Bounds Heating & Air

Serving Homeowners Throughout Northern Florida and Beyond

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Category: Heating System

Should I Upgrade to a Two-Stage or Modulating Furnace?

Trying to find the furnace that is best for your home can be a complicated process. That’s why we compiled this list of pros and cons to ensure you get the heater that’s right for you!

MODULATING FURNACE

Modulating furnaces are perfect for homeowners who tend to be picky about their heat settings. These systems are designed to adjust their flame in small increments to give you tons of options regarding how much you want to heat your home.

Pros

Greater energy efficiency- Modulating furnaces are the most energy-efficient heaters on the market. Because this system can adjust its flame in slight increments, it can reach an incredible AFUE rating of up to 98%, which means that for every dollar worth of fuel consumed, 98 cents goes toward heating your home. With a rating like that, you should start to see a noticeable drop in the cost of your energy bills right away.

Increased control- No other furnace type has nearly the same amount of temperature control as the modulating furnace. These units allow you to keep your home within one to two degrees of the temperature of your choice. Modulating systems have adjustable heat settings and often come equipped with a variable-speed blower, which will significantly reduce hot and cold spots in your home.

Cons

Costly- These furnaces are the most expensive on the market. While they’re the best at what they do, not everyone can throw as much as $10,000 toward a furnace installation.

Is it Right for Me?

The modulating furnace is an excellent investment for those who aren’t looking to move anytime soon. The energy savings from this system often pay for themselves in anywhere from 3.5 to 5 years, after which you should have at least 15 more years of ongoing heating savings.

TWO-STAGE FURNACE

As the name suggests, a two-stage furnace’s burner runs at two different levels. For example, these burners can run on high heat during the winter and low heat for more moderate days.

Pros

Cheaper option – The two-stage furnace’s most significant advantage over the modulating furnace is its cost. On average, a two-stage will cost around a couple thousand less with insulation than a modulating unit.

Cons

Less Control- Two-stage furnaces do not have as much control of the temperature as modulating furnaces. While this heater will still eliminate hot and cold spots as well as temperature swings, it doesn’t provide nearly the same amount of control over the temperature as a modulating heater.

Decreased Efficiency- While a two-stage heater is more efficient than other models, it simply can’t compare to the modulating furnace as the increased control of the burners allows you to operate at lower capacities instead of having to choose between hot and cold.

Is it Right for Me?

If you’re not 100% you have found your forever home, the two-stage furnace is a better option. This system combines the best of both worlds by providing you with cheaper up-front costs while still increasing the value of your home and heating your house well.

Ready to upgrade your furnace? Bounds Heating & Air has experienced technicians who can handle whatever heater you decide is right for your home. Contact us online or give us a call at (352) 472-2761 to get your installation scheduled today!

Filed Under: Bounds Heating and Air, Furnace, Heating, Heating System, HVAC Installation, HVAC System, Indoor Temperature, Installation

6 Pro Tips for Troubleshooting Your Heater

While Florida’s winter is relatively moderate, it is still nice to have your heat available when you want it. Finding that your heater isn’t working well (or not running altogether) can be stressful, but you may not need to call an HVAC technician just yet.

First, try some of these tips to troubleshoot what may be happening — then give the pros at Bounds Heating & Air a call:

HEATER NOT WORKING

There can be a litany of reasons behind why your heater isn’t running, and not all necessitate you hiring a professional to handle the issue.

Check the Thermostat

The first move you should make is to check your thermostat. While you may assume that your thermostat’s settings are what they’re supposed to be, you should still make sure it is set to “heat.” For the heater to switch on, the temperature on your thermostat may need to be at least five degrees above room temperature.

Also, check to see if your thermostat is set to “auto” versus “on.” If it’s set to “auto,” the heater should start up automatically when your home’s temperature drops a few degrees below the temperature specified on the thermostat. If your thermostat is set to “on,” then your system’s fan will continue circulating air even if your heater isn’t heating it. This setting can make it feel like cold or room temperature air is coming from your air vents, so you may want to switch to “auto.”

It’s best to make sure your settings are correct to avoid the embarrassment of hiring a technician only to find out nothing was wrong.

