Category: Heating

Why You Should Consider an HVAC System Replacement This Fall

Sep 29, 2021

Why You Should Consider an HVAC System Replacement This Fall

  • Heating

The leaves are changing, the wind is getting brisk, and pumpkin spice lattes have emerged from their year-long slumber. Ladies and gentlemen, fall is officially back. And with the changing of the seasons comes the perfect opportunity to upgrade your HVAC system. You’re going to need it in a few weeks when the snow starts falling. And now for a limited time, when you purchase a Bryant HVAC system, you get a free Rheem water heater to keep your home’s water nice and warm. If that wasn’t enough, here are a couple reasons to consider replacing your HVAC system this fall.  

Mitigate Issues For the Foreseeable Future 

Your first car was probably a heavily used hand-me-down from a parent or a family member. It probably had issues, was unreliable over long distances, and required many, many trips  to the local mechanic. Once you got your first new car, you saw less and less of the mechanic. It’s the same principle with HVAC systems. Older systems require a lot more TLC to run smoothly. This means more frequent calls to your local service provider and a less seamless home heating experience. Much like buying a new car, a new HVAC system can be pricey, but it will save you a massive amount of headache (and money)  down the line. 

Improved Performance 

Let’s stay with the car metaphor. An older model just won’t be able to perform at the level of the latest and greatest models. It won’t have as many features, and overall it will just be an inferior product compared to what’s been made available recently. And while HVAC systems aren’t known for coming with a plethora of bonus features like cars are, newer systems can produce results that older systems can’t even begin to approach. Older systems are prone to missing spots in your home, leading to cold or warm patches in an otherwise comfortable environment. Newer systems eliminate this issue entirely. 

Resale Value

A newer HVAC system means a higher resale value. It’s that simple. The investment could save you money for future repairs, and even make you money in the long run, as we’ve discussed. But a prospective homeowner will feel much more reassured buying a house that contains newer systems and appliances. They can worry much less about overhead of repairs that may tag along with the house or projects that they’ll have to spend extra time on top of other projects they already have planned for the house they’re moving into. Resale is not something you necessarily need to be thinking about every day, but putting some thought into it will only better prepare you for later. 

Safety First

It’s the last item on our list, but always the first priority. Your safety is extremely important to us at McHales, and a new HVAC system can help in that department. As systems age, they develop cracks and imperfections that can lead to fires and other dangerous hazards in and around your home. These dangers can be mitigated with regular tune-ups and maintenance, of course, but ultimately, if a system is getting up there in years, it’s almost always safer to air on the side of caution and look into a replacement.

Have any questions about your HVAC system? Call McHale’s Today!

Schedule a consultation with a call to McHale’s today!

Read Reviews From Our Happy Customers!

By McHales

10 Random HVAC Facts

Apr 14, 2021

10 Random HVAC Facts

  • Air Conditioning
  • Furnaces
  • Heating

10 Random HVAC Facts

You’ve probably heard many of the common energy saving recommendations, such as switching out old light bulbs for new energy saving options. However, by looking further into these 10 random HVAC facts, you’ll not only learn a bit more about your heating and cooling system, but also a few ways to trim down monthly energy consumption. 

Whether you own your own home or currently rent an apartment unit, monthly utility bills are often a big question. You never really know what it might cost when you open that envelope. Wouldn’t it be nice to no longer worry about the number looking back at you? By cutting down energy consumption, you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars every single year. 

1. Where Does Most Energy Usage Come From?

Did you know the vast majority of your energy consumption comes from three different appliances in your home? That’s right. 75% of your home’s total energy usage stems from your water heater, air conditioner and heater/furnace. This means if you can improve the energy efficiency of these three appliances you’ll save a substantial amount throughout the year. But what options do you have? First, how old is your water heater? An old water heater bleeds energy. If it is time for an upgrade, consider a tankless water heater.

