Hello, I enjoy writing on our blog, and I hope that you enjoy reading it, and I hope that you find it helpful. Flame Heating, Cooling and Electrical wants the blog to be able to keep you up to date with heating and cooling information along with helpful facts and tips that can help you. In order to achieve this goal, I would like some input from the readers, as to what you would like to know about or read about it. Please leave a comment on your specific topic or question. Also, many of the blogs are posted on Flame’s facebook, so you can check them out there and leave comments also! Thank-you very much.-Flame Heating, Cooling and Electrical
Archive for April, 2009
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Air Conditioner Inspection Reminder!
It is a gorgeous warm day out! I hope you enjoy it, but do not get too distracted and forget all about your air conditioner! As this weather gets warmer, it will soon be Summer, and we all know that Summer is hot. That is why your air conditioner needs to inspected before you really need to use it. If you are a Flame Gold Plan member with your air conditioner, lucky you! An inspection is included with the Gold Plan Membership! An inspection is vital to making sure that your unit is running properly and it can also help to troubleshoot future problems which could end up costing you a lot more. Here is a list of things that an inspection will include:
- Check operating pressures
- Check for leaks
- Clean condenser coil
- Oil motors
- Check evaporator coil for proper drainage
- Check condensate pump
- Check filter
- Check amp draw of unit
- Check belt on blower
- Check if unit is level
- Check air temperature differential
- Shut down humidifier
- Check thermostat
- Check heat exchanger for carbon monoxide leaks
- Change standard air filter* (*extra cost for filter or pad)
As you can see, it is very important to have you air conditioner inspected. Don’t worry, it is really easy to contact Flame and schedule an appointment, and it will not take that much time, so you can enjoy the nice day.
Energy Saving Items!
Energy, Energy, Energy!! As we begin to transition into summer, your house could see the return of your college age kids, and you may find that more energy is being used. Here are a couple things that can help you save some of that energy, in case your kids keep forgetting to turn the lights off!
- Wall Mounted Motion Switch Sensor-This light switch, uses motion to turn it on and off (though there is a switch on it just in case.) When it does not detect motion, it turns itself off. Therefore your home lights will never be left on when they are not being used.
- Programmable Thermostat-This thermostat allows you to program the temperatures in your home, so they are the most comfortable when you are in your home. If no one is at home during the day, you can program it to lower the temperature everyday, and that will save you money on your heating and cooling bill.
- Compact Fluorescent Lights-These light bulbs last longer than regular light bulbs, thus you will not have to buy a mass pack or unnecessary large quantity.
- Geothermal Heat Pump- By using this to heat and/or cool, it can be very efficient because it uses heat and energy from the earth’s ground, which has consistent temperatures. It may be a little more expensive than a regular heating/cooling system, but you will earn back the savings within a few years.
- A Bryant Hybrid Heating System-This type of heating and cooling system uses two sources of heating or cooling in order to deliver energy efficient heating and cooling.
I hope that some of these things can help with making your home more energy and cost efficient. If you have any questions about the thermostat, the geothermal heat pump, or the Hybrid Heating System, always call Flame, and we will be glad to take care of any concerns. Have an energy efficient, enjoyable, and very Happy Spring!
Energy Saving, Power Outages, Air Pollution and more!
When thinking about things like replacing a furnace or buying a generator it can be a daunting task. They are large units that affect your home and you really do want to make sure that you have picked the correct one. If you call Flame Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we will be more than happy to give you assistance with one of our comfort consultants. However, what if you want to do some research? If this is the case, www.flamefurnace.com can help you out. At the bottom of the home page you will find little boxes with labels including; “Should I Repair or Replace?” and “I Want a Healthier Home.” Clicking on these little boxes will give you the information needed regarding these subjects. Here is a complete list:
- ”Schedule a Repair”- Clicking on this will lead you to a form that you can submit online to schedule a repair. If you do not have time to call, this is an easy and great way to go.
- “Should I repair or replace?”- This box will lead you through some steps that can help you figure out if you should repair or replace your units.
- “I Want a Healthier Home”-This box shows you some possible pollutants in your home, along with Bryant’s solutions for them. Other aspects of a healthy home are also incorporated.
- “Select a New System”- This does exactly what it says, and helps you to select a new heating and cooling system through a complete step by step process.
