Blogs from January, 2019

What You Need To Know About Residential Backup Generators

Homeowners can rest at ease when they have a residential backup generator to use during an unexpected power outage. Running on liquid propane fuel or natural gas, they provide continuous electrical power to a home. These generators can be used to produce electricity to air conditioners, sump pumps, refrigerators, heaters, other electrical appliances, and even lights when the power grid is down.

While backup generators can be complex machines that require an initial investment, they are capable of keeping the power on to a house for many days. However, before choosing to spend the money on one, a homeowner should consider the pros and cons of having one. Also, fuel sources must be considered.

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Reasons To Install A Backup Generator

Since it is impossible to predict a power outage, generators act as an insurance policy. It is up to the homeowner to determine how an interruption of power will affect the household. This is an issue of comfort. Of course, if someone in the family needs medical equipment that requires electricity to run, the need for a backup generator becomes more critical and could be life-saving. If a household is situated in an area prone to blackouts, having a generator can keep everyone comfortable and calm in an otherwise stressful situation.

Some of the pros of having a residential generator include:

• Immediate electricity when there is a grid power outage
• Ability to keep the house at a comfortable temperature
• You can use appliances such as the refrigerator, stove and oven, and water heater
• Ability to use entertainment devices such as televisions and computers
• Protect electrical devices from a power surge when the grid comes back on
• Safety during natural disasters or human-made catastrophes

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Choosing A Fuel Source

Before deciding on the generator, the homeowner must consider which fuel will be most readily available. These machines can operate on either liquid propane or natural gas. The choice may be limited due to the location of the house. However, when the home is in the city, there is often a natural gas line already in place that can be tapped into for continuous fuel as needed. If the house is not close to an existing gas line, it can be expensive to have the line brought to the property. When this is the case, it is better to use liquid propane. A propane company will install a tank outside the house and fill it. However, it will be up to the homeowner to ensure the tank always has fuel.

While it is possible to have a generator that runs on gasoline, it is not the best choice. Propane and natural gas do not go bad as it sits in a tank or gas line. They can be brought to a home in bulk without the need for specialized, in-ground tanks. Also, they are more abundant and generally less expensive than gasoline. Finally, they are safer to use as they are nontoxic.

A backup generator will keep a house from getting too cold and being in the dark when there is no other power available. It will also increase the value of the property when the time comes to sell it.

Why Choose Townsend Energy For Your Backup Generator Installation?

UNLIKE OUR COMPETITORS, Townsend Energy offers a turnkey generator solution, handling the entire installation procedure including:

• Generator sales and installation
• Electrical wiring and hook-up
• Full permitting process
• All necessary inspection coordination
• Propane tank and line installation
• Propane delivery
• Service, repair, and maintenance

If you are interested in finding out more about a whole house generator for your home, be sure to contact Townsend Energy. Townsend Energy offers home comfort services in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We can install, maintain, and repair a residential backup generator for you. Contact Townsend Energy if you have any questions or concerns about residential generators.

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Call us today to schedule your free, in-home generator consultation and give yourself the peace of mind you want knowing you and your family will be protected before the next big storm arrives.

Common Issues Your Furnace Can Experience

Regardless of the age and brand of your furnace, without regular maintenance and checkups, you are at risk of a complete breakdown when you need heat the most. Also, without the necessary maintenance, your furnace will not reach its maximum lifespan which means that you would need to replace your heater earlier that you should need to. Also, a furnace that receives proper maintenance operates more efficiently, reducing your home heating costs.

Between maintenance checks, there are a few common signs of furnace problems that you should look out for. These include:

• Persistent noises
• Inadequate heat
• Poor air quality in the home
• Discolored pilot light
• Tripped carbon monoxide detector

If you are unable to detect the signs that there is a problem with your furnace, it can cause serious health and safety hazards. If you run a malfunctioning furnace, it can result in a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

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Furnace Repair Somersworth NH: Common Problems Your Furnace Can Experience

In this article, you will learn some of the common problems that can result in a furnace that doesn’t work properly.