2. Almost Half of Homeowners Don’t Know What Their Monthly Electric Bill Is

Yes, 47% of homeowners don’t know what they’re spending on electricity. Would you do that for your mortgage, rent, car insurance or cell phone? Probably not. You need to know what you are paying and monitor changes in monthly bills. By doing this, you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re paying and how it changes throughout the year. This will allow you to make necessary changes to improve energy efficiency. 

3. Sleep Better With the Right Temperature

Struggling to sleep? Maybe it’s your home’s temperature. Optimal sleeping temperatures are between 65 and 72. Do different family members need varying room temperatures to sleep? Consider switching to a ductless multi-room system. This allows you to control each room’s temperature directly and can save you money along the way (as you’re no longer cooling or heating the guest bedroom or other areas of the house you rarely use). 

4. 10 Degrees is 14%

According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, if you turn down your thermostat 10 degrees while out of the house and at night, you’ll save 14% on your energy bill. With a programmable thermostat you can easily make this change. A smart thermostat gives you even more control, allowing you to change the home temperature from your smartphone. 

5. Save With Cooler Water

Everyone loves a hot shower. But do you need it that hot? If you turn down the temperature on your water heater by 10 degrees, you can save up to 5% annually on energy costs. If your water heater is on the older side, replacing it can help boost energy efficiency even further. 

6. What Saving $75 Means

By transforming your house into an energy efficient home, you can save at least $75 a month. Over the span of 30 years, this equals a savings of $27,000. Think about what you can do with that sort of cash.  

7. Replace That Old Furnace

A furnace’s life expectancy is 20 years. However, as it ages, it becomes less efficient. This is why you need to have it annually inspected in order to maintain performance and reduce energy costs. Every year, newer furnaces are sold with improved energy efficiency ratings. 

8. The AFUE Rating

Did you know your heating system’s AFUE rating can tell you the percentage of fuel consumed for heat and what you’re losing. Stay on top of this to see if there is a change. It means you’re losing fuel in the transfer. Insulation options can help cut fuel loss and make your system more energy efficient. 

9. Beware the Power Vampire

There are tons of appliances that still draw power, even when turned off. These appliances are referred to as “Power Vampires.” Consider either unplugging unused appliances or connect everything into a power saving power strip. Throughout the United States, all the energy lost to power vampires annually is enough to power 7,387 homes a year. 

10. The Love of Central Air

According to the US Census Bureau of the American Housing Survey, 65% of households have central AC. Only 22% use a room or window unit. The rest either don’t have AC or use an alternative cooling method. AC units can kill your energy bill if you’re not careful. In fact, the amount of energy the United States uses annually to run AC units is the same amount of energy, in total, used by the entire  African continent. 

Have any questions about these HVAC facts? Call Mchales Today!

Schedule circuit breaker replacement with a call to McHale’s today!

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By McHales

Furnace Problems You May Experience Before Winter Ends

Jan 27, 2021

Furnace Problems You May Experience Before Winter Ends

  • Furnaces
  • Heating
furnace problems

As winter settles in Bucks County, you want to think about the health of your furnace. It is important to be on the lookout for common furnace problems before they break down your heating system entirely. Here at McHale’s, we have put together a list of common furnace problems you may experience before winter ends. 

Faulty Pilot Lights: Along with some other mechanical parts, the pilot light could be malfunctioning and causing no heat or intermittent heat. There are two parts that tend to be the culprit for faulty pilot lights: the thermocouple and the pilot tube. 

  • The thermocouple is a copper wire inside your furnace that detects the heat of your pilot light and lights the gas. It is a safety feature that ensures gas shuts off if it does not detect the pilot light. Sometimes, the thermocouple is bent out of shape or cold, causing it to mis-detect the pilot light, This can cause arbitrary pilot light outages. 
  • The pilot tube can also be dirty or clogged. When the pilot tube is clogged it can stop or inhibit the pilot light’s ability to function. 

Defective Blowers: If you have a demand for heat and the blower is not running, it is important to check the blower motor is functioning. A blower motor breakdown can be caused by old age, faulty bearings, loss of electrical power, or dirt accumulation. If you cannot see any visible dirt and debris blocking the motor function, then call a technician at McHale’s to service the motor. 

