HVAC Blog | Border Sheet Metal & Heating

How Does a Boiler Heat Your Home?

December 20, 2022

Many homeowners in Hayden, ID use boilers for heating their homes and water. Since the system plays such a vital role in the home’s heating, it is essential to understand how it works. The Basics of How Boilers Heat a House Boilers use a heating source, like gas, oil, propane, or electricity, to heat water and circulate it through piping and radiator circuits. Depending on its design, the boiler will release steam or hot water via pipes connecting to radiators in different parts of your home. As the steam or hot water travels through the thick metal radiator tubes, they...

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Reasons Why You Should Install a Garage Heater This Winter

November 16, 2022

As winter approaches, many homeowners wonder if they should invest in a garage heater. This blog post will discuss three reasons you should invest in a garage heater this winter. 1. To Protect Your Vehicles Winter weather can take a toll on your vehicles. Cold temperatures can cause the battery to lose power, the engine to seize up, and the tires to lose air pressure. Ice and snow can make it difficult to see out of the windshield and make the roads more slippery. As a result, it’s important to take steps to protect your vehicles from the cold weather....

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Is It Necessary to Drain Your Furnace’s Condensate Line?

October 19, 2022

A blocked condensate line can cause a furnace to overheat or otherwise malfunction. It may also cause a leak that can lead to water damage in your home. A furnace’s design allows for proper drainage, so is it ever necessary for you to drain the condensate line? What Is a Condensate Line? Water created during a furnace’s operation drips into an overflow pan beneath the unit. From there, the water drains out of the unit via the condensate line. The condensate line usually travels to a floor drain or even outdoors. How Often Should You Drain Your Furnace’s Condensate Line?...

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Is It Possible To Change My A/C Unit’s Fan Speed?

September 14, 2022

If your home has a central HVAC system, you should already know that it relies on a blower motor to circulate air in your home. The trouble is, most HVAC blowers operate at a preset speed you can’t easily change. Although it’s possible to change the blower speed of most HVAC systems, it’s not a DIY process. Just for general information, here is an overview of how an HVAC technician would change the speed of most HVAC blower fans. Disconnect the Unit’s Power The first step to changing the blower’s speed is to disconnect its power supply. In some cases,...

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4 Benefits of Installing New Ductwork

August 15, 2022

Did you know that most ductwork needs to be replaced by the time it reaches the 25-year mark? Although you might be hesitant to replace your ductwork, there are some substantial benefits. 1. Improved Energy Efficiency Over time, ducts develop cracks and holes that cause air leakage. Leaky ducts waste energy and contribute to more expensive energy bills. Why heat or cool your Hayden, Indiana home more than you have to? Replace the ductwork and watch your energy bills get cheaper. 2. Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality Many people are surprised to learn that the EPA estimates that indoor...

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Ways to Make Your AC Unit More Energy Efficient

July 26, 2022

Cooling your home during the summer is expensive, so you want your AC unit to operate as efficiently as possible. There are several ways you can improve its energy efficiency and save money on your electricity bills. Plug Leaks in Your Home’s Envelope It’s important to limit the leaks in your home’s envelope. Plug leaks around your doors and windows. Make sure your attic is sealed. By keeping cool air inside your home, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard and will operate more efficiently. Keep Up With Filter Changes When the air filter in your cooling system...

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Static Pressure in Heating and Cooling Systems

June 13, 2022

The static pressure of your air conditioning and heating system may not seem like anything to be concerned about. However, when static pressure isn’t balanced, it can cause problems that can directly affect the efficiency and life of your system. Heating Cooling System Static Pressure When a heating or cooling system turns on, it draws air through the system’s components and a series of ductwork that runs through the building. If any of these components fail, or if there’s any kind of blockage in the ductwork, the static pressure in the system can increase. Even a build-up of dust can...

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What’s Causing My AC Leak?

May 17, 2022

Air conditioner leaks are common during the summer when your home constantly requires cool air. While every AC unit naturally makes water, it shouldn’t be leaking anywhere out of the system. Here are a few common issues that could be causing your AC leak. Condensate Line Problems Your condensate line is responsible for transporting water safely out of the system. This line can become clogged due to dirt and algae, which causes the water to accumulate and leak. You’ll likely experience some condensate line issues over time as this component can also become disconnected or break. A trained technician can...

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3 Ways You Can Save Money With a Smart Thermostat

April 11, 2022

Smart thermostats are like home heating and cooling self-driving cars. They take the manual labor out of your day-to-day heating and cooling routine. They do so by quietly, reliably, and efficiently learning your heating and cooling preferences. Here are three ways that smart thermostats help you save money. 1. Reduce Energy Use Smart thermostats automatically make intelligent adjustments to your home’s temperature throughout the day and night to keep you comfortable while saving energy and money on energy bills. For example, a smart thermostat can turn down the heat when nobody is home. It can detect when you’re at work...

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Why You Should Only Hire a Licensed HVAC Contractor

March 15, 2022

When you hire an HVAC contractor to take care of your system, you need to make sure they’re licensed. Hiring an unlicensed contractor can cause you a lot of problems and cost you a lot of money. It pays in the long run to check into whom you’re working with. Licensed HVAC Contractors Are Bonded and Insured When you work with a licensed HVAC contractor who is bonded and insured, you’re protected if they do the job wrong or cause accidental damage. Any HVAC contractor you hire should be able to show you their insurance information. If you have an...

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