Dirty And Obstructed Furnace Air Filters

If your furnace’s air filter is clogged or dirty, it can reduce the airflow in your home. It can also increase the amount of wear and tear on your furnace. These issues will make your furnace work harder than it should which will cause the furnace to become less efficient. It will also decrease the lifespan of your heater. To avoid these issues, you should change the filters regularly. Also, regular maintenance is essential.

Thermostat-Related Heating Issues

There are specific issues that can cause your thermostat to malfunction. These include wiring problems, dust and debris buildup, mismatched components, and incorrect calibration.

If the wiring is faulty, it could break the connection between the thermostat and the furnace. When this happens, the heater won’t turn off and on. If there is a break in the heat anticipator, it can cause the heater to short cycle.

Because the thermostat is a complicated piece of equipment, you should not make the repairs a DIY project. It will take an experienced HVAC tech to properly troubleshoot the problem and then repair it.

Problems With A Cracked Heat Exchanger In Your Furnace

The heat exchanger is made of up a metal chamber and a passageway. This is the part that separates the combustion process from the air inside the home. It also keeps your home free of the toxic flue products such as carbon monoxide. The exchanger is covered with a thin sheet of metal. This metal can crack due to various factors such as rust, debris, and repeated exposure to moisture. This can cause serious furnace issues.

A crack can cause the hot air to stop blowing or for air to stop blowing altogether. Even worse, it can leak dangerous and toxic flue products into the house. To be sure that this doesn’t happen, you should contact a licensed HVAC tech immediately to replace the cracked exchanger.

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Furnace Blower Motor: Problems & Causes

Forced air HVAC systems are designed to circulate conditioned air throughout the home. If the blower isn’t maintained correctly, it can result in a variety of malfunctions. There are a few reasons why the blower mower could fail. These include:

• Dirt accumulation: When dirt and debris clog the blower motor, it can cause it to shut down.
• Mechanical failure: If there are mechanical issues, the blower motor can fail. The bearing can wear out which can cause a malfunction. The same is true if the switch gets worn out. This will cause the blower motor to run constantly. If this happens, the blower will circulate cold air rather than conditioned air. If the belt drive wears out, the blower motor won’t start. Each of these issues can be prevented with regular maintenance checks.
• Electrical failure: Electrical issues can cause the blower motor to malfunction. This can be caused by insufficient voltage to the capacitor and a variety of other reasons. Electrical issues can be complicated, and if you don’t know what you are doing, they can be dangerous. This is why you should hire a licensed HVAC contractor to diagnose and repair the problem.

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Conclusion

There are a variety of furnace issues that can occur, causing your system to shut down completely. Others are serious and can put you and your family’s health at great risk. Since the problem can be challenging to diagnose, you should hire a professional to make the necessary repairs. Also, regular maintenance checks are also essential to the health and lifespan of your furnace.

When you need to hire a reputable HVAC contractor, you should contact Townsend Energy. We provide exceptional service for heating and cooling systems. We handle HVAC installations, repairs, and tune-ups.

All of our HVAC techs are NATE certified. They understand everything there is to know about your heating and cooling system. Our techs have the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose any issue and give you the best, most practical solution to fix it. We will also do what we can to offer you options that will fit in with your budget.

Our techs are not only knowledgeable, but they are also extremely friendly and professional. Best of all, we guarantee our work. To schedule an appointment, give Townsend Energy a call today. We even offer free estimates.

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Some of the areas that we service include Berwick, Dover, Rollinsford, Somersworth and these zip codes 03901, 03820, 03805, 03878 as well as all surrounding areas in Strafford County, New Hampshire.

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The Dangers Of Carbon Monoxide

When it starts to get cold, like many homeowners, you turn on your heating system. As long as you turn up the heater and the house gets warm, there is nothing to worry about.

Heating systems are one of those appliances that most people take for granted. You expect that it will always be working and that it is operating safely.

The unfortunate truth is that all heating systems pose certain dangers. Improper ventilation can result in a carbon monoxide leak. This gas is odorless and colorless and can be deadly to anyone who is exposed to it for long periods.

