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

The Benefits of Oil to Gas Boiler Conversions

Monday, January 7th, 2013

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

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

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 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 cost!

Tags: Gas Boiler, Natural Gas, Oil Boiler, Oil to Gas Conversion, Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating, Washintong D.C.
Posted in Gas Heaters, Heating, Home Savings | Comments Off on The Benefits of Oil to Gas Boiler Conversions

How Ignoring Heating Repairs in Your Washington, D.C. Home Can Cost You Money

Monday, January 7th, 2013

It is perfectly understandable that you may not want to waste your money calling for maintenance or repair services every time you have some little issue with your heater. Unfortunately, even seeming small issues with your heater can lead to big problems. That is why you need to call in a professional from a quality service provider such as Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating to inspect any issues with your heater. Take it from us, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your comfort in Washington D.C..

One major reason that it is always best to enlist the help of a home heating expert when you experience problems with your heater is the fact that these problems are not always immediately identifiable. That means that by the time you notice a problem with your heater, that problem has most likely been developing for some time. Choosing to ignore it further will only allow more damage to be done to your system. This will require more extensive, costly repairs. The sooner any problem is handled by a qualified service technician the less it is likely to cost you.

Even if your home heating system does not break down, you have to remember that an operational system is not necessarily an efficient system. Your heater does not have to stop working altogether in order to cost you money. If your heater’s operation has been compromised it will lose efficiency, meaning that it will work harder and consume more energy to keep up with the demand that you put on it. The harder your system has to work and the more energy it consumes the more expensive it is to operate. Making even “minor” repairs, in other words, can result in savings that are anything but.

If you have any unanswered questions about why you must not ignore your heater’s repair needs, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of high quality repair services with you. Contact us today for more information about heating repair services in Washington D.C.. Remember, ignoring heating problems now will only result in more serious issues further along.

Tags: Boiler Repair, Furnace Repair, Heating, Heating Repair, Washington D.C.
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on How Ignoring Heating Repairs in Your Washington, D.C. Home Can Cost You Money

Why Commercial Heating Maintenance is Important

Monday, December 17th, 2012

Whatever you use your commercial property in Washington DC for, you need to know that that property will be comfortable for all of your employees, tenants and customers, both existing and potential. Professional maintenance of your commercial heating system can help ensure that this is the case. If you have not had your commercial heating system professionally expected or scheduled routine maintenance in the past year, trust us: now is the time. Call Polar Bear today to get the professional commercial heating maintenance you need to succeed. We are always available to help.

While regular, professional maintenance is an important step that must be taken with any heating system, it is especially important with your commercial equipment. Commercial comfort systems are in operation pretty much around the clock. Scheduling regular maintenance is the best way to ensure that every component of that heating system is in good working condition. Do not pay more money for less heating performance due to a lack of maintenance service reducing efficiency.

Regular, professional heating maintenance service is also the best way to prevent damage to and the need for necessary repairs for your commercial heating system. By the time you recognize a problem with your commercial heating system, it has probably been developing for some time. In this interim damage may have been done to your commercial heating system that could have otherwise been avoided. During regular maintenance service your commercial heating technician will be able to discover and resolve any small or developing problems with your system before damage can be incurred. This is a great way to prevent disruption to your commercial heating service.

Keep your commercial property comfortable and productive. Contact Polar Bear today to schedule high-quality commercial heating maintenance service in Washington DC. We’ll make sure that your system is operating efficiently and dependably.

