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How do I know what heating system I have now?

That may seem like an odd question to ask, but for somebody that just moved into a home, they may not know all the caveats of the place yet. So, how can you tell what system the heating installation is currently in? There are 5 common heating installation systems used today which we have listed here and can help you identify which one is yours: 

• Furnace: Also known as a forced-air system is the most common in this country. The air is heated in a furnace ha is powered by electric, gas, propane, or oil and is distributed throughout the house through air ducts and vents.  The main part of the furnace is usually installed in the attic, basement, crawl space, or closet.
• Heat Pumps and Geothermal Heating Systems: Heat pumps are fairly new in the way of heating installation and is more commonly found in moderate climates. They are powered by electricity to move heat throughout the air ducts and typically have two components. One inside the home and the other on the exterior. A geothermal system heating installation is pulling heat from the earth and distributes it throughout the home. On the exterior component, there will be a label that will tell you if you have a heat pump system, along with the brand and model number. 
• Boiler Heating Systems: A boiler converts stored water to steam, and the steam heats the home through baseboard radiators. Boilers use either electric, gas, oil, or propane and also heat the water used for bathing and cooking. 
• Radiator Heating Systems: This type of heating installation is typical for older homes. The sealed metal container usually works in conjunction with a boiler that heats the home with some containing electric coils. The steam generated from the boiler circulates through the radiator. The heated metal then radiates through each room where a radiator is present. 
• Package Units Heating System: This heating installation system includes air conditioning too and is typically installed on either on the roof or on a slab outside of the home. These are powered by electricity or gas and cool or heat the home through ductwork that is connected through the roof or an exterior wall.

So, the time has come when to replace a heating system, there are several questions that come to mind after reviewing each of the 5 heating installations we listed. Questions such as what is the cheapest heating system to install and What heating system do I need?

At an average cost of just over $2,500, an electric boiler is the cheapest, and at just over $3,000, an electric furnace is the next cheapest option for heating installation. The third cheapest at $3,500 is a gas boiler and the most expensive heating installation at $4,000 and upward is a heat pump. These prices are average for the initial cost.

What is the most efficient electric heating system?

A heating installation with a geothermal system will provide you with the most efficient heating. They have proven to cut a heating bill as much as 70 percent. In addition, they are environmentally friendly and safe to operate.

What is the most eco-friendly heating system?

Again, a geothermal heating installation is a winner for this category too!  According to Energy Star reports, this is an environmentally friendly heating installation that is an efficient and safe way to heat a home. The geothermal heating installation is beneath the earth’s surface, pulling heat from the earth to heat your home. 

What is the best heating system for an old house?

For most older homes, experts recommend a heat pump for your heating installation.  Heat pumps transfer heat from outside the home to the inside and can be used for air conditioning too. Less electricity is needed and is environmentally friendly too!  Makes for a win-win situation.

What are the parts of a heating system?

A few of the more important parts of an HVAC heating installation system are the blower motor, combustion chamber, condenser, evaporator, heat exchanger, and thermostat. These all work together with the type of power your home is set up, typically either electric or gas-powered. 

What is wrong with my heating system?

In most cases, the problem with a heating installation system not working is dirty air filters. Dirt and dust collect in the air filters and restrict the airflow. When the air filters become clogged, the heat exchanger can will overheat and shut down. If the blower motor is running but there isn’t any heat coming out of the vents, try replacing the air filter.

What are the components of a heating system?

To know how a heating system works, it helps to know what the components make a heating system function. With that knowledge and understanding, you can often fix small issues yourself, you’ll have a better idea why maintenance is important, and it can also help you explain any problem you’re having when you call for professional heating service. 

THE HEAT EXCHANGER

The heat exchanger is within the frame of the furnace. It absorbs heat and warms the cool air when the thermostat activates it. A heat exchanger is part of all furnace types and is an important component made from solid stainless steel that is temperature-resistant. This structure prevents the unit from cracking and some models have a specialized duct that lets cool air enter faster so your home heats faster. 

This is the part that can be related to carbon monoxide leaks when it isn’t working properly. If anyone in your home is having headaches and problems with nausea, you should have a professional heating service inspect the system. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless matter, having a CO detector installed in your home is recommended along with having a professional inspection annually. If the detector signals there is CO in the air, call a heating service immediately. 

THE BLOWER MOTOR

Once the air in the heat exchanger reaches the temperature you have the thermostat set, the electric blower motor turns on the fan that forces that warmed air through the ductwork. From the ductwork, that warmed air blows through the air registers in each room. When the blower motor goes out, it is easy to replace, but having a professional heating service do the replacement is recommended so that you have a warranty. By doing it yourself, you could void the warranty on the entire HVAC system. 

THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER

For a furnace’s combustion to work properly, it must have oxygen. This allows the furnace to add air to fuel inside the combustion chamber, aka the burner. The heat cycle starts in a gas furnace when a small bit of air and gas mixture gets inside the combustion chamber. 

Then the pilot light ignites that mixture, and a controlled fire burns and air moves it over the burner. If the pilot goes out and won’t stay lit, you need to have a professional heating service inspect the unit. After the heat has been off all summer, it isn’t uncommon to have calls from homeowners their heating system smells like burning. In most cases, this is nothing more than dust burning off from the summer. However, a service call is worth the expense if there is a concern.

THE COMPRESSOR OR CONDENSER COIL 

The compressor or condenser coil is part of the air conditioner and is typically installed on the outside of your home. A condenser cools your home as it releases heat outside. This happens as it compresses and condenses the refrigerant from the warm gas it comes in, to a cold liquid. And then the fan blows air over the compressor and disperses the heat to cool the refrigerant quicker. Then, the HVAC system sends the liquified refrigerant through a line or tube to the evaporator coil.

THE EVAPORATOR COIL

Your evaporator coil is another important component of the air conditioner. As the HVAC system brings the liquified refrigerant to several small nozzles, the liquid refrigerant is sprayed so that it can evaporate into a gas faster. This process absorbs heat and makes your home cool. 

THE THERMOSTAT

The thermostat is what tells the air conditioner or heater to turn on. It is usually located in the center of the house on an interior wall that is away from direct sun or drafts. Often, technicians with heating services have found that when a homeowner complains of the heating system blowing cold air, it is the thermostat is not set correctly. 

What is the most efficient heating system for a house?

If you’re trying to figure out when to replace a heating system, you have a lot to think about. Another question you may have is “What heating system should I install?” That’s an understandable concern because there are many different types available today. Most homeowners will replace their furnace with a similar furnace; for example, a gas furnace with another gas furnace, or electric with electric. But you may want to look into a geothermal system. 

They have proven they provide a more efficient heat, which helps you with your utilities, up to seventy percent, and the environment. Like other types of heat pumps, they are also very safe and environmentally friendly to operate.

Surprisingly, energy efficiency doesn’t just apply to heating your home. We should all be aware of energy efficiency in all things we do in and around our homes. Energy efficiency is how energy expenditures are measured and finding ways to achieve the same comfort and convenience at less cost financially and environmentally. The less loss in energy, the better we can achieve a specific purpose using less energy. So energy-efficient heating would mean having the most efficient heating system possible in your home. 

It is crucial that more of us find ways to improve energy efficiency in our homes all around the country. Today, we hear about climate change and the impact our lifestyles are having on the country’s economy, the environment, and society. We have realized there is a connection between the greenhouse gas emissions we create and the adverse impact on the climate and environment. 

Finding ways to be more efficient with our actions, like installing energy-efficient heating and air conditioning, are essential for improving our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The additional bonus to this is the savings on our personal finances as this same energy-efficient heating and air conditioning will cost less and still keep us comfortable. 

How can I improve energy efficiency in my home?

With a little research and studying the many websites and other means, it is easy to learn how to make homes energy-efficient today. Because Louisiana doesn’t have really cold winters ordinarily, a homeowner here may not be aware of the different home heating solutions available to them. 

During the winter, no matter what part of the country you live in, heating your home is important. Use of tht heat can add up quickly if you don’t have energy-efficient heating. In fact, experts say half of our household budget in the winter goes to heating our homes. So, what are some energy-efficient heating methods?

Heat Pumps

This is considered one of the best systems, especially for areas like Louisiana where the average winters are mild (with rare exceptions). The principle of a heat pump is to capture heat and move it to where it is needed.

This means that in the summer, a heat pump pulls heat out of your home and returns to the earth. During the winter, it pulls heat out of the earth and dispatches it through your home. There are two types of heat pump systems, and any qualified heating contractor can explain the differences and help you choose the right one for your home. 

Residential Furnaces

This is the most commonly used heating system today, with the gas-powered type in approximately sixty percent of all homes. However, the older these furnaces get, the less energy-efficient heating they provide. Today, residential furnaces have new features and better technology that boost the energy rating to extremely high levels. There are three common residential furnace types: 

Gas: Natural gas is a natural resource that is plentiful, and it is how most residential furnaces are powered. Local utility companies supply the natural gas via a supply pipe that is installed in the home. A furnace that is powered by natural gas costs less to operate compared to the air-source heat pump energy-efficient heating method because of the cost of gas.