Poor Electrical Connections: With the passing of time, the vibrations that come with a running furnace can lead to internal wires becoming loose or fraying. These wires and eventually short and cause your furnace to shut off. It can take a bit of time to find the loose wire, but replacing it will fix the issue. To prevent this, schedule regular furnace maintenance to check for damaged parts and ensure the furnace is in working order before winter settles in. 

Damaged or Dirty Coils: The coil ensures that the right air supply is being sent through the furnace which heats your home. If for some reason these passages become clogged or damaged, the air flow will be restricted. Furnaces are set to run with a certain amount of air flow, and any disturbance to this level will decrease the efficiency of our furnace to generate heat. 

Clogged Air Filters: As a general rule. the filter in your furnace should be replaced every 3 months in order to extend both the efficiency and life of the furnace. You should change it more frequently if there are pets in the home or someone has allergies. Dirty filters reduce the flow of air and reduce air quality in the home. A dirty air filter puts strain on your furnace and makes it work harder. This reduces the efficiency of the unit and costs you money in the long run. 

Thermostat Malfunctions: The thermostat is a device that measures the temperature in your home and alerts the furnace when to turn on. If your thermostat is not functioning properly, it can cause the furnace to turn on or off at the wrong time. It may not sense that temperature has been reached and continue to run, or it may not sense the drop in temperature letting your home become frigid. If you notice inconsistent temperatures in your home, consider having your thermostat checked by a professional. 

Air Flow Problems: Most of the time, furnaces have two types of air flow. The first one is an incoming source of air. Then, there is a steady flow of air out into the home so that the heat can be evenly distributed. If either one of these airflows is restricted, the efficiency of the furnace will go down. If there are any clogs, blockages, or duct leaks, they should be dealt with quickly so as not to impact the quality of your home heat.

 Air Leaks in the Household: If you have air drafts in the household, your furnace will end up working harder to compensate for the loss of heat. Aside from putting strain the furnace, it will also cost you more on your energy bills. You should go through your home and seal any drafty windows, doors, or places you feel air escaping.

 

Call McHale’s Today to Solve Any and All Furnace Problems and Avoid Being Stuck in the Cold this Winter!

By McHales

Benefits of Replacing Your Heating System

Jan 15, 2021

Benefits of Replacing Your Heating System

  • Furnaces
  • Heating
replacing your heating system

So, you’re tired of repairing your furnace that’s been in the house ever since you signed the papers. It’s old, it’s louder than a marching band, and you feel you’re putting more money into it than the benefits you’re getting out. Well replacing your furnace might be easier, and more cost effective than you think. There are countless benefits that come with replacing your heating system. While having a quieter system would be reason enough, you’ll also save yourself the hassle and costs of constant repairs. The price of installing a new furnace is typically between $1,000 to $4,000. If you’ve had the same heating system in your home for 15-20 years, dishing out $700-$800 to fix it seems ridiculous when a new system will serve you for the same lifetime, if not longer. 

Comfortable Living

Sometimes it’s better to update than to invest in something you’ll need to replace in the long run. After considering whether the cost of replacing will outweigh the cost of repair, there are many more reasons that a new heating system will work for you. With a new and improved heating system, you will improve the airflow throughout the home, and the temperature of the home would be more consistent. A newer system will operate with more functionality as technology has grown exponentially. This means when you want your living room at 62 degrees on those hot summer days in August, it’ll stay 62 degrees.

Resale Value

This is not only a benefit for your own personal comfort, but having an updated system will increase the resale value of your home if you plan to sell. This investment could save you money for future repairs, and even make you money in the long run. A prospective homeowner will feel much more reassured buying a house that contains newer systems and appliances. They can worry much less about overhead of repairs that may tag along with the house or projects that they’ll have to spend extra time on top of other projects they already has planned for the house their moving into. Resale is not something you necessarily need to be thinking about every day, but putting some thought into it will only better prepare you for later. 

