What is Heating Maintenance & Why Do I Need It?

administr8tor • October 16, 2024

autumn indoor lifestyle image of person covered in blanket, reading a book and holding a cupAs the weather begins to cool down, it’s time to shift your focus to an often-overlooked but vital part of your home—your heating system. Regular heating maintenance performed by a qualified technician is crucial for ensuring efficiency, safety, and extending the lifespan of your furnace or heat pump. But what does heating maintenance entail, and why is it so important?

The Basics of Heating Maintenance

Heating maintenance involves a series of checks, cleanings, and adjustments to ensure your heating system is operating at its best. This can include:

  • Inspecting System Components: One of Ables, Inc.’s experienced technicians will examine all components of your heating system, from the thermostat and heat exchanger to the blower motor and vents, to ensure everything is in good working order.
  • Cleaning and Replacing Filters: Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your heating system. Regular cleaning or replacement of filters helps maintain proper airflow and improves indoor air quality.
  • Checking and Adjusting Thermostat Settings: Ensuring your thermostat is properly calibrated can help your heating system maintain a consistent temperature, enhancing comfort and efficiency.
  • Lubricating Moving Parts: Lubrication reduces friction in the system’s moving parts, preventing wear and tear and ensuring smooth operation.
  • Inspecting Electrical Connections: Loose or faulty electrical connections can pose safety hazards. Regular inspections help identify and correct any issues before they lead to bigger (and often more expensive) problems.

Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial

  • Improved Efficiency: A well-maintained heating system operates more efficiently, using less energy to heat your home. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also lowers your energy bills.
  • Enhanced Safety: Regular maintenance helps identify potential safety issues, such as gas leaks or faulty electrical connections, that could lead to dangerous situations like carbon monoxide poisoning or fires.
  • Extended Lifespan: By addressing minor issues before they become major problems, regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your heating system. This means you’ll get more years of reliable service from your furnace or heat pump.
  • Fewer Breakdowns: Routine maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, especially during the coldest months when your heating system is under the most stress.
  • Improved Air Quality: Clean filters and properly maintained systems contribute to better indoor air quality, making your home healthier and more comfortable, especially for those with allergies or respiratory issues.

When Should You Schedule Maintenance with Ables, Inc.?

Ideally, heating maintenance should be performed annually, preferably in the fall before the cold weather sets in. This ensures your system is ready to handle the demands of winter without any hiccups. At Ables, Inc., we take great pride in helping our customers enjoy better heating, which is why we’re pleased to offer seasonal heating maintenance. Just give us a call today and we will be more than happy to schedule your heating maintenance appointment.

