Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Blog: Archive for the ‘Heating’ Category

The Benefits of Oil to Gas Conversions

Monday, September 30th, 2013

Do you want all the benefits of a gas boiler or furnace without the high replacement cost? Have you considered an oil to gas conversion? Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. offer oil to gas conversions for customers in the Washington, D.C. area.

Here are reasons customers would want to convert from oil to gas:

1. Homeowners will save a lot of money on fuel bills.

2. The system will pay for itself through energy savings in just a few years.

3. Natural gas is a much cleaner burning fossil fuel, which is better for the environment.

4. Home heating oil can be smelly, but natural gas is odorless.

5. Homes with natural gas heating systems have higher resale value.

Call Polar Bear today to find out if your existing oil boiler or furnace can be converted to natural gas. The switch can save you money on fuel and natural gas is much better for the environment. Natural gas can also be piped directly to your home, so you never have to worry about fuel deliveries again! Let the expert team at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc. take care of your oil to gas conversion, increase the potential value of your home, and help you save money on energy costs!

Tags: D.C., Heating, Oil to Gas Conversion, Washington
Posted in Heating, Oil Heaters | Comments Off on The Benefits of Oil to Gas Conversions

Why You Can’t Afford to Avoid Scheduling Heating Maintenance in Washington DC

Monday, September 16th, 2013

During the spring, Washington, DC is a city of cherry blossoms—but in the winter everything changes. We have our beautiful days and our stormy days, but the low temperature is a constant. You need to have a good heating system in your home to get you through to the next blossom season. If your boiler or furnace fails during the height of winter, you could be stuck shivering until emergency professional repairs can get done. If you live in Washington, DC, it’s vital that you make heating maintenance a priority.

One reason to schedule maintenance as soon as you can is that autumn is a much less busy time for HVAC companies. When winter sets in, emergencies can create a backlog of service calls, and it may take much longer for a technician to get to your home and put your heater back in working order. Experts like those at Polar Bear can give you fast service during the fall, so take advantage of the season.

Maintenance is essential to keeping your heating system working efficiency and effectively. When a technician goes over your system, they will clean all the components and replace any worn or broken parts. This ensures that your system will efficiently heat your home all winter long, saving you money on your utility bills and keeping your home comfortable.

If you skip maintenance, you might not learn if you need to completely replace your current system. This is especially true if you have an older boiler or heater—possibly one you inherited with your home. Do an inventory of all the repairs that you’ve needed to make over the past few years, and then check if your energy bill has risen. Multiple repairs plus high bills could mean it’s time to get a new heating system installed. Because this is more time consuming than most standard repairs, it’s important to have maintenance checks done as soon as possible. If installing a new heater is in your future, a technician can offer advice on which of the many systems is best for your needs.

At Polar Bear, we take pride in the trust we’ve built with our customers. Our specialists will prepare your heater to weather the harshness of a Washington, DC winter with our excellent heating maintenance agreement. Don’t let the winter overtake you before scheduling maintenance with us!

Tags: Heating Maintenance, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Why You Can’t Afford to Avoid Scheduling Heating Maintenance in Washington DC

Is it Time for Furnace Replacement in Washington, DC?

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Investing in a furnace replacement in Washington, DC is a major decision. It requires not only researching for the best new furnace for your home, but also knowing when furnace replacement is necessary. If you’re thinking about replacing the furnace in your Washington, DC home, call the experts at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating. We can help you to weigh your options and your budget so that you can make an informed and confident decision. We know how hard it can be to go through this process so we put together a short guide that might be able to help.

Signs You Need Furnace Replacement

So how do you know if it’s time for furnace replacement? Here are some things to consider:

Frequent repairs. If you regularly repair your existing furnace and it seems like there is no end to the amount of money you spend on it, it may be time to invest in a replacement. When an old furnace becomes a money pit, sometimes it’s better to start anew, than to try to salvage the old.
Old age. If your furnace is old and has started requiring repairs, then you may want to consider replacement. The repair costs on older units are often more than it would cost to get a new model.
Energy efficiency. Today’s gas furnaces boast AFUE ratings of up to 97%, which means that only a small fraction of the energy drawn from the fuel is lost. This can mean big savings for you in the long-term. In fact, it might make more sense to replace your furnace, even if your old one has not yet stopped working. The technology is rapidly advancing, and it may be worthwhile to talk to a furnace expert soon about your energy efficiency options.