Energy Expenditure

With technology advancing and drastic changes in the weather, energy plays a large role in this endeavor as well. It’s estimated that over half of the energy used in your home is going toward heating and cooling. When it comes to comparing older systems to new and improved ones, there’s a relatively large gap in the level of efficiency. An older system might operate around 65% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency), while a new system operates over 90%. You could save as much as 33% on your heating and cooling bills with an updated system. Not only are you doing a service to your wallet, but you’re helping the environment as well. 

A Clean Slate

Replacing your old system of course would also update the guaranteed life of your new heating system. That old furnace in the basement that served the home for 15 years is ready for a brand-new system to last just as long, if not longer. With a more efficient system in place, the unit doesn’t have to work so hard to maintain the temperature of the home. This leads to fewer repairs and a longer operational life. Depending on the company, you could also have a warranty on your new system from 2-10 years. The higher end your system is, the longer the warranty will be. 

Safety First

Although this is the last subject on our list, safety is always first in our mind. With a new replacement furnace comes a renewed peace of mind. As an old furnace gets older, components crack and corrode, leaks begin to pool, and ducts begin to clog. The longer these issues go unnoticed and unresolved, the more risk gets accumulated of a carbon monoxide emergency or a gas leak that is ignited by a rogue spark. Faulty electrical components may start that ignition, or ignite any other surrounding material in your home at a moment’s notice. By investing in a replacement furnace, you are guaranteeing new and fresh equipment that greatly reduces the risk of any safety concerns. A repair call will only be able to fix one problem at a time, and those costs can accumulate into much more than the cost of a replacement installation.

With the cold seasons looming, you want to ensure that your home is as prepared as it could possibly be. Worst case scenario, you wake up on a particularly frigid morning, try to increase the heat in your home, and figure out that your furnace is caput. Instead of waiting for that moment to happen and then reacting to it, get a head start by assessing the status of your furnace today. If you have a trusted HVAC or Electrical contractor, many of them will do a cheap assessment for you! It may be time to replace your fussy furnace, and see how much time and money you could save by taking the next step

If you’re thinking about replacing your heating system, then call and schedule service with McHale’s today!

By McHales

10 Warning Signs That a Furnace Replacement Is Imminent

Oct 15, 2020

10 Warning Signs That a Furnace Replacement Is Imminent

  • Furnaces
  • Heating

10 Warning Signs That a Furnace Replacement Is Imminent

The summer has faded and when that happens we know what to expect – shorter days and cooler nights.  If you are a homeowner who lives in a snowy climate, chances are you will be checking your furnace for proper performance.  Now would be a good time to troubleshoot it or you may not have heat during the fall and winter. A furnace that hasn’t been tuned up will run you into high energy costs, not to mention the price you must pay for maintenance or repairs. Getting it done now will give you peace of mind, ensure that you have reliable heat for the winter and save you the risk of replacement later, or having to worry about repair costs.  Here are 10 warning signs that a furnace replacement is imminent.

1. Your Furnace Sounds Like a Monster

No furnace is completely soundless, but if it is making noises like a hungry tiger on the prowl for food -groaning, whining, banging – repair may include replacing a loose belt, priming the ignition, or finding the correct component to replace it with.  Troubleshooting as soon as you hear those noises and you will be on your way to to quickly remedying the situation.

2. Turning Up the Thermostat Doesn’t Do the Job Anymore

Your natural reaction to feeling cold is to turn up your thermostat to a temperature where you feel comfortable again.  Lately, however, this just doesn’t work anymore. Now you won’t have the proper heat during the cold season months.  This suggests that the thermostat may be on the blink, or your ducts might be leaking.  For constant, reliable heat, call in a specialist to see if the problem is your thermostat and he will suggest a replacement.

3. Your Electric Bill Skyrocketed

When you’re paying more than you normally do for electricity it means your furnace isn’t working properly.  Rather than doing guesswork , it is best to call a specialist in so that they can remedy the problem.

