Skip to main content

Locally owned and independently operated.

Author: Kevin

Heating Repair Questions in Washington, MO Heating Repair Questions in Washington, MO

What Should You Ask Your HVAC Company After a Heating Repair?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating. No Comments on What Should You Ask Your HVAC Company After a Heating Repair?

Any heating repair is an excellent opportunity to learn more about your system. While the HVAC technician is at your house, they can provide you with all sorts of helpful advice. After a heating repair, your first priority is probably going to be enjoying your toasty, warm air. However, don’t forget to ask your technician these important questions.

What Was the Cause of the Problem?

One of the most important questions is simply asking what went wrong. You might not really care about the reason as long as your heater is working again. However, it’s still important to ask. Talking to your technician about the cause does more than just satisfy your curiosity. It also gives you a lot of insight into the state of your heating system. You can learn whether it happened due to manufacturer defects, general wear and tear, or other issues. When you know the cause of the problem, you can take steps to prepare for it again in the future or keep it from happening again. Learning about the cause of the problem can also help you see if there is a warranty in place for the issue.

What’s Your Payment Process Like?

Of course, a good technician will get you to approve the cost of repairs before doing anything, but there are still some things to ask after the repair. If you are paying upfront, remember to ask for a receipt. When paying in installments, take the time to learn how long you have to pay and what forms of payment the company will accept. Check to see if the company puts a warranty on their repairs, and see about any special promotions. You might be able to get a special deal for maintenance or other future service visits after your repairs.

How Did You Fix the Issue?

Usually, a heater repair technician will go over their proposed plan before they even start working on your system. However, do not be afraid to ask them for details after they finish the repairs. Even if the words might sound a little too technical, they still tell you a lot about your HVAC system. A good technician should be dedicated to educating their clients. They should be happy to explain what they were doing so that you can be confident that the problem is truly fixed.

Is This a Repair I Could Do Myself?

In some cases, your heater problem might be a frequent issue that’s likely to pop up again. Take the time to ask your technician if the repair is DIY-friendly. With their professional expertise, they know whether a job requires specialized knowledge and tools. For example, many homeowners can learn how to relight their own pilot light with just a little know-how. Your technician can let you know whether it is worth trying yourself or if you should just go ahead and give them a call when the issue happens again. Depending on how busy the technician is, they might even be willing to give you a few tips.

How Long Will Your Fix Last?

Sometimes, a heating repair is just a short-term fix. For example, if the technician cannot solve the problem until the part comes in, they might make a quick adjustment that will at least give you some warmth for the upcoming weeks. Your repair might also be a short-term solution if your system is old and will be replaced soon. Knowing how long your repair will last can help you make plans for the future. You can figure out whether you should be budgeting for a new system soon or expecting more repairs in a little while.

Are There Any Warning Signs I Should Look Out For?

If your system is likely to run into issues again soon, make sure the technician gives you some tips for what to look out for. Ask about what is likely to break first and what it will look like when the system breaks. This can help avoid confusion later on. Instead of wondering whether the weird smell or annoying noise is really that bad, you’ll know you should instantly call your HVAC company. Asking this question also helps you identify less noticeable problems that would otherwise just quietly cause problems in the background for months. This makes it easier to address issues that could increase your utility bill or damage your whole system.

How Can I Keep This From Happening Again?

After any big repair, one of your main priorities should be prevention. It is rare for an HVAC problem to happen spontaneously. Instead, it most frequently happens due to poor installation, infrequent maintenance, or other types of errors. Your HVAC technician can help give you tips on how to keep the issue from arising again. For example, a simple habit like changing your furnace filter regularly can keep your system from acting up again in the future.

Is My Heater in Good Shape for Its Age?