Check the Circuit Breaker

If your thermostat settings are fine, you should check your home’s breaker panel and look for the circuit that controls your heater’s indoor unit. If you own a heat pump, also check the circuit associated with the outdoor unit. If you find that the breaker has been set to the “Off” position, or it’s in the middle, you should test your breaker by flipping it back and forth. After flipping the breaker, make sure that it is placed in the “On” position.

Flipping the switch will restart the circuit that controls the heater’s indoor unit. If it’s still not working despite resetting your circuit breaker, you might have an issue with the wiring in the circuit or the circuit breaker itself. In that case, it’s better to hire an experienced professional to fix your problem.

Check the Furnace Door

As a safety precaution, some furnaces won’t run unless their door is closed securely. Double-check that the door is in place by opening it and firmly shutting it.

HEATER STRUGGLING TO WARM YOUR HOME

If you turned your heating system back on for the winter and found it struggling to warm your home effectively, the problem may not be as severe as you might think.

Replace Your Clogged Filter

If your furnace is struggling to produce the usual amount of heat, this could signify that your furnace’s filter is clogged. This common maintenance chore is a relatively easy fix and is an excellent way to improve your air quality.

Air filters typically last for up to 90 days, but heavy HVAC system use can clog a filter in as little as 30 to 60 days. Replace the filter with a new one but make sure your filter is pointed in the right direction because that could hurt its effectiveness.

Clear and Clean the Space Around Your Furnace

Did you know that heaters require proper airflow and ventilation to function well? If your heater isn’t working well, you might need to declutter and clean the surrounding area.

If the area around your furnace is surrounded by objects, it can hurt how effectively your home is heated. Not only can clutter around your furnace affect your heating, but it also represents a potential fire hazard.

Regularly cleaning the area surrounding your heater is a great way to maintain its health while removing the flammable items from the site. Dust and lint also pose a fire hazard and can cause clogs sooner than usual, which requires you to replace your filter more often.

Check Your Vents

Blocked vents could be hurting the heat flow in your home. It would be best if you walked through your home, checking all your ducts to make sure that they’re unblocked. You should remove any piece of furniture or debris blocking the openings of your vents to allow the heat to flow freely throughout your home.

If all your attempts to troubleshoot your heating system fail, call (352) 472-2761 to have the experienced professionals at Bounds Heating & Air handle all your HVAC issues.

Filed Under: Bounds Heating and Air, Filters, Furnace, Heating System, Repair, Replacement, Temperature, Thermostats, Vents, Winter

Yes, You Still Need to Tune Up Your Furnace In Florida: Here’s Why

Down in Florida, we typically find ourselves relying on our air conditioners much more than our furnaces. That being said, even if you don’t run your furnace that often, it’s still important to keep up with its routine preventative maintenance.

WHY IS FURNACE MAINTENANCE IMPORTANT?

Preventative maintenance for your furnace is important for three main reasons:

1. Routine maintenance makes your furnace safer.

This is especially true if you own a gas- or oil-burning furnace. These types of furnaces burn fuel to produce heat. That process of burning fuel (combustion) produces some toxic flue gases, such as carbon monoxide.

During a routine maintenance appointment, a technician will check your furnace to make sure that those toxic flue gases are being safely vented outdoors and are not mixing with your indoor air. The technician will also inspect your furnace for any fuel leaks that could create a fire hazard.

2. Maintenance helps reduce wear and tear on your furnace.

Even a correctly installed, well-built furnace needs to be serviced and adjusted every so often. As the machinery whirs and runs, parts can lose lubrication, move out of alignment, or loosen.

That type of wear and tear makes your furnace a less effective machine, and it will end up working harder to compensate for its declining performance. The harder the components work, the faster they wear out, which means you’ll end up replacing parts (or even the entire system) much sooner than you’d otherwise have to.

3. Your heating system operates more efficiently with routine maintenance.

As mentioned above, a neglected system with wear and tear has to work harder to perform its job. This means that your furnace will use more energy to warm your home than it should have to. By keeping up with routine maintenance, you’ll notice that your energy bills don’t jump up during the colder months of the year.