Oil: Oil furnaces burn fuel oil, which produces the heat needed in a home. The oil comes in bulk from a local supplier who delivers it into a tank. This type of heating requires the fuel supply to be monitored, especially in the winter, so that you don’t run out of oil, which would mean no heat. Whether a heating oil or propane gas, it is a more expensive way to heat a home. 

Electricity: Electric furnaces work by powering heating coils to generate heat. Because no fuel is used, there isn’t any carbon monoxide or exhaust gases creating possible health and safety hazard risks. However, in regards to cost, they are not an energy-efficient heating method. 

Wrapping Up – How To Warm Up

The type of heating method you use is just one part, although the biggest part, in energy-efficient heating concerns. You can also do things around your home and to your home that can ensure more energy-efficient heating and cooling. Some energy-saving tips for your home include: 

1. Daily Habits 

Adjusting your daily habits is one of the biggest improvements for energy efficiency. This can be achieved by turning off appliances and lights when not in use and hang-drying clothes instead of putting everything in the dryer. As you replace your appliances, choose the highest energy-efficient replacements possible and resort to doing as many household tasks as possible by hand. 

2. Light Bulbs

Many of us still have traditional incandescent light bulbs in our homes and these are the biggest pull of energy. By replacing them with energy-efficient alternatives like halogen incandescent bulbs, CFLs (compact fluorescent lights), and LED bulbs (light-emitting diode bulbs), you’ll use up to 80 percent less electricity. Note that these also last up to 25 times longer, meaning fewer light bulb replacements. 

3. Power Strips

The electronics in your home, in use or not, are referred to as “phantom loads”, meaning they are a big part of the energy use in your home – as much as 75% in fact. This equals up to around $200 annually or more, but with smart power strips, you can eliminate that extra cost. These smart power strips shut the power off to any electronic that isn’t in use, and they can be programmed as to what time of the day or night to shut off. With remote switches, you can easily adjust them as needed. 

4. Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat will automatically turn off the cooling or heating as you have it set to do during school and work hours or reduce it during sleeping hours. This eliminates the wasteful energy use that cooling and heating your home can cause without upgrading the entire HVAC system and save you almost $200 a year too.

5. Energy Efficient Appliances

The appliances in our homes use as much as 13% of our total energy, and in some homes, maybe more. When you replace your appliance, go with an energy-efficient model, and judge them by the price and the annual operating cost. The upfront cost may be higher than you expect, but operating costs are where you’ll get your money back – up to 25% when you get the ones with the ENERGY STAR label.

6. Reduce Water Heating Costs 

Reducing your water heating expenses will be a major contributor to lowering energy costs and you can do that in three different ways – purchase a new water heater that is energy efficient; use less hot water; and turn the thermostat of your water heater thermostat. Before you decide to replace your current water heater with a tankless model, get several quotes because there are installation and setup costs you need to be prepared to take on. An energy-efficient tankless water heater can save as much as 300% in energy compared to a conventional tank water heater.

How much does it cost to install central air conditioning?   

Yes, to have a working air conditioner during a Louisiana summer is a blessing, so when it quits working, it becomes a major issue. It is important for a homeowner to stay within their budget and get their home cooling now for their own comfort. However, you should consider if you are to ever sell your home, you want to make an investment now with your ac installation that will give you a good ROI too. 

In other words, cheapest is not necessarily the best in the long run. But then, you’ve got to do what you can, which is understandable. The general ac installation estimate for a New Orleans, Louisiana home can average from a low cost of $2500 and upward to $3500 or more. There are several factors that determine the cost of ac installation such as: 

1. Cost of materials – the AC unit, duct work, registers, return vents, etc. 
2. Labor cost by professional, certified, and licensed technicians. 
3. Project preparation of the exterior and interior areas and surfaces for components and machinery
4. Cleanup and disposal fees.

What this general ac installation quote doesn’t include are the following: 

1. Permits required by the City of New Orleans. 
2. Inspection and/or building fees.
3. Sales tax on the materials and supplies used. 
4. General contractor fees paid to the City of New Orleans.

What size AC unit do I need?

When getting a new ac installation, you need to choose an air conditioner that is the right size. There are several factors to be considered in determining the right size. 

• The roof type on your home
• The ceiling height
• The number of windows
• The type of insulation in your home

The manufacturer’s guidelines for choosing the right size are generic in nature, so these factors we’ve listed are not necessarily incorporated into their recommendations. So, what size of unit do you need for your ac installation? You should know upfront, this is not referring to the physical size of the unit, but the tonnage of the AC unit. The tons of an HVAC unit is used to evaluate the amount of heat it removes in one hour. 