A heating repair is not the same as a full system inspection. However, the technician will still go over your system and take a close look at how it’s running during the repair. This can give them a lot of insight into how your heater is doing. You can ask them about the condition of your heater to learn whether it will need to be replaced soon. The technician can also let you know if there are any other fixes or little adjustments you should do. When asking about the overall condition of your HVAC system, be sure to bring up the ductwork too. Some technicians might not automatically discuss it when talking about your heater, but it has a big impact on your system’s efficiency. All this information can help you extend your system’s life or go ahead and start planning for your next heater.

When Does My Unit Need More Maintenance?

Even if you’re already on a regular HVAC maintenance schedule, repairs can confuse things. Some people make the mistake of assuming that their repair counts as maintenance even though the technician might have skipped essential maintenance steps like cleaning the coils. Make sure to ask the technician when to schedule your next maintenance. There is a chance that they went ahead and maintained the system, so you might be able to wait a full six months until the next necessary appointment. However, they might advise you to keep on with your regular maintenance schedule instead. That is also a good opportunity to find out about the HVAC company’s maintenance plans or cost-saving promotions.

If you need any heating repairs, turn to Level 9 Heating & Cooling. We’re always happy to answer any of our customers’ questions, so you can stay informed about your heating system. In addition to heating repairs, we also help with installations and maintenance on all sorts of heating and air conditioning systems. We serve Washington, St. Louis, and many surrounding areas and offer 24/7 emergency services. Give us a call today to schedule your service appointment.

Home Winterization in Washington, MO Home Winterization in Washington, MO

Preparing Your Heating System for the Winter

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating. No Comments on Preparing Your Heating System for the Winter

Now that winter has truly arrived, it’s imperative to ensure that your household is fully prepared for the cold season. One crucial part of this is making sure that your heating system is in good working condition, and properly prepared to handle the extra usage that will be necessary as the temperature drops.

If you fail to prepare your heating system, the extra pressure you’ll be putting on it will not only make it more likely to break down or struggle, but keeping it running will also cost you quite a bit of extra money in monthly energy bills. Fortunately, there are simple ways that you can winterize your furnace and ensure that you’re both staying warm and saving money this winter.

Furnace Maintenance

Keeping up with regular furnace maintenance is always important, but it is even more important during the cold months. These professional tune-ups allow your heating system to operate at peak energy efficiency, which will be crucial if you’re having to keep the thermostat cranked up all winter long.

During these maintenance visits, your heating technician will also be checking to see if any of the appliance’s components are nearly worn out or if there are any indicators of an upcoming breakdown. By getting ahead of these problems before they materialize, the technician will be able to help you avoid any major inconveniences in the near future. The last thing you want on your hands is a furnace breakdown in the middle of the winter. Scheduling one of these tune-ups is relatively inexpensive, and the amount of money and hassle it will save you afterward will make it more than worthwhile.

Clean Regularly

Another way you can winterize your heating system is by planning a day of cleaning in which you focus on a few key areas. There are a few specific cleaning tasks that will make it easier for your furnace to operate, and typically the easiest method is to do them all at once.

Start with your furnace itself, which can become dirtied or clogged with dust and other debris. Remove the access panel, and use a vacuum extension hose to clean the interior chamber. Next, you’ll want to clean the area directly around the furnace by removing any clutter or large objects. Keeping things near the heating system is a fire hazard and also makes it more difficult to circulate warm air effectively.

Another important thing to clean or replace is your furnace’s air filter. This filter protects the heating unit by trapping particles of dust and dirt before they can clog up the system. After a while, however, the filter will become dirty or clogged up itself. As a result, the furnace has to work harder to suck air through the filter, which worsens its energy efficiency and accumulates more wear and tear. This can, in turn, shorten the overall lifespan of the appliance.

To avoid this, all you need to do is check the filter regularly. If you’re able to clean it, do so, but if it becomes especially dirty, it would be wise to replace it with a new one. Try to remember to check the filter at the start of the cold season and on a monthly basis afterward.

Your last stop on your day of cleaning should be your home’s air vents. You likely have several of these vents in your household. If the interior of these vents is not cleaned regularly, dust, dirt, and debris will accumulate. In addition to worsening the overall quality of your indoor air, this also hampers your furnace’s ability to circulate warm air throughout the house. You can make sure this does not happen by simply visiting each vent, removing the protective cover and grille with a screwdriver, and using your vacuum’s extension hose to thoroughly clean it out.