Tags: Commercial Heating Maintenance, Heating, Heating Maintenance, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Why Commercial Heating Maintenance is Important

Washington DC Heating Tips: How You Can Reduce Your Heating Costs

Monday, December 10th, 2012

There are many ways to reduce your heating costs this winter, and the Washington DC heating professionals at Polar Bear can help you do this with the following tips:

Upgrade to a more efficient heating system if you are facing a replacement. First, make sure you’ve added enough insulation to make this new investment worth the initial cost. The savings in energy will pay off sooner if you do.
When you are not using appliances and electronic devices, make sure that they are turned off and are unplugged. Even if the appliance is turned off, it could still be draining energy. Use surge protectors and turn off the source for multiple devices.
Set your thermostat back 5 to 10 degrees when you don’t need as much heat. Using a programmable thermostat is one way to automatically set temperatures back according to your schedule.
Turn down your water heater thermostat, and install a water heater jacket for storage tank. Many homeowners don’t realize that standby heat loss accounts for a lot of energy waste. Also, turning down the temperature of your hot your water even 10 or 15 degrees can reduce hot water costs. Consult your owner’s manual to determine the best settings, or give us a call if you aren’t sure how to locate the hot water heater thermostat.
Make sure your home is properly sealed and ventilated to avoid energy loss and moisture problems. Installing storm doors and double-paned windows is one way to get more efficient heating.
It’s never too late to schedule annual heating tune-up. During routine maintenance visits, our qualified technicians inspect your entire heating system and test the efficiency levels. This will help to ensure that your heating system is working as efficiently as possible all winter long.

Call the Washington DC heating experts at Polar Bear for all your heating needs!

Tags: Energy Efficiency, Heating, Heating Savings, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Heating Tips: How You Can Reduce Your Heating Costs

Washington DC Furnace Question: What Can I Do to Keep My Furnace Efficient?

Monday, December 3rd, 2012

As we all approach the holiday season here in Washington, we’re starting to use our heating systems more often. If you’re like many people, you’re looking for ways to cut back on the energy that you use to heat your home. Furnaces are great heating systems that offer consistent and comfortable heat. But what are some good ways to increase the efficiency of your home? At Polar Bear, we thought it would be helpful for our customers in Washington DC if we put together a few ideas that can potentially reduce the amount of energy that your furnaces uses to keep your home warm.

Change Air Filter

Clogged air filters are one of the most common problems that we see with furnaces. Regularly replacing the air filter on your furnace can greatly improve the effectiveness of your heating system. Here are a few of the benefits to changing your furnace’s air filter.

Increased efficiency – Over time, the air filter will clog and fill with dirt or dust. This can reduce the flow of air through your furnace. This makes your furnace have to work harder to push air through your home.
Better air flow – With a clogged air filter, air travel to each of your rooms as well. By replacing your air filter, you can most likely ensure that air gets to each of your rooms.

Check Insulation

The insulation in your home is you last line of defense to keep the heat inside your home. Making sure that your insulation is in good working order is critical to the overall efficiency of your home.

Attic insulation – Perhaps the most crucial insulation is in your attic. The attic insulation actually insulates the ceiling of your home. If you notice that the insulation there is thin or if it doesn’t completely fill the spaces between the attic joists it might be time to have your insulation replaced.

If you’re interested in learning more about home efficiency and your furnace, contact the experts at Polar Bear. We offer comprehensive heating and furnace services throughout the Washington DC area. Call us today!

Tags: Heating, Heating Installation, Heating Maintenance, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Furnace Question: What Can I Do to Keep My Furnace Efficient?

Washington DC Heating FAQ: Is a Boiler Installation the Best Option for My Home?

Monday, November 26th, 2012

If you are trying to decide whether boiler system is right for you, the Washington DC heating specialists at Polar Bear have are here to help. Aside from the durability of the new high-efficiency boiler systems, heating with a boiler is also a clean and reliable way to heat your home. While there are a few potential disadvantages, overall they are gaining popularity as a viable heating option for homeowners throughout the area.

Hot Water Boiler Maintenance

As with any heating system, a hot water boiler system should be tuned regularly—ideally, once a year, and before the heating season begins. This will help to ensure worry-free and lasting performance from your boiler system. The main components that will need to be checked by the homeowner are the pressure gauge, safety valves, and water levels.

All other routine maintenance should be handled by a professional heating technician. The technician will also check the radiators or other heating elements used in the system. Because there are no air filters to change or ductwork to clean, hot water boilers are ideal for people who want a low-maintenance heating system.