For instance, a typical HVAC unit is one ton, which can cool 12,000 BTU per hour. BTU is a measurement of heat. So, you need to know the square footage of your home and choose a unit for your ac installation that can cool that area within one hour. 

Get the square footage of a room – this is done by multiplying the length by the width. Now multiply that by 25 BTU. A room that is 15’ long x 12’ wide is 180 square feet. You would need 4500 BTU minimum to have ample cooling. If you were going with a window ac unit in a bedroom that is 300 square foot in size, you need an ac installation of a unit with no less than 5000 BTUs.

Which AC brand is best?

The major factor for most homeowners when getting ac installation done is the total cost. However, the level of each brand is something to consider as well. Some brands are known for having longer lifespans with little technical service needed. Some brands will have a longer warranty or better SEER rating (energy efficiency). Not all ac installation companies will offer all brands either, as some have specialized certification with certain brands. The most common brand names are, in alphabetical order: 

• American Standard Air Conditioners
• Carrier Air Conditioners
• Goodman Central Air Conditioners
• Lennox HVAC Units
• Rheem Air Conditioners
• Ruud Central Air Conditioners
• Trane Central AC Units
• York AC Units

How long do AC units last?

The life of an air conditioning unit can vary with different factors involved such as the brand name and level of that brand purchased, the ac installation, routine maintenance such as changing the AC filter, and if you’re following recommended professional inspections. With all these things taken care of, you can get up to 15 years from your ac installation. If any of these factors are overlooked or not done on a routine schedule, you could get less than 10 years. 

There are 7 common reasons why a central air conditioning unit will stop working: 

• LOW REFRIGERANT. The refrigerant is what removes the heat and humidity from the air inside your home. If it is low, usually from a leaking refrigerant line or a bad compressor, the unit quits working. This needs the attention and service of a certified, licensed air conditioning technician. 
• EVAPORATOR COILS FROZEN. The evaporator coil of your central air conditioning system is filled with that refrigerant and is what absorbs that heat, much like a sponge absorbs water. If the coils don’t have warm air around them , they can’t work properly and ice forms over them. 
• CONDENSER COILS DIRTY. The condenser coils are in the outdoor component of your central air conditioning unit. They get rid of that heat the evaporator coils removed and expel it outside. When they are covered in dirt and grime, they can’t work. 
• THE FAN. The blower fan is what blows the indoor air over the evaporator coils and cools the air inside your home. There is also a fan that blows air over the outdoor condenser that helps expel that absorbed heat. When one or both of those fans aren’t working right, you aren’t going to get cool air flowing through the house. 
• DUCTS LEAKING. The ductwork in the ceiling and walls carries that cooled air throughout your home. If there are any holes, splits, are crushed ducts, that cooled air isn’t getting where it needs to be. So, you’re paying for cooled air to fill your attic, inside the walls, or under the house. 
• THERMOSTAT PROBLEMS. If you have the old school thermostat with a dial, it probably is mis-calibrated, and your central  air conditioner isn’t getting the instructions it needs to cool your home. Fortunately, this can be an easy fix by installing a programmable thermostats.
• DRAINS CLOGGED. As the coils and evaporators do their thing, it creates moisture from the hot air and sends it to a drain pain. However, if the lines to the drain pan or the drain pan itself becomes clogged and full, that moisture can’t go anywhere. It backs up into the central air conditioning system and flows over, creating water damage and before you know it, your central air conditioning is not working.

How do I know if my central air conditioning thermostat is broken?

The following five signs are telling you it is time to replace your current thermostat:

• Your Central Air Conditioning is Turning On and Off: The main job of the thermostat is to communicate with the central air conditioning. If the system is turning off and on irregularly, repeatedly, or just randomly turns on or off, then replace the thermostat. It could be the internal wiring has been damaged, frayed, is simply wore out. 
• The Reading is Incorrect: If the thermostat is showing an incorrect temperature, which can be tested by comparing to a portable indoor thermometer, you need to replace your central air conditioning and heating thermostat. It is likely the sensor inside the current thermostat is old or it has a manufacturing defect.
• The Energy Bill Increased Excessively: If your utilities have increased an exceedingly high amount this year, it may be the thermostat is reading the room incorrectly and causing the central air conditioning to overwork, which is using more electricity.  To find the source of a skyrocketing energy bill, start by switching out the thermostat. 
• Temperature Swings Constantly: A thermostat that is malfunctioning won’t stay at the setting you place it and may shift temperatures quickly without warning. You lower it, it raises back up, or vice versa, change out your thermostat. 
• An Old and Outdated Thermostat: If you haven’t replaced your central air conditioning’s thermostat in the last 10 years, it is outdated and time to be replaced. Consider a programmable replacement and get your home upgraded with the advanced technology available today. Whether your central air conditioning is gas or electric, a programmable thermostat will help this summer and the winter too! 