Purchase a Humidifier

A large aspect of winterizing your heating system is simply finding ways to take some of the pressure off of it. Since you will probably be depending on it pretty frequently, any rest that you are able to give the appliance can make a major difference — both on your bills and the overall health of your furnace. One good way to remove some of this strain is by purchasing a humidifier.

You may have noticed that the air tends to be especially dry during winter, but you may not be aware that this actually causes your home to feel colder than it would if there was more moisture present. Oxygen needs this moisture to transfer heat around, so when it is dry, your furnace has to work harder to compensate for that lost heat. A humidifier will add moisture to your indoor air, which will make it feel warmer without needing to crank up the thermostat. You can choose between an in-line version, which would be installed onto your furnace, or a separate unit, which would be placed somewhere else inside your home.

Add Attic Insulation

If your attic is not properly insulated, it can result in a lot of extra strain on your heating system, especially during the cold season. This is because, without that extra barrier that insulation provides, your attic can be a major source of not only warm air escaping but also cold air seeping into the house. Since heat rises, this will continue happening all winter long. Your furnace has to work hard to compensate for this loss of heat, which can be damaging to the system and increase the operational cost.

The most common type of attic insulation is the spray foam variety, which is relatively expensive and does need to be installed by professionals. However, it is very effective at keeping warmth trapped inside. If you prefer to install the insulation yourself, you will need to go with either blanket insulation or radiant and reflective insulation, though you should only attempt to do so if you have the necessary knowledge and tools.

Since being founded in 1975, the team at Level 9 Heating & Cooling has been providing top-of-the-line HVAC services to residents of Washington, MO, and the surrounding areas. We offer our customers not only high-quality heating repair, maintenance, and installation services, but also cooling, indoor air quality, and geothermal services as well. Our core values are centered around the things that we believe are most important: trustworthy character and quality work that you can count on. We also take pride in our luxury customer service, and we always do whatever possible to cater to your personal needs. You can rest assured that when you call us up, you won’t be stuck waiting. You will receive quick responses, exceptional service, and honest communication.

Your household comfort needs are important, and you should only entrust them to local professionals who you can rely on. Give us a call today, and get your first appointment scheduled with a friendly and skilled member of our HVAC team.

grey furnace grey furnace

The Best Options to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating. No Comments on The Best Options to Keep Your Home Warm This Winter

Winter is coming. When the temperature outside drops to unsafe levels, it is nice to know that you can seek protection in a warm home. Currently, there is a lot of technology available to help you heat your home.

Since home heating is something you only think about every decade or so, you may not know the available options for heating your home. Below are some of the choices you can consider.

Forced-Air Systems

Some homeowners prefer the even and gradual heating created by radiant heating systems. However, forced-air heaters, like furnaces, are the most popular way to heat a home. If you are thinking about using a heat pump or a furnace in your home, there are some things you should consider.

Forced-air heating systems are affordable to purchase when compared to the cost of radiant heating systems. They are cheaper to install and usually have a more straightforward installation process. Installing ductwork does take time, and it can be tricky. However, installing ductwork is child’s play when compared to the installation of floor hydronic heating systems. If you already have the ductwork for a central AC system, your forced-air heating system can share that ductwork.

Radiant heating is a slower process. However, forced-air heating heats the air directly. That heated air is distributed throughout the home. Radiant heating is more even and sticks around longer. However, if you want to heat your home quickly, few things beat forced-air distribution.

Radiant Heating

It is generally agreed that few technologies offer the same feeling as radiant heating when it comes to keeping your home comfortable and warm during the winter. Radiant heating of one type or another is not new. It was used by the Romans centuries ago.