4. Yellow Pilot Signal

If you notice that the pilot light on your furnace is glowing yellow you probably think everything is alright. This is just as big a warning as the yellow traffic signs on street corners.  A yellow light indicates that the gas balance of your furnace is not in good condition.  What you want is for the flame to be blue, which means that the gases are perfectly balanced.  Yellow means that carbon monoxide is being emitted, which is dangerous, and lethal to you and your family.

5. You Have Difficulty Starting and Keeping Your Furnace On

This is a sure sign that you need furnace repairs.  Problems can range from improper wiring, a broken fan motor or getting a new pilot light.  Most furnace repair companies will provide easy financing provided you catch the problem before it becomes too severe.

6. Your Family is Experiencing Respiratory Problems

When your furnace needs fixing you may notice that it is linked to frequent problems with breathing such as asthma and chest related illnesses.  A system that doesn’t work properly pours dust, mold and other pathogens in the air which circulate in your home. Diminished air quality is an incentive for getting your furnace fixed as soon as possible.

7. Hot and Cold Spots

If you constantly feel a draft while your furnace is on it means that it is no longer strong enough to heat your entire home.  If you find ice forming on your roof this may indicate that the heat from your house is escaping through the attic rather than keeping place in the living section where it is supposed to be.  Getting your furnace tuned-up will provide greater efficiency by getting rid of those cold and hot spots.

8. Air Condensation

You may not need furnace repairs for condensation, but if it keeps up it could mean you’ll be making constant calls for checkups that could lead to a higher risk of replacement. It is best to only allow two minor furnace issues occur in succession before you call for a maintenance person.  

9. Your Furnace is a Dinosaur

The average furnace last between 10 to 20 years with a good unit lasting into the upper level of that range. If you have had your furnace for over 15 years, now is a good time to begin looking for a new one.  A new furnace gives constant, reliable heat, eliminates repair costs and maintenance visits.

10. Your Furnace Gives Off an Unusual Odor

Your furnace is only supposed to have the scent of fresh gas or oil if you are using it for the first time of the season.  If after several consecutive uses, there is still a strange smell during your generator use, then something isn’t normal. Contact a specialist right away to diagnose the problem.  Strange odors are more serious than you might think.  Not only does it mean your unit is not functioning properly, but it also poses safety hazards to your environment.

 

If your furnace is showing any of these 10 signs, then it’s time to schedule furnace maintenance!

Call McHale’s Today and schedule your furnace tune-up!

By McHales

Does Your Ductless System Need Repairs?

Sep 15, 2020

Does Your Ductless System Need Repairs?

  • Heating

The cooler weather is on its way, which means it’s crucial to tune up and repair any damages to your heating season. Ductless heating systems can be a popular choice for homeowners because of their energy efficiency and low maintenance, but they can still be prone to damages. Nothing makes for a miserable winter than a busted heater, which is why it’s crucial to check for potential damages.

Signs Your Ductless System Needs Repairs

Leaking Fluids

 Your ductless heating should never leak any fluids, but if it is, your heater could be leaking refrigerant. In order to transfer heat throughout your home, your ductless heating system is equipped with refrigerant. The refrigerant is toxic for your health and a heater empty of refrigerant is nothing more than a fan. If your ductless heating system is leaking fluids, it’s time for a repair.

Ice Buildup

Whether it’s in the middle of the summer or in the dead of winter, your ductless system can experience problems. If something is wrong with the air conditioning portion of your ductless system, it will affect your heating. Ice buildup on a ductless system might seem harmless when you’re using the air conditioning, but it’s usually a sign that there’s something wrong with the evaporator coil. A dirty coil prevents your system from functioning properly.

Lack of Efficiency

Starting from day one, your ductless heating system’s efficiency gradually starts to decline. If you start to notice that your heating system is cycling more often to keep up with your heating demands, it could be time for a repair.