Making an Informed Decision

Whether you are replacing an older boiler or installing a heating system for a new home, always speak with a Washington DC heating contractor you can trust. This will help to ensure that you feel confident about your decision. At Polar Bear, our Washington DC boiler experts are here to answer questions and go over your options. Call us any time if you have further questions or would like a technician to come out and inspect your current heating system.

Tags: Boiler Installation, Heating, Heating Installation, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Heating FAQ: Is a Boiler Installation the Best Option for My Home?

Do You Own a Boiler in Washington DC? Here are 3 Common Repairs to Watch For

Monday, November 19th, 2012

Boilers are one of the most popular heating systems in the United States and here in Washington DC. They are typically used with radiant heat systems like hot water radiators or floor and wall radiant heat systems. But like all things, they eventually break down and need repair. That’s why we thought it would be helpful for our customers in Washington DC to know about 3 of the most common boiler repairs that we see.

No Heat

Surprisingly, one of the most common boiler repairs that we get called for in Washington DC is no heat. The main job of your boiler is to create heat so this is obviously a very big concern. If your boiler is gas-fired, check to make sure the pilot light is lit; if it’s electric, check the power cord. Another reason for this is that the pipes to your home are clogged or blocked. This is a problem that a professional heating technician will have to fix.

Not Enough Heat

Another problem that many people experience is not enough heat. This can happen when the thermostat in your home is malfunctioning. Its job is to tell the boiler when to start heating the home and when the home has reached the desired temperature. When the thermostat isn’t working well, it won’t tell the boiler to turn on and the home will receive insufficient heat. Another reason for low heat is that the burner might be dirty. It could also be that the pipes are clogged or blocked and the hot water simply can’t reach your home.

Water Leaks

Water leaks are another huge problem that some homeowners in Washington DC experience. These sometimes start out small but can quickly grow into a major issue. Check the pressure gauge on your boiler regularly. It should read between 1 and 1.5 when there is enough pressure in the pipes. As the water leaks out of the pipes, the pressure gauge will show a loss in pressure. You don’t want the pressure to dip below .5. This type of repair should always be performed by a professional heating technician.

If you’re having any problems with your boiler in your home in Washington DC, call Polar Bear today. One of our trained professionals can come to your home, inspect your boiler and diagnose the problem. We offer a full range of boiler repair services in Washington DC. Call us today!

Tags: Boiler Repair, Boilers, Heating, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Do You Own a Boiler in Washington DC? Here are 3 Common Repairs to Watch For

Keeping Warm During a Power Outage: Washington DC Heating Tip

Monday, November 12th, 2012

Power outages are a very scary thing—especially when they happen in the winter in Washington DC. With winter approaching, it is a good idea to know how you can keep your family warm when there isn’t any power. We’ve put together a few tips for our customers in the Washington area so they can make sure their family is safe when the power goes out.

Close off a Room

If you’re going to be without power for several days, choose a room as your home base. Close all the doors and windows. Hang blankets on the walls and over the windows. You want to keep as much heat inside the room. Heating one small room is much more efficient that trying to heat your whole home on limited resources. This will maximize the heat retention for all that body heat that you naturally generate while you sleep.

Heat Source

If you have a gas-fired water heater you can take a warm shower or bath to raise your body temperature. Even if you have an electric water heater, the tank will stay warm for some time after the power goes out. During the day, if there is sunlight, try to sit in the sun as much as possible. Also, try to allow as much sun to entire your house and heat your home.

Extra Clothes, Blankets, Sleeping Bags and Tents

Gather any extra blankets, clothing, sleeping bags or quilts. Your body generates more heat than you think. Conserving that heat is a critical. You can also set up camping tents to help you retain even more heat.

Stay off the Ground

The ground can absorb a lot of your body heat while you sleep. Put down a mattress in your room or sleep on a couch. This will allow you to retain more of your body heat.