Gainesville Preventative HVAC Maintenance

At Bounds Heating & Air, our technicians take pride in providing dependable service and thorough HVAC maintenance. Backed by over three decades of experience, we are Gainesville’s go-to for heating and cooling services. Contact us online or give us a call at (352) 472-2761.

Filed Under: Furnace, Gas Furnace, Heater Tuneup, Heating, Heating System, HVAC Maintenance, Maintenance

Heater Behavior: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Have you ever looked at or listened to your heater and wondered, “Should it be acting like this?” The good news is that you don’t have to be a heating and cooling expert to learn some essentials about heater behavior. Below, we’re going to look at some of the top inquiries we get from homeowners about their heating systems, and we’ll tell you what’s normal and when you should contact a technician.

The heater is taking a while to “warm up.”

If your heater turns on after being shut off for a long time, it might take a few minutes for the air coming out of your vents to warm up. Even if your heater working just fine, the air still has to travel through cold ductwork before it gets to each room, and it can lose heat along the way.

If the air never warms up at all, make sure your thermostat is set to AUTO (not ON), and check to see if your system needs a new air filter. You’d be amazed how often one of these steps solves the issue! If neither of these troubleshooting tricks works, it’s time to call a technician.

The heater makes a boom or banging noise whenever it starts up.

Right away, any HVAC expert will tell you that this a problem, and they’re right. You’re hearing this noise because your furnace has an issue with delayed ignition.

Here is what happens:

  1. Your thermostat signals your furnace to start a heating cycle.
  2. Your furnace “feeds” a gas and oxygen mixture to the burners so that they’ll ignite–but something is preventing that ignition from happening.
  3. Consequently, the gas mixture starts to build up.
  4. Finally, when the gas mixture ignites, it makes a small explosion inside your furnace’s combustion chamber–boom!

Over time, these mini-explosions can damage your furnace, and any excess gas can be dangerous because of how volatile it is. In some cases, this problem can be solved by cleaning the burners. However, there could also be an issue with the ratio of gas and oxygen in the gas mixture. It’s best to involve a technician to get to the root cause of the problem.

The heater is giving off a strange smell.

If you smell something burning when you first turn your heater on for the season, don’t be alarmed. This is most likely just dust burning off in the equipment. If this smell doesn’t go away, then you should shut your system off and call a technician.

Your heater should never give off odors that smell like any of the following:

  • Burning rubber
  • Burning oil
  • Melting plastic
  • Overheated metal
  • Garbage or something rotten
  • Mold or mildew
  • Natural gas, sulfur, or rotten eggs

Bad smells can signal anything from a mechanical problem to a gas leak to a dead animal trapped in your ductwork. These scenarios are best handled by a professional.

The heater is making a loud humming noise while it runs.

While no heater runs completely silently, the unit shouldn’t start making a humming or buzzing noise out of the blue. Humming can indicate the need to replace a part, such as a failing capacitor or blower motor, but typically, these types of noises mean that the equipment just needs a little maintenance. As the system goes through wear and tear, parts can loosen, and the blower motor can lose lubrication. Technicians can easily take care of issues like loose parts or lack of lubrication during a maintenance appointment.

The furnace flame has some yellow and orange in it.

Your furnace flame should be bright blue, but it is also okay if the very tip is yellow. If you’re seeing streaks of yellow, orange, red, or green in the flame, then you know there’s a problem.

Why does the color of the flame matter? There are two significant reasons:

  • If the flame isn’t pure blue, then your furnace isn’t burning as hotly or efficiently as it should be. This means that your furnace is costing you more money to use than necessary.
  • Yellow and orange flames also mean that the fuel isn’t burning as “cleanly” and that more pollutants (including carbon monoxide) are being released during the combustion process).

Dirty burners are the most common culprit behind yellow and orange furnace flames. If cleaning the burners doesn’t solve the problem, or if you don’t know how to clean them correctly, an HVAC technician can perform this task for you. There could also be too little oxygen in the gas and oxygen mixture that’s fed to the burners. You will definitely need a technician’s help to handle this issue safely.