Most people agree that radiant heating outperforms other heating methods. It delivers a quality heating experience that forced-air heating never can. Radiant heating is quiet and creates an all-encompassing feeling of warmth. It is 25% more efficient than forced-air heating. However, radiant heating is not perfect for every situation.

To determine if radiant heating is right for you, you need to think about the design of your home. When radiant heating is installed underneath the floor, the panels deliver warmth to every square inch of the house. No matter where you go in your home, you are always going to get the same temperature.

It is different than forced-air heating. HVAC systems use a start-and-stop pattern. Hot air is pushed into the home. Once the desired temperature is reached, it stops. As the temperature dips below a set temperature, the system activates again. This leads to temperature swings.

Forced-air heating heats the air, so it quickly rises to the ceiling. Your head is warm, but your feet are cold. Radiant heat warms your whole body. Radiant heating does not create dust like forced-air heating does. This makes radiant heating an excellent option for homes where there are allergy sufferers.

This does not mean that radiant heating is the perfect heating solution. Radiant heating systems are difficult and expensive to install. It depends on a functioning boiler. Retrofitting or changing radiant heating is difficult, which will automatically increase the cost of any significant remodel job.

Fireplace

The flames of a fireplace create a comfortable atmosphere. Fireplaces come in an extensive range of styles and burn various fuels, such as biofuel, gas, and wood.

Fireplaces are efficient. Wood-burning fireplaces are inexpensive to operate and can be used to heat a large area. Biofuels are clean to burn. They do not require a chimney and are a green energy source.

Both gas and biofuel fireplaces can fit into different spaces. A gas fireplace is easy to turn off and on and offers instant heat.

Wood-burning fireplaces are the oldest heating option. People use wood fireplaces because they like the look and the smell of burning wood. They appreciate the crackling sound that wood makes as it burns. Of course, wood fireplaces require you to cut wood, purchase wood, and find a place to store it. Additionally, cleaning up a wood fireplace, cleaning the chimney, and starting a wood fire can get frustrating.

Gas fireplaces have a lot of the pros of wood fireplaces without as much maintenance. A natural gas fireplace is less expensive than propane and will give you about 5% more heat. A significant drawback with gas fireplaces is that you are limited when it comes to where you can install the fireplace in the home. On a positive note, the fireplace vents to the outside, keeping the inside air cleaner.

Space Heater

The use of indoor space heaters can be a polarizing subject. Some people swear by them. Other people feel that the risks are too high when compared to the benefits. Space heaters, when used appropriately, can play a role in keeping your home warm during the winter.

The biggest attraction point of space heaters is that they are relatively inexpensive. It costs less to run a space heater than it does to use your forced-air heater at the same temperature. You can use a space heater to heat only the room where you and your family are actually located.

However, space heaters have a well-deserved reputation for being a fire risk. The NFPA estimates that more than 40% of home-related fires are linked to space heaters. They account for countless burn injuries each year.

Modern space heaters have been designed to be easy to use. Manufacturers of newer space heaters have done an excellent job of minimizing the chances of a space heater causing a fire or burns. You will notice that the newer space heaters have an elegant design, making them easy to turn on and use.

Space heaters have not reached the point where you can turn them on and leave them unattended. You need to monitor them.

Finding the Best Way to Keep Your Home Warm During the Winter

This has been a brief description of some of the more popular styles of heating systems. You may not be considering repairing or replacing your heating system for some time. Still, it is good for you to be familiar with each style so that when the time comes to repair, replace, or upgrade your heating system, you know what will be the best fit for your home and your comfort needs.

The comfort of your home is our main priority at Level 9 Heating & Cooling. We are here to offer services that range from minor repairs to complete home installations. Our team has specialized knowledge that we will share with you. We will help you choose the right option for your home. We offer a complete range of indoor air comfort solutions, including:

  • Heating
  • Light commercial HVAC
  • Geothermal
  • Air balancing
  • Air purification
  • Boilers
  • Cooling
  • Duct cleaning
  • Ductless mini-splits
  • Home energy audits
  • Humidity control
  • IAQ testing
  • Indoor air quality
  • New construction
  • UV lights
  • Walk-in freezers

Are you in need of the best heating and cooling service in your area? Contact us today at Level 9 Heating & Cooling! You can count on us for a full lineup of premium heating and air solutions.