2. Not Cooling the Air

Check that the thermostat is set at air conditioning and is turned on. See if the air condenser is blocked or dirty on the outside unit. It is important to keep debris, grass, and weeds down so the air circulation isn’t blocked.

Next, check the air filter and change it or clean it if you haven’t been doing that. When the air filter is clogged or dirty, the air is restricted to the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze. 

If none of this helps get the air cooling and the central air conditioning is noisy,  you’ll need to call your central air conditioning technician. 

3. Not Cooling Adequately 

If the central air conditioning and thermostat are set properly and your home still isn’t adequately cooling, the system may be too small for your home. 

Sometimes, like your computer, a central air conditioning system simply needs to be reset. How do I reset my central air conditioning system? That is done in 4 easy steps: 

1. Shut your central air conditioning system off at the thermostat. 
2. Flip the circuit breaker off. 
3. Wait 30 to 60 seconds then turn the circuit breaker back on. 
4. Then turn the thermostat back on 60 seconds later. 

If these steps don’t help your cooling issue, call your technician. Need help with your home air conditioner in Norco and New Orleans, LA? Call the experts at Cajun Comfort at 985-764-8191.

• Purchase a Monitor: There are several indoor air quality monitors today, each having some of the same features, some having some unique to them. These devices generally check for levels of allergens, tiny dust particles, volatile organic compounds, and other things that we inhale without realizing it, also referred to as PM2.5. Some also keep track of the humidity (checking for mold) and the temperature. 
• Check for Mold: Your eyes and nose are two of the best mold detectors. Mold is typically found in the basement, drains, and ductwork, recognized by a musty odor. Depending on how bad this mold is, you may need it professional removed. 
• Purchase a Carbon Monoxide Detector: Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. This byproduct from appliances used throughout the home, fireplaces, furnace, grills, stoves, and water heaters, can be deadly when inhaled. So, you and your family could be breathing it in without being aware. By installing a carbon monoxide detector on every floor in your home, it will alert you if it senses a high level of CO. 

What are the four most dangerous indoor air pollutants?

Most of us don’t give a lot of thought about the dangerous pollutants affecting the indoor air quality of your home. The American Lung Association tells us that there are more of us starting to recognize these dangerous elements though, and these four are the most dangerous, and the most common in most homes: 

• Biological Pollutant: These pollutants include bacteria, dust mites and insect waste, mold, and pet dander. All of these things accumulate inside the air conditioning coils, ducts, and filters, then circulates throughout the home. These are the things that aggravate allergies and asthma  while causing respiratory infections.
• Combustion Pollutant: Any appliance or device that burns fuel like fireplace, furnace, gas stove, heater, and water heaters emit combustion pollutants. When the fuel is burned, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are released. These colorless, odorless gases are very dangerous by disrupting the delivery of oxygen through the body. This results in dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms. The eyes, nose, and throat become irritated by nitrogen dioxide, causing infections. If left unaddressed, the exposure can be extremely harmful.
• Radon: This is a natural occurring gas that is radioactive and has been labeled as being the second leading cause in this country of lung cancer. Radon infiltrate the indoor air quality of your home through cracks in the drains, floors and walls, and other opening that it can find coming up from the ground.
• Tobacco Smoke: We’ve all heard it a million times how dangerous secondhand tobacco smoke can be, yet it is still on the top 4 of the most dangerous pollutant to our indoor air quality. There is approximately 200 different poisons in a cigarette, along with 60 cancer causing chemical called carcinogens. Indoor cigarette smoke exposes your home to various ranges of poison from carbon monoxide to formaldehyde that lingers and floats through the air. 

What is the most threatening indoor air pollutant?

If you have or know anyone that has asthma, you know that indoor air quality for asthma patients is important. One of the most threatening things to affect the indoor air quality for an asthma suffer or anyone with allergies or other respiratory issues is cigarette smoke. 

Not only does cigarette smoke make it difficult for people that suffer from these things to breathe, but they are also be exposed the second-hand smoke that has shown to cause cancer. Yes, to 200+ poisons that tobacco is putting in the air along with the carcinogens is adding to their already difficulty in breathing. 