At Bounds Heating & Air, we pride ourselves on top quality heater repairs and unmatched customer care. To schedule heating service in Gainesville, call (352) 472-2761 or send us a message online.

Filed Under: AC & Heating, Heating, Heating System

Is It Okay To Switch Back and Forth Between My AC and Heater?

Compared to many other parts of the country, our fall weather in Florida can be a mixed bag. On the same autumn day, you might be sweating at lunchtime and then by nightfall wrapping yourself up in a blanket burrito-style for warmth. With these fluctuating temperatures, keeping your home comfortable seems to require switching back and forth between using your air conditioner and your heater–but is doing this bad for your HVAC system?

Have no fear: it’s perfectly fine to switch back and forth between your AC and heater, even on the same day. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to make this switch. Below are some things to consider.

SWITCHING BETWEEN YOUR AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATER

While you want to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, it’s essential that you don’t do anything that will drastically increase your energy bill or put your HVAC system through unnecessary wear and tear.

Set the Thermostat to “Auto”

First, make sure your HVAC system’s thermostat is set to “auto” so that it will automatically shut off when your home has reached the thermostat’s designated temperature. If the thermostat is set to “on,” the unit will just keep running. To increase your energy savings, the Department of Energy recommends the following temperature settings:

  • For winter: 68°F while you’re awake and lower while you’re asleep or away from home.
  • For summer: 78°F when you are at home and higher while you’re away.

Let the System Complete Its Current Cycle

Second, if you want to switch from your cooling system to your heating system (or the opposite), never do it while the unit is running. Wait until the cycle finishes. Then switch the thermostat to “off.” Wait for at least five minutes before turning your other system on.

Warm or Cool Your Home Gradually

The more of a temperature fluctuation your system needs to overcome, the more energy it’s going to use. This is why it’s best to keep your home temperature as consistent as possible, though it’s not always easy. When switching from heating to cooling or vice versa, start by adjusting your thermostat by only a few degrees. Allowing your home to warm up or cool down gradually puts a lot less strain on your HVAC system.

Whether you need an AC repair or heater repair, our Gainesville technicians at Bounds Heating & Air are ready to help! Give us a call today at (352) 472-2761 or contact us online.

Filed Under: AC & Heating, AC Cooling, Heating System, HVAC System

HVAC Maintenance: 4 Things to Do This August

Your heating and cooling system work hard all year round to ensure a comfortable living space in your home. That’s why it’s important to carry out regular maintenance and ensure it’s operating smoothly. In this article, Bounds Heating & Air, a trusted contractor with expertise in HVAC services, share a few things you might want to add to your August HVAC maintenance to-do list.

Check the Air Filters

Cooling systems are used heavily during the summer months, which makes August a great time to check the filters and ensure they’re not full of contaminants. You may also want to have a replacement ready to go in case the existing filter is already worn out or needs to be changed.

Inspect All Registers and Grilles

Make sure the vents haven’t been blocked or closed, as this can restrict the airflow through your HVAC system, potentially leading to performance issues and system overheating. If you want to avoid HVAC repair expenses, make sure the vent louvers are open.

However, if you want to save energy by turning the cooling off in an unused area, feel free to do so. Just make sure you’re not closing more than 20% of the vents in your home. If there are multiple areas that aren’t being used, you should consider setting up a zoning system instead. This would allow you to reduce energy waste and better optimize your HVAC system.

Inspect the Drip Pan and Drain Lines

Ensure these components aren’t clogged with mold or algae growth. Otherwise, the condensation from the cooling process won’t be able to exit your home, which can cause your cooling system to act up or result in water damage.

Inspect Your Exterior Cooling Equipment

Your exterior cooling equipment is vulnerable to dirt and debris, so cleaning the outdoor unit is very important. This can easily be done by brushing away grass clippings and other debris, as well as trimming back any vegetation growing near the unit.

Bounds Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated business with over 20 years of experience in air conditioning repair, heating repair, and home energy auditing. Call us at (352) 472-2761 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Gainesville and surrounding areas.