Below, you will learn a few of the most common causes of a carbon dioxide leak. You will also learn a few tips to keep a leak from occurring in your home. It is essential that you know about the risks of carbon monoxide, especially during the winter months.

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Heating System Repair Beverly MA: The Effects Of Carbon Monoxide From Your Furnace

Most people understand that carbon monoxide is a deadly gas; however, some don’t know exactly how harmful it is. About 20,000 in the U.S. each year end up in the emergency room after being exposed to carbon monoxide. Of these people, about 400 die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Sadly, most of these deaths could have been avoided if the proper precautions had been taken.
The reason that carbon monoxide is so dangerous is that there are no symptoms early on. The gas has no odor, no color, and no taste. Most people don’t even know that they have been exposed until it is too late. If a person notices that there is a leak in their home, they should get to the emergency room immediately to be sure that their level of exposure wasn’t too serious.

How To Prevent A Heating System Carbon Monoxide Leak

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be avoided if the proper precautions are taken. The best way to prevent a leak is to have your furnace or boiler maintained every year. When the system is tuned up, any issues will be caught early, which can reduce the chance of a carbon monoxide leak.

Carbon monoxide leaks can occur in a heating system when certain things happen:

• A crack in the combustion chamber
• If the exhaust piping is compromised
• If the combustion process isn’t functioning properly
• Older systems are more likely to develop a leak than newer systems are, due to wear and tear over time.

Schedule A Furnace Tune-Up For Improved Operation

When you have your heating system checked each year, issues can be repaired before they become serious. It doesn’t take long for a tune-up, and if there are issues, they can be handled before they can result in a deadly carbon monoxide leak. With all types of machinery, the bigger the repair, the higher the cost. Not only does a tune-up ensure your safety, but it will also ensure that your furnace is running correctly and efficiently all season long.

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Get CO Detectors And Install Them Around The House

There is more to do than having your heating system tuned up to ensure the safety of everyone in your home. You should also have properly functioning carbon monoxide detectors in the house. They can save your life. They are especially important if you live in cold climates where you need to use your heat more often.

If there is a leak, the carbon monoxide detector will alert you. If there are small amounts in the home, it can be deadly if you are exposed to it for a long time. To avoid this, you should put multiple detectors in your home. You should have at least one on every floor of the home and one right by the heating system. Fortunately, they aren’t expensive.

If your detector alerts to a carbon monoxide leak, you should get out of the house immediately. Next, you should call 911. First responders will need to find the source of the leak and the EMT’s will need to check out everyone that was in the home to make sure that they haven’t become ill due to the exposure.

Final Thoughts

Heating systems work hard all season. However, by using these systems, there is a risk of a carbon monoxide leak, primarily if the system has not been correctly maintained. Scheduling a tune-up for your system doesn’t cost much money, and it can save the lives of you and your family.

At Townsend Energy, we have NATE certified technicians on staff to service your furnace. We offer HVAC installations, replacements, repairs, and tune-ups.

Our HVAC contractors have the knowledge and experience to service your heater to ensure that it is working correctly. Also, our staff is friendly, professional, and highly trained.

To schedule an appointment, contact Townsend Energy today. We offer free in-home estimates.

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Some of the areas we service include Beverly, Danvers, Hamilton, Prides Crossing, South Hamilton, Wenham and these zip codes: 01915, 01923, 01936, 01965, 01982, 01984, as well as all surrounding areas in Essex County, Massachusetts.

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How To Stay Warm During A Heating System Failure

It is not uncommon for winter temperatures to drop to freezing levels or lower. Thankfully, your home’s efficient space heating system is in place to keep you comfortable and warm, regardless of how cold it gets outside.

To make sure you always have a home that is pleasant during winter, you must have your heating system regularly serviced by a professional. Completing maintenance of this kind helps to minimize repairs and improve the performance and efficiency of your furnace.

When serviced appropriately, your heating system also enjoys better longevity. However, it is essential to note that yearly checkups do not necessarily immune your heater to breakdowns. Therefore, when your heater malfunctions, you must know how to stay warm until the appropriate repairs are made.

