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“He was very professional and informative on our thermostat that we were having problems with.” - Linda H.
Types of Systems We Work On
In Alabama, homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a heating system for their homes. From greater heating power and energy-efficient performance to reduced costs and custom comfort control, these systems all have their own advantages.
Some of the most popular types of heating systems in and around Tennessee Valley include:
- Gas Furnaces: Gas furnaces are one of the most popular heater choices for a reason—these systems offer reliable, efficient heating that’s less costly than other options, such as electric furnaces. Gas furnaces are also clean-burning, meaning they produce fewer greenhouse gases than electric furnaces.
- Electric Furnaces: Electric furnaces are often less expensive to install than their gas counterparts, but they may be more costly to run over time. However, electric furnaces tend to have a longer lifespan than gas furnaces, meaning you can enjoy reliable heating now and long into the future.
- Heat Pumps: Heat pumps are highly efficient, saving both energy and money as they are less costly to operate. Heat pumps also work quickly, meaning you’ll enjoy faster comfort throughout your home. In addition to providing heat, these systems also offer cooling power, making them a great, all-in-one choice.
- Boilers: Boilers utilize heated water to warm different areas of the home. They are often more energy-efficient than furnaces, as less heat is lost during this process. Additionally, boilers have fewer moving parts than other heating systems, meaning they are often easier to maintain and tend to have fewer issues over time.
- Geothermal Heat Pumps: Geothermal heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their high energy efficiency and reliability. These systems utilize the nearly constant temperature found below the earth’s surface to effectively heat and cool homes and commercial structures and can help you save between 35 to 80 percent on energy costs.
Whether your home uses a water baseboard heating system or a traditional, forced-air central heater, you can trust Valley Heating & Cooling with all your Tennessee Valley heating service needs. Our technicians are highly trained and certified for your peace of mind. We have extensive experience working on all types of heating systems and are prepared to assist you today.
How Often to Schedule Heater Maintenance
While you may not give your heater much thought until something goes wrong, it’s important to think about scheduling routine heating system maintenance. Regular inspections and tune-ups have many benefits, from ensuring optimal performance to improving energy efficiency and even saving you money on your utility costs. With regular maintenance, you’re also less likely to deal with unexpected heater problems, meaning you’ll have to spend less time and money on repairs.
So, when should you schedule heating system maintenance? At Valley Heating & Cooling, we recommend having your HVAC system serviced at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. While you should have your air conditioning system checked in the spring, it’s best to have your heater serviced in the fall before the cooler temperatures set in. This will allow you to identify and address any issues with your system before you need it most.
How Long Does a Typical Heater Last?
It’s a question we hear a lot, especially when installing a new system or repairing one that’s near the end of its lifespan—how long will my heater last? The answer, unfortunately, is not so simple.
Many factors impact how long you can expect your heater to last, including but not limited to:
- The type of system you have
- How often you have it professionally maintained
- Whether your heater is properly sized for your space
- Whether it was properly installed
- Whether the ductwork was properly installed
- How often you use your heater (and air conditioner, in some cases)
- Temperature extremes in your area
- How often you replace or clean the air filters
All that being said, a properly maintained heating system can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years. Some heating systems, such as electric furnaces, are specifically designed to last even longer, from about 20 to 30 years, depending on a variety of factors.
When to Schedule Professional Heating Services
No matter how often you schedule professional tune-ups, all heating systems are bound to experience issues at some point or another. When this happens, it’s time to call the pros at Valley Heating & Cooling for fast, reliable heating services in Tennessee Valley. No matter the issue at hand, our team is ready to diagnose the problem and recommend the right solution.
Some signs that you may need professional heater services include:
- Your heater won’t turn on
- Your heater is only blowing cold or cool air
- You hear unusual banging, clanking, or other strange noises
- You can smell odd, unpleasant odors coming from the heater
- Certain areas of your home are colder than others
- You keep having to turn up the thermostat to stay comfortable
- Your heater is turning on and off (cycling) more frequently than usual
- The pilot light on your heater is yellow instead of blue
- Your heater sets off your carbon monoxide detectors
- You’ve noticed signs of poor indoor air quality throughout your home
- The temperature in your home doesn’t seem to match the thermostat setting
- Your utility bills have gone up without excess heater usage
If you’ve noticed any of these or other signs of a heating problem, contact Valley Heating & Cooling right away for professional service. We offer free estimates, same-day services, and 24/7 emergency repairs for all types of heating problems.
Get in touch with us today at (256) 474-7550 or contact us online to request an appointment.
Contact Valley Heating & Cooling Today
Servicing All BrandsOur team is here to answer your questions. Contact us today at (256) 474-7550 or complete the form below.