Why Do I Need A Humidifier in My Home?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating, Heating and Air Conditioning Tips. No Comments on Why Do I Need A Humidifier in My Home?

Humidifiers, when used in your home, solve multiple problems that can arise. The largest issue that arises is dry air. The specific issues with dry air in a home are numerous with the largest one being health reasons. You will also find structural damage and increase utility bills when dry air is prevalent.

Your Health

Health reasons are one of the large focus points for needing a humidifier. Low humidity can make it easier to catch and transmit cold and flu viruses. Cold dry air can aggravate asthma and static shock contributes to dry itchy skin.

Structural Damage

Second, dry air can lead to structural damage. It can cause walls, woodwork, and floors to crack. Most wood floor warranties do not cover damage caused by water and humidity changes.

Save Money

Third, there’s the impact it can have on your utility bills. Dry air can make you feel colder, and which then leads to your tendency to overheat your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for every degree you heat your home; you add 4 percent to your energy bill. So your whole house humidifier can save you money and make you feel warmer.

So let me summarize, a whole-house humidifier can help control and reduce your health issues which in turn makes you feel healthier, protect your home from damage, and increase your comfort while saving you money.

There are several options when it comes to selecting the best humidifier for your home. Contact your local heating and cooling professional to get expert advice on your options. If you are located in Washington, Missouri, and the surrounding areas, call us today to talk with the professionals at Jim’s Heating and Cooling.

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact our experts online or by calling us today for more information about our humidifier installation process.

Red, White, and Blue

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Listen and Learn Radio Ads. No Comments on Red, White, and Blue

Red white & blue.

We see those colors and feel them in our hearts.

A sailor kissing that nurse in Times Square.

Marines raising a flag over Iwo Jima.

First responders rushing to the rescue.

Those colors mean we do our best.

We don’t give up.

We never quit.

And we care for our own.

Level 9’s colors are red white and blue as well. That was intentional.

We’re proud to serve, proud to give, proud to be Americans.

Red white and blue for a reason.

If It Makes Kids Sick, Kill It

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Listen and Learn Radio Ads. No Comments on If It Makes Kids Sick, Kill It

I remember an old video game called “If it moves, shoot it.”

Really. That was the title.

I’d love that for my kid’s school. And my home!

If it makes kids sick, kill it.

That’s the idea with Level 9 Heating & Cooling FDA-approved air quality services.

Our tools kill 99.9% of the COVID virus on surfaces in 7 hours. And keeps on killing them. Deadly viruses today become dead viruses tomorrow.

“If it makes kids sick, kill it.”

See our website for details.

Luxuries & Necessities

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Listen and Learn Radio Ads. No Comments on Luxuries & Necessities

“Take care of the luxuries. Necessities care for themselves.”

Frank Lloyd Wright said that. The 1st time I heard it, I laughed. That’s crazy talk. I had responsibilities: wife & kids, mortgage, and a job. Luxuries have to wait.

But when your furnace is dying and it’s freezing outside, is comfort really a luxury?

I don’t have an answer but I do have a solution.

Level 9 offers 0 percent interest for 60 months on any new Lennox furnace.

Fathers, Sons, and Brothers

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Listen and Learn Radio Ads. No Comments on Fathers, Sons, and Brothers

If that phrase reminds you of people you love or miss or admire, then you should know the story of Henry Mucci. His team rescued 500 American POWs from certain death. Those fathers, sons, and brothers needed a hero. Here at Level 9, we admire people who do the right thing…especially when it’s easy not to. Maybe that’s corny, if so, we plead guilty. You’ve got to admit, though, if we all aspired to be heroic well, this would be a better place.

For more information about this story, visit this page: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/2020/02/04/great-raid-on-cabanatuan/

Book Online

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.