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Furnace Repair Beverly MA: Staying Warm During Heating System Failure

Closing doors and windows to prevent warm air from escaping is important. This is because if you are experiencing a heating failure, you cannot afford to allow any warm air to escape your home.

For this reason, closing all the doors and windows as soon as your furnace malfunctions is imperative. This should be done immediately, as it will ensure that the dwelling retains at least some heat. That allows you to stay warm within the home for a longer period of time while the heater is malfunctioning. It will also prevent cold air from blasting into the home, and thus lowering the inside temperature.

Put On Warm Apparel When Waiting For Heating System Repairs

You should always put on warm clothing to stay comfortable when a heating failure is being experienced. Do not forget to put on socks and sweaters.

This ensures that you lose as little body heat as possible. Although the temperature within your home may begin to drop, if your body is properly insulated with the appropriate clothing, you will remain warm.

Naturally, this solution is not a permanent one, so you should definitely contact your HVAC professional to visit your home and fix the furnace in a timely manner.

Stay Warm With A Hot Drink During A Furnace Malfunction

Sipping on hot beverages is one of the best ways to stay warm if your heating system is malfunctioning. Consider making a large mug of coffee, tea or hot cocoa. Enjoy your drink as you wait for the HVAC contractor to arrive.

Use An Electric Space Heater To Offset A Cooler Environment

Electric heaters can be acquired in a vast array of sizes and shapes. There are ceramic heaters, heating pads, portable space heaters, and electric blankets. If you have a heating failure in your home, be sure to start using these items as soon as possible. However, you should never leave a space heater unattended, and do not fall asleep while such devices are running.

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Generate Heat With Physical Activity & Exercise

As you patiently wait for your HVAC contractor to remedy the situation with your heating system, you should increase your physical activity in order to boost your body temperature. For example, simply cranking up the music and dancing to your favorite songs can raise your body temperature. You may also wish to do your usual at home exercises while the system is in failure mode. Physical activity forces your body to burn more calories, and this also heats your body up to help you stay warm as you wait for a solution to the problem.

Close Unoccupied Rooms & Only Heat Occupied Areas

Efficient heating contractors can typically get to your home within an hour. Nevertheless, things may still be difficult if weather conditions are poor. As you wait for the HVAC professional to arrive, close all unused rooms. This will eliminate situations where heat is flowing into unused spaces instead of where it is most needed.

If the life expectancy of your furnace has been exceeded, it should be replaced before the heart of winter. This is a vital step regarding maintaining a comfortable home, as old furnaces typically break down on a regular basis during winter. They also fail to meet the homeowners heating needs and generally use more fuel than necessary. For this reason, you should discuss your options concerning furnace replacement with your HVAC contractor.

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Conclusion

When searching for top-notch HVAC services, you should contact Townsend Energy. We provide heating system services to reduce your energy costs and ensure that your heating system performs in the most efficient manner possible.

A terrific way to help lower your home heating costs, especially during winter, is to complete appropriate furnace maintenance. It is always wise to schedule an evaluation with Townsend Energy prior to winter to ensure that your furnace is running properly and discover any minor issues that need to be remedied. Proper maintenance helps prevent furnaces from breaking down or experiencing major problems during the coldest months of the year. However, since the winter has already begun, it is better to schedule one now than not at all. Make sure you call our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment for a tuneup.

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Some of the areas we service include Beverly, Danvers, Hamilton, Prides Crossing, South Hamilton, Wenham and these zip codes: 01915, 01923, 01936, 01965, 01982, 01984, as well as all surrounding areas in Essex County, Massachusetts.

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Why Is It Hotter Upstairs Than Downstairs?

A heating system that maintains every room at the same temperature is the ideal situation. However, in reality, it’s typical for rooms on lower levels to be slightly cooler than those in a building’s upper levels.

For example, in your home, you have probably noticed that it is often hotter upstairs than it is downstairs. This problem is common, and it frequently leads to people on the lower level feeling quite comfortable, while those upstairs often feel too warm. Do you ever wonder why this disparity in comfort and temperature occurs? Well, keep reading to discover the answer.

