Heating Archives - Border Sheet Metal & Heating

Is Geothermal Heating Right for Your Home?

March 1, 2025

Geothermal heating is gaining popularity as homeowners look for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ways to heat their homes. But is it the right choice for you? Understanding how geothermal systems work, their benefits, and key factors to consider can help you make an informed decision. How Geothermal Heating Works Unlike traditional systems that rely on fossil fuels or electricity to generate heat, geothermal heating systems tap into the stable temperatures underground. A network of pipes, called a ground loop, circulates a heat transfer fluid that absorbs warmth from the earth in the winter and disperses excess heat in the summer....

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5 Signs Your Heat Exchanger Might Be Cracked

February 1, 2025

A cracked heat exchanger is a serious issue that can compromise your furnace’s efficiency and, more importantly, your safety. This component plays a critical role in heating your home, and when it’s damaged, it can lead to carbon monoxide leaks and costly repairs. Recognizing the signs of a cracked heat exchanger early can help prevent bigger problems down the road. 1. Strange or Unpleasant Odors If you notice a strong, unpleasant smell similar to formaldehyde, it could be a sign that your heat exchanger is cracked. This odor is often an early warning of carbon monoxide exposure, which can be...

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Why You Should Tune-Up Your Heater Before Winter

July 12, 2024

As winter approaches, ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable becomes a top priority. One of the most important steps you can take is to tune-up your heater before the cold weather sets in. At , we understand the value of preventive maintenance, and we’re here to explain why a heater tune-up is essential for your comfort and peace of mind. Prevent Unexpected Breakdowns Nothing is worse than your heater breaking down in the middle of a freezing winter night. Regular tune-ups help identify and fix minor issues before they turn into major problems, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns....

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Should You Replace or Repair Your Boiler?

December 14, 2023

Boilers can provide decades of comfort, but they’re not designed to last forever. As your boiler ages, its maintenance and service costs will slowly increase. Older systems also tend to have more repair issues that could have an even bigger impact on your budget. When choosing between a boiler repair or replacement, keep these key considerations in mind. Age of the System The actual lifespan of your boiler can depend on a variety of factors including your average usage, model, and scheduled HVAC maintenance. On average, a standard system will typically last between 20 to 30 years. If you have...

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What Causes a Furnace Blower to Stop Working?

October 17, 2023

The blower is one of the hardest working parts of a furnace, so when it stops working, many homeowners panic, believing the appliance needs a major repair. That’s not always the case. There are several reasons why a blower can stop working, and this is often an easy fix for a qualified technician. Your Furnace Is Dirty If your furnace runs intermittently, a buildup of dust particles could be the problem. Excess dirt inside the blower assembly can cause it to overheat and shut off as a safeguard. A dirty furnace air filter can also cause the blower to overheat...

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Do Heat Pumps Have a Downside?

September 19, 2023

These days, heat pumps are one of the most popular HVAC options on the market here in Hayden, ID. They’re reliable, quiet, and highly efficient. However, they’re not perfect. Heat pumps do have some downsides homeowners should know about before having one installed. Here’s what you need to know. Upfront Costs One disadvantage of heat pumps is their upfront costs. The average heat pump costs between $2,500 and $10,000 to install. This makes them among the more expensive HVAC systems available. However, the devil’s in the details. A heat pump can both heat and cool your home, so their cost...

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Which Is Cheaper: Geothermal or Electric?

March 16, 2023

If you want to keep your Hayden home comfortable, your best option is to use some type of HVAC system. Since heating and cooling your home can use a significant amount of energy, it’s important to consider different types of HVAC systems to find the most cost-effective heating and cooling solution. Two common types of HVAC systems are electric systems and geothermal systems. To help you understand the cost benefits of each type of system, check out this article from . Initial Cost One factor to consider when comparing electric and geothermal systems is the initial cost of the systems....

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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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