Higher Utility Bills

As your heating system ages, it wears down and loses its efficiency. A ductless heater usually lasts for 20 years with the proper care, but it’s full of components that can break apart from use and needs repair. The older the heater, the longer it runs to keep your house warm which results in higher utility bills.

Unusual Sounds

If you start hearing loud or unusual sounds coming out of your heating system, it could be time for a repair. Inside are several different moving parts, and if damaged, they’ll make noises. Squealing indicates that there could be a problem with the fan motor belt. A hissing sound could mean a refrigerant leak.

Lack of Heat

It sounds obvious, but if you don’t feel any heat coming out of your heating system, it’s in need of urgent repair. The problem could be a clogged air filter or an electrical malfunction. If your ductless system isn’t properly conditioning your home, it’s best to call an HVAC technician.

Foul Smells

If you start to smell something funky coming out of your heating system, the culprit could be somewhere inside the unit. Foul odors could be caused by the evaporator coil clogged with mold or bacteria. The condensate line could also be clogged, and the water in the pan has mildew. Mold is toxic to your health. If the heating system starts to smell, you’ll want to repair it immediately.

The outdoor unit doesn’t work

Everything inside your house may be functioning fine, but your ductless heating system has an outdoor unit that can wear down as well. If you notice something is off with your outdoor unit, it’s time to call an HVAC technician.

Don’t wait till your split system fails completely. If you need ductless maintenance or installation, call McHales today!

By McHales

Reasons to Consider Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System this Spring

Feb 29, 2020

Reasons to Consider Installing a Ductless Mini-Split System this Spring

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating
indoor ductless mini split unit

Are you looking for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to cool and heat your home this spring? If so, you may want to consider a ductless mini split installation. This type of heating and cooling system consists of two main components. One is located outside, and the other is located on a nearby wall indoors. Together, these two components work to both heat and air condition specific rooms, or zones, in your home. Here’s how you can benefit from a ductless mini-split system:

  • Easy installation. Unlike central air that relies on extensive ductwork, a ductless mini-split system only requires a small hole in the exterior wall of your home. This houses the electric cables, condensation lines, and copper tubes that run between the condenser/compressor and the evaporators. This also means the installation costs are lower and there’s much less inconvenience to you and your family.
  • It offers flexibility. A mini-split system heats or cools the home according to zone. Each zone can be set to a different temperature depending on your preferences. For example, you can keep the living room at 65 degrees, the kitchen slightly lower at 62 degrees, and the bedrooms at 65 degrees. If you have guest rooms that you don’t use very often, you can set them to 60 degrees.
  • Cost efficiency. Because a ductless mini-split system allows you to heat the various zones in your home according to your preference, it consumes less energy. In addition, the absence of ducts — which add to the energy requirements of central air systems — helps lower energy consumption. At the end of the day, you’ll benefit from this reduced energy consumption with lower energy bills.
  • It’s environmentally friendly. By reducing your energy consumption, you’re also reducing your carbon footprint. Additionally, a ductless mini-split system uses an environmentally-friendly refrigerant, R410A. Unlike other types of refrigerants, this has zero ozone depletion and is much better for the environment.
  • Improved indoor air quality. While a central air system has an air filter at the HVAC itself, the air quality can diminish as the air is forced through the ducts and into the various rooms of the home. With a ductless mini-split system, each individual evaporator can be equipped with high-performance filters that filter dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air. This can greatly improve the air you and your family breathe.

Why Choose McHale’s?

Ductless mini split systems can benefit you year round. They keep you cool and comfortable in the summer, and warm and cozy during the winter months. Here at McHales Inc, we offer installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance. From start to finish, we’ve got you covered!

For more information on a ductless mini split installation, call us today! 

By McHales

5 Reasons to Order a Heat Pump Installation

Nov 29, 2019

5 Reasons to Order a Heat Pump Installation

  • Air Conditioning
  • Heating

Most of the time, if you’re looking for a system that can both heat and cool your home, you’ll be getting an HVAC system. However, if you’re looking for something different, you might want to consider a heat pump. Heat pumps are a cost-effective alternative to the classic HVAC system. Instead of radiating heat or cold air, heat pumps move warm air into or out of your home to keep if comfortable. At McHale’s, we can help you with a heat pump installation and tell you why you might want to order one for your home.

