Furnace Tip: How To Get The Best Performance Out of Your Furnace

February 4th, 2013

Of all the home heating options available in the Spokane area, furnaces are one of the most popular. The great efficiency that furnaces are known for and the comfortable, even heating they provide with a professional installation has garnered them quite a reputation. Many homeowners do not enjoy the full potential of their furnaces, though, and oftentimes this is due to the fact that the make errors in the way in which they operate their furnace. Follow these simple tips from the furnace experts at ACI Northwest to get the best performance possible from your furnace.

First of all, make sure that you understand how to use your thermostat properly. Many homeowners either fiddle around with their thermostat too much or do not utilize capabilities such as programmability and wind up getting a less efficient performance from their furnace as a result. Take the time to read your owner’s manual and use your thermostat properly for increased heating efficiency.

It is also important that you keep the duct registers and grills that your duct system uses to distribute air throughout your home free of blockages. Furniture shifts around, and your furnace will have a much more difficult time circulating air throughout your home if it is trying to do so through a sofa. Allowing for open, easy airflow reduces the wear and tear on your furnace as well as energy expenditure. That can help reduce your energy bills at the same time.

By far the best tip that anyone can give you when it comes to your furnace is to schedule regular, professional maintenance service. There is no better way for you to keep your furnace working as efficiently and effectively as possible. Give your local heating technician a chance to tune up your furnace and enjoy the most reliable service that your furnace can offer. Schedule routine maintenance to heat your home with confidence.

Call the Spokane furnace experts at ACI Northwest to improve the efficiency and effectiveness with which your furnace works. Contact ACI Northwest today for more information. Your comfort is our top priority, and we look forward to the opportunity of improving your home heating experience.

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Commercial Heating Tip: Why Schedule Commercial Boiler Maintenance

January 28th, 2013

Routine maintenance for your commercial boiler is beneficial in many ways. If you have not schedule annual maintenance yet this year, call the Deer Park commercial HVAC technicians at ACI Northwest! It’s never too late to get started with a routine maintenance plan. Contact ACI Northwest today!

Here are some reasons you should schedule maintenance on a regular basis:

1. Prevents Repair Needs

The industrial boiler in your commercial building is a complex system that needs to work properly at all times. This system keeps your entire building warm and comfortable. When it breaks down, you put tenants out or your business has to shut down temporarily while you get it fixed. Routine maintenance can help to ensure that you won’t need repairs in the future.

2. Ensures Efficiency

When you schedule routine tune-ups, the technician will test the performance to make sure your boiler is operating efficiently. This cuts down on operation costs and saves energy. Reduce your carbon footprint and lower your utility bills with routine maintenance.

3. Prevents Water Damage

Because your boiler system includes water pipes that run behind walls or above ceilings, it can cause a lot of water damage if something goes wrong. Routine maintenance will detect any issues early on. Water damage can be expensive and a hassle for you and the people in your building. If you own a commercial apartment or condo, ripping up floors and repairing dry wall is a huge inconvenience for your tenants.

Call ACI Northwest for all your boiler installation and maintenance services for commercial and residential.

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Generator FAQ: How a Generator Can Benefit Your Home

January 21st, 2013

We all worry about natural disasters and being stuck without power during a heavy thunderstorm or snow storm. Having a whole home generator offers a number of compelling benefits to homeowners who are ready to take the next step in protecting their home. At ACI Northwest we provide complete services for home generators in Deer Park —including installation, repair and maintenance for many types and brands of generators. Here are some of the benefits to having a whole home generator installed.

The Financial Benefits of a Whole Home Generator

When people start thinking about generators, they probably think about the safety that it will provide their family. While generators are a great way to protect your family, they offer some pretty enticing financial incentives.

  • Home resale – Normally, after a generator installation the value of a home will increase.
  • Sump pumps – If you have a sump pump in your basement, it’s likely there to protect against a flood. However, during flooding there may not be electricity at your home. But with a back-up generator you will still be able to protect yourself against costly flood damage.
  • Food spoiling – Another great benefit from a back-up generator is that in the event of power outage, you won’t have to throw out all of the contents of your freezer or fridge because the food spoiled.

Comfort Benefits of a Whole Home Generator

During a fierce snowstorm, you may lose power at your home. If that happens, you’ll probably be rushing around trying to keep you and your family warm. But with a back-up generator, you’ll be able to relax knowing that your heating system and your air conditioning systems are still operational. This will allow you to keep your home comfortable until the power is restored.