Filed Under: Heating System, HVAC System

Going Ductless: Why You Should Get a Ductless Heating System

There’s no shortage of heating options on the market today. As a homeowner, it’s your responsibility to determine which of these alternatives will be able to fit your home’s heating needs. To simplify the selection process, your air conditioning repair company Bounds Heating and Air suggests you look into one of the most energy-efficient options out there: ductless heating.

Why Ductless Heating?

A typical ductless system consists of a compressor located outside and an indoor unit mounted on your wall. Unlike its bulkier counterparts, a ductless heating system only requires a small hole to be drilled into a wall for its installation. This feature greatly reduces the risk of air leakage and offers more security against break-ins.

Unlike other heating options that can be an eyesore, a ductless heating system is less visible. It also tends to be quieter than most heaters. They are perfect even for home additions. Just remember to schedule regular HVAC maintenance so your heating system functions as it should.

Energy Efficiency

You stand to lose around 25% or more of heat due to ductwork. Eliminating ductwork makes for a more efficient system. With ductless heating systems, you have more control over the temperature for each room. Unlike centralized heating, you have the option to adjust the temperature of certain areas to your liking. Not only does it promote a more harmonious relationship within the household (different family members have different temperature preferences), but this feature also greatly enhances the overall comfort of your home while lowering your energy bill.

If you’re looking for a stylish yet energy-efficient way to provide heating for your home, look no further than the ductless heating system. Bounds Heating and Air excels in ductless heating system installations. We also offer HVAC repair services. For questions about our other products and services, you may call us at (352) 278-9123. We serve Alachua, FL, and other areas in Florida.

Filed Under: Ductless, Energy, Heating System

Highlighting the Importance of Renewable Heat Energy

A 2018 paper published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) discusses the recent developments in the pursuit of renewable heat energy. Your local HVAC maintenance expert, Bounds Heating and Air tackles them in this article.

Heat As An Energy Source

Based on 2015 data, heat continues to dominate global energy consumption, about half as many as the other forms of consumption such as electricity. About 60% of heat is consumed in industries, with the remaining 40% in buildings. However, fossil fuels still remain as the top producers of heat, contributing to nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions apart from adding to the problems brought about by air pollution.

Many countries are taking great strides in order to achieve a cleaner heat supply through renewable means. Growth has been seen in the use of renewable energy in recent years, but at a slower pace due to multiple economic and non-economic barriers at the national and local levels. Regardless,  there is ongoing support for renewable heat through policy implementation.

Energy-Efficient Heating Systems

As an HVAC repair company, Bounds Heating and Air recognizes the importance of heating systems that take into account energy efficiency. These contribute to helping realize the potential of renewable heat energy in playing a key role in decarbonizing and providing a clean supply of air in both residential and commercial properties. More importantly, having efficient systems in homes and businesses can cut down costs of consumption, while taking part in helping the environment.

Energy-efficient heating systems are all around. Heat pumps, for instance, don’t use fossil fuels at all. It utilizes heat from the air or ground (geothermal) and diverts it indoors through an electric pump. Our company offers them for homeowners looking to achieve indoor comfort, as well as cooling systems and other HVAC solutions.

Our services include air conditioning repair and HVAC installations. Give us a call at (352) 278-9123 for more information. You may also fill out our contact form if you want one of our certified technicians to service your unit. We serve Florida residents, including those in Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas.

Filed Under: Energy, Heating System

Tips on Choosing the Right Heating System for Your Needs

Choosing a heating system for your home can be surprisingly difficult due to the vast number of options. You need to balance several factors to find the system that best fits your comfort needs and your budget. Bounds Heating & Air, your local HVAC repair and installation expert, explains what factors you need to consider:

 

Life Cycle Cost

Make sure to think about the overall lifecycle cost when calculating the costs for your new heating system. Estimate how much your new system will cost to install, maintain, repair, and replace over the course of its expected life span. This will show you the true value of a system. Products with a high initial cost might end up having low maintenance and repair costs and last longer compared with cheaper equipment.