Why is air quality worse at night?

Okay, standing on the street corner with traffic going by, the bus that stops to load and unload passengers can put out hazardous toxins. However, staying inside isn’t much better. In fact, some studies have found indoor air quality is five times worse than the outdoor air quality. Even cooking everyone’s favorite holiday meal, Thanksgiving, is toxic to the indoor air quality. 

So, open the door and let the fresh night air in, right? Wrong again! As the nighttime temperature drops, those car emissions, CO2, and all those other pollutants get trapped in the ground level atmosphere. If your home doesn’t have good ventilation, it just makes it worse to breathe. 

What is an example of fabrication?

Those that know how to do metal fabrication and create sheet metal fabrication products are professional fabricators. Some of those products include:  

• Metal Furniture
• Stainless steel storage units
• Metal cabinets
• Steel shelving
• Stairwell Railings
• Fencing
• Cages 
• HVAC Industry 
• Ductwork
• Grating
• Venting
• Lighting Hoods
• Scissors
• Structural Elements
• Stainless steel bridge skeletons
• Aircraft framework 
• Silverware

What are the types of fabrication?

Sheet metal fabrication is done by taking raw sheet metal stock material and turning it into a part or piece that is used in the assembly process of another product. Sheet metal fabrication and welding are often used together in addition to several other steps in the process of other common steps involved, some of those being the following: 

• Cutting the sheet metal
• Folding the sheet metal
• Machining to shape the sheet metal
• Punching holes in the sheet metal
• Shearing the sheet metal
• Stamping imprints on the sheet metal
• Additive Manufacturing to add sheet metal material in creating another object

What type of steel is used for sheet metal?

Different metals and metal alloys can be produced in sheets and used for sheet metal fabrication parts. The application requirements are considered when choosing which type of metal or metal alloy along with these factors:

• It Has Configurability
• It Is Weldable
• It Resists Corrosion 
• The Durability and Strength
• The Weight
• The Cost

Popular choices of metal and metal alloys for sheet metal fabrication include:

• Stainless Steel: Available in a non-magnetic form and doesn’t require heat or any type of stress relief for manufacturing. Comes in different grades of corrosion resistance, configurability, and weldability. 
• Cold rolled steel: Industry referred to as CRS provides smooth finished steel with a tighter tolerance for forming. Available in two different alloys of 1008 and 1018.
• Pre-plated steel: A sheet metal material that comes as hot-dip galvanized steel or as galvannealed steel.
• Aluminum: This is a moderately-priced material with a wide range of characteristics in different grades that can meet different application requirements. From a relatively low strength that is chemical resistant and weather-resistant but ductile and weldable for deep drawing. Also available in an affordable, formable, stronger, weldable grade that is corrosion-resistant or a significantly stronger grade that is still formable, corrosion-resistant, and weldable. Another grade option is a structural alloy that isn’t formable but is a strong, corrosion-resistant material that can be welded with a strong weld.
• Brass/Copper: When a ‘red’ color metal is required by designers and engineers, the ETP of brass or copper are the best choices in metal for sheet metal fabrication project.  

What is the strongest sheet metal?

There is more than one metal to be considered “the strongest sheet metal”. Among those are: 

• Carbon Steel
• Chromium
• Iconel – a heat-resistant alloy combination of nickel, chromium, and iron. 
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium
• Tool Steel – a variety of alloy steel and carbon steel 
• Tungsten

Most generators can operate non-stop for eight hours, then they need to be refueled.  Keep in mind, if you don’t have power, there is a good chance the nearby gas station doesn’t either. This is why homeowners that live in areas where storms are common, hurricane and tornado areas, keep gasoline stored.

How often should I start my generator?

So, you have a generator, but hurricane season has arrived, do you need to anything with your generator in the off season? Yes! Year round maintenance is needed, even if hurricane season comes and goes quietly (it could happen!). To make sure your generator power is ready when you need it, we recommend starting it once a month and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes. 

Also, if your portable generator has a battery, make sure it is fully charged before you store it away after each hurricane season. Many generator owners will invest in a battery trickle charger that keeps the generator ready to go at all ties. 

How often should I change my generator oil?

A generator is a small-engine, like your lawnmower or any power equipment. This means that the oil should be changed on a regular basis, whether you’re using it or not, but especially after 100 hours of use. Again, we recommend being proactive when it comes to those hurricane power outages and get stocked up on gas, oil, and oil filters. That generator isn’t going to do you much good if you don’t have the supplies to keep it running. 

What is the lifespan of a whole house generator?

