Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Heating Installation’

Furnace or Heat Pump? You Decide!

Monday, January 27th, 2020

We totally understand that finding the perfect heating system for your home can be a bit overwhelming—there’s an awful lot to consider, and you want to make sure you’re making the right choice! But have no fear! Your heating experts in Washington, DC are here!

Two of our favorite heating systems available today are the furnace and the heat pump. Why? Because they’re awesome! In fact, each of these systems offer a number of unique benefits and below, we have outlined some of them for you. That way, you can decide for yourself which system is best. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to learn more!

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Treat Yourself to a Ductless System This Holiday Season!

Monday, December 2nd, 2019

The Holidays are fast approaching, and we are willing to bet that you’ve already started shopping for awesome gifts for your friends and family. And while we truly admire your selflessness, we want you to stop and think about you for a second!

See, we think that you should treat yourself with a ductless system this holiday season. Ductless systems offer a number of unique benefits, and below, we have listed just some of many for you! All you’ve got to do is keep reading to find out more (and as always, remember to call our team when you need heating services in Leesburg, VA.)

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Here’s Why You Should Go Ductless This Winter

Monday, February 11th, 2019

If you are in the market for a new heater this winter, then consider going ductless! A ductless system serves as a singular alternative to the traditional heater and air conditioner combination. For many homeowners, ductless systems are becoming a preferred option, as these systems are recognized for their ability to provide year-round comfort efficiently and effectively.

Of course, we understand that choosing the right HVAC systems for your home is no small task, which is why we always advise speaking to a professional before making any final decisions. Not all homes are candidates for ductless systems, so it is important to be aware of your circumstances before you purchase your new system. In addition, improper installation can lead to an increased need for heating repair in Alexandria, VA. In this week’s blog, we will be outlining some of the many benefits that a ductless system has to offer. Keep reading below to learn more! 

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Explore Your Heating Options

Monday, October 22nd, 2018

cold-couple-on-couchYou may not be ready to fully embrace it, but the fact of the matter is that winter is heading our way once more. We’re willing to bet that you’ve already put your heating system back into rotation, even if it isn’t running all day and night quite yet. If you don’t like what you’re experiencing, or if you know that your heater just does not have another season left in it, contact us for your heating replacement in Alexandria, VA.

Just keep in mind that this is not the type of service you should rush into. Just because you have an existing heating system does not mean that you have to continue to use that same type of heating system, after all. If you are serious about enjoying 100% satisfaction with the way in which you heat your home, you need to choose your new heater carefully. We’re here to give you a rundown on your options so that you can do just that.

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Why Choose a Boiler Installation?

Monday, August 28th, 2017

boilerHas the time come to replace an old heating system? Do you have a new home going up, and want to explore your various home heating options? Whatever the case may be, you should definitely consider the installation of a boiler in Washington, DC. When you choose to use a boiler to heat your home, you are choosing to enjoy some truly outstanding benefits. Of course, no heater is going to be the right match for every home or homeowner.

In the following post, we’ll help you to discover some of the benefits of using a boiler in the winter season, as well as some of the potential drawbacks of doing so. That way, you’ll have a foundational base of knowledge to work with when deciding whether or not a boiler is the right fit for your homelife. Be sure to contact us with any questions that you may have. We know boilers and boiler installations inside and out.

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What Is the Difference Between a Furnace and a Boiler?

Monday, March 13th, 2017

man-hugging-radiatorWe are going to be using our heating systems for a while longer still. Now is a great time to start thinking about the future of your heater, though. More specifically, it is a good to decide if your heater actually has a future left in front of it. If you had a bad experience with an old heating system this past winter, then you should start to think seriously about a heater replacement in Capitol Hill.

Even if you do decide that the time is right for a heater replacement, there is another big question to ponder. What type of heating system are you planning on using? Two of the most common options are the furnace and the boiler. While those homeowners with existing heating systems often tend to stick with what they know, there is usually an opportunity for trying something different. If you’re ready to replace a heater or need one installed in a new property, both furnaces and boilers warrant consideration.

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Choosing the Right Type of Heating System for Your Home

Monday, October 13th, 2014

Replacing your heating system is a great opportunity for you and your household. Why? The installation of a new system offers you the chance to significantly increase your energy efficiency, comfort levels and, best of all, to choose a new system that may be a better fit for your home than your current system. There are a number of choices homeowners have when it comes to a new heating installation in Washington, DC, and the trained and certified technicians at Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc., are here to help you every step of the way.

Choices of Heating Types

Here is an overview of the heating system types available from Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.:

Furnaces

Furnaces are one of the most widely-used heating systems in the US. Furnaces use ductwork to deliver hot air to your living spaces, so it is necessary to have ductwork in place in order to use a furnace. There are 3 main types of fuel used for furnaces:

  • Electricity
  • Oil
  • Natural Gas

Natural gas is the most popular of fuels, but not all homes have access to a natural gas fuel line; as such, it may be necessary to consider furnaces that use oil or electricity. Today’s furnaces are very energy efficient no matter what fuel is used, so choosing a specific type of furnace will depend on your needs.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps can be a great option for homeowners looking to have one system provide both heating and cooling. Thanks to a component called a reversing valve, a heat pump can change the flow of refrigerant in your system so that it can heat or cool, depending on the mode it’s in. Heat pumps do not use fossil fuel; they only use a small amount of electricity to operate.

Packaged Units

Packaged units also offer both heating and cooling, but with different mechanics. With a packaged unit, your air conditioner is fueled by electricity, and the heating component uses natural gas. These types of units offer two different efficiency types, standard and high efficiency. Packaged systems have different capacities, so it’s important to work with a trained professional to ensure that you install a unit that offers the correct amount of heating and cooling for your home.

A new heating installation in Washington, DC, can be a great thing for you, your family and your home, and the best way to ensure that it is a great thing is to work with a trained, certified professional.

If you are ready for a new heating installation, call Polar Bear Air Conditioning & Heating Inc., today and schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

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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!

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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.

 

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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!

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