes to this question, only you and a qualified HVAC contractor can answer it for sure. The answer will depend on the system that’s already installed, your available fuel sources, the size of your home and more. If you don’t have natural gas lines, your best option is a heat pump as they run on electricity and require no fuel. By contrast, a furnace may be the better option if you already have gas hookups and don’t want to deal with retrofitting your home for a heat pump. Talk these options over with a local professional before making any decision.

Who do I call?

In the Metro East, there’s only one name to know for all your HVAC needs. At Morrison, we provide honest service when it comes to system replacements. Some HVAC companies will try to talk you into the most expensive option to improve their bottom line. With us, that’s never the case. You’re treated with respect, from beginning to end, by a friendly staff that has your best interest in mind. Call now to get started!

Furnace tips to keep your system running all winter in Granite City, IL

December 17, 2018

Here’s how you can keep your furnace in tip-top shape

With winter weather battering the Granite City, IL area, it’s important to make sure your furnace stays in good shape to deal with the increased usage of peak season. You can call a professional for seasonal maintenance, but there are also things that you can do throughout the season to help your system run its best and not be overworked. Take a look at the following furnace tips that you can utilize to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all season long!

Keep the furnace filter clean

It’s vital to keep the furnace filter clean during the winter months. A clogged filter means less airflow, which causes your system to work harder. A system that has to work harder will be more prone to breakages and problems that need to be fixed by an HVAC contractor. Additionally, clogged filters cause dust, allergens, and other particles to build up in your system, which can make people sick when they’re inhaled.

Keep your furnace clean

While it’s important to change your filter and keep it clean, it’s also important to keep your unit clean as a whole. You can do this in a couple of ways. First, be sure to regular dust and wipe off the exterior of your unit.

No need to open anything or turn anything off, just a simple damp rag will due. Another thing you can do is keep the area around your furnace clean, so it’s not sucking any dust or dirt inside of the system. Clearing clutter and debris around your indoor and outdoor unit will help reduce any cleanliness problems.

Program your thermostat

Programming your thermostat will let your furnace know when you’re not home, so it can turn off or run at a lower temperature before kicking back on by the time you get home. Doing this will allow your system to rest, avoiding overheating and overuse. Additionally, it will help limit energy costs during the winter when rates go up.

Watch for abnormalities

While your system may be functioning fine right now, it’s important to keep an eye out for anything weird that’s happening with your system including strange noises, malfunctions, etc. When you notice these things, it’s important to contact a local professional that can diagnose and repair the system before the problems become major.

My Granite City, IL home has a boiler – how does it work?

September 12, 2018

Boiler Systems: Explained

When it comes to home heating systems, there are many unknowns for most homeowners. However, many people know the basis of how their heating or cooling systems work. However, in older homes, many homes rely on steam boilers to provide heat to the home. While this is an older invention, it’s still an effective means of heating a home. The problem is that many people don’t understand how their boilers work, and even many HVAC contractors don’t offer this service anymore. Boilers are especially prevalent in older homes and may require extensive repairs to keep them running.

How do boilers work?

While we’re talking about boilers in terms of a home heating system, it’s important to note that boilers can be used for many things. Additionally, all boilers use some sort of fuel and they may very depending on if they use gas, oil or electricity.

The basic workings of a boiler are this: the boiler burns some sort of fuel, which gives off heat, which is then transferred into water, which is then used to heat the entire home. That’s a short, vague explanation – here’s what’s really going on inside of your boiler unit!

First, the thermostat in your home senses that the temperature has dropped and signals the boiler to start creating heat.https://www.hunker.com/12168844/how-do-steam-boilers-work`
Next, the boiler burns fuel (oil, gas or electricity) in order to create the heat needed.
Then, the heat from the fuel source is used to heat up water inside the boiler, which is then sent through your home’s ventilation system where it transfers heat to a radiator.
After heating your home, the cooled water travels back to the boiler where it will be reheated.
This cycle repeats itself until your home is the proper temperature.
The boiler shuts off and shuts back on when the thermostat notices another temperature drop.

Who can help?

In the Granite City, IL area, you can always call the pros at Morrison for fast, reliable service when you need repairs to your boiler system or your radiators. Our techs are certified professionals and we offer free estimates and affordable services. Contact our staff for details about service!

Benefits of your Yearly Furnace Inspection in Maryville, IL

January 8, 2018

Call your Maryville, IL Heating Contractors for your Yearly Furnace Inspection

Those in the Maryville, IL area know how harsh Midwestern winters can be. With low temperatures and freezing winter winds, people rely on their heating systems to keep them warm. However, if you’re skipping out on a yearly furnace inspection, you could be in for a rude awakening when your furnace system decides to quit on you. While some dismiss the notion of a furnace inspection as something that’s meant to extort more money, it’s actually incredibly useful and vital if you want a long-lasting system that you can count on. Ready to call your local HVAC technician? Here’s what you’ll gain when you call for a furnace inspection this year.

Better Airflow

Over the course of a year, debris and dust can clog up your system – making airflow laborious, which taints the air in your home and decreases the efficiency of your system. A furnace inspection provides a complete cleaning of all the components of your system and will check the air filter and duct work for clogs and impediments, which ensures better airflow throughout the home.

Fewer Repair Calls

Another benefit of having your furnace inspected is the amount of repair calls that you won’t have to make. A large majority of service calls can be chalked up to a lack of yearly maintenance, and having yours checked out will help you prevent problems and repairs.

Clean Unit

A new furnace filter and thorough cleaning will leave your unit sparkling and reduce the amount of dust that makes it into your air supply. Additionally, less dust being blown through your home means less dust that you’ll have to clean from windowsills, tabletops, etc.

