Etheridge Heating and Air in Forsyth GA and Macon

Heaters

 

 

How does a heater work?

 

The heater in your home uses one of several different fuel sources: natural gas, LP gas, oil or electric. If you have a gas or oil furnace, it is made up of four major components: the burner, heat exchanger, blower and controls. The process of heating your home starts when the temperature inside drops below what the thermostat is set to. This prompts the igniter to light the burner which creates heat. The heat is pushed into the heat exchanger, heating the air around it, and then through the ducts to heat your home and continues until the desired temperature is reached.

What is the average lifespan of an HVAC system?

The average lifespan of central air conditioners and heat pumps is approximately 12-15 years. Furnaces can last much longer with proper care; however, technological advancements generally warrant the need for replacement within the same time frame. It is also more cost effective to replace your entire HVAC system at the same time rather than replacing individual units on separate occasions.

How often should I change my filter?

On average, your filter should be changed regularly every 1-3 months. If someone in your home has been sick with an airborne illness (influenza, the common cold, strep throat, etc.) you may want to change your filter as soon as the illness has been treated so that the germs do not continue to cycle through the ventilation.

What should I do if I smell gas?

Immediately leave your residence. Do NOT turn any lights on or off, do NOT touch any switches in the home, or use any other electronic devices, as these can all be sources of fire ignition. Do NOT use the telephone inside your home. Go to a neighbor's house or use your cellular phone once you have left the premises and immediately call the fire department to evaluate the situation and determine if the property is safe to re-enter. If the fire department determines there is a leak, they likely will advise you to call your gas company to come to the property to establish the exact location of the leak. Once this is determined, you can contact our office to schedule an appointment for one of our technicians to repair the leak.