Remember that when you consider furnace replacement, you need to look for an installation company that provides exceptional service at great value. Look no further than Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating for all of your furnace replacement needs in Washington, DC. Call us today.

Tags: Furnace Replacement, Furnaces, Heating, Heating Replacemnet, Washington
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Is it Time for Furnace Replacement in Washington, DC?

Washington DC Furnace Tip: What to Do if Your Furnace Breaks Down

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Don’t leave your Washington DC home without heat this year. If you have a problem, call for emergency repair service from Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating to get your furnace back up and running. We are also available to discuss furnace replacement options with homeowners, in order to help them understand the cost-benefits to a new, energy-efficient unit. For more information, call us today.

If your furnace breaks down, call a pro. Furnaces are complex machines designed to be handled by trained technicians. Attempting to repair it yourself can be dangerous and may only increase the damage. Here are some common problems that can cause a furnace to break down:

No power- Your furnace requires electricity to function. The system may have blown a fuse or tripped a circuit.
Thermostat malfunction- Ensure that your thermostat is properly tuned to a warm temperature, but if it’s not responsive, it can sometimes indicate a problem with your thermostat calibration.
Motor problem- The motor that powers your blower components may have worn out, or needs to be reset.
Pilot light out- If your furnace is not igniting, your pilot light might be out. It is the small flame that allows the gas to ignite. You may have automatic electric ignition instead of a pilot, however, which requires its own diagnosis.
Thermocouple fault- The thermocouple is an electronic device that senses the heat around your pilot light. If it senses that the air is too cold, it determines that your pilot is shut off and shuts off the supply valve. This is a safety measure, designed to protect you.

Whatever the reason for furnace breakdown, call in a heating professional. You should also make sure to enroll in maintenance plan for your new or repaired furnace. Not only will it give you the peace of mind of professional care, but it may also save you significant money on repairs in Washington DC. Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating is available for emergency and routine furnace repair services. Call us today!

Tags: Furnace Repair, Heating, Heating Repair, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Furnace Tip: What to Do if Your Furnace Breaks Down

Causes of Boiler Problems in Washington DC

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Our Washington, DC boiler experts can take care of all your boiler repair and maintenance needs. If you need any type of service for your boiler, or if you simply have questions, give us a call. While you should call a repair technician as soon as you notice an issue, it is important to understand the causes of some of the more common boiler problems so that you can prevent them from occurring.

In this post, we explore some of the potential causes of problems with many types of boilers. Don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions or need to schedule service.

Not Enough Heat

Are you not getting enough heat from your boiler? There are a few potential reasons for this. One of the more common causes is that something has happened to throw off the hot water levels inside the tank. The hot water should be on the top, so when you feel the tank, it should feel warmer near the top. If this is reversed, there’s a problem, and it could be causing your heating problem. Often water levels are off because of sediment buildup, but another potential cause is a faulty pressure valve.

Leaky Boiler Tank

If you have a leaky boiler tank, this can cause any number of problems, including low heat output and low water pressure in hot water systems. Look for signs of rust or water leaking near the tank. If you notice any of these warning signs, call a Washington DC repair technician. A leak can cause water damage and also damage your boiler system.

Many homes in the Washington DC area use boilers for heat and hot water. At Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc., we can solve all your boiler problems, from sediment build-up, to faulty pressure gauges and broken thermostats. Call us for fast and reliable boiler repair and comprehensive boiler maintenance services.