Everything has a lifespan expectancy, including your generator. How long of a lifespan is dependent on a few factors, with the main one being the maintenance you do on that generator. Just like your lawn mower or car, basic maintenance is a must to get the most from your generator, starting it every 30 days even when you’re not using is, and keeping the oil changed as the owner’s manual recommends or as we’ve suggested in this article. 

With all that being followed, you can get up to 40 years from your generator. Don’t follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, you may get up to 20 years lifespan. If you have priced generators recently, new or used, you know they aren’t cheap. This is because those selling generators know what they have is what you’re needing. So, after paying that amount of money, doesn’t it make sense to take care of it so you have for years to come? 

Are whole house generators worth it?

Consider a whole house generator as an insurance policy. It provides a peace of mind that your family is comfortable, and your home is protected from power surges and voltage fluctuations during natural disasters and storms. Other advantages of a home generator are: 

• During the cold winter months it can prevent the water pipes from freezing and bursting.
• Keeps the refrigerator on so your food doesn’t spoil.
• Keeps your security system on powered.
• Keeps the air conditioning and heating on
• Water heater still heats water
• Sump pump keeps working (important with the amount of rain a hurricane can bring)
• Electric garage door is useable

What is the purpose of a heating system?

The purpose of a heating system is to provide comfort to occupants by regulating the heating temperatures in an enclosed space be it within an office, home, business, or another dwelling. This is typically done in combination with a ventilation and air conditioning system with a heating system that’s either central or distributed. The maintenance of ambient temperatures with a heating system will essentially serve the property’s mechanical, structural, and electrical systems as well. 

How do I choose a heating system?

A heating system should have the following factors considered according to your preferences,  property, or region specifications. First, you’ll want to determine the energy source or fuel type that you are using, the distribution system (such as forced air or hot water,) energy efficiency, overall cost, boilers, furnaces, electric heat pump, and more.

What is the most energy efficient way to heat a house?

The most energy-efficient heating system is considered to be solar heating as it draws energy through the sun. Solar energy is used to heat a fluid, either air or liquid and will then transfer the solar heat directly to the interior space or a storage system for later use. If at the case the solar system won’t be able to provide enough heating to a space an auxiliary or backup system will be active to provide the additional heat. 

What is the best home heating system?

One of the most well-regarded heating systems is a geothermal system. It’s one of the most efficient types of heating systems and is environmentally safe to operate. It can cut heating bills up to 70 percent which makes it a cost-friendly option as well.

What is the most economical heating?

The most economic heating system is electric fixed heaters with reverse cycle air conditioning (or heat pumps.) These provide convective heat and is one of the more energy-efficient electric heaters. The most efficient of these are 5-6 star units which are cheaper to run and can generate lower greenhouse gas emissions in comparison to gas heaters.

Is floor heating worth it?

An underfloor heating system is an energy-efficient and innovative way to heat your home as it works with radiant floor heating. Heating will be achieved through heated wires or heated water pipes underneath the floor that warm the objects in the room instead of the air. The cost of labor and the use of energy will be lowered with these systems.

What is the cheapest heating system to run?

The cheapest form of heating system is solar energy or gas-fueled systems. If you are living off of the grid, LPG is the most cost-effective option. Take full advantage of Economy 7 electrical tariffs to match LPG system running costs.

Is it cheaper to have heating on low all day?

According to experts of the Energy Saving Trust, having a heating system at low temperatures all day for cheaper costs is a myth. Essentially having the heat on all day is using energy all day so it’ll be a better idea to heat your home only when it’s needed.

What temperature outside should you put the heating on?

 Having your thermostat between 64℉-70℉ with your heating system is considered a good idea. If you have temperatures on the higher end of this range try turning it down two degrees to see if this is comfortable for you.

Contact A Qualified HVAC Company About Your Heating System 

In order to have a heating system that is right for your property, get in touch with a certified electrician. There are many different types of heating systems that may be of interest to you, so make sure you have the knowledge necessary before committing to a heating system that you will use for decades and more. Speaking with a professional will allow you to discuss which system will match your property specifications and operation needs. Get the heating system that’s best for you with a qualified HVAC company today.

To get assistance with heating system in Norco and New Orleans, LA call 985-764-8191 with Cajun Comfort!

Now that we have reviewed history and provide a more accurate, yet sketchy, accounting for who discovered electricity, let’s talk about home electrical basics and answer some questions.  While we may realize that you turn a light on, there light, but do you know what causes electrical failure? Electrical failure isn’t anything we want to deal with, but they happen, and those unplanned home electrical service failures are the worse! However, knowing why can often help prevent it from happening again. 