If you’re interested in having a whole home generator installed, contact ACI Northwest.  We also offer generator repair and generator maintenance in Deer Park.

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Geothermal FAQ: What Are the Advantages of Installing a Water Source Heat Pump

January 14th, 2013

If you have a body of water on your property and are looking to boost energy efficiency in your Spokane home with a geothermal heating and cooling system, consider installing a water-source heat pump system. Like other heat pumps, such as air-source or other geothermal models, water-source heat pumps transfer energy rather than consume fuel to create it.

Water source heat pumps pull this energy from water, and the more constant temperature at the depth they are submerged at can make them more effective than air-source models, as air is much more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. If a water source heat pump system sounds like a heating option you may be interested for your home, call the geothermal specialists at ACI Northwest today. We’ll make sure that you get the best system for your personal needs.

There are two basic types of water-source heat pumps. You can choose either an open or closed loop system. Both are effective, but the water source on your property will ultimately determine which is best for your Spokane area home. We can answer any questions you have about water-source heat pump loop systems, so don’t hesitate to call with questions.

A closed loop system is generally more expensive but does not actually use any of the water from your water source. A coil is installed beneath the water, and this closed loop acts as a heat exchanger. An antifreeze solution circulates throughout the loop system and heat is absorbed from the water. This heat can then be used in your home. When it is warm out a water-source heat pump can be reversed, dumping excess heat from your home back to the water source.

An open loop system does not make use of an antifreeze solution. Rather, the water from the source on your property is used itself to absorb and circulate heat. It is pumped through a heat exchanger and at the end of the cycle is simply dumped back to the source. There are certain requirements necessary for this type of installation, as well as a closed loop system, and permits may be required. Be sure to work with a qualified professional to ensure that everything is done according to code.

Contact ACI Northwest for all your geothermal needs!

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The Importance of Having Smoke Detectors in Your Home

January 7th, 2013

Being able to live comfortably in your home is a great feeling. At ACI Northwest, though, we believe that you can never be truly comfortable in your home unless you know that you are safe. That is why we are so passionate about promoting the use and maintenance of high quality smoke detectors in homes throughout the Spokane area.

When it comes to keeping your home and your family safe there are few devices that you must be able to depend upon as much as your smoke detectors. They are your first line of defense against the dangerous situation that a fire in your home creates. That is why they must be professionally installed, maintained and tested regularly. In the event of a fire you need to know that even in a dead sleep you will be made aware of the danger in your home.

The smoke detector that you depend on to alert you of a fire in your home must be tested every month to ensure that its battery backup is in working order. Having your smoke detectors centrally wired into batter backups will keep them operating even in the event of an electrical outage. Make sure that your home is protected no matter what else may be going on.

Many smoke detectors double as carbon monoxide detectors. If you are unsure if you have carbon monoxide detectors or if your smoke detectors also detect carbon monoxide you must find out immediately. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, and it can be deadly due to the difficulty in detecting it. The only way to know if there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home is with the help of a high quality carbon monoxide detector. Remember, a fire is not the only danger that you may face in your home. Be safe, and keep your smoke detectors and CO detectors in good working condition.

If you have any questions about the installation or maintenance of the smoke detectors in your home, contact ACI Northwest today. We can help keep you safe in Spokane. Let us keep your smoke detectors effective with our professional services.

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Happy New Year’s Eve!

December 31st, 2012

Everyone at ACI Northwest wants to wish you a very happy New Year! We hope you have a fun (and safe!) time saying goodbye to 2012 and welcoming in the New Year!

If you are a person who makes resolutions, why not try to make your home more environmentally-friendly next year? Upgrading your heating and air conditioning system can reduce the amount of energy you need to keep your home comfortable. You can also save energy by adding insulation and sealing any air leaks. A greener home is not only better for the environment, but it also saves you money by reducing your utility bills. Contact ACI Northwest to learn more about the benefits of upgrading your HVAC system.

Have a great New Year’s Eve!

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Happy Holidays from your Local Heating and Cooling Specialists!

December 21st, 2012

Everyone at ACI Northwest wishes you a very happy holiday! We would like to take a moment to thank all our wonderful customers who make it possible for our business to thrive. We look forward to working with you in the New Year. Have a wonderful celebration, and enjoy this time with friends and family!