Study Efficiency Ratings

As an air conditioning repair expert, we recommend learning about the various energy performance ratings that measure a heating system’s efficiency. Choose the most efficient system that meets your needs and fits your budget because the higher the efficiency, the less it will cost to operate the system.

Consider the Fuel Source and Distribution System

Some heating systems use fuel, while others use electricity. It is important to uncover which option will perform best in your home, then choose a heating system based on that. You should also consider the distribution system used by your system. Forced air heating systems disperse heat through air ducts and registers, while hydronic heating systems distribute heat through copper or plastic piping.

Bounds Heating & Air can help you with all of your HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation needs thanks to our decades of experience and our dedication to providing the best services possible to local homeowners. We are also available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to deal with emergencies. We serve many areas in Florida including Lake City, FL. Call us at 352-472-2761 to learn more about our services and products.

Filed Under: Heating, Heating System, HVAC Repair

5 Things to Consider When Buying a New Furnace

Like a house and a car, a heating system is a major investment for most families in Gainesville, FL. If you are in the market for a new heating unit, you have probably spent a fair amount of time researching already. This ensures that you are prepared to purchase the most energy-efficient heating system in the event that your current unit suddenly quits working.

When Should I Replace My Furnace?

Despite their high quality, heating systems will eventually need to be replaced. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a furnace typically lasts between 15-30 years before you must replace it. The length of time varies based on brand and furnace quality.

When you believe it is time to replace your furnace, consider the following:

1. Types of Furnace Sources

It’s important to consider how the fuel your furnace uses impacts your daily life when buying a new furnace, as each of them has their own benefits and disadvantages. There are three types of furnaces you should know about: gas, oil, and electric. Electric furnaces are popular since almost every home has a connection to local electricity, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most efficient. The most efficient source for a furnace is oftentimes natural gas. However, if you do not have a natural gas line, you should factor in this additional installation expense.

2. Choosing the Right Size

The size of your furnace matters when buying a new one; a small furnace will overwork itself, raising your energy bills and possibly requiring premature maintenance. The bigger one you buy, the more it will have to adjust itself in order to maintain the desired temperature. It will switch off when it overshoots and start up again when the temperature drops.

3. Installation Ease

There are labor costs that are additional to the actual cost of purchasing a new furnace. Depending on what utilities and heating infrastructure already exist in your home, you may be looking at additional costs on top of the actual furnace. If you are replacing an older furnace, there may be structural home changes to account for.

4. Maintenance Expectations

One more thing you should consider when choosing a new furnace is maintenance. While it may not be top of your mind when purchasing the unit, you will need to know what is required to keep it working for years. You can maintain your HVAC system by taking minor actions like making sure the vents and air filters are properly cleaned and replaced on a regular basis.

5. Your Replacement Company

At Bounds Heating & Air, we know that replacing your furnace is not always an expense you were looking forward to making. That is why we know it is important that you weigh your options and choose a furnace that is right for your needs and your home. We hope that you keep Bounds Heating & Air in mind for your furnace replacement or furnace repair needs!

Filed Under: Furnace, Heating System

What Is Heater “Short Cycling”?

Your furnace cycles on and off to maintain the temperature in your home at a comfortable level. The thermostat controls the cycle. When the temperature drops below the set point, the furnace will come on and heat the home until the desired comfort level is reached. Short cycling is when the furnace comes on and then shuts off repeatedly over a short period. In addition to being highly inefficient, rapid on and off cycling can reduce the lifespan of your heating system as it places an extra strain on the starter and other components.

What Causes Heater Short Cycling?

A number of different problems can cause your furnace to act irregularly. A few troubleshooting steps may isolate the cause of this potentially serious problem.

  • Improper airflow can cause the thermostat to register temperatures incorrectly. Dirty air filters as well as blocked air vents and registers can cause poor airflow. Replace the air filters and ensure that furniture, draperies, and other objects are not blocking your vents and returns.
  • If the thermostat is improperly located, it can be affected by drafts from doors and windows or the difference between indoor and outdoor walls. The thermostat should be mounted on an interior wall in a commonly used room. Block the thermostat with a piece of cardboard to prevent drafts and determine if the problem stops.
  • A heating unit that is too large for space will cycle on and off continuously. A properly sized unit will run for an extended period on a cold day in order to generate enough BTUs to heat the space before shutting off. A service technician can help you with the calculations to determine the correct size unit for your home.
  • Your thermostat may need to be recalibrated or have a loose wire. The furnace may also be overheating. Safety switches will shut it off to prevent damage. The unit will then come back on to heat your house, repeating the cycle. This can be caused by issues such as a cracked heat exchanger or dirty coils. These problems require the assistance of a trained professional.