Electricity may seem simple, but the truth is, it has a level of danger about it too, especially with home electrical service failures. If you aren’t sure what is causing it, you could be creating the problem. So, with the info we have below, you’ll have some ideal what can cause a home electrical failure and possibly prevent it from happening. Some common home electrical faults are: 

• Excess load – Home electrical service wiring is meant to handle on a certain amount of power going through it, so when the circuit breakers and wiring have reached their capacity, it can throw the breaker due to overload. 
• Home Electrical load – In some cases, professional electricians find that incorrect installation or the circuit breaker or wiring has caused the home electrical service failure. More often though, it is incorrect use of the electricity. Incorrect use could be anything from a multi outlet extender and to plugging in multiple cords in one outlet. 
• Home Electrical Box Tightly Packed – Inside every type of home electrical box, the wires need a comfortable distance between them, 30 mm is the recommended distance.  This is the circuit breaker box, outlet box, light switch box. Why is this space needed?  Home electrical service wires heat up with use and if they are cramped together, they can overheat and overload the circuit. 
• Loose connections– Inside the main panel, there are breaker and neutral connections that must be installed securely. If any are left loose, they can short out inside the main panel and overload the electricity. This is one of the major reasons that professional home electrical service check is recommended.  

How do I know if my electrical is updated? 

Today, we all take electricity for granted. When need a light, we turn it on, we need air conditioning, we turn it on. The refrigerator keeps our food cold, and our televisions entertain us, all because of home electrical service. What most us don’t realize is the possible danger of an electrical fire hiding inside the walls of our home. So, how do you know if you have an electrical problem in your house?  Here are 10 indicators that you should be aware of that may be telling you there is a home electrical issue that needs attention: 

1. Unfamiliar odors: A new appliance will have a different odor when it is first turned on, and so does the heater the first time it is turned on. When a home electrical service outlet has an odd odor though, you need to unplug everything connected and call a qualified electrician immediately. The same is true about the breaker box or fuse box too. 
2. Arc faults: An arc is what electricity comes from and when electrical circuit deviates off the intended path, it is an arc fault, typically a wiring breach. This has been found to be the cause of many home electrical service fires. You can prevent this from happening though by having an AFCI installed by a professional electrician.
3. Counterfeit home electrical products: Extension cords, night lights, power cords that are purchased at a flea market are most likely a knock off and does not meet government or industry standards. These items may seem like a great deal price-wise, but they are incredibly dangerous. Never use anything that doesn’t have the UL seal of approval.
4. Sparking or Warm Switches and Outlet: If a light switch is warm to the touch or an outlet sparks when you plug something in, call a professional electrician. There may be wires needing repair or replacing.  
5. Buzzing, Cracking, Sizzling: Home electrical service switches and outlets should not make noise. If you notice any buzzing or cracking, or a switch sizzles when you flip it on, call your electrician immediately. 
6. Lights Flickering: If your lights are flicking, you have a power surge, but that isn’t always an emergency. Turn one or two things off and if the flickering stops, then you were putting too much demand on your home electrical service system. If the flickering continues, or it happens regularly, you should have a professional electrical inspection. It may be time to update your electrical power. 
7. Broken switches and loose outlets: When outlets and switches stop working or only  work intermittently, there is probably loose wiring inside the outlets, switches, or walls. This is a fire hazard and should be examined by an electrician immediately. 
8. Ceiling Fixtures Get Hot: It isn’t something you’d notice, you’ll have to reach up and check them but if they are feeling warm, they need more insulation. You should also check the wattage of the bulbs; you may have higher than the fixture is wired to handle. 
9. Critter, Insect and Rodent Droppings: Mice, rats, squirrels, and even insects chew and nest on home electrical service wiring. This damages and frays the wiring, creating a fire hazard. If you notice droppings or nesting activity, have a home electrical inspection done and then call a pest control service.
10. Circuit Breaker Issues: Circuit breakers trip when a circuit is overloaded, they are designed to this as a safety catch to prevent fires. If you’re having circuit breakers trip constantly, then you need a home electrical service inspection and find out what the issue may be, which could be having your circuit panel updated. 

We never would encourage home electrical service engineering to a homeowner that doesn’t have any type of home electrical experience. Electricity can be extremely dangerous, and it isn’t worth saving a few dollars and risking your life or your home. Where the weather can be questionable, like in the south with tornadoes and in the north with snowstorms, home electrical service with  backup systems are recommended. Otherwise known as generators, A backup system for your home electrical needs can keep your house functioning for a short time until the main power is back on. Call 985-764-8191 today.