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Georgetown HVAC Companies: Why Is It Hotter Upstairs Than Downstairs?

It’s not unusual for temperatures to drop below freezing during the winter. Therefore, it is important to schedule a heating service before the start of the cold season. You should also clean your air ducts and furnace. Be sure to replace air filters to help increase the energy efficiency of your heating system. All of these tasks help boost overall performance. A simple tune-up of your heating system can also improve indoor air quality.

You should always hire a qualified service technician with experience in the HVAC industry for any furnace maintenance. While your heating system will work hard to maintain an indoor temperature that is comfortable, even during the coldest months of winter, it is imperative that you take steps to ensure that the temperature upstairs is just as comfortable as it is downstairs.

What causes temperature differences in various areas of your home?

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In Two-Story Houses, Warm Air Rises

As your heating system warms the cold air, the volume of the air increases and this reduces its density. The result of this change in the air is that the cold, denser air, displaces the warm air as it pushes it upwards. When you live in a home with two or more levels, heated air will naturally rise up to the higher levels of your home. Consequently, rooms located upstairs will be warmer than rooms in downstairs areas.

Temperature Imbalances Can Be Caused By Poor Ductwork Sizing

If you have ductwork in your house that is an inappropriate size or that has a poor design, you can end up with rooms that don’t get proper airflow. For example, if the ducts leading to upper levels in your home are bigger than the ducts for lower levels, it’s possible that the upstairs will end up getting more heated air, leading to different temperatures in your home.

Upstairs Areas Lack Exterior Doors

One reason why it might be colder downstairs than it is upstairs is that you have a home with the main entrance located on the downstairs level. Every time you open this door, you let cold air in while allowing heated air to escape.

Likewise, merely opening a backdoor can lead to the loss of precious heated air. This can be a big reason why your home stays hotter upstairs than it does downstairs.

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Your Thermostat Could Be Improperly Located

The thermostat is the device responsible for regulating your furnace. It turns your furnace off and on to maintain the desired indoor temperature. If the thermostat senses that the air temperature has fallen below the temperature you have set, it will switch on the furnace to generate more heated air into your home.

Many thermostats are located in the main floor living room, but this means that it won’t be effective in controlling whether upper levels of your home are comfortable. For example, an upstairs bedroom might be already at your desired temperature. However, with a thermostat that is downstairs, an area that is naturally cooler, the thermostat reads a lower temperature, triggering the furnace to turn on the heat. Consequently, this makes the upstairs bedroom get hotter than desired.

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How To Keep Your Home At An Even Temperature

An effective way to maintain your home at an even temperature is to use zoned heating. To do this, you’ll need to have thermostats installed in different areas or zones in your home. A zoned system will ensure your heating system heats cooler areas of your home independently from the warmer areas. It can turn the heat on only in the areas that have dropped below your desired temperature without heating areas that have already reached your preset temperature.

The installation of a zoned heating system can effectively remedy problems with temperature variations. It’s important to hire a qualified heating contractor to inspect the heating system and properly identify the exact problem. When they identify the issue, the experienced heating contractor can offer you the appropriate solutions. They can ensure that you have a heating system that is efficient and functions at its best.

Conclusion

At Townsend Energy, we have technicians who are NATE certified to provide you with quality HVAC services.

We offer exceptional heating and cooling services, including tune-ups, installation, repairs, and replacement of HVAC equipment. We have a team of qualified contractors who have the expertise and experience to provide quality service to keep your HVAC system working the way it should.

If you have areas that are hard to heat or cool, we can determine the best solution to help create even temperature throughout your house. Additionally, Townsend Energy offers competitive prices for all of the HVAC services that we offer. Give us a call today and schedule your appointment. We provide free in-home estimates.

Some of the areas that we service include Boxford, Byfield, Georgetown, Groveland, Rowley, and these zip codes 01921, 01922, 01833, 01834, 01969 as well as all surrounding areas in Essex County, Massachusetts.

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