As a quick reminder, if you haven’t yet scheduled your heating maintenance yet, you could be losing money this winter. Annual maintenance will not only cut down on repair costs, but it also ensures that your home’s heating system is running as efficiently as possible, which lowers utility bills. A comfortable, efficient home is a gift that everyone can appreciate.

Happy Holidays from ACI Northwest!

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Heating Tip: Is it Time to Replace Your HVAC System?

December 17th, 2012

When you live in Coeur d’Alene you need to know that you can depend on your home heating and air conditioning system to keep you comfortable all year long. A proper installation and regular, professional maintenance can help your heating and air conditioning system achieve that goal. No mechanical system can last forever, though, and eventually you will need to replace your home comfort system. When to replace your home comfort system can be a difficult decision to make. If you are having problems with you heating and air conditioning system or are frequently putting money into it it may be time for a replacement. Contact ACI Northwest for the guidance you need when considering the installation of a new HVAC system.

One of the main factors to keep in mind when considering the installation of a replacement heating and air conditioning system in Coeur d’Alene is the age of your existing system. If it is more than ten or fifteen years old chances are it is not as efficient as models on the market today. You may be able to offset some of the expenses of the initial investment with energy savings over time.

If you home suffers from very bad air quality, including heavy humidity, excessive dust or other allergen problems your ductwork or heating and cooling units may be the cause. Repairs may fix the problem, but at a certain point replacement becomes the best option.

Finally, if you are frequently paying for HVAC maintenance and repair services only to see you utility costs going up you should really consider the installation of a replacement system. Sometimes machinery is simply worn out, and not amount of maintenance or repair can restore it to its former performance levels. Get the peace of mind, efficiency and exceptional performance you deserve with a replacement HVAC system.

Any investment on this scale is a big decision. Do not let that intimidate you into inaction, though. Contact ACI Northwest to discuss the installation of a replacement heating and air conditioning system in your Coeur d’Alene home. Sometimes it is the only solution to your HVAC issues.

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FAQ: Why Is There a Delay on My Gas Furnace Ignition?

December 10th, 2012

If there’s a delay on the ignition for the gas furnace in your Coeur d’Alene home, call ACI Northwest, Inc. There could be another hidden issue, or even a safety concern. Here are a few reasons you could be having this problem.

A delayed ignition could mean that the gas is not getting to the burners soon enough. Because the excess gas can collect in the chamber, it can cause a flashing flame that can be very hot and dangerous.  One way to tell if you have a delayed ignition is by listening for unusual or loud noises after you turn on the furnace. It could be the unburned gas that has built up in the chamber igniting and causing a small explosion sound. This could lead to a fire or other hazard if left unresolved.

Your igniter could be broken, or there could be a clogged burner causing the problem. This is why it’s important to call a repair technician to pinpoint the source of the problem. Once that is established, you can help prevent it from happening in the future once the technician fixes the problem.

If you aren’t sure whether or not you have a delayed gas furnace ignition, call Coeur d’Alene heating technicians at ACI Northwest, Inc. any time. We are always on call for emergency repairs, and we’ll send someone to your home as soon as we can to get your gas furnace working properly again.

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Boiler Tips: What You Should Know About Operating Your Boiler System

December 3rd, 2012

If you have a boiler system in your home, let the heating experts take care of routine tune-ups and repairs. You can help maintain your boiler by knowing how to safely operate the equipment.  Even if you schedule routine maintenance visits with us, there are some things you can do to maintain the boiler system in your home.

While a professional technician should handle tasks like measuring the pressure and sediment removal, you can check the pressure gauge every so often to make sure the levels are okay. Call the heating experts at ACI Northwest if you aren’t sure how to do this or what the proper levels are for your particular boiler model.

You can help ensure that your boiler is efficient by keeping a record of your heating bills. Other tasks for gas boilers include, making sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. Carbon monoxide intrusion is a serious concern. You can also check the pilot light. Call a professional heating technician if your pilot light is not consistently a blue color. Yellow or orange could indicate a problem.

We recommend that you have your boiler checked by a Spokane Valley heating professional annually. This will help ensure that your boiler is running safely and efficiently. Always feel free to call the friendly heating experts at ACI Northwest if you have any questions about how to help maintain or operate your boiler. Contact ACI Northwest Inc. today for heating services you can trust.

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