- “High energy bill concerns”- This shows you different ways to reduce the energy bills in your home.
- “Power Outage Protection”- This provides information about generators and ways to protect your home from power outages. It will also have you fill out necessary information about your home. Flame can call you about generators if you desire.
- “I am Ready for Maintenance”- This box will give you a form to fill out if you would like maintenance work. You simply click submit and you are all set.
If you have any questions, we hope that these boxes will be able to help you If you have more questions call Flame. If you have questions or comments about accessing the boxes etc… feel free to comment on this blog.
How to Contact Flame!
Flame Heating, Cooling & Electrical wants help with all your heating, cooling & electrical needs. That is why we offer numerous ways to schedule an appointment.
- Calling in is great. You can call Flame at 1-586-582-1700 or at their Toll Free number, 1-888-234-2340. We will have you speaking directly with someone from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.
- Use the internet to have Flame call you. On the left side of the Flame homepage (www.flamefurnace.com) click either: “Have our Service Department Call You Now” or “Have Our Sales Department Call You Now.” You enter in your phone number, and you will be contacted immediately.
- Schedule an appointment online- Go to the bottom of the Flame homepage (www.flamefurnace.com). There you will see little boxes. The two end boxes say “Schedule a Repair” or “I am Ready for Maintenance.” Click on the link you need, and go from there. *If you have an emergency or need urgent care, it is better to call Flame.
- Leave a Comment on the Blog- It is best to only leave questions about Flame, Furnaces/Air Conditioners, or the Blog etc… along with any comments. Flame will do its best to answer all your questions, but please do not leave information about or regarding setting up an appointment on the blog.
- Flame Heating, Cooling & Electrical Office is located in Warren on E. 11 Mile Road (see www.flamefurnace.com for address/directions.) We are always ready to assist you in person.
Flame wants to make sure that you get the help you need. We can provide you answers to any questions, and we will do everything we can in a variety of different ways to handle all your concerns.
Get Your Air Conditioner Ready!
April showers brings May flowers, right? Well this year it seems as if April snow storms are more common than showers. However, Mother Nature can’t hold back Spring for long. Soon it will be here and therefore it is time to start thinking about how to get your air conditioner ready for summer! Here is a quick checklist of things that should be done:
- Inspection: Having your air conditioner inspected is probably one of the most important things that needs to be done. A certified technician will be able to find problems before they even start and make sure that your unit is running well.
- Make sure your outdoor unit is clean: You probably haven’t been near your air conditioner since last fall, and that means that leaves and other debris may have fallen on or into it. Clean it out if there is any debris, and also make sure there are no obstructions (trees, shrubs etc…) within 1 foot of the unit.
- Check outside and inside fuses/breakers to make sure that they are working properly.
- Clean your air filters once a month (or change disposables once every 3 months).
- Buy a New One: This is simply something to keep in mind if your unit is 10 years or older. There are much more energy efficient units out there, that could help in the future to keep your costs down!
This will not be the last blog about air conditioner care, but it is something to get you started with thinking about your air conditioner so you do not forget until that first really hot day of Summer. Also, hopefully thinking about Summer will cheer you up on this snowy April day.
Heating and Cooling Systems
Sometimes looking at heating and cooling units is a very overwhelming and scary process. Who knew there is more than one kind of furnace or air conditioner? You just want one that keeps your house warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer. That’s why Flame is here to help. Flame uses and trusts Bryant Products. Here are some examples of Bryant Systems:
- The Evolution System: This is one of the top systems, because it allows you to have the temperature, air quality, humidity etc… right at your fingertips. It is also very green and highly efficient.
- Split System: This is a very common system that has parts both inside and outside of the home. This is a typical heating and cooling system.
- Hybrid Split System: This system is a more efficient version of the regular split system. It allows you to decide which fuel is being used and it also includes the option of using electricity as fuel.
- Duct Free Split System: These systems do not use typical duct work and are perfect for spaces in your home where conventional duct work cannot fit. These are especially good for additions, so you do not have to add on to your already existing duct work.
Hopefully these descriptions help you when picking out or deciding on any new heating and cooling options. You can check out Bryant’s website: www.bryant.com or call Flame and talk to a Comfort Consultant about which system is best for you.