Getting Help in Gainesville, FL

If your furnace or other heating system continues to malfunction, contact Bounds Heating and Air. We will gladly set a time to come by and inspect your system. Our highly trained service technicians will diagnose the cause and recommend a solution. We are proud to offer a full line of heating and cooling services to residential customers and can complete many repairs the same day.

Filed Under: Heating System

What Is the Difference Between a Furnace & a Boiler?

The difference between a furnace and a boiler is that they operate in markedly different ways. A furnace heats air, and then a blower motor moves the warmed air through the home’s duct system. On the other hand, a boiler heats water, which then flows through a network of pipes in the home. As the water flows, it generates heat throughout the home. The best way to remember the difference between a furnace and a boiler is to associate one with air and one with water.

The Difference Between a Furnace and a Boiler

Another difference between these systems is the type of maintenance required. The air filter of a furnace needs to be changed or cleaned anywhere from once a month to once a quarter. The maintenance of boilers is entirely different. These systems need to have excess air bled. Although the time to bleed the system varies from unit to unit, improperly heated rooms are usually a sign that it’s time for maintenance. These heating systems have a downside and an upside. The advantage is that these systems can heat various zones in the house. As a result, you can heat only the areas needed and save money on utility bills. The disadvantage is that they tend to increase humidity levels in the home. To reduce these higher humidity levels, you can run a humidifier in some rooms or have a separate humidifier attached to the system.

Does a Boiler or a Furnace Last Longer?

There are a number of reasons why the boiler has remained competitive despite furnaces being by far the most popular type of home heating system in the U.S. For example, boilers typically require fewer maintenance repairs, allow homeowners to lower their energy bills and create heat without blowing dust around. Additionally, they tend to last longer than furnaces. Furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years. It is possible to have the same heating system for up to 30 years, allowing an entire generation to grow up in the same house.

HVAC Services & Products at Bounds Heating & Air

At Bounds Heating & Air, we offer a wide array of HVAC services, including the installation of energy-efficient HVAC systems, energy audits, HVAC repairs, duct cleaning, air quality products, and preventative maintenance plans for both commercial and residential needs. Our goal is to keep you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. If you have a sudden breakdown, you can count on us with our 24/7 emergency repair service. With just a phone call, we’ll quickly send out one of our knowledgeable service technicians after hours, weekends, and holidays.

All of our service technicians carry the prestigious NATE certification and have in-depth knowledge of both new and older HVAC systems. You can feel confident that they will arrive with the skills and tools needed to get the job done right. We also offer a 100 percent guarantee on all work performed.

Why Choose Bounds Heating & Air Inc?

In order to help provide our customers with cost-effective HVAC solutions, we offer a variety of Internet coupons, discounts, and rebates on select systems and services. Along with our existing competitive prices, these special offers are additional ways to save money. For those who prefer to keep more cash in their bank account or credit lines open, our flexible financing plans are the ideal alternative. Enjoy the comfort of a new HVAC system with our low-interest rates. Be sure to visit our website for the latest offerings. If you’re in the market for a new HVAC system, you’ll find we carry and install top brands for furnaces, boilers, hybrid systems, heat pumps, and ductless systems.


Looking to install a new heating system in your home? Call Bounds Heating & Air Inc today at (352) 472-2761 or contact us online to get started!


Filed Under: Furnace, Heating System

Newberry
25645 West
Newberry Road
Newberry, FL 32669
Map & Directions

Phone Number
352-472-2761

Gainesville
3205 Southwest
40th Boulevard, Ste A
Gainesville, FL 32607
Map & Directions

License Number
CA-CO57642

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