April 25, 2025
Once the summer weather arrives, most people turn to their air conditioning system to cool down when the outdoor temperatures start to soar. Effective, efficient air conditioning helps you and your family stay comfortable and relaxed, and can even help you sleep better. So, making sure that it’s in good working order is important. Maybe you’ve been thinking that your home’s air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it should be. Maybe you’ve noticed that you’re just not as comfortable as you used to be, or perhaps your system is older and has needed a lot of repair in recent years. Or, you may not exactly be able to pinpoint what’s going on with your AC, but you know it’s just not working properly. What are some of the signs that my AC is having problems? Many people wait until their air conditioning system has completely stopped working before calling an HVAC professional for help. However, this is not recommended, because it can be a more difficult – and more expensive – fix. Usually, your AC unit will give you some sort of indication that it’s in trouble – and when you first notice any of the signs below, it’s time to give your cooling company a call: Your air conditioning system is making unusual noises, like grinding or squealing. You notice an odd odor coming from your AC, such as melting plastic or a musty smell Your utility bills have been increasing without a good explanation The air coming from your system feels warm Your AC system doesn’t seem to be helping with your home humidity levels You have to keep turning the thermostat down in order to cool your home There is ice buildup on the outdoor (condenser) component of your AC unit What can I do if I need a new air conditioning system? Sometimes, over the course of troubleshooting an air conditioning system, it is discovered that the system is either beyond repair, or repairs will not be cost-effective. In these instances, your technician will explain to you why repairs aren’t feasible, and talk to you about your options. While nobody wants to think about the expense of a new AC system, the good news is, you could end up saving money in the long run. If you have an air conditioning system that’s more than 10 years old, has gone out of warranty, and has needed frequent repairs, it’s likely that you’ll ultimately save money by replacing your system. Chances are, your old air conditioning system is not nearly as efficient as a newer model, and it may even use a refrigerant that’s not readily available and expensive to replace. If you need a new AC system, Ables, Inc. will help you find a system that meets your budget and your needs. Plus, financing is available for qualified buyers. How can Ables, Inc. help me with my air conditioning concerns? At Ables, Inc., we’re pleased to provide our customers with complete air conditioning services. Whether you need AC repair, maintenance, or a brand-new system, we’re ready to help you. We’re pleased to offer quality, high-efficiency AC products from Amana, and help customers who qualify get the financing they need. If you think your air conditioning system needs repairs, Zanesville residents give us a call at (740) 453-6015 and Cambridge please contact us at (740) 439-2186, and we will be more than happy to help you.
April 25, 2025
Living in a home with baseboard or radiant heating likely means that there is no ductwork throughout the home. That may make you feel like you can only choose to cool your home in the summer with window air conditioning units. For some people, window AC is not preferable for a few reasons, including noise, obstruction of views, and inefficiencies, especially with older window air conditioning units. If you don’t have ductwork in your home, you should know that you don’t have to resign yourself to window air conditioning units. More and more people who don’t have ductwork in their homes are choosing ductless air conditioning systems. Of course, if you haven’t heard of ductless, you might be wondering how it may be a good choice for your home. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of ductless air conditioning. 5 Reasons Why People Choose Ductless Cooling Systems Of course, all types of air conditioning systems provide homeowners with the benefit of cool comfort. But, ductless systems have some additional advantages that can make them the ideal choice for your home: There is no need for ductwork. As we mentioned above, ductless air conditioning systems don’t require ductwork, and that makes them a great options in homes with baseboard or radiant heat, or in an addition or converted space in the home that doesn’t have access to the duct system. Ductless installation has minimal construction needs. Ductless AC can easily be installed by your HVAC technician. There are two components to the unit – the outdoor compressor/condenser, and the indoor air handler, which is usually mounted high on a wall or in the ceiling. The two units are connected by a small-diameter conduit – so you’ll be able to enjoy cool comfort quickly with very little construction cleanup. You will save on your energy bills. If you have window air conditioning units installed in your home currently, you will very likely notice a decline in your energy usage if you switch to ductless cooling – the Forbes website, for instance, estimates that ductless uses up to 40 percent less energy to operate than a standard window unit. Ductless cooling is quieter and less obtrusive. Window air conditioning units can be noisy, and obviously because they’re placed in a window, they obstruct your view and make your window pretty much unusable. With ductless, you’ll enjoy quieter cooling – and you’ll still be able to look out your window because your system will be wall or ceiling mounted. Your ductless unit may also provide you with heating. Many ductless systems also can provide heating during the cooler months. So, if you have older baseboard heat, installing a ductless system in your home can replace it, and help you enjoy year-round comfort with just one system. What can I do if I need a new air conditioning system? Sometimes, over the course of troubleshooting an air conditioning system, it is discovered that the system is either beyond repair, or repairs will not be cost-effective. In these instances, your technician will explain to you why repairs aren’t feasible, and talk to you about your options. While nobody wants to think about the expense of a new AC system, the good news is, you could end up saving money in the long run. If you have an air conditioning system that’s more than 10 years old, has gone out of warranty, and has needed frequent repairs, it’s likely that you’ll ultimately save money by replacing your system. Chances are, your old air conditioning system is not nearly as efficient as a newer model, and it may even use a refrigerant that’s not readily available and expensive to replace. If you need a new AC system, Ables, Inc. will help you find a system that meets your budget and your needs. Plus, financing is available for qualified buyers. Can Ables, Inc. help me install ductless in my home? At Ables, Inc., we’re pleased to provide our customers with complete air conditioning services, including ductless cooling installation. If you think ductless might be the right choice for your home, Zanesville residents give us a call at (740) 453-6015 and Cambridge please contact us at (740) 439-2186, and we will be more than happy to help you.
April 25, 2025
