A couple of months ago, the HVAC unit in my home started malfunctioning. The temperature inside my home soared to over eighty degrees Fahrenheit, even though my air conditioning system ran nonstop. After inspecting my air conditioning unit, my knowledgeable HVAC contractor recommended I purchase a new system. He discussed the pros and cons of installing different sizes of HVAC units with me. After considering my HVAC contractor’s advice, I decided to purchase a three and a half ton HVAC unit. Shortly after my HVAC contractor installed my new air conditioning unit, my house started feeling more comfortable. On this blog, I hope you will discover how an HVAC contractor can help you select the right air conditioning unit for your home. Enjoy!
When someone buys a house with a natural gas or propane furnace, choosing a full-service heating contractor early on is a good idea. Heating and cooling technicians perform annual maintenance on the system and complete any repairs that become necessary over the years. One day, when a new furnace becomes necessary, this contractor can complete that large project as well.
Propane and Natural Gas Furnaces
Furnaces that run on these two types of fuels are very similar. The propane models originally were manufactured to operate with natural gas, after which heating contractors converted the furnaces to safely work with the other fuel. Technically called liquefied petroleum gas, propane is mainly used by homeowners who live outside of an area with utility company service. Contractors providing service for residential heaters install, repair, and maintain both kinds of equipment.
Propane and Natural Gas Delivery
Homeowners who heat their houses with propane contract with a business to regularly deliver the fuel throughout the heating season. The driver fills a tank in the yard from a tanker truck. In contrast, natural gas is delivered through underground pipelines connected to a pipe in the home.
Switching to Natural Gas
Typically, when utility companies extend pipelines into growing neighborhoods, homeowners switch from propane to natural gas. Most find this to be a more convenient choice, and they want the tank removed from the yard. These property owners can ask their heating contractor to convert the furnace back to natural gas. Another option would be waiting until they need a new furnace and having a natural gas model installed.
Supplemental Heat
Particularly outside of municipalities, homeowners might supplement their heat with a wood stove to save money. Some households depend a great deal on wood heat, but many people are away from the house too much to keep a fire burning. They might only burn wood in the evening after work or on weekends. The furnace thermostat is set to turn on that appliance once the home's temperature dips to a specific low point. The fire has burned out and nobody is around to stoke it.
An increasingly popular choice is to have a gas fireplace installed in a centrally located part of the house. The residents now can keep the furnace thermostat set low so that fuel isn't wasted in rooms that aren't occupied. The main living area stays warm in the meantime.
Contact an HVAC contractor if you need help with your residential heater.
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