Tags: Boiler Repair, Heating, Heating Repair, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Causes of Boiler Problems in Washington DC

Causes of Common Boiler Sounds: Washington, DC Boiler Repair Guide

Monday, February 11th, 2013

Boilers are one of the most common heating systems in the country. They provide comfortable and efficient heat and only require regular maintenance to work reliably. At Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating, we offer complete boiler repairs and installation in Washington, DC. One of the most common calls for service that we get is boiler noises. All boiler repairs should be done by a professional contractor. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some of the most common causes of boiler noises so that our customers would know when to call us.

Boiler Knocking and What It Means

Perhaps the most common boiler noise that people in Washington, DC call us about is a knocking sound. There are several causes for this sound and you should always consult a professional plumber if you start to hear that noise.

Air in the pipes – Over time, air bubbles can start to build up in your boiler pipes. Unless your boiler lines get regularly bled, the air moving through your pipes can create a knocking sound. This is usually fixed by a heating technician who can open the pressure release vale to let the air out.
Oversized boiler – If your boiler is too large for your home it can cause boiling in your water lines which can cause a knocking.
Sediment – If you have hard water at your home the excess minerals can start to build up on the bottom of your boiler tank. When the burner kicks on to heat up the water, the sediment crust will block the heat and cause rapid heating of the water underneath the crust to heat up quickly and form steam.
Expansion tank – The expansion tank for your boiler allows for it to accommodate the physical properties of water that make it expand when heated. If your expansion tank isn’t working right it could cause the knocking sound as well.

If you need boiler repairs in Washington, DC, just call the experts at Polar Bear.

Tags: Boiler Noise, Boiler Repair, DC, Heating, Washington
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Causes of Common Boiler Sounds: Washington, DC Boiler Repair Guide

Washington DC Boiler Question: How Does a Boiler Heat a Home?

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Many homeowners swear by the efficient, effective performance of their boilers. There is a reason that boiler heating systems have been so popular for as long as they have, after all. With a professional boiler installation and routine maintenance you can enjoy years of comfortable, even heating service from your boiler. They have few moving parts and are incredibly durable, making a boiler a great investment for your Washington DC home. Like most homeowners, though, we’re guessing that some of you do not actually know how a boiler heats a home. Here is some basic information from Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating.

The operation of a boiler is actually very simple. The boiler itself is really just a tank containing water. A separate component of the boiler system, the burner, is to burn the fuel that will heat the water within the boiler. One of the greatest benefits of a boiler installation is the fact that there are a number of fuel source options available. The fuel is mixed with air and ignited, allowing the boiler and the water within to heat up to create hot water or steam.

Once the water has reached the appropriate heat level, it is ready for circulation throughout the home. In a hydronic heating system hot water is distributed throughout your home through a piping system. Radiators or baseboards may also be used to distribute the heat a boiler creates throughout a building. The result is even, efficient radiant heating. Unlike a furnace depending on forced air to circulate heat, boilers do not stir up the air in your home. This is an added benefit to residents with allergies or asthma symptoms for whom airborne pollutants can be an aggravating concern.

For more information on your boiler options and their operation, contact Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating. We have the answers to all your questions. Let us handle the installation, maintenance and repair of your boiler heating system in Washington DC.

Tags: Boiler, Boiler Installation, Heating, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Boiler Question: How Does a Boiler Heat a Home?

Washington DC Heating Tip: Benefits of an ENERGY STAR Qualified Boiler

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Are you considering an ENERGY STAR boiler for your Washington DC area home? The boiler specialists at Polar Bear are here to help! We provide installations for a number of ENERGY STAR qualified boilers, and we also provide routine maintenance so that your new boiler will provide lasting results.

Here are a few benefits you can get from an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler:

Energy savings is perhaps the best benefit from an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler, especially if you are replacing an older boiler that has an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating of less than 80%. A new boiler will also need fewer repairs, which can make a big difference in the overall cost of heating your home. If your home is properly insulated and sealed, you can see quite a bit of savings from a new high-efficiency boiler.

If you are building a new home, consider a boiler that can both heat your home and your hot water. This is an efficient way to provide heating and consistent hot water. Radiant floors can also be heated by a boiler designed for radiant floor heating systems, and this will provide even greater energy savings. While there are a variety of boilers on the market today, an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler can help you not only keep your home comfortable, but also save you a lot of money over time.