In the late summer and early fall months, we often see stormy weather, usually in the form of severe thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes. That’s because during this time off year, the jet stream shifts southward, causing a clash between cold fronts and warm, moist air. Unfortunately, powerful storms such as these can cause a significant disruption in our day to day lives, including power outages. Nobody likes the inconvenience of a power outage in their home. Most of the time, these outages only last for a brief period of time and are just that – an inconvenience. However, for certain people and in circumstances where the power is out for a prolonged period of time, going without electricity can be much more problematic. In this article, we will talk about some of the issues that can arise from an extended power outage, and how Ables, Inc. can help. 5 PROBLEMS POWER OUTAGES CAN CAUSE IN YOUR HOME Food Spoilage: When your fridge and freezer are without power, it stands to reason that they start to warm up. This can lead to food spoilage, especially if you don’t keep the units’ doors shut during the outage. On average, food will stay cold in a refrigerator for 24 hours and in a freezer for 36. Beyond that, however, you may assume it has spoiled. If you’re unsure of your food’s safety, you should never eat it. Of course, having a standby generator in your home can help avoid this – and help keep you and your family safe. Damage to Electronics: Many times, electronics are not damaged by the power outage itself, but rather by the sudden surge of electricity when the power goes back on. This is very common in items like televisions, laptops, and computers. The best thing to do is to unplug your electronics as soon as the power goes out, and especially in the instance of partial outages, known as brown-outs. Basement Flooding: Your sump pump needs electricity in order to operate. If your home relies on a sump pump to keep water out of your basement, you could be in trouble in the event of a severe rainstorm accompanied by a power outage. And, if your basement floods, it could be dangerous to enter. You should never attempt to use any appliances, fuse boxes or outlets affected by a flooded basement until they are evaluated by a professional electrician. Damage to Appliances: Today’s appliances have all gotten “smarter”, and that’s because most of them require tiny computers, known as microprocessors, in order to operate. While this can make them work better and more efficiently for you and your family, it can also mean their components are more susceptible to fluctuations in voltage. Unfortunately, they are more prone to damage during a power outage or brown-out as a result. If you don’t have a backup generator, it’s a good idea to unplug any major appliances during an outage. Medical Equipment Concerns: If someone in your home relies on medical equipment that needs electricity to operate, power outages can be especially harmful. Most medical organizations strongly recommend that people with necessary medical equipment either have a generator in their home or a safe place they can go to during a storm emergency, such as a local school, fire department, or hospital. HOW CAN ABLES, INC. HELP DURING A POWER OUTAGE? At Ables, Inc. we can provide you with a quality standby generator, so you won’t have to worry about going without power. The Kohler standby home generator provides whisper-quiet function and ample power automatically with no refueling, no headaches and no hassle. We are also an authorized distributor of the commercial and residential standby generators manufactured by Generac Power Systems, Inc. These standby units provide 24/7 monitoring and automatic backup power whenever an outage occurs. What’s more, our factory-certified personnel will assist you in selecting the appropriate generator for your home and provide complete installation, startup and natural gas certification and hookup, as well as on-site training and scheduled maintenance. Don’t let the next power outage cost you money and cause damage to your home. Contact Ables, Inc. today at (740) 453-6015 for Zanesville residents and (740) 439-2186 for Cambridge and let us help you find the best generator for your home and lifestyle needs.
April 25, 2025
Now that autumn has arrived, most of our thoughts have turned from cooling our homes to heating them. Having a reliable heating system in your home is necessary, as the temperatures in Ohio can dip down quickly this time of year. That’s why it’s so important to make sure each fall that your heating system is ready for the cooler weather ahead. There are many things that you as a homeowner can do to help prepare your heating system for the cooler weather to come. In this article, we’ll talk about ways you can help get your system ready, and why getting annual maintenance from a professional heating contractor is also important. Keep reading to learn more! HERE ARE SOME STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO GET YOUR HEATING SYSTEM READY THIS FALL Make sure the area around your heating equipment is clear. You’ll want to sweep or vacuum any dirt or debris that may have settled on the floor around your heating system. And, you’ll want to be sure there are no objects on your equipment, as well as move any items that may be stacked around your system. This allows for better air flow. Wipe down and vacuum registers. Your registers can easily accumulate dust, dirt, and other particles that can enter the air and your heating system when it operates. Cleaning your registers regularly allows for better air flow and can help keep the air inside your home cleaner, too. Call Ables, Inc. and schedule your fall maintenance. Now is a great time to get in touch with us to schedule your annual heating maintenance appointment. It’s important to have your system checked out by a heating professional each year for a number of reasons, which we’ll discuss in more detail below. HEATING MAINTENANCE FROM A PROFESSIONAL HELPS YOUR SYSTEM OPERATE BETTER, TOO There are many benefits to having a professional HVAC company like Ables, Inc. maintain your furnace on a yearly basis, including: Better Energy Efficiency: When you get annual maintenance for your heating equipment, it helps improve its performance and operate more smoothly. This allows your system to use less energy to operate, which can help you save on utility bills. Improved Home Comfort: A clean and tuned-up heating system provides your home with more consistent heating. You’ll enjoy better comfort because your system will be able to deliver heated air throughout your home more effectively. Cleaner Indoor Air: Because your technician will make sure your system is clean and free of dirt, and your system’s filter is clean, there will be fewer dust and dirt particles circulating through the air in your home – and that’s a real plus for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma. Longer System Life: A well-maintained heating system is much like a well-maintained vehicle – not only does it perform better and more efficiently, but it also lasts longer. Your technician will be able to spot any potential issues with your system during maintenance, too, allowing for small repairs before they become larger, more expensive ones. Warranty Maintenance: Most manufacturers require regular maintenance in order to keep the system’s warranty in place. Failure to get maintenance for your heating equipment could result in the warranty becoming void, which means you may have to pay out-of-pocket for expenses that the warranty would have covered. I’m ready to get heating maintenance. What’s the next step? That’s as easy as calling Ables, Inc. to schedule your annual heating maintenance appointment. At Ables, Inc., we’re pleased to provide our customers with complete heating services, including maintenance. If your heating system needs fall maintenance, Zanesville residents give us a call at (740) 453-6015 and Cambridge please contact us at (740) 439-2186, and we will be more than happy to help you.
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