Here are five reasons a heat pump installation might be right for you:

 

Long lifespans

Every type of heating and cooling system has different lifespans. These lifespans are highly dependent on whether they get proper and regular maintenance. Heat pumps can often last fourteen or fifteen years when cared for properly, which is one of the higher ranges for heating and cooling systems.

 

Heating and cooling combined

Keeping your home warm in the winter is one thing, but what about keeping it cool in the summer? Usually, this means you either need an HVAC system or to have both a heater and an AC. However, with a heat pump, you have an alternative option for heating and cooling your home with only a single unit.

 

Uses a common fuel; no need to stockpile

Electricity is a common fuel source, but many heating and cooling systems use physical fuels like oil or propane. While some of these have dedicated lines, you’ll often still need to stockpile fuel for emergencies. Meanwhile, heat pumps use electricity, which is available for every homeowner and doesn’t require stockpiling. In a worst-case scenario, you can fuel your heat pump with a generator.

 

Very energy efficient

Compared to other heating and cooling options, heat pumps are very energy efficient. The electricity they run on is a cleaner fuel than other options such as oil or gas. They’re also very efficient at using the electricity itself. If you want to maximize your heat pump’s efficiency, they work best when there’s little difference between the source and supply temperatures. This means they work best in moderate climates.

 

Low carbon emissions

Heat pumps are an environmentally-friendly alternative to most other heating and cooling systems. Using one for your home can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. For instance, you can reduce your energy usage by 30-60% by using a water source heat pump. This sort of heat pump transfers heat to/from a source of water to regulate your home’s temperature.

 

Why call McHale’s to manage my home’s heating and cooling?

McHales, Inc. is a client-focused home service company that strives to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. John Sr. and Anna May McHale started the family business in 1950. Since that time we’ve provided our customers with prompt, dependable service at a reasonable cost. We use quality materials installed by skilled, courteous craftsmen. Now we are into our third generation in the business and we are still following John Sr.’s very simple philosophy ” We do what we say we’re going to do!”. That philosophy is still the backbone of the company today. Call McHale’s today to learn more about heat pump installation!

By McHales

6 Reasons to Call for Boiler Maintenance in Pennsylvania

Nov 15, 2019

6 Reasons to Call for Boiler Maintenance in Pennsylvania

  • Heating

We only have one month until winter begins, and we’ve covered most of the important work you need to do. Last month we helped you shut down your AC and its condenser, and then we advised you on getting a furnace tune-up. However, some homeowners use a boiler to heat their homes. If that’s the case, we suggest calling us to schedule boiler maintenance for your Pennsylvania home. It’s even more important to keep your boiler healthy than with furnaces because boilers can explode if they fail. There are plenty of other reasons to have us keep your boiler in good shape.

Here are six reasons you should call McHale’s to help you with boiler maintenance for your Pennsylvania home:

 

Extend your boiler’s life

Boilers can be an expensive investment, so it’s a good idea to keep yours healthy. Regular maintenance work can extend your boiler’s lifespan and help you get the most out of your purchase. Keep your boiler well-maintained, and it can run for up to ten to fifteen years.

 

Follow local boiler laws

Boilers are one of the more dangerous things you can buy for your home. That’s why there are often local laws that require boiler-owners to get regular maintenance and inspections, usually once or twice a year. Failing to follow these laws will result in fines, not to mention your boiler will be in bad condition. Laws like these are meant to encourage safety, so be sure to get your regular maintenance scheduled from experts like the ones at McHale’s.

 

Keep your warranty valid

Boiler manufacturers often have a stipulation in their product’s warranties requiring their owners to give them regular service. If you don’t follow the stipulations, the warranty will become void, denying you any payment in the event of a breakdown.