Don’t hesitate to call the Washington DC heating experts at Polar Bear for all your boiler installation needs. We are here to find the most cost-effective solutions for your needs, so call today to get started!

Tags: Boiler Installation, Boilers, Heating, Heating Installation, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Heating Tip: Benefits of an ENERGY STAR Qualified Boiler

Washington DC Furnace Repair Question: Why Is My Furnace So Noisy?

Monday, January 21st, 2013

If you have a furnace in Washington DC, you’re likely enjoying the comfortable and efficient heat that it delivers to your home. During its normal operation, your furnace will make sounds as it moves the warm air throughout your home. However, if you start to notice new and strange noises coming from your furnace, you should probably call a professional heating contractor. Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating provides fast and reliable furnace repair in Washington DC. We thought it would be beneficial to our customers if we put together some of the most common furnaces noises and what they mean.

Common Furnace Noises You Should Watch For in Washington DC

Here are some of the most common furnaces noises in Washington DC that indicate there is a problem with your furnace.

Rattling – This is one of the most important noises to watch out for because it can indicate that your heat exchanger is cracked. The heat exchanger in your furnace does two things: first, it heats up the air that gets pushed into your home. Second, it exhausts the dangerous combustion gases produced by burning fuel. If there is a crack in your heat exchanger, carbon monoxide might be entering your air supply.
Short cycling – If you notice that your furnace turns on and off frequently, it could be short cycling. This is not only highly inefficient, it also causes lots of wear and tear on your furnace. This usually indicates that your furnace is too big for your home.
Rumbling – This can sometimes because by the ducts in your rafters expanding to allow the new heated air through. But it can also be caused by a dirty burner or an improperly adjusted pilot light. You should probably have a heating technician come out and inspect your furnace.
Squealing – If your furnace is making a high-pitched whine or squeal, this is almost always caused by the fan belt, the fan shaft or the fan’s bearings. To fix this, you’ll likely need to have a heating professional replace the belt and lubricate the bearings.

If you need any kind of furnace repairs in Washington DC, call Polar Bear today. We have highly trained heating technicians that can handle any kind of furnace repair.

Tags: Furnace Repair, Heating, Heating Repair, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Furnace Repair Question: Why Is My Furnace So Noisy?

Washington D.C. Heating FAQ: When is a Boiler Replacement the Best Option?

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Do you think you might need a boiler installation in your Washington D.C. home? Let the heating experts at Polar Bear help by inspecting your current boiler and recommending the right solution for your heating needs. While there are a few questions to ask yourself, it’s best to speak with a professional who can also assess your home and suggest other home improvements that may need to happen first.

Here are a few questions to ask when trying to decide if a boiler replacement is the best option for you.

How Efficient is My Current Boiler?

If you aren’t sure how efficient your current boiler is, call a technician to test it. This should be done during annual maintenance exams, so if you haven’t scheduled yours this year, call Polar Bear. If your current boiler is rated at 80% AFUE or lower, then you could benefit from replacing it with a high-efficiency model, especially if you are paying for frequent repairs.

Is My Home Insulated Properly?

Many older homes in the area are not insulated properly. Instead of upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler first, make sure your home has enough insulation. If you are losing heat due to inadequate insulation, then you won’t be getting the most out of your new boiler. In addition, your boiler may be efficient enough that it would be more cost-effective to add insulation to your home and replace the boiler when it wears out.

Choosing the Right Heating System

If you have decided to replace your boiler, it may be a good idea to at least consider the cost-effectiveness of installing a different type of heating system. There are a variety of heating system options, and our friendly staff members can help you choose the right boiler, furnace, or packaged system.

Contact the Washington D.C. heating experts at Polar Bear for a routine check-up, or if you would like to go over the different boilers we can install for you.

Tags: Boiler Installation, Heating, Heating Installation, Washington D.C.
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington D.C. Heating FAQ: When is a Boiler Replacement the Best Option?