If you have any other questions about how to maximize your heat in your Washington home during a power outage, call the experts at Polar Bear. We offer heating services to the Washington DC area!

Tags: Emergency, Energy Saving, Heating, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Keeping Warm During a Power Outage: Washington DC Heating Tip

Washington DC Furnace Q/A: What To Do If Your Furnace Keeps Turning On or Off?

Monday, November 5th, 2012

Furnaces are designed to last decades without major problems so long as they are regularly maintained. They typically work so well, in fact, there is a danger of taking our comfort for granted and skipping the annual service from your Washington DC furnace company for a year or two. But regular maintenance will prevent certain problems from happening and help reduce repair costs. For instance, your furnace turning on and off frequently is a sign of a potential problem.

Possible Problems

A furnace constantly turning on and off could often be a direct result of poor airflow through the system. Heat builds up and the detectors sense the proper temperatures have been reached and automatically shut down. In the room, the thermostat calls for more heat and starts the cycle over again.

A relay switch or control valve may also be worn and working improperly. A crack in the heat exchanger might fuel the flame to burn too hotly and cause the sensor to misinterpret the information and shut down.

These problems not only impede the distribution of heat to the living spaces, decreasing comfort, but also create intense wear on the motor and controls.

Simple Solutions

Restricted airflow can be caused most often by a dirty or clogged filter. At the furnace, there is usually a panel that can be removed to check, clean or replace the filter. It is typically a single or series of cardboard and screen panels approximately 1′ by 2′, but varies by manufacturer and furnace output.

A vacuum to pull lint free or compressor to blow it clean are the recommended tools to use a few times each year. It is a good idea to change the filters at the beginning of each heating season.

The fan belts for the blower may also be worn loose and not pushing the air hard enough to get through the filters. It is a good idea to check them regularly as well.

Call a Washington DC Furnace Repair Expert

When in doubt, call the experts out. Scheduling an annual inspection and service with Polar Bear Air Conditioning takes the worry out of living in a furnace heated home.

Tags: Furnace Repair, Heating, Heating Repair
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Washington DC Furnace Q/A: What To Do If Your Furnace Keeps Turning On or Off?

Hurricane Sandy, Power Outages and No Heat: What to Do?

Monday, October 29th, 2012

Fierce winds from Hurricane Sandy are approaching the Washington DC area, and we are told we may sustain power outages for several days. Our temperatures are predicted to stay in the 40’s. Most central heating systems including furnaces and boilers use electricity and will not operate during a power outage. As far as hot water, most electric water heaters will keep water warm for 6-12 hours after a power outage. What do you need to know to be prepared?

1. Do not use portable or camping kerosene heaters indoors; there is no ventilation for dangerous fumes.

2. Do not use your gas stove or burners for heat, there is a substantial risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Portable generators need to be run outside, and read instructions for proper ventilation. Do not plug a generator into an electrical outlet to attempt to power your home, this could send power back through the utility lines and electrocute a utility worker trying to restore your power.

4. Do not leave candles unattended.

5. Do use your fireplace, making sure the floo is open. If you have a vented gas fireplace, understand it was designed to be decorative but may be useful to heat one room.

6. Congregate in one or two rooms, and keep the doors closed to maintain heat.

7. Test your flashlights and battery powered radio, and know the location of your spare batteries and emergency kit.

8. Know where your utility shut off valves are located in case you are instructed to do so.

9. Check your water supply. You should have 1 gallon per person, per day. If you find you are short, fill up plastic water bottles now from the tap, before the power outage.

10. Check out www.ready.gov for more information on preparing for Hurricane Sandy.

All of us at Polar Bear Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc. are hoping that these tips are helpful to you, and that you and your family will be safe during this storm. Our emergency number is posted at the top of our website, and you can stay informed by following us on Twitter @PolarBearAC or liking us on Facebook.

Tags: Boilers, Furnaces, generators, Heating, Hurricane Sandy, power outages, Washington DC
Posted in Heating | Comments Off on Hurricane Sandy, Power Outages and No Heat: What to Do?