 

Lower energy costs

Boilers are one of the more power-hungry heating systems you can buy. On an annual basis, only HVAC systems use more energy. However, regular boiler maintenance can cause it to use less energy and save you around 10% on your energy bills. 

 

Boost its energy efficiency and reliability

Boilers are complex machines, and some of their parts can wear down quickly. When you call us for boiler maintenance, we can change out any parts that are getting ineffective. This will save you money in the long run by letting your boiler do more with less energy. Also, a healthy boiler is less likely to break down, saving you from paying for repairs.

 

Protect yourself and your family

A running boiler is great for heating your home, but it makes carbon monoxide as a side effect. That’s why boilers have an exhaust pipe to safely vent the deadly and odorless gas outside. However, damaged boilers may get leaky exhaust pipes that will let carbon monoxide into your home. Also, in extreme cases, faulty, run-down boilers can explode. This makes giving them proper care a high priority.

 

What makes McHale’s the area’s boiler company of choice?

McHales, Inc. is a client-focused home service company that strives to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. John Sr. and Anna May McHale started the family business in 1950. Since that time we’ve provided our customers with prompt, dependable service at a reasonable cost. We use quality materials installed by skilled, courteous craftsmen. Now we are into our third generation in the business and we are still following John Sr.’s very simple philosophy ” We do what we say we’re going to do!”. That philosophy is still the backbone of the company today. Call McHale’s today to learn more about getting boiler maintenance for your Pennsylvania home!

By McHales

5 Benefits of Getting a Furnace Tune-Up

Oct 25, 2019

5 Benefits of Getting a Furnace Tune-Up

  • Heating

Now that your AC will be safe from the winter weather, you should focus on preparing your furnace. You’ve likely had it inactive for the past several months, and it’s likely gotten dusty and worn down during that time. If you want to ensure your Pennsylvania home will have heat this winter, you’ll want to call us to perform a furnace tune-up. By fixing it up, we can help stop any problems your furnace may have developed over the summer.

Here are five ways that getting a furnace tune-up for your Pennsylvania home can help you:

 

Save money, stop breakdowns

A furnace tune-up might not be something you want to pay for, but it’s less costly than replacing or repairing your furnace. Furnace tune-ups allow us to find and prevent problems that could damage or break your furnace. By getting a tune-up, you’ll save money in the long run and avoid losing your heat during the winter.

 

Prevent dangerous gas leaks

Gas furnace owners should be especially aware of their furnace’s health. If they get damaged or worn down, they can leak carbon monoxide or flammable gasses. Carbon monoxide is deadly to people and most animals, while flammable gasses can start a house fire.

 

Know your furnace’s health and age

How old is your furnace and how healthy is it? If you don’t know, calling for a tune-up can help you learn. When we work on your furnace, we can help you figure out if you’ll need a replacement. You should schedule your tune-up as soon as possible to get more time to look at models that might be good replacements.

 

Prolong your furnace’s lifespan

It’s never good to neglect your furnace and tune-ups are key to keeping it running its best. If you don’t get yours regularly checked out, it’ll die out faster and cost you more as it uses more energy to run. Also, neglected furnaces are more prone to breaking down and needing other repairs.

 

Higher energy efficiency

Furnace owners, according to the Department of Energy, have about half of their energy consumption come from using the furnace. However, regular tune-ups can lower this percentage by replacing old parts and correcting other issues. Best-case scenario, your furnace can use 30% less energy.

 

Why get McHale’s to fix up my furnace?

McHales, Inc. is a client-focused home service company that strives to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. John Sr. and Anna May McHale started the family business in 1950. Since that time we’ve provided our customers with prompt, dependable service at a reasonable cost. We use quality materials installed by skilled, courteous craftsmen. Now we are into our third generation in the business and we are still following John Sr.’s very simple philosophy ” We do what we say we’re going to do!”. That philosophy is still the backbone of the company today. Call McHale’s today to arrange for your furnace tune-up!

By McHales