Improved Efficiency

When you neglect to maintain your heating system properly, you reduce your system efficiency. This ends up increasing your energy costs. Your furnace inspection will ensure that the system is clean and all components are functioning properly, which increases your efficiency and lowers your bills.

Safety

For homes that use oil or gas-burning furnaces, the furnace inspection checks pilot lights, connections, gas/oil lines and other components of your system that could lead to a gas leak or, worse, an explosion.

Improves Effectiveness

If you’ve ever wondered why your system heats some rooms better than others? Or, why it takes longer to heat some rooms? It’s because of your heating system’s maintenance record. An inspection from your heating professionals will improve the effectiveness of your system to heat your home evenly and quickly.

Professional Opinion

Another benefit you’ll gain with an inspection, is a qualified professional getting eyes on your furnace. Not only will you have a clean system that runs well, but you’ll have the opinion of a heating expert when it comes to deciding on repair or replacement!

Answers about Furnace Short Cycling in your Collinsville, IL Home

December 20, 2017

Question about Furnace Short Cycling in Collinsville, IL?

Does your finicky furnace turn on and off, and on and off, and on and off? Called furnace short cycling, this problem can be exhaustively annoying, and it could signal a larger problem with your system. In Collinsville, IL and the greater Metro East, frigid winters can exacerbate the problem to the point that your furnace is turning on and off every minute or so. The good news is you don’t have to put up with furnace short cycling. The bad news is there could multiple problems causing this. Luckily, your local heating contractor should have the parts and tools needed to diagnose and solve furnace short cycling problems. Here’s some more information about this problem to help point you in the right direction.

What is Furnace Short Cycling?

Furnace short cycling is a problem that occurs in furnace units all over and may get worse as the weather gets colder. This term simply refers to a furnace that turns on and off quickly. When the weather gets cold, it’s normal for the furnace to turn on a few times per hour. However, your furnace shouldn’t be shutting on and off at intervals of a minute or too – this denotes a problem. While this problem could have a few simple fixes, you’re more likely to need to call for furnace repairs. Read on for more about the causes of this problem.

Short Cycling Causes

Short Cycling could be caused by multiple things, making it difficult for you to tell just how to attack it. First, however, you should check the obvious problems and move on to calling your local heating specialist when you find yourself out of answers. Here are a few problems that may cause furnace short cycling:

Air Filters – Severely dirty air filters may cause this issue because they restrict the airflow to your system. Replace the filter and set a reminder to do this regularly.
Blocked Vents & Registers – This is another easy fix you can try. Make sure that nothing (furniture or décor) is sitting on top of or in front of your air vents. This restricted airflow could also cause this problem.
Heat Exchanger Obstruction – When the coils inside the heat exchanger are blocked by dust or other debris, the restriction of airflow could cause the short cycling you’re experiencing.
Thermostat – If the thermostat has shorted out or is set to the wrong settings, you could experience some short cycling.
Safety Switches – Most systems are built with safety switches that will shut the system off if the temperature reaches a certain heat or the pilot light extinguishes. A problem with the safety switches on your system could be the problem you’re looking for.

Short Cycling Solutions

Tackling this problem by yourself may not be the best option. Of course, you should check your furnace filter and air vents to ensure they aren’t blocked. However, the rest of these problems are best left to a professional. Luckily, Collinsville IL residents can call Morrison Plumbing, Heating & Cooling’ for 24-hour repairs that keep the heat on all season long!

Time for a New Furnace Installation in Swansea, IL?

December 6, 2017

Questions to Ask About a New Furnace Installation at your Swansea, IL Home or Business

In Swansea, IL, homes and businesses rely on functioning furnaces and heating systems to get them through the harsh winters. With plummeting temperatures and frozen weather, you’ll surely notice if your heating system isn’t up to snuff. However, it’s not always easy to tell when something needs repairs or when it’s time for a new furnace replacement. Rising energy bills and problems with the efficiency of your system could push you over the edge when it comes to purchasing a new furnace. However, be sure to consult a professional before making any decisions with your heating system. Here are 5 questions to help you determine if it’s time to start thinking about a new furnace installation!

Question 1: How Old Is Your Furnace?

The first question to ask is how old your unit is. If you’ve had the same heating system the entire time you’ve lived in your home, it could be time for a new furnace. A furnace can last between 10 and 30 years depending on the system, maintenance history and more. When the age of your furnace starts to creep up, you’re better off with a newer, more energy-efficient furnace.

Question 2: Are Energy Bills Rising?

If you’ve noticed a steep rise in your energy bills, it’s time to start thinking about a new furnace. While some efficiency issues may only require furnace repair, persistent efficiency problems can cause your system to run nonstop and cost you a fortune. A new system could help bring down those bills.

Question 3: Does Your Furnace Need Frequent Repairs?

Are you becoming best friends with the HVAC repairman? If so, you probably need to think about replacing your furnace. You shouldn’t be calling someone out every other week to repair your system or provide some sort of maintenance. At this point, your furnace has become a money pit that you need to dig yourself out of.

Question 4: Is It Effective?

Something else you’ll want to evaluate is the effectiveness of your system. Does your home heat unevenly? Do your vents, sometimes, blow cold or lukewarm air? Does the filter easily clog with dust? If you’re answering yes to these questions, it’s time to ask your local HVAC technician about new furnace installation.

Question 5: Has Your Furnace Been Properly Maintained?

If you’re living in an apartment or have recently moved into a new home, you can’t be sure how the previous owner kept up with proper furnace maintenance. That’s why it’s best to have your system checked once per season to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of any heating or cooling system. Furthermore, adhering to proper maintenance techniques should ensure a well-functioning system into the future!

Morrison Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides new furnace installation, furnace repair and furnace maintenance to those in the Swansea, IL area!